Bera Dunau
- National Organizing Coordinator, NABET-CWA
Northampton
NABET-CWA National Organizing Coordinator. Ask me about unionizing your broadcasting workplace. Tweets my own.
Former reporter and proud @pvnewsguild.
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Articles by Bera Dunau
Guest columnist Bera Dunau: Dream lives on for Hampshire College
For western Massachusetts, Hampshire College isn’t just an academic institution. So many Hampshire alumni have settled down here and made the Pioneer Valley our home, taking the lessons of hard work, creativity and social responsibility that we learned at Hampshire and applying them in the real world. We serve in local government, run businesses, are active in the arts, in the labor movement and local journalism, and for decades have strengthened the civic fabric of this place we call home.
The Recorder - Hilltown business directory going digital
CHESTERFIELD — The longtime business directory sponsored by the Hilltown Community Development Corporation as a way to promote businesses throughout the hilltowns is entering a new era this fall — a digital one. Since the 1980s, the Hilltown CDC has published a large paper directory that it sent out to thousands of households. Now, following a pause in its distribution because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the directory is going digital only, supplemented by some seasonal brochures.
The survey says: Hilltowns directory ready to go digital
CHESTERFIELD — The longtime business directory sponsored by the Hilltown Community Development Corporation as a way to promote businesses throughout the Hilltowns is entering a new era this fall — a digital one. Since the 1980s, the Hilltown CDC has published a large paper directory that it sent out to thousands of households. Now, following a pause in its distribution because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the directory is going digital only, supplemented by a number of seasonal brochures.
Plainfield Fire Department gets an infusion of youth
PLAINFIELD – Two young men, Nate Woolridge and Roscoe Weeks, have joined the town Fire Department, becoming regular firefighters last month at the ages of 18. “To have them both come in now as regular firefighters … is a huge plus,” Fire Chief David Alvord said. Alvord said that Plainfield doesn’t have as many younger members as it used to, and very few choose to get involved in the fire department.
Williamsburg, Northampton land $2.7M in climate resiliency grants
WILLIAMSBURG — The town and the city of Northampton have landed significant grants through the state’s Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness program that will be used to help construct a new public safety complex in Williamsburg and design a high-energy efficiency affordable housing apartment building behind City Hall in the Paradise City. Gov. Charlie Baker, speaking on the grounds of the former Helen E.
Baker announces $120K grants to boost Holyoke’s tree canopy
By BERA DUNAU Staff Writer HOLYOKE — The city will get an infusion of $120,000 in state money to plant 62 trees as part of a continuing effort to boost its tree canopy, an initiative that began nearly eight years ago and has led to the planting of more than 2,100 trees citywide. In a swing through Holyoke on Monday afternoon, Gov. Charlie Baker announced the latest round of funding for the Greening the Gateway Cities program.
Marking a collective loss: COVID memorial event at Three Sisters Sanctuary a chance to grieve those lost in the pandemic
GOSHEN — Organizers of a memorial to remember those who have died from COVID-19 know that Sept. 10 is going to be a difficult day. They also know how important it will be for loved ones who have had to grieve in isolation. “We need to come together to recognize this collective loss,” said Jennifer Ritz Sullivan, who has organized the Massachusetts COVID Memorial event to take place at Three Sisters Sanctuary on Saturday, Sept. 10.
Hilltown Digest: Cummington Fair to feature Ox Teamster’s Challenge this weekend
CUMMINGTON – The Ox Teamster’s Challenge, an event that tests the bond between teamsters and Oxen and highlights the intelligence and agility of these massive animals, returns to the Cummington Fair this weekend. “I just believe Oxen are so beautiful,” said Nan Clark. “If they’ve been raised with loving kindness they’ll do anything for you.” Clark, 93, founded the challenge with Mernie Clark, her then husband, in 1995.
Beaver Brook owners withdraw campground plans at their golf course site in Williamsburg
WILLIAMSBURG — Following concerns from multiple residents at a public hearing and calls for a more detailed plan from town officials, the owners of Beaver Brook Golf Course on Tuesday night withdrew their request for permission to open an up to 50-site campground on the property. Chris Duval, who owns the 183 Main Road golf course with his wife, Rosana, said he will rethink the plans and may resubmit the request for a special permit to the Zoning Board of Appeals in the future.
