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May 1, 2025 | Agawam, East Longmeadow, Hampden County, Local Headlines, Local News

Tariffs not expected to impact local ‘Made in America’ products

Two local businesses are grateful their products are sourced and made in the United States, as the uncertainty around President Donald Trump’s tariffs creates apprehension across the economy.

Five candidates competing for two Select Board seats in Longmeadow

May 1, 2025 | Hampden County, Local Headlines, Local News, Longmeadow

Five candidates competing for two Select Board seats in Longmeadow

LONGMEADOW — It is town election season and in Longmeadow, five candidates submitted papers to run for two seats on the Select Board. Since 1988, races with more than two candidates per seat require a preliminary election to be conducted to whittle down the field.

Apr 30, 2025 | Hampden County, Local Headlines, Local News, Westfield

Third Jack Rome Memorial Walk/Run set to benefit TJO

WILBRAHAM — With the warm weather finally here, pets and their people are itching to get outside. On May 4, they can do just that and do some good for other animals, at the third annual Jack Rome Memorial Walk/Run to benefit the Foundation for TJO Animals.

Urban Co-Works opens new location in Holyoke

HOLYOKE — The Greater Holyoke Chamber recently hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony to welcome Urban Co-Works, the city’s newest coworking space provider, to the Holyoke business community at 98 Westfield Rd.

Chicopee residents express concern about potential Barry School site

CHICOPEE — The city of Chicopee, in collaboration with the Chicopee Public Schools, Colliers Project Leaders and Caolo and Bieniek Associates, hosted a neighborhood meeting on April 24 to update residents on the ongoing school building feasibility study regarding the Anna E. Barry Elementary School construction project.

Runway 5K to support children in foster care on May 4

NORTHAMPTON — The Treehouse Foundation is lacing up for its third annual Runway 5K, an event that brings the community together and raises funds for foster care innovation.

One Monarch Place cleaners protest new contractor

SPRINGFIELD — A crew of 14 longtime union cleaners at One Monarch Place are worried that a new cleaning contractor will upend their livelihoods when the new company officially arrives on May 1.

Catholic Charities names new executive director amidst loss of funding

SPRINGFIELD — The Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield’s Catholic Charities agency is entering a new chapter with its recent announcement that New York native Shaina Rodriguez will serve as the agency’s new executive director.

West Springfield Town Council approves CPC funding for affordable elder housing

WEST SPRINGFIELD — During its April 22 meeting, the West Springfield Town Council approved a $400,000 Community Preservation Act fund allocation for Hillside Phase Three Affordable Housing.

So That Reminds Me: The Zoo in Forest Park is open for the season

SPRINGFIELD — As the warmer weather approaches, the Zoo in Forest Park and Education Center officially opened for the season at the end of March.

Neal talks cuts to services at Ludlow Veterans Center

LUDLOW — U.S. Rep Richard Neal visited the Ludlow Veterans Center on April 22 to meet with veterans and join a roundtable discussion of policies and actions taken by the Trump administration and the impact on local veterans.

Westfield trout release was joyful ‘organized chaos’

WESTFIELD — Even before three trucks carrying thousands of pounds of brown, rainbow, brook, and tiger trout pulled into the boat ramp at Hampton Ponds State Park, there were between 300 and 400 children and their parents ready to help stock the Hampton Pond.

70th Westfield River Wildwater Races ‘a complete success’

Harry Rock, race director for the 70th running of the Westfield River Wildwater Races on April 19 said he believed the final head count was 293 paddlers on the river.

Tina Lesniak

Enfield Food Truck Fest returns with flavor, family fun

ENFIELD — One of New England’s largest food festivals is rolling back into town this spring with even more flavor and fun.

Tyler Garnet

MassHire Holyoke relocates operations

HOLYOKE — After 29 years at 850 High St., MassHire Holyoke announced they are relocating to a new office at the STEAM Building, 208 Race St., effective March 31.

