Readers, local merchants, institutions, municipalities, non-profit groups, and civic organizations are strongly encouraged to send their news announcements and photos to The Sentinel.

We will respond to all email messages received. If you are having difficulty with a press release or need help, please call Editor Debbi Strauss at 413-323-5999 for help and suggestions.

Submissions may be sent via regular post to The Sentinel, P.O. Box 601, Belchertown, MA 01007.

ELECTION POLICY FOR CANDIDATES & LETTER WRITERS

The Sentinel will print one 500- to 800-word length announcement of candidacy submitted by each willing resident running for local or regional elected office. Those
columns, which will run in the order in which they were received, need to be submitted with a photo at least four weeks prior to the election day. We will also run an election candidate preview package for only those candidates who send in their announcements and photos by that deadline. Candidate photographs are strongly encouraged. Please gear your announcements to personal background and experience, campaign platforms, issues and beliefs. No personal attacks or unsubstantiated allegations cast at other candidates or officials will be published.

The Sentinel will also publish letters of endorsement for candidates limited to one per
author using the same Opinion Page policies now in effect. Orchestrated letter writing campaigns will not be tolerated. No election letters will be published in the last edition prior to the actual voting, though the paper’s Opinion Page editor reserves the right to decide if he or she will endorse select candidates in that final issue.We do not print any advance information about, or cover political fundraisers, as we consider that paid advertising.

Send all submissions to Debbi Strauss, Editor, The Sentinel, PO Box 601, Belchertown, MA 01007 or via email to: ahenderson@turley.com.