WE ARE HOMETOWN NEWS.

Dog treat decorating studio opens in Somers

SOMERS — DIY Treats 4 Dogs are the first of their kind to offer a dog treat decorating studio in the United States and are proud to be opening in Somers.

Veterans Day marked with thoughts of ‘cost and the blessing of liberty’

EAST LONGMEADOW — As is the custom in East Longmeadow, Veterans Day was marked by a procession of members of American Legion Post 293, clad in their regalia, marching the short distance from the post to the Town Hall. Joined by local and state officials and two contingents of Scouts, the veterans stood at attention in the bright fall sun while Vice Commander Jim Plushner led the ceremony.

Agawam senior receives Certificate of Academic Excellence

AGAWAM — During the Agawam School Committee meeting on Nov. 12, Assistant Superintendent Cheryl Salomao presented the M.A.S.S. Certificate of Academic Excellence to Agawam High School senior David Abramchuk.

Puerto Rican community celebrates heritage during, after flag raising

CHICOPEE — On Nov. 14, Chicopee residents, business owners and state officials came together to celebrate Puerto Rican Heritage Month with a flag-raising ceremony followed by a celebration across the street at Market Square.

Hampden DA announces arrest in decades-old homicide case

SPRINGFIELD — Hampden District Attorney Anthony Gulluni announced during a Nov. 13 press conference that an arrest has finally been made for a double homicide that occurred 46 years ago.

Easthampton honors veterans with Veterans Day ceremonies

EASTHAMPTON — The community of Easthampton gathered throughout the city on Veterans Day to honor those who serve the nation.

Holyoke designer creates gown for Oz historian attending ‘Wicked’ premiere

HOLYOKE — Paper City Fabrics owner and Holyoke-based fashion designer Joseph Charles collaborated with popular content creator Tori Calamito to create a sustainable custom gown for the movie premiere of “Wicked” on Saturday, Nov. 9 in Los Angeles.

Jillian Battles fills 800 bags for troops 4th year in a row

WESTFIELD — Over the weekend of Nov. 9, Westfield High School senior Jillian Battles completed her mission of filling 800 “Bags for Bravery” for active troops and veterans with everything from personal care items and throw blankets, to notebooks, pens, pencils and playing cards to a wide range of snacks.

Former Westfield Police Chief Valliere recognized for service

WESTFIELD — As former Police Chief Lawrence Valliere stood in the City Council Chambers after being recognized by state and local officials for his 41 years of police work, he recounted a conversation with another former Westfield police chief, John Camerota, with his friends, family and mother looking on.

Enfield Senior Center to host annual Holiday Craft Fair

ENFIELD — The Enfield Senior Center’s Holiday Craft Fair will take place on Saturday, Dec. 7 from 8 a.m. to noon. There will be unique gift items handmade by the Senior Center members, a quilt raffle, teacup raffles, a pancake breakfast by the Enfield Lions Club and more. All the money raised from the craft fair goes directly toward the center.

Silver Bell Farm commemorates 10-year anniversary

MONSON — This holiday season, Silver Bell Farm, a family-owned farm and event venue with locally grown Christmas trees and pumpkins, is celebrating its 10th anniversary. The farm has been a cherished part of the community, bringing families together through hands-on activities, special events and seasonal celebrations.

Magazines

Dining & Entertainment

Dinner and a show: A slam dunk Celtics game

The Boston Celtics stand as a stalwart franchise in professional basketball. The team carries an indelible brand built from the fires of competitive championship battles and revered NBA legends. Bill Russell, Larry Bird, Paul Pierce, Kelly Olynyk … the list goes on and on.

The Big 3: A Halloween candy bag of R&B and rap

The last column I wrote featured a limited scope in genre, but with Halloween just around the corner, I want to provide a mixed bag of treats this time around. Below are some of my favorite R&B and rap songs I have been listening to over the past couple weeks.

Opinion

Additional train service is a long time in coming

So, a couple of weeks ago as I stood on the train platform at Union Station listening to elected and transportation officials talk about the status of additional passenger train service between here and Boston, I realized that no one acknowledged former state Sen. Eric Lesser.

Additional train service is a long time in coming

So, a couple of weeks ago as I stood on the train platform at Union Station listening to elected and transportation officials talk about the status of additional passenger train service between here and Boston, I realized that no one acknowledged former state Sen. Eric Lesser.

Wrong location for middle school

Article 6 is a wakeup call to Longmeadow residents signed by over 300 citizens who agree that the current Williams Middle School site is the wrong location. At the Nov. 12 Town Meeting, voters will get to decide whether they support a new consolidated middle school to be built on the current (WMS) property site despite some major disadvantages which threaten long term consequences for the town.

Find a better solution for middle school

I would like to address last weeks Letter to the Editor, asking Longmeadow residents to vote yes on Article 6. Contrary to the opinion of the MSBC, we are not trying to derail the process, we are trying to find a better solution and location for the proposed new combined middle school. Let me address each of their points.