South Hadley gears up for April municipal election

South Hadley gears up for April municipal election

BY  AVA BLUM-CARR ’21

The town of South Hadley is in the midst of preparing for the 2018 municipal election on April 10. Low voter turnout has plagued the town for years, but the content of this year’s ballot may succeed in bringing more people to the polls.

Following a pattern: MHC orgs learn quilting traditions from Boston guild Sisters in Stitches

Following a pattern: MHC orgs learn quilting traditions from Boston guild Sisters in Stitches

BY ANNA KANE ’20

On the afternoon of Feb. 25, the Unity Center in Blanchard Campus Center was transformed amid a flurry of activity. A hum of sewing machines, laughter and conversation filled the room, and a patchwork of mini quilts scattered all around represented the many faiths and cultures of the attendees. Assisted by Sisters in Stitches Joined by the Cloth (SISJBTC), students representing different religious and cultural organizations on campus came together Sunday to create their own quilted banners to be displayed in the Unity Center.

Microwave mishap in MacGregor Hall alarms student residents

Microwave mishap in MacGregor Hall alarms student residents

BY KATE TURNER ’21

Students evacuated MacGregor Hall and Ham Hall for two hours on Friday evening due to misuse of a microwave. As smoke filled the second floor of MacGregor, it set off the building’s fire alarms.

MERT RECEIVES NEW AUTOMATED EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATOR FROM CONMED

MERT RECEIVES NEW AUTOMATED EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATOR FROM CONMED

BY  MERYL PHAIR ’21

MERT, Mount Holyoke’s Medical Emergency Response Team, received a new Automated External Defibrillator (AED) on Sunday, Feb. 18. The device greatly improves their ability to respond quickly and effectively to incidents of cardiac arrest on campus. 

Students rally against proposed PVTA cuts

Students rally against proposed PVTA cuts

BY EMMA RUBIN ’20 AND EILEEN O’GRADY ’18

A group of approximately 20 to 30 protesters gathered outside the Old Chapel on the UMass Amherst campus last Monday, holding signs and chanting. “FUND PUBLIC TRANSIT,” one sign read. “PUBLIC TRANSIT IS AN ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUE,” said another. 

Students demand diversity in history department

Students demand diversity in history department

BY AVA BLUM-CARR ’21

On the morning of Feb. 12, students and faculty were met with an unfamiliar sight in Skinner Hall. The building’s bulletin boards had been covered up with a series of posters, all calling for greater diversity within Mount Holyoke’s history department. 

Senate coordinates response to PVTA budget cuts, hears reports from Be Well Steering Committee and several working groups

BY  ANNA KANE ’20

The Feb. 20 Student Government Association (SGA) senate meeting included a continuation of the discussion of proposed scheduling changes for the PVTA, a presentation by the Be Well steering committee and updates from working groups. Chair of Senate Liz Brown ’20 spoke first, encouraging senators to sign petitions supporting an increase in funding for the PVTA and the bill H.2998, which has recently been introduced to the Massachusetts House Ways and Means Committee. 

South Hadley Rep. Scibak will not run for re-election, launching race for seat in Massachusetts State House

South Hadley Rep. Scibak will not run for re-election, launching race for seat in Massachusetts State House

BY ALLYSON HUNTOON ’19

“It’s the best job in the world,” said Representative John Scibak (D) of South Hadley, “but you need to understand what it entails.” Scibak currently represents Hampshire County’s Second District, which includes the towns of South Hadley, Granby, Hadley and Easthampton in the Massachusetts House of Representatives. The House is composed of 160 members elected from districts within the state’s 12 counties. Representatives serve two-year terms, with all seats up for election every two years. The next general election is Nov. 6, 2018.

Class of 2019 J-Show cancelled due to lack of interest

BY EMMA RUBIN ’20

Junior Show, or J-Show, is a Mount Holyoke tradition that dates back to the early 20th century. Typical performances are entirely student-led and intertwine both comedy and student talent in a performance to both entertain the Mount Holyoke community and fundraise for the junior class. This year, however, the tradition was cancelled.