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Central Hampshire Vets Services seeking to honor World War II vets in the region

NORTHAMPTON — The Central Hampshire Veterans Services in Northampton are calling out to the communities of Western Mass. in search of remaining World War II veterans as they are tentatively scheduling a ceremony in their honor for May to celebrate the incredible men and women who sacrificed so much to protect freedom and democracy eight decades ago.

Sandlin to serve another term as Agawam City Council president

AGAWAM — The Agawam City Council unanimously reelected City Councilor Rosemary Sandlin as the council’s president and City Councilor Anthony Russo as the council’s vice president.

Holyoke to host special election on Jan. 28 for treasurer’s position status

HOLYOKE — On Tuesday, Jan. 28, voters will be asked if they want to continue the practice of electing the city treasurer or approve a city charter change to make the position appointed, rather than elected.

Historic Ghost Talks return on Jan. 30 at First Congressional Church

WESTFIELD — The Westfield Historical Commission is in the planning stages for local events to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution which officially began in April of 1775. The commission invites any local or regional community groups to participate in this venture.

Two Planning Board members resigned after Jan. 7 meeting

SOUTHWICK — As the Planning Board wrapped up its over two-hour meeting on Jan. 7, Chair Michael Doherty and board member David Sutton announced they were resigning.

Asset Management Board to decide on Springfield courthouse proposal by end of January

SPRINGFIELD — The Massachusetts Asset Management Board is currently considering a public/private partnership for a new Hampden County courthouse in Springfield with hopes of having a decision on the matter by the end of this month.

Fenton remains Springfield council president; Whitfield made vice president

SPRINGFIELD — The City Council unanimously selected Ward 2 City Councilor Michael Fenton as the council’s president and At-Large City Councilor Tracye Whitfield as the council’s vice president for the 2025 legislative session.

State Rep. Kelly Pease doubles down on priorities

WESTFIELD — Two days after being sworn in for his third term on Jan. 1, state Rep. Kelly Pease spoke about his priorities for his next term, which he said remain the same: education, roads, the elderly and clean water.

WinterFest fundraiser for Nashawannuck Pond underway

EASTHAMPTON — The 12th annual Easthampton WinterFest is underway as of the start of the new year, culminating with a day filled with fun in the city on Saturday, Feb. 8.

Wilbraham residents concerned about future of community garden

WILBRAHAM — It was standing room only at the Jan. 6 Select Board meeting as about two dozen residents attended to express their concern about the future of the community garden. For several years, Melissa Graves, the administrative assistant for Wilbraham’s Conservation Commission, has managed the garden outside her normal duties. With Graves’ impending retirement, Wilbraham’s gardeners are wondering what will become of their pastime.

Menorah lit on Longmeadow’s Town Green to celebrate Hanukkah

LONGMEADOW — Hebrew singing carried over the Town Green as scores of families, elected officials and community leaders watched as Lubavitcher Yeshiva Academy’s Rabbi Noah Kosofsky lit the sixth torch atop the community’s menorah, commemorating Hanukkah.

Westfield City Council reelects Beltrandi as president for 2025

WESTFIELD — At the start of a brief rescheduled City Council meeting on Jan. 6, Councilor Cindy Harris made a motion to nominate Ward 5 Councilor John Beltrandi to continue as City Council president in 2025. When no other nominations came forward, the council unanimously approved the nomination.

Magazines

Dining & Entertainment

A pair of reviews crossing video games and movies

With a couple of high-profile video game turned movie and movie turned video game releases in December, I wanted to review both. As has become clear from my previous columns, one of my biggest hobbies is gaming, so I could not pass up the opportunity to talk about two of my favorite pieces of media this year, the movie “Sonic the Hedgehog 3” and the video game “Indiana Jones and the Great Circle.”

Annual 48-Hour Play Festival to offer theatrical tour de force

LUDLOW — Plenty of people are creative but Exit 7 Players want to know if they can be creative under pressure. Beginning Friday, Jan. 17, playwrights will have just one day to create a work for the stage, actors will have less than that to learn their lines and directors will have to make it all come together for the second Annual 48-Hour Play Festival.

Opinion

Continuing to build a life rich in what matters most

As January 2024 approached, I wrote a column candidly sharing that I did not know what made me happy anymore. At the time, I was dealing with a big loss. My grandfather John, who was more of a best friend than a typical grandpa — had passed away a few months earlier. I was starting a new year — a year without him — and I felt as though everything I knew and was comfortable with had changed.