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A season of giving and receiving for the Hilltown Lions Club

HUNTINGTON — On Dec. 5, Hilltown Lions Club volunteer members gathered at the garage headquarters on 1 Bromley Road in Huntington to present the Hilltown Community Ambulance Association with a check for $1,000 from its fundraising efforts.

Jacob’s Ladder Business Association elects new officers

HUNTINGTON — The Jacob’s Ladder Business Association elected new officers at its annual Snack and Schmooze event on Nov. 13 in Stanton Hall.

Hampden Selectboard votes in favor of middle school MSBA withdrawal

HAMPDEN — At the Dec. 8 meeting, the Hampden Selectboard voted to support the Hampden-Wilbraham Regional School District Committee’s decision to withdraw from it’s current Massachusetts School Building Authority project.

East Longmeadow withdraws Center Town District bylaw

EAST LONGMEADOW — The Town Council voted to withdraw the Center Town District Bylaw without prejudice after Councilor Jim Leydon took issue with the bylaw as presented at its Dec. 9 meeting.

Chamber executive director reflects on role so far, looks ahead

EASTHAMPTON — Reflecting on his first several months into his new role as the executive director of the Greater Easthampton Chamber of Commerce, Jon Kostek said he wants the city’s community at large to know the chamber is here to serve them in many ways.

Health Department to monitor air quality in Southwick

SOUTHWICK — In an attempt to understand why a lot of students in the district’s schools have been diagnosed with asthma, the town’s interim health director asked the Select Board to approve a grant to purchase and install three sensors in town to monitor air quality.

South Hadley residents will see tax bill increases in FY26

SOUTH HADLEY — South Hadley residents can expect to see their property taxes increase in 2026 after the Selectboard and two Prudential committees hosted its annual tax classification hearing on Dec. 2.

Easthampton School Committee honors departing member, advances policies

EASTHAMPTON — The School Committee’s Dec. 9 meeting opened on a reflective note as Chair Laura Scott recognized member Timothy St. John at what would be his final meeting on the board.

Holly Fair returns to Wilbraham United Church

WILBRAHAM — Wilbraham United Church hosted its 15th annual Holly Fair on Dec. 13.

Mean Bean Tattoo Shop celebrates new location

EAST LONGMEADOW — The Mean Bean Shop officially cut the ribbon to signify the grand opening of their new standalone location on Dec. 9.

Health Department to monitor air quality in Southwick

SOUTHWICK — In an attempt to understand why a lot of students in the district’s schools have been diagnosed with asthma, the town’s interim health director asked the Select Board to approve a grant to purchase and install three sensors in town to monitor air quality.

Health Department to monitor air quality in Southwick

SOUTHWICK — In an attempt to understand why a lot of students in the district’s schools have been diagnosed with asthma, the town’s interim health director asked the Select Board to approve a grant to purchase and install three sensors in town to monitor air quality.

HWEA demonstrates for contract resolution

WILBRAHAM — The Hampden Wilbraham Education Association held a stand-out demonstration on Dec. 12 at Crane Park, bringing awareness to ongoing challenges educators have faced while working under expired contracts.

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Dining & Entertainment

Holyoke designer creates gown for Oz historian

HOLYOKE — Paper City Fabrics owner and Holyoke-based fashion designer Joseph Charles has once again teamed up with popular content creator Tori Calamito to create a custom gown for the movie premiere of “Wicked: For Good” on Nov. 17 in New York.

Opinion