#northamton

The Rainbow Times Celebrates 10th Anniversary: Feb. 2007-Feb. 2017

The Rainbow Times’ 10th Anniversary When we first began this journey a decade ago, we never realized the many circumstances & opportunities that would present themselves to us as a publication, as a community, as a family. The triumphs we’ve enjoyed & storms we’ve braced have been because of you—our loyal readers, advertisers, friends and family. You’ve all played a critical role on our voyage…

A Reader Review                          

by Thaddeus Lucentini

Title: Projekt 1065                                                              Author: Alan Gratz

Publishing Date: October 11, 2016

Main Characters:                    Who were they? Did you like them? Why or why not?

A daring Allied spy, Michael O’Shaunessey, is a shady yet well intentioned 13-year-old child. Also important is the RAF pilot named Simon. Fritz Brendler, a worshipper of Hitler also has an important place in the book.

Plot:                               What happens? Is it fun to read? But no spoilers please!

Michael saves a British pilot, and a very special one, a Jewish spy with a very special mission. But how will Michael hide a Jew right in Berlin while he completes his mission, with the Fuhrer and many Nazis right next door? Later, trying to help an important Allied scientist, Michael’s life is quite a mess.

Your Opinion:                           Did you like it? Did you have a favorite part? Was it funny? Scary? Sad?

In this terrifying story, I see good writing and an accurate view of Nazi Germany. I liked this book a lot, and enjoyed the description of the search for the airman.

Would you recommend this book? Why or why not? If someone likes this book, which others would you recommend?

190: Visit Northampton, MA

I actually pretty bad about lumping all of these awesome things into one blog post, but I feel like this is the best method, especially since Northampton is just a day trip from Albany.

In short: Northampton is an awesome, artsty-fartsy-boutiquey-flowery small town that's jam-packed with cute stores, museums, art galleries, performing arts, and nature-explorations. I'm going to boil Northampton down to my favorite things:

Downtown.  Downtown Northamton is great! You park ($$) and start exploring coffee shops, pizzerias, boutique stores, art galleries, candy shops, listen to street musicians, watch the hippies, enjoy some great food, etc. I love to come to Northampton just for the stroll around.

Bridge of Flowers and Glacial Potholes in Shelburne Falls. An old trolley bridge transformed into a gorgeous botanical garden, the Bridge of Flowers is a must-see if you like flowers like I do! Cross the bridge to the Glacial Potholes, which is a maze of rocky pools carved by running water. (Access is prohibited; look only.)

The Summit House at J.A. Skinner State Park. You drive up the summit from April to November for a beautiful view of the Pioneer Valley. I had a picnic here once that was delightful...I highly recommend.

Live Music: The Calvin Theater and the Iron Horse Music Hall are two venues in Northampton that regularly hold concerts. You'll get some offbeat features, local bands, DJ/house music, as well as some real top-notch performers.  http://www.nbotickets.com/

Wineries: Check out Mineral Hills Winery, Hardwick Winery, Black Birch Vineyard, and Jerram Winery.

Norwottuck Rail Trail. This recreational trail takes you 11 miles through some really lovely views. It's a paved path, ideal for rollerblading, jogging, walking, biking.  Free parking at both ends.

Smith College Botanical Gardens. You know...like a normal botanical garden. A prime picture-taking destination. Lots of weddings happen here. http://www.smith.edu/garden/

Artwalk in Easthampton.  The second Saturday of every month, the town hosts the "Artwalk," when many artists open their studios and businesses to host art exhibits and music.  http://www.artwalkeasthampton.org/

Smith College Museum of Art.  They have a wide range of art including, European, African, Asian, Ancient, Medieval and Renaissance, Modern, Contemporary, and Art by Women. http://www.smith.edu/artmuseum/

The New England Morgan Horse Show. Okay, I admit I haven't actually been to this, but I want to go! They've been running the horse show for 70 years. It's open to the public at no charge.