Campground pitched for Beaver Brook Golf Course in Williamsburg
WILLIAMSBURG — The owners of the Beaver Brook Golf Course are seeking permission to put a campground of up to 50 sites on the property, a move that is generating opposition from some town residents. Beaver Brook’s owners Chris and Rosana Duval have applied for a special permit with the town’s Zoning Board of Appeals under the name Equinox Partners LLC.
NJ man arrested for allegedly conning woman into buying $330K in gold bars at Hadley jeweler
HADLEY — A joint investigation by the FBI and Hadley police this week led to the arrest of a New Jersey man who allegedly convinced an Athol woman to buy $330,000 of gold bars from a local jewelry store in Hadley.
The Recorder - Mass Humanities to use $700K to promote stories of people of color across state
NORTHAMPTON — A local nonprofit has received a $700,000 grant that will be used to promote the stories of people of color in the state. “It’s the largest grant in our history,” said Mass Humanities Executive Director Brian Boyles. The two-year grant from the Barr Foundation will help fund Mass Humanities’ Expand Massachusetts Stories initiative and help elevate the visibility of the stories shared in the initiative.
A community pillar to bow out: Richard Cooper to sell State Street Fruit Store, Cooper’s Corner to longtime employee
NORTHAMPTON — This fall, a new chapter will begin in the history of Northampton, when Richard Cooper sells State Street Fruit Store and Cooper’s Corner to employee Michael Natale. State Street and Cooper’s Corner are longtime family businesses that Cooper, 67, inherited from his father. He has run them on his own since the death of his brother Ronald Cooper in 2004. His brother Edward Cooper, who also ran the business with them, died in 1996. “It’s a little scary,” Cooper said.
Select Board cited for Open Meeting Law violation
WORTHINGTON — The state attorney general’s office has cited the Select Board for an Open Meeting Law violation for failing to file minutes in a timely manner for a meeting that it held on Nov. 9 of last year. The complaint from Mark Brooks, received by the attorney general’s office on June 21, alleged that the board failed to approve the meeting minutes in a timely manner.
Northampton man pleads not guilty to kidnapping charge in custody dispute with DCF
NORTHAMPTON — A city man pleaded not guilty Monday to charges related to an incident in which he failed to surrender his baby to the Department of Children and Family Services late last week. Colin York, 34, was arraigned in Northampton District Court on charges of kidnapping of a minor by a relative and resisting arrest. At the arraignment, the prosecution said that DCF was awarded custody of the 6-month-old child belonging to York and his wife in juvenile court in Hadley last Friday.
Many troubled by proposed Florence dispensary
NORTHAMPTON — A community outreach meeting for a proposed marijuana dispensary in the space currently occupied by Pizza Factory drew a big crowd and a heated response Monday night in Florence. “We don’t want you in Florence,” resident Chris Powers said to the dispensary’s owner. The meeting, held in the parking lot behind the Goodwin Block, drew well over 100 people, and is a requirement for the proposed business, Euphorium LLC, to be licensed by the Cannabis Control Commission.
Goshen puts women in charge
GOSHEN — There is a place where women rule, across multiple levels of government. But this place isn’t the fictional island of Themyscira, famously home to the superhero Wonder Woman; it’s the small hilltown of Goshen. “Perhaps other people have that expectation that leadership roles are filled by men,” said Angela Otis, chair of the Goshen Select Board. “I don’t have that head space.” Instead, Otis said that she thinks those roles should be filled by the qualified.
Athol Daily News - NJ man arrested for allegedly conning Athol woman into buying $330K in gold bars at Hadley jeweler
HADLEY — A joint investigation by the FBI and Hadley police last week led to the arrest of a New Jersey man who allegedly convinced an Athol woman to buy $330,000 of gold bars from a local jewelry store in Hadley.
NJ man arrested for allegedly conning woman into buying $330K in gold bars at Hadley jeweler
HADLEY — A joint investigation by the FBI and Hadley police this week led to the arrest of a New Jersey man who allegedly convinced an Athol woman to buy $330,000 of gold bars from a local jewelry store in Hadley.
Plainfield residents fault using Ashfield to investigate sergeant, decision defended by others
PLAINFIELD — Several residents criticized the decision to bring in the neighboring Ashfield Police Department to investigate allegations of racial bias and sexual harassment against a police sergeant who was subsequently not reappointed by the police chief at the start of this fiscal year. At a Select Board meeting this week, former selectwoman Kimberly Longey noted how intertwined Plainfield is as a community.
