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## [Reading the leaves: The trees are in the cards](https://valleyadvocate.com/2026/10/20/reading-the-leaves-the-trees-are-in-the-cards/)

While growing up in New England, Jackie Gallo was mesmerized by the trees. As a teenager, she would stand in the middle of the woods in northern Rhode Island — and look up. In the autumn, the canopy overhead was a kaleidoscope of colors dancing in the sunlight. The forest was hushed, protective, a natural…

By MELISSA KAREN SANCES For the Advocate

## [What’s the story? As the Pioneer Valley Writers’ Workshop celebrates 10 years, founder Joy Deva Baglio takes us back to the beginning](https://valleyadvocate.com/2026/10/07/whats-the-story-as-the-pioneer-valley-writers-workshop-celebrates-10-years-founder-joy-deva-baglio-takes-us-back-to-the-beginning/)

Joy Deva Baglio can’t pinpoint the moment she decided to be a writer. The widely published author and founder of the Pioneer Valley Writers’ Workshop grew up with a library of children’s books and fairy tales, and one day, she needed to tell a story. It was only natural; the words, as vital as breath,…

By MELISSA KAREN SANCES For the Gazette

## [Theater Matters with Jarice Hanson: ‘Laughter is an instant vacation’](https://valleyadvocate.com/2026/10/23/theater-matters-with-jarice-hanson-laughter-is-an-instant-vacation/)

My father was a big fan of Milton Berle. He often quoted one of Berle’s most famous lines: “Laughter is an instant vacation.” With national and international events…

by [Jarice Hanson](https://valleyadvocate.com/author/jhanson/)

## **The Latest**

### [The V-Spot: How do we navigate sex after bottom surgery?](https://valleyadvocate.com/2026/10/20/the-v-spot-how-do-we-navigate-sex-after-bottom-surgery/)

Hi Yana, I’ve been with the same partner for many years, since before I transitioned. We’ve navigated all of my dysphoria around my sexual preferences up to this…

By YANA TALLON-HICKS

### [Mixtape: Sebastian Bach “Who doesn’t want to rock? We all want to rock!”](https://valleyadvocate.com/2026/09/17/mixtape-sebastian-bach-the-valley-advocate-interview/)

I was lucky enough to catch up with Sebastian Bach over Zoom a couple weeks ago. He’s still rocking that long, blonde hair that has been his signature…

[Jennifer Levesque](https://valleyadvocate.com/author/jennifer-levesque/)

### [Mixtape: It’s all about the EPs, baby: A couple of releases from Murder (sword) and Joshua David Thayer](https://valleyadvocate.com/2026/08/31/mixtape-its-all-about-the-eps-baby-a-couple-of-releases-from-murder-sword-and-joshua-david-thayer/)

By Jennifer Levesque For the Valley Advocate Murder (sword) Self-titled Easthampton-based Murder (sword) has been a band that I’ve been seeing a lot on social media and show…

by [Jennifer Levesque](https://valleyadvocate.com/author/jennifer-levesque/)

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## [Reading the leaves: The trees are in the cards](https://valleyadvocate.com/2026/10/20/reading-the-leaves-the-trees-are-in-the-cards/)

While growing up in New England, Jackie Gallo was mesmerized by the trees. As a teenager, she would stand in the middle of the woods in northern Rhode Island — and look up. In the autumn, the canopy overhead was…

## [An evening of wonder: Look Park hosts outdoor pumpkin art trail in October](https://valleyadvocate.com/2026/10/04/an-evening-of-wonder-look-park-hosts-outdoor-pumpkin-art-trail-in-october/)

## [Book Review: Wales-based author Jason Prokowiew’s ‘War Boys’ is a peace offering between father and son](https://valleyadvocate.com/2026/10/04/book-review-wales-based-author-jason-prokowiews-war-boys-is-a-peace-offering-between-father-and-son/)

## [‘The past is not set in stone’: New art show reimagines Medusa’s story](https://valleyadvocate.com/2026/09/29/the-past-is-not-set-in-stone-new-art-show-reimagines-medusas-story/)

## [‘I am darn lucky’: Meet new Academy of Music executive director Ray Dumont](https://valleyadvocate.com/2026/09/29/i-am-darn-lucky-meet-new-academy-of-music-executive-director-ray-dumont/)

## [What places leave behind: After winning an international design competition, Smith College’s Isabel Strauss contemplates the healing power of architecture](https://valleyadvocate.com/2026/09/20/what-places-leave-behind-after-winning-an-international-design-competition-smith-colleges-isabel-strauss-comtemplates-the-healing-power-of-architecture/)

## [‘Anybody and everybody can do it’: New murals to capture the memories, values and culture of the Valley](https://valleyadvocate.com/2026/09/20/anybody-and-everybody-can-do-it-new-murals-to-capture-the-memories-values-and-culture-of-the-valley/)

## [A life unraveled: Playwright Elizabeth LaPrade explores life on death row in one-woman show at 33 Hawley](https://valleyadvocate.com/2026/09/14/a-life-unraveled-playwright-elizabeth-laprade-explores-life-on-death-row-in-one-woman-show-at-33-hawley/)

## [History retold: ‘The Hull/Hawley Plays’ bring two forgotten Northampton lives to light](https://valleyadvocate.com/2026/09/14/history-retold-the-hull-hawley-plays-bring-two-forgotten-northampton-lives-to-light/)

## [Write on: Local literary organizations offer seasoned scribes and undercover word-lovers opportunities to keep busy](https://valleyadvocate.com/2026/09/09/write-on-local-literary-organizations-offer-seasoned-scribes-and-undercover-word-lovers-opportunities-to-keep-busy/)

## [A global timeline unfolds: Mount Holyoke College Art Museum reopens after nine months](https://valleyadvocate.com/2026/09/09/a-global-timeline-unfolds-mount-holyoke-college-art-museum-reopens-after-nine-months/)