Earlier this year, Westfield State Representative John Velis—a Major in the Army Reserve—returned from a second tour of duty in Afghanistan. His latest tour coincided with talk of more U.S. troop withdrawals from Afghanistan. Connecting Point’s Ray Hershel recently sat down with Representative Velis to talk about the impact of the U.S. withdrawing troops, and what that could mean to ongoing negotiations with the Taliban in preventing Afghanistan from once again becoming a haven for terrorists.
Divided
Divided: Scenes from Inauguration 2021
JANUARY 19, 2021
A Photo and Interview Series by Barry Goldstein
In America, the inauguration of a Commander In Chief is traditionally a time of celebration. Politicians, special guests, and everyday Americans converge on the National Mall in front of the U.S. Capitol building to mark the swearing in of the next President of the United States. Full of pomp and circumstance, inaugurations are an important democratic ritual and a symbol of the peaceful transfer of power.
‘Something Extraordinary’ at Westfield State University (Pt. 2)
‘Something Extraordinary’ at Westfield State University (Pt. 2)
March 23, 2023
“Something Extraordinary: A Visual Review of Story as Timeless” at the Arno Maris Gallery at Westfield State University showcases the work of 8 Black artists and is on display through March 31st. Through drawings, paintings, and mixed media installations, the exhibition delves into the process of visual storytelling and examines Black history through a creative lens.Last week, we introduced you to three of the artists behind the exhibit. And thi
“Something Extraordinary: A Visual Review of Story as Timeless” at the Arno Maris Gallery at Westfield State University showcases the work of 8 Black artists and is on display through March 31st. Through drawings, paintings, and
“Something Extraordinary: A Visual Review of Story as Timeless” at the Arno Maris Gallery at Westfield State University showcases the work of 8 Black artists and is on display through March 31st. Through drawings, paintings, and mixed media installations, the exhibition delves into the process of visual storytelling and examines Black history through a creative lens.Last week, we introduced you to three of the artists behind the exhibit. And thi
“Something Extraordinary: A Visual Review of Story as Timeless” at the Arno Maris Gallery at Westfield State University showcases the work of 8 Black artists and is on display through March 31st. Through drawings, paintings, and mixed media installations, the exhibition delves into the process of visual storytelling and examines Black history through a creative lens.
Last week, we introduced you to three of the artists behind the exhibit. And this week, Zydalis Bauer continues her discussion with artists JaJa Swinton, Tara Gorman, and Kahli Hernandez exploring how the project fosters unity and the inspirations behind the installations.
“Something Extraordinary: A Visual Review of Story as Timeless” at the Arno Maris Gallery at Westfield State University showcases the work of 8 Black artists and is on display through March 31st. Through drawings, paintings, and mixed media installations, the exhibition delves into the process of visual storytelling and examines Black history through a creative lens.Last week, we introduced you to three of the artists behind the exhibit. And thi
From Schoolteacher to Brew Maker (Digital Exclusive)
From Schoolteacher to Brew Maker (Digital Exclusive)
March 23, 2023
Four Phantoms Brewery owner Drew Phillips shares how his degree in English has shaped his unusual career path from schoolteacher to brew maker.Learn more about Four Phantoms Brewery in our full feature on the Franklin County brewpub.
Four Phantoms Brewery owner Drew Phillips shares how his degree in English has shaped his unusual career path from schoolteacher to brew maker.Learn more about Four Phantoms Brewery in our full feature on the Franklin County brewp
Four Phantoms Brewery owner Drew Phillips shares how his degree in English has shaped his unusual career path from schoolteacher to brew maker.Learn more about Four Phantoms Brewery in our full feature on the Franklin County brewpub.
Four Phantoms Brewery owner Drew Phillips shares how his degree in English has shaped his unusual career path from schoolteacher to brew maker.
Learn more about Four Phantoms Brewery in our full feature on the Franklin County brewpub.
Four Phantoms Brewery owner Drew Phillips shares how his degree in English has shaped his unusual career path from schoolteacher to brew maker.Learn more about Four Phantoms Brewery in our full feature on the Franklin County brewpub.
Billie J. Farrell, First Female Commander of the USS Constitution
Billie J. Farrell, First Female Commander of the USS Constitution
March 23, 2023
Built in 1797 and known as “Old Ironsides,” the USS Constitution is the oldest commissioned warship currently afloat. While in service, it played key roles in many battles but today, it’s a floating museum that sees over 600,000 visitors annually. And recently its long history added a new chapter as Billie J. Farrell became the 77th commanding officer of the USS Constitution – and the first woman to hold that position in the ship’s 225-year his
Built in 1797 and known as “Old Ironsides,” the USS Constitution is the oldest commissioned warship currently afloat. While in service, it played key roles in many battles but today, it’s a floating museum that sees over 600,000 v
Built in 1797 and known as “Old Ironsides,” the USS Constitution is the oldest commissioned warship currently afloat. While in service, it played key roles in many battles but today, it’s a floating museum that sees over 600,000 visitors annually. And recently its long history added a new chapter as Billie J. Farrell became the 77th commanding officer of the USS Constitution – and the first woman to hold that position in the ship’s 225-year his
Built in 1797 and known as “Old Ironsides,” the USS Constitution is the oldest commissioned warship currently afloat. While in service, it played key roles in many battles but today, it’s a floating museum that sees over 600,000 visitors annually.
