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Enfield set to receive $10M for mall redevelopment

ENFIELD — The state’s Community Investment Fund 2030 awarded the town of Enfield $10 million to aid in the redevelopment plans at Enfield Square Mall.

Hampden-Wilbraham Regional School Committee makes last effort to reduce town assessments

WILBRAHAM — The Hampden-Wilbraham Regional School District sent fiscal year 2026 assessment letters to both towns ahead of their spring town meetings, when the budget will be up for a vote. In a budget season full of tough decisions, however, the School Committee still questioned whether to adjust the assessments in hopes of earning good will and avoiding an us-versus-them funding situation.

East Longmeadow looking ‘on track’ with budget, HERO Act put on hold

EAST LONGMEADOW — East Longmeadow is on track to present a balanced fiscal year 2026 budget for review by the April 1 home rule charter deadline. At the March 25 Town Council meeting, Town Manager Tom Christensen said each of the town’s departments have been directed to adhere to a level service budget to keep the town from having to use a portion of its excess levy capacity, which functions as a financial cushion.

Longmeadow Select Board reviews proposed $87.38 million town budget

LONGMEADOW — The Longmeadow Select Board got its first look at the fiscal year 2026 town budget, which closed a projected shortfall of more than $700,000 through level service funding and a cut in recommended capital projects.

Westfield River Races receives $5K, director urges racers to participate in free clinics

WESTFIELD — On March 28, Race Director Harry Rock met up with John and Laurie Raymaakers at Half-Mile Park in Westfield to accept a check for $5,000 from ROAR Landscaping Supply, a subsidiary of J. L. Raymaakers & Sons, the top sponsor for the 70th running of the Westfield River Wildwater Races on April 19.

Westfield City Council decides to wait on SOI for new high school

WESTFIELD — The City Council voted 7-6 to wait a year before authorizing the superintendent to submit a statement of interest to the Massachusetts School Building Authority for funding to construct a new technical academy, following a 2-1 recommendation by the Legislative & Ordinance subcommittee.

Developer proposes housing units at former Maple Street offices in Springfield

SPRINGFIELD — A major redevelopment project is likely coming to three buildings on Maple Street after developers met with the City Council during its March 24 hearings meeting.

Springfield pushes ‘zero tolerance’ message for illegal dirt bikes

SPRINGFIELD — As spring begins to blossom in Western Massachusetts, Springfield is once again cracking down on illegal dirt bikes throughout the city.

Chicopee mourns loss of Robert Zyarowski

CHICOPEE — At-Large City Councilor Robert “Bob” Zygarowski is what people knew him as recently, but since his passing was announced on March 24, Chicopee and surrounding communities have expressed their condolences for the legacy he left in many different roles.

Friends of the Somers Library’s spring 2025 Used Book Sale returns

SOMERS — Book lovers, mark your calendars! The much-anticipated Friends of the Somers Library Spring Used Book Sale is back, offering an incredible selection of books, puzzles, CDs, albums, audiobooks and DVDs. Scheduled for April 11-13, this semi-annual event will take place at the Somers Public Library, located at 2 Vision Blvd., off Route 190 in the school complex.

STGRSD budget contributions change for new fiscal year

SOUTHWICK — When Southwick-Tolland-Granville Regional School District Superintendent Jennifer Willard presented the district’s fiscal year 2026 budget to the Finance Committee last week, she proposed increasing Southwick’s assessment to $13.01 million which represents an increase 7.1% from the previous year, while Tolland and Granville will be assessed less than a combined $189,423 from last year’s budget.

Westfield music educator to receive MMEA Distinguished Service Award

WESTFIELD — Patrick Kennedy, band director for Westfield High School and Westfield Technical Academy and lead music teacher for Westfield Public Schools grades 5-12, received the Massachusetts Music Educators Distinguished Service Award in a ceremony on Thursday, March 27, at the DCU Convention Center in Worcester.

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‘Fences’ explores complexities of family, generational trauma

WEST SPRINGFIELD — Family. Responsibility. Regret. While these themes are on display in the latest stage production in the Majestic Theater’s 2024-2025 season, “Fences,” at its core, August Wilson’s 1985 play is a story about generational trauma, the lifelong impacts of segregation and racism, and the constant war between the experiences of the past and hope for the future.

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