Can embattled state Rep. Robert Spellane be redeemed in time for the 2010 election?

By Scott Zoback

The letter Worcester State Representative Robert Spellane sent to constituents in early June was as personal as political apologies come.

“November also marked a low point in my personal life, when I experienced some difficult and challenging times. I take responsibility for my mistakes. People in public positions need to hold themselves to the highest standards — in what they do as an elected official and how they conduct themselves in their personal time. I have fallen short in meeting my commitment to you and for that I am truly sorry.”

The letter came after what, by any standard, has been a trying year for the fifth-term state representative, his family, and his followers, personally, politically and professionally.

Over the past year, Spellane has been accused of inappropriately using personal connections to skip payments on a house loan and cited for the apparent use of campaign funds to pay for personal use of ...

For most people, having a picture you drew when you were seven put on display for gaggles of people to see would be a ...

By Laurence Levey

In Empty Landscapes, Silent Halls, the inaugural exhibition at the brand-new Gallery of Art at the Hadley (GArtH), Brian Burris offers paintings that evoke emotion and suggest meaning, yet which challenge the viewer’s ability to articulate that meaning.

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By Doreen Manning

The Sift is aptly named, as it sifts through musical genres, tempos and definitions like a colorful musical strainer. The trio of talented musicians produces tight-knit instrumentals with catchy song titles such as “Kathy Griffin Encroaches Upon Two Asian Children” or &...

By Doreen Manning

Listening to Ashland’s Attic surely brings one up to the attic of Rock and Roll sounds. Their tunes recall the vibe of the ’60s and ’70s such as the Beatles, The Beach Boys and other classic rock.

By Tim O’Keefe

Hip-hop’s the name of the game for Cedric Arno.

The Brooklyn-born impresario, who relocated to Massachusetts in 1995, has been a noted figure in creating a media outlet for local hip-hop music. After living in Fitchburg and ...

By Sara Sorola

For seven years now a small but dedicated group of neighbors has worked to clean up Newton Square Park. Known as The Friends of Newton Hill, they produce the Newton Square Park Music series to raise awareness of the park and efforts to improve ...