And recently its long history added a new chapter as Billie J. Farrell became the 77th commanding officer of the USS Constitution – and the first woman to hold that position in the ship’s 225-year history.
Connecting Point took a road trip to the Charlestown Naval Yard to meet with Commander Farrell and take a tour of the historic ship.
Built in 1797 and known as “Old Ironsides,” the USS Constitution is the oldest commissioned warship currently afloat. While in service, it played key roles in many battles but today, it’s a floating museum that sees over 600,000 visitors annually. And recently its long history added a new chapter as Billie J. Farrell became the 77th commanding officer of the USS Constitution – and the first woman to hold that position in the ship’s 225-year his
Queer Identities & Art at the Harriet Beecher Stowe Center
Queer Identities & Art at the Harriet Beecher Stowe Center
March 23, 2023
The Harriet Beecher Stowe Center in Hartford recently hosted a lecture focused on how historians should approach possible LGBTQIA+ relationships and themes in the works of artists who did not self-identify. The discussion was prompted by new research about Harriet Beecher Stowe’s great niece, Katherine Seymour Day, and how her identity may have shaped her role as a women’s activist. Zydalis Bauer spoke with Amy Hufnagel, the Director of Programm
The Harriet Beecher Stowe Center in Hartford recently hosted a lecture focused on how historians should approach possible LGBTQIA+ relationships and themes in the works of artists who did not self-identify. The discussion was prom
The Harriet Beecher Stowe Center in Hartford recently hosted a lecture focused on how historians should approach possible LGBTQIA+ relationships and themes in the works of artists who did not self-identify. The discussion was prompted by new research about Harriet Beecher Stowe’s great niece, Katherine Seymour Day, and how her identity may have shaped her role as a women’s activist. Zydalis Bauer spoke with Amy Hufnagel, the Director of Programm
The Harriet Beecher Stowe Center in Hartford recently hosted a lecture focused on how historians should approach possible LGBTQIA+ relationships and themes in the works of artists who did not self-identify. The discussion was prompted by new research about Harriet Beecher Stowe’s great niece, Katherine Seymour Day, and how her identity may have shaped her role as a women’s activist.
Zydalis Bauer spoke with Amy Hufnagel, the Director of Programming at the Stowe Center, to learn more about how museums are handling the complex ethics surrounding untold Queer histories and interpreting the sexuality of women in the early 20th century.
The Harriet Beecher Stowe Center in Hartford recently hosted a lecture focused on how historians should approach possible LGBTQIA+ relationships and themes in the works of artists who did not self-identify. The discussion was prompted by new research about Harriet Beecher Stowe’s great niece, Katherine Seymour Day, and how her identity may have shaped her role as a women’s activist. Zydalis Bauer spoke with Amy Hufnagel, the Director of Programm
Four Phantoms Brewing Company
Four Phantoms Brewing Company
March 23, 2023
Drew Phillips' career as a beer maker began over a decade ago on the west coast as an out of work schoolteacher. As his passion for brewing grew, Phillips moved to western Massachusetts and brought his own beer to the market in 2019.Two years later, on Halloween night 2021, Phillips and his wife opened the doors to the aptly named Four Phantoms Brewing Company in Greenfield. Connecting Point's Brian Sullivan paid a visit to this unique community
Drew Phillips' career as a beer maker began over a decade ago on the west coast as an out of work schoolteacher. As his passion for brewing grew, Phillips moved to western Massachusetts and brought his own beer to the market in 20
Drew Phillips' career as a beer maker began over a decade ago on the west coast as an out of work schoolteacher. As his passion for brewing grew, Phillips moved to western Massachusetts and brought his own beer to the market in 2019.Two years later, on Halloween night 2021, Phillips and his wife opened the doors to the aptly named Four Phantoms Brewing Company in Greenfield. Connecting Point's Brian Sullivan paid a visit to this unique community
Drew Phillips' career as a beer maker began over a decade ago on the west coast as an out of work schoolteacher. As his passion for brewing grew, Phillips moved to western Massachusetts and brought his own beer to the market in 2019.
Two years later, on Halloween night 2021, Phillips and his wife opened the doors to the aptly named Four Phantoms Brewing Company in Greenfield. Connecting Point's Brian Sullivan paid a visit to this unique community hotspot and brings us this next story.
Learn how Drew Phillips’ English major shaped his career path in a digital exclusive clip.
Drew Phillips' career as a beer maker began over a decade ago on the west coast as an out of work schoolteacher. As his passion for brewing grew, Phillips moved to western Massachusetts and brought his own beer to the market in 2019.Two years later, on Halloween night 2021, Phillips and his wife opened the doors to the aptly named Four Phantoms Brewing Company in Greenfield. Connecting Point's Brian Sullivan paid a visit to this unique community
