CHESTER — At an informational meeting on April 22, residents heard from Eversource why they should sell the Chester Municipal Electric Light Department to them. Earlier in the month, CMELD had given a presentation on why the electric utility should remain town-owned. Both presentations are posted at townofchester.net.

EAST LONGMEADOW — A well known local farm stand will stay true to tradition after opening this month under new ownership, but with the former owners sticking close by to help out.

LONGMEADOW — The 2023 Longmeadow 10U softball team was congratulated on May 7 by state Rep. Brian Ashe and Jennifer Pickering, district director for state Sen. Jake Oliveira for winning the 2023 state championship.

SPRINGFIELD — Mary Dionne drove down the streets of a neighborhood in the Outer Belt area of Springfield. Pointing as she passed homes on Ellendale Circle, she said, “These houses have water in their basements, I’m sure they do.” She turned onto Parker Street and then Allen Street, heading toward Bicentennial Avenue.

SPRINGFIELD — In the first of a series of scheduled community events geared toward motor vehicle safety, troopers with the Massachusetts State Police invited members of the community to their Springfield Barracks on Liberty Street for a free childcare seat inspection and installation program.

Since December, the Agawam Community Artists and Artisans have been hosting “paint and sip”-style workshops to raise money for local food banks. Known as “Art with a Heart,” ACAA President Ceil Rossi described them as a “two-and-a-half-hour paint party.”

NORTHAMPTON — A cutting edge program that is free to the public and offered by Massachusetts General Brigham Cooley Dickinson is changing the way society supports older adults with dementia and their caretakers.

CHICOPEE — During the City Council meeting on May 7, the group accepted and discussed the Community Oriented Policing Services Anti-Heroin Grant for $10,000 which is said to be used to locate and investigate illicit activity of the distribution of opioids.

SOUTH HADLEY — The South Hadley Chorale recently announced the appointment of Anita Anderson Cooper as its music director/conductor.

HOLYOKE — Holyoke Police Chief David Pratt has notified the city and the public that after 31 years of service he will retire, effective July 31.