Trent Levakis

‘Live Life Like Jesse:’ Annual ride honors Hadley man’s spirit and legacy

EASTHAMPTON — On May 10, the roads of Hadley will once again rumble with the sound of engines and the strength of community as dozens gather for Jesse’s Ride — an annual motorcycle memorial ride hosted in honor of Jesse Johansmeyer, a young man remembered for his zest for life, love of adventure, and the warmth he brought to those around him.

Trent Levakis

Southampton town election features two ballot questions

SOUTHAMPTON — The Annual Town Election returns on May 20 and in 2025, the town will not have any contested races and will have voters decide on two ballot questions.

Sarah Heinonen

Wilbraham’s spring Town Meeting warrant features budget, capital expenditures, zoning changes

WILBRAHAM — The town of Wilbraham will conduct its spring Town Meeting on May 12, at 6:30 p.m. in the auditorium of Minnechaug Regional High School. There are 50 articles on the warrant, including the fiscal year 2026 budget, capital projects, zoning changes and citizen’s petition articles.

Ryan Feyre

Agawam City Council approves funds for Still Brook Park amenities

AGAWAM — Less than a year after opening to the public, Feeding Hills’ Still Brook Park will soon have more park amenities for Agawam residents.

Local Headlines

Tariffs not expected to impact local ‘Made in America’ products

Five candidates competing for two Select Board seats in Longmeadow

Third Jack Rome Memorial Walk/Run set to benefit TJO

Agawam resident achieves dream of running Boston Marathon

Jupiter Power withdraws Westfield lithium battery storage proposal

Tyler Garnet

South Hadley committee discusses superintendent search

SOUTH HADLEY — During its April 17 meeting, the School Committee met with a member from the Massachusetts Association of School Committees to discuss a superintendent search.

Trent Levakis

Climate outreach initiative launched on Earth Day

EASTHAMPTON — In enhancing community awareness and participation in the Climate Action Plan, the city of Easthampton launched an outreach initiative that commenced on Earth Day when the city officials raised an earth flag and read a proclamation in honor of the day.

Ryan Feyre

Marginalized communities amplified with grant awards

SPRINGFIELD — For the third year in a row, Springfield Creative City Collective has offered an avenue for individuals and smaller organizations to thrive and advance their missions.

Ryan Feyre

Public meeting for ‘X’ construction project set for May 14

SPRINGFIELD — MassDOT is conducting a public information meeting regarding Springfield’s “X” reconstruction project on May 14 at 6:30 p.m. inside the Forest Park Middle School auditorium.

Cliff Clark

Ground broken for long-awaited splash pad at Whalley Park

SOUTHWICK — It only took nearly two years, but construction on the splash pad at Whalley Park has started.

Amy Porter

A ‘Royal Tea Party’ among May events at children’s museum

WESTFIELD — “Hear Ye! Hear Ye!” Little ones are formally invited to a Royal Tea Party at the Amelia Park Children’s Museum on Friday, May 9 from 10 a.m. to noon. The invitation asks guests to come dressed as royalty or as their favorite fantasy character.

Magazines

Dining & Entertainment

Ryan Feyre

Reopening of Place 2 Be stalls for time being

SPRINGFIELD — After announcing last month that the Place 2 Be is aiming for a reopening date in May, the owner of the eatery told the License Commission on April 23 that a deal is still not in place.

Ryan Feyre

Northeast Large Scale Train Show returns to Big-E fairgrounds

WEST SPRINGFIELD — A staple event for train lovers from all over the country is returning to the Eastern States Exposition Fairgrounds on May 3 and 4.

Ryan Feyre

What I’m eating: Boricua Bites brings comfort food to Springfield

SPRINGFIELD — Nostalgia can be a hollow tool when it neglects personal evolution, but if comfort food is involved, I’ll welcome the wistfulness with open arms.

Matt Conway

What I’m Watching: One last pitch with ‘Eephus’

Reviewing a movie like “Eephus” feels like the perfect note to conclude my time writing for Reminder Publishing.

Sarah Heinonen

‘Portraits in RED’ highlights missing, murdered Indigenous people

SPRINGFIELD — A hallway at the D’Amour Fine Arts Museum in Springfield is lined with portraits of Indigenous people. Those who have gone missing, those who care for them and those who have been silenced.