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East Longmeadow high schoolers read to Meadow Brook students for Read Across America

East Longmeadow high schoolers read to Meadow Brook students for Read Across America

Meadow Brook School Librarian Celeste O’Brien, dressed as Dr. Suess’ The Cat in the Hat for the Read Across America event.Reminder Publishing photos by Sarah Heinonen EAST LONGMEADOW — For the 27th year, East Longmeadow High School students volunteered to visit...

State commission takes testimony on antisemitism in K-12 schools

LONGMEADOW — In the auditorium of the Springfield Jewish Community Center in Longmeadow, state legislators, invited speakers and members of the local Jewish community gathered for a hearing by the state’s Special Commission on Combating Antisemitism.

Westfield’s oldest resident celebrates 103rd birthday

WESTFIELD — Pearl Degray, Westfield’s oldest resident, celebrated her 103rd birthday on March 12 and told Reminder Publishing her secret to the long life she’s living.

Southwick Parks and Recreation Commission takes up splash pad, again

SOUTHWICK — After nearly a year and a half of fits and starts on the installation of a splash pad at Whalley Park, the chair of the Parks and Recreation Commission said during the commission’s March 12 meeting that progress is being made.

South Hadley schools propose cuts to 19 positions; programs

SOUTH HADLEY — Both the town and school administration have stated that the fiscal year 2026 budget cycle will be a tough year, to which Superintendent Mark McLaughlin and Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Business Operations Jennifer Voyik recently provided some updates.

Northampton mayor announces reelection bid

NORTHAMPTON — Mayor Gina-Louise Sciarra is officially set to begin her reelection campaign following an announcement of her decision on March 9.

Walk for Tibet travels through Hampshire County

In recognition of the 66th anniversary of the National Tibetan Uprising Day, the Regional Tibetan Association of Massachusetts led a “Walk for Tibet” on March 10, starting in the morning in Amherst, through Northampton in the afternoon and ending the day in Easthampton.

Springfield honors leaders in education on International Women’s Day

SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield Women’s Commission recognized International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month during a jam-packed gathering at City Hall on March 6.

Agawam educators to create new culture of collaboration, innovation

AGAWAM — In the summer of 2023, a group of Agawam High School teachers began working on an innovative project to improve teaching and learning at the school.

Executive order promotes agreements for public works projects

SPRINGFIELD — Gov. Maura Healey officially signed an executive order on March 11 to promote the use of project labor agreements by state agencies for large public works projects.

Six Flags hires executive chef to elevate food experience

AGAWAM — Visitors come for the rides, but Six Flags wants them to stay for the food. The chain of amusement parks has added an executive chef to each park to elevate the food offerings. At Six Flags New England, that chef is Josh Streeter.

Video Game Giants opens location in Chicopee

CHICOPEE — Residents, video game enjoyers and trading card collectors will have a new place to visit as Video Game Giants opened a new location in Chicopee after a grand opening and ribbon cutting was hosted by the city on March 11.

Magazines

Dining & Entertainment

‘Fences’ explores complexities of family, generational trauma

WEST SPRINGFIELD — Family. Responsibility. Regret. While these themes are on display in the latest stage production in the Majestic Theater’s 2024-2025 season, “Fences,” at its core, August Wilson’s 1985 play is a story about generational trauma, the lifelong impacts of segregation and racism, and the constant war between the experiences of the past and hope for the future.

11th annual Back Porch festival kicks off March 7

NORTHAMPTON — The annual Back Porch Festival is returning to downtown Northampton for its 11th year from Friday, March 7 to Sunday, March 9 and is set for another rocking weekend that brings more than 60 bands to over 10 of the city’s diverse downtown venues.

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.