The Montague selectboard OKs solar development and approves planter guidelines (pending revisions). The Gill selectboard discusses cleaning the town hall floors and the separation of church and state. The Leverett selectboard meets the new Union 28 school superintendent and talks bus routes. GMRSD says hello to a new treasurer and goodbye to varsity soccer (for now). New businesses enliven Avenue A. Arrests are made in the August robbery and assault at Ce Ce’s. The Northwestern DA weighs in on addiction as a community problem. Our editors muse upon the value of higher education, globally and locally.

Plus: portraits of the Craig Memorial Equestrian Center, storyteller Eshu Bumpus, and the Traveling Rhubarb Circus; a preview of the TFHS football season; garden therapy; faces from Wendell; an action-packed Montague police log; listings, events, and more features.

Finally: don’t miss this month’s Third Thursday (September 17) celebrating Latino History Day!