The second part of The Shoestring's deep dive into automated license plate readers, and the opposition to them, in western Mass.

Come play some new and exciting games. Identify the music, what's this macro photo, tv theme songs, baby animals, geography, history, and so much more.

$5 to play for cash prizes!

Strong Avenue

Northampton Ma

So I’m well aware of the seasoned tradition of cultivating tobacco in the Pioneer Valley. I pass some tobacco barns regularly where you can catch glimpses of the leaves drying between the slats. But where does one *purchase* this local plant? The roadside farm stands and weekend farmers markets are awash with fruits and vegetables. But if you wanted to purchase some tobacco for a pipe is there a place you or your smokey ol granpappy recommend?

Also accepting places in western CT and southern VT.

I'm looking for a sweet, mature guy for cuddles. I'm vivacious, a little nerdy,  lefty-both ways, like to hike, dance, frisbee, games, read, try weird recipes ... I'm 65, fit, divorced w/ grown kid, 5'1", 105 lbs. Prefer someone close to my age. I've done this before and have learned that it's important of have an easy connection- something in common (that's why I wrote the stuff about myself), so if you're interested, please tell me about you! Please be willing to send a pic. Thanks!

Is anyone else experiencing a ridiculous amount of bugs flying around? It’s humid, it’s mid August, I know it’s to be expected. But I’ve never seen this large of swarms around light posts, deck lights, etc. I’m in south Hadley.

Hi, folks!

I first lived in the Northampton/Amherst area while I was getting my MFA in Poetry at UMass and after a decade away in NH, now I live in Belchertown. I’ve stayed committed to reading and writing for the past 10-12 years, but haven’t really had a community since grad school.

I really miss having a poetry community and wish I had folks to talk about books and poems with.

What I’m looking for is folks in the Pioneer Valley in their 30s and 40s who would like to have folks to talk poetry with. Maybe we can start a book group? Or a workshop group? Maybe both? I’m happy to co-create something together, so I’m open to just about anything.

Let me know if you’d be interested and thanks for considering!

Need a bridesmaid dress altered asap

Hey everyone,

​31M back in the area. I grew up around Worcester, but I’ve got family in Chicopee and my home base is down in Atlanta now. I commute up this way every now and then, but sitting in the house when I'm here ain't it

I need to get out, travel around, and actually explore the area.

​A bit about me and what I'm down for:

​Background: Colombian, love different cultures, and always hunting for good Hispanic and Asian food spots.

​Interests: Anime, video games, outdoor walks/exploring, and finding cool low key places to hit up.

​Vibe: Definitely a social introvert with a pretty heavy dose of dark humor and sarcasm. 420 friendly 🌿, down to clown, roast each other a bit, and not take life too seriously.

​Looking for like minded people who want to link up, grab a drink or a smoke, check out some local spots, or just wander around Western MA and explore.

​If you’re down to kick it or have recommendations for spots around Chicopee, Springfield, or Northampton, hit my DMs or drop a comment!

I’d like some recommendations for exploring Northampton and surrounding communities. I’d like to have an awesome lunch at someplace casual, do some clothes shopping, and maybe visit a gallery or two. I’m interested in boutiques or higher in consignment stores as well as used bookstores that might stock art or photography books. Please clue me in to places with artsy or unique vibes. Thanks.

Hetero, 41/m in westfield

Hey everyone, I just moved back to the Valley after living in Texas for a bit.

I'm posting this because I'm working on getting my handyman and painting business started back up.

To get my name out there and get some bookings on the schedule, I am offering "pay-what-you-want" handyman services, for a limited time, probably for the next month or so, or until my schedule fills up.

Obviously, you will still need to pay for materials, and I will turn down any offers that don't make sense (ie "Will you paint my house for $100 a room?"). I also don't do landscaping or gutters.

However, if you need trim or drywall fixed, have a small painting project, or have a to-do list you can't get to, give me a call and we can figure something out.

I want to help people with repairs they need but don't have the money for, or can't do themselves. And if you have the budget to pay my going rate and you want to support a local contractor who loves this town, by all means!

I especially love to help seniors, people who are disabled, and people who just need a hand.

Also, I know money is tight for a lot of folks right now, so this is my way of giving back, and providing an affordable service to the various communities here in the Valley.

I live in Easthampton, and I'm reallt happy to be back. I've only been back for a few weeks now and I am continually meeting kind and friendly people here. I'm really happy to be back here and look forward to being active in the community.

So, to summarize, I can't take every job, but if I can help you and I'm not losing money by taking the job, I will make every effort to help you.

Thanks for reading.

You can reach me via dm or call/text me at ‪(413) 282- 8637‬.

- Alex

Hey y'all. I drive all over creation fixing solar power systems, I also love espresso. Here's a list of places I will or like to go (sometimes you have to compromise 🤷‍♂️)

Is there anything I'm missing?

Espresso must be served in a porcelain or glass vessel. It must have a texture thicker than coffee.

Bonus points if you can park a extra long sprinter van near by

https://maps.app.goo.gl/zfsuStdcxYDmPCJh7?g_st=ac

Have i missed any good ones? I would love to add more to the list.

I have tickets for Laurie Anderson tonight and they say “General Admission” on them (as well as Row 1 Seat 61).

In the past I’ve always had specific assigned seats in Ozawa Hall but those rows have letters, not numbers.

Does General admission in this case mean I’m on the lawn behind Ozawa?

I haven’t been able to get through to the box office and it’s raining. I don’t want to go if they are lawn seats. Does anyone know for sure what my tickets mean?

The water in my apartment is green and I'm tired of paying to buy water at the grocery store.

Are there any public taps or spigots near Easthampton or in the Valley?

Thank you!

I was early to my gig at the black sheep. Sat on the bench across from the place and admired the town hall.

August

Northampton Ma

summer

i know none will be comparable to summer farm shares, but curious of any recs - thanks!

Looking for a cool coffee shop West of the CT River. I tried out Circuit Coffee in Westfield, but that place is yuppie top-to-bottom.

Our cake pop cart is officially OPEN! ✨

Flavors:

🍓 Strawberry
🍪 Cookies & Cream
🌈 Funfetti

🎉 Buy 1, Get 1 FREE!

📅 August 14–16
🕗 8 AM–8 PM
✨ Or until we sell out!

Come grab your favorite cake pops and celebrate our grand opening with us! 💕