‘Enchanted April,’ the Vacation Rental that Changed Everything
Enchanted April tells the story of two London housewives who invite two other women to spend April in a castle in Italy, and later they invite others.
Dear Jack, Dear Louise: the Greatest Generation in Letters
Last night we enjoyed a play at the Majestic Theater that took us back to the days when letter writing was everything. It was a time when the word ass was abashed, and it was abbreviated as ‘the A Word.’ The year was 1942, and World War II was the […]
Slovakia for a February 2026 Ski
I’m in Slovakia for a ski trip with nine folks we’ve skied three days and now are heading to the country to see more sights.
Travel with Max is Moving on Up!
My travel column, Travel with Max, will now be appearing in the Greenfield Recorder newspaper every month, I’ve taken a step up from my previous publication, the Montague Reporter.
2026, a New Year Filled with Snow
So far 2026 is a year for snow, we’ve had several storms and more is on the way. It’s fine not having a snowblower, we did it all by hand shovel.
For Love! For Liberty! Sings Us Back to Revolutionary Times
For love, for Liberty, a musical depiction of the history of the Revolutionary War, presented by a new theater company at 52Sumner in Springfield.
December 18, 2025; A Slice of My Life
Now that I’ve been retired for a full year, reflecting on my experiences so far, it has been different than what I thought it would be. The most consistent element of retirement that I didn’t count on was loneliness. Being by myself is a big part of retirement; it’s hard […]
Sugarloaf Development’s Big Plans for Deerfield’s Center
Here is what has been approved to be built where the former Cumberland Farms store and parking lot are. The building goes right up to the sidewalk, and you’ll see there will be three new storefronts and 12 apartments upstairs. This is such a major development and a fantastic positive […]
Steel Magnolias at the Majestic, a Place I’d love to Hang Out
Last night we saw Steel Magnolias at the Majestic Theater, a very funny story about women and life in a small town Louisiana hair salon.
Pownal, Vermont Beckons for a Father Son Getaway
We’re taking a father and son trip for the weekend to Pownal, Vermont, where we wil recreate the magic of my father son trips with Nat Hartshorne.
Noises Off Was Mostly Off for Me at Ja’Duke
A review of the play Noises Off at Ja’Duke Theater in Turners Falls MA, performed on October 12, 2025, by theater critic Max Hartshorne.
Barcelona’s Stunning Beauty and a Lack of Fear
Some of the highlights of Barcelona are the Palau de la Musica, the harbor and the lovely Gotic Quarter with so many gorgeous buildings.
Raimat Arts Festival in Catalonia, Music Everywhere
The Raimat Arts Festival is held each year in Lleida, Spain, bringing cutting edge musicians, experimental and classical, to a beautiful part of Spain.
Lacy Bray’s Ozark Beer Co: A Family Affair in Rogers
Lacy Bray told me about what their Ozark Beer Co does to create community in Rogers Arkansas, and why she loves living there.
‘Once’ A Ballad That Took Its Time
Once, the Popular Musical, Opens at the Majestic in West Springfield In the musical Once, new at the Majestic Theater, the story brings a street performer (Guy, Nick Anastasia) in contact with a Czech immigrant (Girl, Kate Theis) in Dublin. A transaction over fixing her Hoover vacuum becomes a partnership, […]
Reefer Refund: The Quiet Reversal of Cannabis Impact Fees
Towns in Massachusetts are giving back the reefer fees they originally charged in 2016 when marijuana was legalized, the costs just were not justified.
Eastern Townships of Quebec: A Farm Tour
Visiting farms and food producer in Quebec’s Eastern Townships, meeting people who create deliciousness.
Meet Sunnydayz Cannabis Owner Ken Bouquillon
Sunnydayz Cannabis is under construction in South Deerfield. It’s set to open in March 2026. Owner Ken Bouquillon says that nobody around this area knows how to grow pot as well as he does, and people will pay double for the good weed.