A weekend to save: The state’s annual tax-free weekend is this Saturday and Sunday
NORTHAMPTON — The state is once again dangling a two-day sales tax holiday in front of consumers this weekend in hopes of spurring a little spending in August. State and local retailers are hopeful the tax break will coax consumers into pulling out their wallets. “It does make for a busy weekend,” said Betsy Frederick, who owns Raven Books in Northampton.
Late-night lounge coming to downtown Northampton
NORTHAMPTON — Cafe Balagan, the Main Street coffee shop associated with the Balagan Cannabis dispensary next door, is opening its doors for late-night service beginning Friday. Rachael Workman, one of the owners of Cafe Balagan and Balagan Cannabis, said that she and her fellow owners, who are all in their 30s or early 40s, have felt that there’s a lack of evening places downtown. “Kind of a chill environment (to) have a glass of wine, a little bite of food,” Workman said. “Catch a vibe.
Drought squeeze is on: Lack of rain browning pastures and stressing crops
MONTAGUE — With another hot day on the horizon, farmer Ryan Voiland spent part of one morning last week hauling a can of gas down a steep embankment behind his farm that leads to the Connecticut River, where he’s set up an irrigation pump to draw much-needed river water for his nearby crops. With that chore accomplished, the co-owner of Red Fire Farm uses a rope to steady himself as he climbs back up the hill to his fields. Once there, he maneuvers long stretches of irrigation line into place.
City cautions against using unofficial swimming hole at Connecticut River Greenway Park
NORTHAMPTON — City officials are cautioning people against using an unofficial swimming area at Connecticut River Greenway Park, a posted no swimming site that, despite deep water and strong currents, has gained popularity this summer among swimmers looking to beat the heat. “Certainly we understand the importance of accessing water.
R.H. Conwell School, town of Worthington raising funds to construct pavilion
WORTHINGTON — Efforts are underway to construct a pavilion on the grounds of the R.H. Conwell Elementary School for use by the school and the wider community. “It’s something that we talked about pre-COVID,” said Gretchen Morse-Dobosz, who serves as both the superintendent and principal of the school. Morse-Dobosz said that outdoor learning is a key part of the school’s mission, and the pandemic showed that all curriculum areas could be done outside.
Belchertown man charged with murder in 2021 Springfield shooting
BELCHERTOWN — A Belchertown man was arrested on a murder charge on July 25 in relation to the 2021 shooting death of Charleen Figueroa in Springfield. According to a release from the Springfield Police Department, Victor Oquendo, 25, was arrested in Belchertown at approximately 12:55 p.m. outside the 100 block of North Main Street by officers from multiple agencies. He was transferred to Springfield police headquarters for processing. Oquendo was arraigned in Springfield District Court on July 26.
Investigation sheds light on Plainfield’s decision not to rehire police sergeant
PLAINFIELD — A police sergeant who was not reappointed last month was the subject of an internal investigation into allegations of racial bias and sexual harassment brought by one town resident and other members of the department. The report, obtained by the Gazette through a public records request, sheds new light on the decision to not reappoint Sgt. Matthew Miazga to the Plainfield Police Department.
Drought squeeze is on: Lack of rain driving farmers to irrigate more, browning pastures and stressing crops
MONTAGUE — With another hot day on the horizon, farmer Ryan Voiland spent part of Wednesday morning hauling a can of gas down a steep embankment behind his farm that leads to the Connecticut River, where he’s set up an irrigation pump to draw much-needed river water for his nearby crops. With that chore accomplished, the co-owner of Red Fire Farm uses a rope to steady himself as he climbs back up the hill to fields. Once there, he maneuvers long stretches of irrigation line into place.
Shared Street grants to boost pedestrian, road safety in area towns
HATFIELD – Nearly a dozen local communities and seven regional transit authorities have received a share of $16.4 million in the latest round of the state’s Shared Streets and Spaces Program. “We’ve been proud to award a total of $50 million in grant funding to cities and towns to facilitate 494 projects since launching Shared Streets and Spaces during the COVID-19 pandemic in June of 2020,” Lt. Governor Karyn Polito said in a statement.
