Around Cummington: Quilters to exhibit fruits of their labor and camaraderie

Proceeds from the raffle will benefit the Council on Aging and the West Cummington Congregational Church, which burned down Jan. 17. The quilt show is free.

Four residents are part of the group, and each member made quilt blocks from their own material, sewing the borders in class. The women seem to agree that what they like best about the group, besides quilting, is the camaraderie

Around Cummington: Author says concern, commonsense key to weathering the unexpected

Since resident Kathleen Harrison penned her book, "Just in Case: How to Be Self-Sufficient When the Unexpected Happens," in 2008, people have been calling her for advice - sometimes three calls a day, and from as far away as Greece.

Two weeks ago a Greek reporter called for self-sufficiency tips during the nation's current debt crisis.

Increasing number of veterans lead to regional approach for help

NORTHAMPTON - When cancer struck his bladder and prostate some 15 months ago, Steve Conners faced several grave realities. The Vietnam-era veteran had no insurance. He'd have to quit his job to fight the life-threatening disease and in the process lose his small Northampton rooming house. Then the U.S. Navy veteran remembered meeting Steven J. Connor, a man with a near identical name who directs Northampton's Veterans Services Department. So he reached out for help.

Hampshire COG seeks renaissance

The Franklin and Hampshire councils of governments - COGs, as they're known - are different animals, like the different county governments from which they grew.

Now Hampshire COG, representing only a dozen of the smaller 20 Hampshire County towns, has launched a strategic planning process to figure out whether it should try to be more like its larger counterpart to the north.

Around Cummington: Community eager to help Old Creamery Grocery stay open

After a meeting last month aimed at gauging the community's response to turning the Old Creamery Grocery into a cooperative venture, organizers are hopeful a transition will be made.

Republican seeks Berkshire District House seat

WASHINGTON - Retired police sergeant Michael F. Case of the Berkshire County town of Washington has announced he will run for the House seat now held by Rep. Denis Guyer.

Around Cummington: Supporters lining up to help burned church rebuild

Since the 170-year-old West Cummington Congregational Church burned to the ground Jan. 17, help has been pouring in.

The West Cummington Church Rebuilding Fund has been set up to receive monetary donations and several people have offered to replace the bell and piano lost in the fire.