HOLYOKE — The St. Patrick’s Committee of Holyoke announced that actress, author and model Bridget Moynahan is the 2025 recipient of the John F. Kennedy National Award.

AGAWAM — Three Agawam High School students recently won a Congressional App Challenge for developing a journaling app that can serve as a safe space for students and a way to improve their level of writing.

SPRINGFIELD — Jess Roncarati-Howe remembers the days when Dress for Success Western Massachusetts was operating out of an old dentist’s office in the now-defunct Eastfield Mall.

SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield City Library’s East Springfield branch has received a $100,000 planning and design grant for its upcoming expansion project, which is set to take place over the next couple of years.

SOUTHWICK — After a ruling by the federal Environmental Protection Agency last October that every lead or copper water line in the country must be replaced in 12 years, the DPW is continuing its effort to verify the materials used in the water service lines of every home in town with a new initiative.

WESTFIELD — One week after the new Westfield River Elementary School opened to students, a straw poll taken by the School Committee after a lengthy discussion revealed that members unanimously support moving forward on a plan to build a comprehensive high school on the site of Westfield High School on Montgomery Street. The straw poll was an unofficial vote to gauge the opinion of committee members.

EASTHAMPTON — With voters in the state choosing to do away with MCAS requirements as it relates to high school graduation last November, the Easthampton School Committee began discussing the district’s graduation competency and determination requirements now needed.

The Blue Room at Old Town Hall was jamming to start 2025 as the first CitySpace Bluegrass took place, a new monthly bluegrass jam session designed to bring the community together in the spirit of music, joy and fun.

WILBRAHAM — Hampden-Wilbraham Regional School District families upset with the tardiness of buses will have to wait until the start of the 2025-2026 school year before a permanent fix is in place. In the meantime, transportation provider Lower Pioneer Valley Collaborative’s Executive Director Alvin Morton was on hand to answer questions at the Jan. 9 School Committee meeting.

LONGMEADOW — Longmeadow’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advisory Committee hosted the first of six events planned for 2025 that will examine topics and issues including race, ability, gender and other underrepresented identities and communities.