WE ARE HOMETOWN NEWS.

Council, Planning Board OK zoning changes, reject 40R

EAST LONGMEADOW — The East Longmeadow Town Council met with the Planning Board on Feb. 11 to discuss the progress made by the Center Town District Steering Committee.

Traffic amendment approved after two objections

WEST SPRINGFIELD — After objecting to a proposed traffic rule on Woodmont Street twice, the Town Council approved the proposal at its Feb. 3 meeting.

Westfield High School senior named 2025 Sons of Erin colleen

WESTFIELD — At the end of an evening of good food, music by The Bards, camaraderie and glamour at the Tekoa Country Club on Feb. 7, 10 contestants competing in the Sons of Erin Colleen Ball took to the runway while Master of Ceremonies Bo Sullivan recounted their accomplishments. The moment then came to name the 2025 colleen and her court.

Meeting in Huntington raises old, newer concerns

HUNTINGTON — State Sen. Paul Mark (D-Becket) and state Rep. Nicholas Boldyga (R-Southwick) hosted a filled town hall meeting at Stanton Hall on Feb. 11 to hear from residents of the hilltowns about issues of concern to them.

Soto discusses joint statement affirming the rights of immigrants

HOLYOKE — Mayor Joshua Garcia and interim Superintendent/Receiver Anthony Soto sent a letter to the community to ensure and protect the rights of all Holyoke residents and employees.

Chicopee observes Black History Month with flag raising

CHICOPEE — Even on the rainy and snowy morning, many gathered in Chicopee City Hall to observe Black History Month with a flag raising ceremony on Feb. 13.

Springfield City Council approves funding for new police technology

SPRINGFIELD — In an attempt to bring the Police Department’s technology into the 21st century, the City Council approved a funding package of $7.2 million to upgrade the department’s technology.

Springfield City Council passes resolution in support of all Liberians living in U.S.

SPRINGFIELD — The City Council unanimously passed a resolution during its Feb. 10 meeting that supports the inclusion of all Liberians living in the United States facing mass deportation and an emergency injunctive relief lawsuit.

Springfield St. Patrick’s Committee names Dziedzic colleen

SPRINGFIELD — On Saturday, Feb. 8, the Springfield St. Patrick’s Parade Committee announced that Ayslin Dziedzic of Longmeadow, would be this year’s colleen.

95-year-old retires from LPS after 50 years in the district

LONGMEADOW — It is not every day that state legislators praise and celebrate someone for doing their job. Then again, most people do not spend 50 years working for the same school department.

Volunteers needed for Envision Our Chicopee

CHICOPEE — During the Feb. 4 City Council meeting, the council approved an order to establish an Envision Our Chicopee: 2040 implementation committee to oversee the implementation of the items delineated in the comprehensive plan and conduct activities as described in the action plan.

Departure of elementary principal raises concerns for families

HUNTINGTON — At the start of the Gateway Regional School Committee meeting on Feb. 12, which was moved to the Performing Arts Center due to the 100 residents that attended, Chair Jason Forgue asked for a motion to extend public participation to 30 minutes, instead of the 15 minutes normally allotted.

Magazines

Dining & Entertainment

Local theater celebrates 40 years of curtain calls

LUDLOW — On March 22, Exit 7 Theater will have its 40th celebration Gala at the Ludlow Country Club from 6-10 p.m. The gala will include a red-carpet event. Guests must be 18 and up to attend. Tickets are $60 per person. There will be a dinner buffet, dancing, photo booth and multiple raffles.

What I’m Watching: A romantic comedy extravaganza

My girlfriend and I recently embarked on an epic quest — a binge-watching voyage through the schmaltzy romantic comedy world. Many may jeer at the thought of rom-coms; they are labeled as disposable, artificial and contrived by countless detractors.

Opinion

Questions about HWRSD asking for more money

This is in regards to “HWRSD pleads case for more ed funds.” I would like to remind everyone that this is the very same school department that IMMEDIATELY after giving us not one, not two, but three override votes they wouldn’t even initially close Thornton Burgess to save money.

Thanks from the Senior Center

The Friends of Hampden Senior Citizens would like to thank everybody for the wonderful donations that came in for our Holiday Shop til you Drop Sale and all of you who did Shop our Holiday Sale – you helped raise over $1,350 for the benefit of our Senior Center; we are so grateful.