February 2, 2026: Where we gather

Today is about gathering together and enjoying what the season has to give. For the United Way of Hampshire and Franklin Counties, that means gathering on a slope and tackling the powder at Berkshire east. Ski United is a multifaceted fundraiser for all that the organization does and we’ll chat with executive Director Geoff Naunheim, committee member John Ebbets about the power of community in winter. We’ll also bring folx together in Amherst in song. Calm and Candlelight is an event hosted by South Church in Amherst based on practices and chants in the style of the monks from Taizé, France and we’ll speak with Rev. Dr. Susan Cartmell and Director of Music Marilyn Brayne about the centering practice of communal singing especially in these out challenged times. And to get ready for the massive spectacle of the superb owl, Three generations of football loving Belmontes headed out this weekend to wish the pats a good journey and a good game in San Francisco, so we’ll eavesdrop as the torch of the new patriots correspondent of the past handing off to the one of the future.