Hilltown Digest: Sheriff’s debate set for Tuesday in Williamsburg
WILLIAMSBURG – The Democratic candidates for Hampshire County sheriff will be facing off in a debate on Tuesday at the Grange. The debate is sponsored by Indivisible Williamsburg, Indivisible Northampton and the Democratic town committees of Williamsburg and Worthington, and will take place from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The Grange building is located at 10 Main St. in Williamsburg. “Sheriff is an important but low-visibility office,” said Matt Barron, a member of Indivisible Williamsburg.
Gateway secures $375K to boost its welding program
HUNTINGTON — Backed by a nearly $375,000 state grant to upgrade its welding program, officials at Gateway Regional School District hope the improvements will lead to an enrollment boost for the program. “We’re hoping that it will attract more students from different districts,” said Paul Atkinson, who has headed the program since 2011.
UMass science building evacuated after chemical incident
AMHERST — Firefighters called in a hazardous materials response Monday to a University of Massachusetts building after a fire alarm was pulled in response to a chemical reaction. “The operation went well,” Fire Chief Tim Nelson said Tuesday, noting that no one was hurt. Nelson said the alarm came in at approximately 5:30 p.m., and that the Fire Department responded to the UMass physical sciences building on North Pleasant Street. After arriving, the captain on the scene, Capt.
Pittsfield paraeducator Brendan Phair seeks Senate seat
NORTHAMPTON — A paraeducator from Pittsfield is running for the Berkshire, Hampden, Franklin and Hampshire District in the state Senate as an unaffiliated candidate, and would look to ban most abortions and cut taxes if elected. “I’m definitely conservative,” said Brendan Phair, 51. “No doubt.” Phair works at Taconic High School in Pittsfield in special education. He is married with two children and has two adult stepchildren.
Barriers to barbering: Amherst barber, politician pushing for changes to state regulations
Anyone who knows “Matt the Barber” Haskins knows he’s a passionate evangelist and practitioner of his trade. But lately, Haskins has stopped bringing up barbering to people in need of a pathway in life, due to the hurdles facing western Massachusetts residents looking to get into the trade. Why? The nearest barber school is some 60 miles away in Worcester.
The Recorder - Bird flu fears take toll on farmers, put hold on poultry exhibitions at summer fairs
MONTAGUE — The threat of avian influenza has led agricultural fairs to cancel poultry exhibitions this year and caused local chicken producers to take precautions to ensure the health of their flocks. Bird flu can infect humans, but this is a rare occurrence. However, the disease can cause mass illness and death amongst domesticated birds.
Bird flu fears take toll on farmers, put hold on poultry exhibitions at summer fairs
MONTAGUE — The threat of avian influenza has led agricultural fairs to cancel poultry exhibitions this year and caused local chicken producers to take precautions to ensure the health of their flocks. Bird flu can infect humans, but this is a rare occurrence. However, the disease can cause mass illness and death amongst domesticated birds.
Belchertown man charged with murder in 2021 Springfield shooting
BELCHERTOWN — A Belchertown man was arrested on a murder charge Monday in relation to the 2021 shooting death of Charleen Figueroa in Springfield. According to a release from the Springfield Police Department, Victor Oquendo, 25, was arrested in Belchertown at approximately 12:55 p.m. outside the 100 block of North Main Street by officers from multiple agencies. He was transferred to Springfield Police headquarters for processing.
Plainfield Select Board holds closed meeting to discuss personnel matter
PLAINFIELD — A special meeting of the Plainfield Select Board drew more than a dozen people, although most had to leave after the board voted to go into executive session “to consider the discipline or dismissal of or to hear complaints or charges brought against a public officer, employee, staff member or individual.” The Monday evening meeting at Town Hall was scheduled after a previous meeting was canceled following an Open Meeting Law complaint lodged by a Gazette reporter.
South Hadley Police looking for missing 15-year-old girl
SOUTH HADLEY – Police are looking to find a South Hadley girl who has been missing since Friday. According to a post on the South Hadley Police Department’s Facebook page, Isabella Barnes, 15, was last seen on Friday at 8 p.m. in the area of Carew Street and West Main Street getting into a white Jeep. Police say that Barnes is 5’1” tall, weighs 112 pounds and has blue eyes and blond hair with pink coloring.
Tickets already moving for Plainfield’s big chicken barbecue
PLAINFIELD — Tickets for the Plainfield Fire Department’s annual chicken barbecue are on sale, and while inflation has significantly affected food costs this year, meal prices for this Labor Day weekend tradition are staying the same as last year’s. Plainfield Fire Chief David Alvord said organizers didn’t want families to not be able to afford to participate in the celebration. “This is Plainfield’s annual event,” Alvord said. Prices rose last year to $15 for adults and $7 for children under 12.
