Jobs
Here are the Hill Country Observer’s articles about jobs, listed from newest to oldest. Questions about local economies surface in The Hill Country Observer as we follow movements in co-ops, small businesses, nonprofits and sustainable ways to make a living in our rural communities and support kinds of work that fulfill workers and local needs.
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Issue: April 2024
In defense of books
Some in region push back against banning efforts in schools and libraries Vermont Lt. Gov. David Zuckerman reads to an audience at Northshire Bookstore in Manchester, one of a series of stops he made around the state in recent months as part of his Banned Book Tour. Courtesy photo By KATE ABBOTTContributing writer read more
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Issue: December 2023-January 2024
A downtown on the upswing — In Saratoga’s shadow, Balston Spa finds its own path to success
In Saratoga’s shadow, Ballston Spa finds its own path to success The row of 19th century buildings along Front Street in Ballston Spa have been revitalized in recent decades, making the village a hub for shopping and dining. Joan K. Lentini photo By STACEY MORRISContributing writer BALLSTON SPA, N.Y. Ten minutes down the read more
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Issue: November 2023
Downtown revival with a social mission — Pittsfield project aims for cooperative ownership
Pittsfield project aims for cooperative ownership of businesses, real estate A coalition of nonprofit groups aims to transform a block of buildings opposite Pittsfield City Hall into a revitalized urban hub, starting with the reopening of the King Kone ice cream shop as an employee-owned cooperative. Susan Sabino photo By JOHN TOWNESContributing writer read more
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Issue: November 2023
Local and organic — winter produce gives rise to a food store
Couple’s winter produce operation gave rise to full-fledged food store Kaleb Myers and his father, Tim Myers, gather fresh greens from their farm to supply Old Saratoga Mercantile, the family’s storefront on Route 29 just west of Schuylerville, N.Y. Joan K. Lentini photo By STACEY MORRISContributing writer SARATOGA, N.Y. At first glance, the read more
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Issue: September 2023
High culture, low pay — Local arts groups push for change
Local arts groups shine light on their own workplaces in push for change By KATE ABBOTTContributing writer GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. Guitars strum and fireflies gleam in the meadow. Actors are falling in love every night, and stages large and small are alive with dance and music. It’s summer in the Berkshires. But read more
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Issue: September 2023
Region’s power grids face new stresses
Shift to clean energy means more demand, changing supplies Many experts say the current power grids in New York and New England are inadequate to support the region’s planned shift away from fossil fuels. But for now it’s hard to predict exactly where additional capacity will be needed. Joan K. Lentini photo By read more
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Issue: August 2023
Closed to deliveries? Community rallies to save birthing center
Community rallies to save Rensselaer County’s last birthing center Emily Steinbach, right, her wife, Michele, and daughter Eleanor take part in a rally last month against the proposed closing of Burdett Birth Center, the only remaining medical facility in Rensselaer County where expectant mothers can give birth. Victoria Kereszi photo By TRACY FRISCHContributing read more
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Issue: August 2023
Local shop, global connections — Fair-trade boutique boosts women artists
Fair-trade boutique boosts women artists, makers from near and far Dayanis Bowie, owner of the DB Trends boutique in Ballston Spa, shows customers Jude Hughes of Amherst, Mass., and Sandy Staniec of Syracuse an “air plant” from Guatemala that grows without soil. Joan K. Lentini photo By STACEY MORRISContributing writer BALLSTON SPA, N.Y. read more
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Issue: July 2023
Reshaping the future of the mail
Postal Service consolidation plans stir fears about rural services The tiny post office in Rupert was one of 14 across Vermont that the U.S. Postal Service tried unsuccessfully to close in 2011. Now some advocates and members of Congress say rural post offices face a new threat from the pending consolidation of regional mail read more
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Issue: June 2023
Reimagining a river
Flood-control update offers chance to revive North Adams’ links to the Hoosic Seen from the Brown Street bridge, the north and south branches of the Hoosic River converge just west of downtown North Adams, each contained within massive concrete chutes built in the 1950s. Joan K. Lentini photo. By KATE ABBOTTContributing writer NORTH read more
