hill country observerThe independent newspaper of eastern New York, southwestern Vermont and the Berkshires

October 2017   Facebook linkHill Country Observer TwitterHill Country Instagram page NEWS ARCHIVE

 


 

A chance to fix Albany - or a risk to cherished rights?

Supporters say a constitutional convention offers a once-in-a-generation chance to fix New York’s famously dysfunctional state government. But opponents say a convention would be run by the same political class that now rules Albany -- and worse, that these politicians would run up a big tab while drafting changes that might take away cherished rights and protections that the constitution now provides. Voters across the state will decide on Nov. 7 whether to call the state’s first constitutional convention in 50 years.

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Serendipity was just the start

Across two decades, Happenchance Farm keeps growing organic niche. From labor and luck, an organic farm.
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In Bennington, expanding a trail network

For at least the past couple of decades, some people in Bennington have dreamed of linking and expanding a local network of off-road recreational trails. But now, for the first time in a generation, a citizens group has emerged to work on developing new trails while reviving and maintaining old ones. The nonprofit Bennington Area Trail System, organized two years ago, has initially focused its efforts on Mount Anthony. read more


 


 

Election 2017: A roundup of area races, ballot questions

Mayoral races in North Adams, Saratoga Springs and Glens Falls, a hard-fought contest for Rensselaer County executive, and a proposal to revamp the system of city government in Saratoga Springs are among the major contests voters in Massachusetts will decide in the Nov. 7 general election. read more


 



Tools of progress, past and future

Liz Glynn’s new installation at Mass MoCA, “The Archaeology of Another Possible Future,” is a sprawling wonderland of industrialism and progress. And the museum’s massive new Building 5 gallery offers an appropriate space to mirror the size and scope of the financial system Glynn’s work tackles.

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Photo exhibit aids center for domestic-violence survivors

A photography exhibit this month in Stockbridge, Mass., will raise funds for a regional organization that helps people affected by domestic violence and sexual abuse. read more


 



 


 


 

 

 


 

 

Belcher Hollow Forge, Handforged iron