Observer Department: Features

A police department’s role within local government

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When you think of the functions and inner workings of a local government, you may not think of how the police department might be involved within that system. To discuss exactly how the police operate, Deputy Chief of Police in Amesbury Craig Bailey, speaks about how a police department functions…

A taste of maple sugaring

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As we draw into mud season, the dreary stretch between early March and April, the grass finally becomes visible through the melting snow, trees start to bud, and slush and mud rule the Earth, most farmers in Massachusetts have one thing on their mind; Maple syrup. Maple sugaring, also known as…

COVID-19 one year later: An oral history

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In March 2020 the world stood still when a pandemic ended everyday life. It started as a virus with its origins unknown that started in the city of Wuhan in the heart of the People’s Republic of China. After that it went global with the first cases popping out of…

Trying not to burst: Relationships inside the bubble

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Sometimes ‘okay’ is the best we got. And for surviving 2020, ‘okay’ is pretty good. As we come upon the one-year mark of quarantine, Americans couldn’t be more eager to head out and get back our personal space -- especially with the increasing rollout of vaccinations. For better and worse,…

Students, and teachers continue to adjust to online formats

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College students have adjusted in profound ways to continue to retain information through the COVID-19 pandemic. It is no secret that the past year has been a culture change to the world, especially college students. Everything that was planned to happen in the great four or five years of the…

Student Government Association leaders want to be voice of students

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Empowering fellow students, building character, and understanding what’s happening on campus:  that's what the Student Government Association is and why its leaders choose to be involved. The Student Government exists to “represent the student body - we’re their voice,” said SGA President and Laboratory Science major, Lam Tien. The SGA…

Tips to start a fitness journey

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We are only a few weeks into this New Year, and if your New Years’ resolution to eat better, work out, and better your mental health is at a halt especially if you aren’t seeing results right away. I have the tips and tricks for you to be successful. I…

The positives and negatives of social media

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I remember when I first got Facebook when I was 13 years old. It was my first social media account and I was so excited. I remember my father telling me, “pretend like I can read everything you write and only publish what you think is appropriate.” That has stuck…

Reconsidering screen time

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During these challenging times, we seem to have a greater relationship with our devices to fill the void of our boredom, especially in the beginning of the pandemic when the entire world was on lockdown and all we could do was binge watch Tiger King on Netflix, make whipped coffee…

Holidays in a pandemic

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No matter what your typical traditions may entail, this holiday season is most definitely going to look a little different this year. With the aim to keep family members and loved ones safe, many people are avoiding huge family parties or going out at all. “This year’s going to be…