Williamstown Democrat seeks Senate nomination
Huff Templeton, a Williamstown resident with a passion for issues of social justice and a record of involvement in town politics, is running for the Democratic nomination for a four-county Senate district. “I’m running for state Senate to make a difference in the lives of marginalized people,” said Templeton, 56. The Berkshire, Hampden, Franklin and Hampshire District stretches from the New York border to Whately. It is the successor district to the one currently represented by Rep.
Gas grill fire damages Northampton home
NORTHAMPTON — The Fire Department responded to a gas grill fire on Saturday that damaged a home on Chestnut Avenue Extension in Leeds. Deputy Fire Chief Andy Breen said that the call came in at around 5:30 p.m. “It was a full response,” Breen said, who said that mutual aid also joined the department. “It extended up the exterior wall into the attic area,” Breen said, of the fire, which he said is still under investigation.
Getting a pottery fix at the Hilltown 6
GOSHEN — The Hilltown 6 Pottery Tour was in full swing this weekend, once again bringing pottery lovers to the western Massachusetts Hilltowns to enjoy all kinds of exquisitely crafted pottery — and possibly bring some home. Hilltown 6 is a group of now nine potters who work in the Hilltowns. The tour is a yearly event, where attendees get to visit the potters and buy from them if they choose. Each of the stops also features at least one guest potter displaying and selling their wares.
Plainfield police chief to hire full-time officer in wake of suspension
PLAINFIELD — Police Chief Justin Litchfield has promoted one of his per-diem officers to the rank of corporal, and anticipates promoting him to full time to replace another officer who was not reappointed after being suspended with pay. Anthony Gibbs, 58, has been with the Plainfield Police Department for about two years. He also works part time for the Hampden County Sheriff’s Office as a deputy sheriff. “I consider it an honor,” Gibbs said of his promotion.
Plainfield Select Board reschedules meeting on executive session after complaint filed
PLAINFIELD — The Select Board has scheduled a special meeting Monday, after canceling a July 20 special meeting, following an Open Meeting Law complaint filed by a Gazette reporter. The July 25, 7 p.m. meeting at Town Hall has three agenda items: approving the minutes for the board’s July 12 meeting, discussing an Open Meeting Law complaint, and determining whether to vote to enter into executive session.
Two Dems seeking Governor’s Council seat on tap in candidate series
WORTHINGTON — The Town Democratic Committee’s Sundays with the Candidates series will continue this Sunday with Governor’s Council candidates Shawn Allyn and Michael Fenton. Allyn, a Holyoke lawyery, and Fenton, a Springfield lawyer and city councilor, are running for the Democratic nomination for the 8th District councilor position.
Plainfield Select Board to hold special meeting on having executive session
PLAINFIELD — The Select Board has posted a notice of a special meeting on Wednesday at 7 p.m. at the Town Hall, with the sole stated purpose to determine whether to convene an executive session, according to a posted agenda. Under the state’s Open Meeting Law, there are 10 reasons that a public body can enter into executive session. None were listed on the agenda for Wednesday’s meeting.
Hilltown Digest: Hilltown CDC taking applications for affordable housing waitlist
CHESTERFIELD – Hilltown Community Development Corporation is accepting applications for the waitlist for affordable housing units in three hilltown communities. The Village Center Apartments is an affordable housing project whose 24 rental units are spread across Haydenville, Williamsburg, and Chesterfield.
Goshen eyes redesign of town center
GOSHEN — On Wednesday, the Open Space Committee will hold a forum on reimagining the center of town, including the presentation of a proposed design that would, among other elements, overhaul the park across from the Town Offices and eliminate the town tennis court. “We’ve been thinking about the town center for quite a while as an Open Space Committee,” said Pat Morey, a committee member. The forum will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. at Town Hall.
The Recorder - ServiceNet’s diversity coordinator tapped for task force to explore creation of baby bonds program
The state treasurer’s office is exploring the creation of a baby bonds program that would set up government trust funds for qualifying infants to use when they get older, and is turning to ServiceNet’s diversity coordinator to help analyze the idea. ServiceNet’s Gisenia Stewart has been named to Treasurer Deborah Goldberg’s Baby Bonds Task Force, which has been charged with providing recommendations for creating the baby bonds program.
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