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Wilbraham Select Board eyes tight deadline while hiring new police officer

WILBRAHAM — At the July 14 Select Board meeting, Cole Rigney was hired as a police officer, but the condensed timeline for the hiring left Select Board member Marc Ducey with “concerns.”

Longmeadow celebrates oldest resident with the Golden Cane

LONGMEADOW — More than a century ago, Ivan Kobzar was born in what was then the Soviet Union. Now 102 years old, he has made a life for himself and his family in the United States, calling Longmeadow his home for the past 27 years.

Councilors hold off on Springfield’s GoNetSpeed connections until next meeting

SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield City Council elected to wait until its September meeting to vote on a GoNetspeed project in Indian Orchard that would connect residents to the company’s services.

Family, friends, dignitaries honor Sullivan

SPRINGFIELD — Ten years after dying during a terrorist attack in 2015, Gunnery Sgt. Thomas J. Sullivan was honored by friends, family and officials for his heroism as a longtime Marine during a ceremony on July 16.

River Valley Aktion Club donates to Whip City Animal Sanctuary

WESTFIELD — The River Valley Aktion Club gathered at Whip City Animal Sanctuary on July 15 to present a check to the farm animal rescue for nearly $1,200 that the club raised from a bottle & can drive on June 14 at Westfield Feed.

Littleville Fair kicks off fair season on Aug. 1

CHESTER — The Littleville Fair, which traditionally kicks off the agricultural fair season in the area, will be celebrating its 103rd year Aug. 1-3 at the Littleville Fairgrounds, 15 Kinnebrook Rd. in Chester. Admission is $10, and children 12 years old and under are free.

SunRise Sweets brings delicious treats, uplifting messages to Chicopee

CHICOPEE — SunRise Sweets officially opened its doors for business at 28 Center St., after a ribbon cutting ceremony on June 5.

Chicopee’s National Night Out will take place on Aug. 6

CHICOPEE — For its 31st year, Chicopee will host its rendition of National Night Out at Sarah Jane Park, 21 Vivian St., on Wednesday, Aug. 6 from 5-9 p.m., with multiple vendors, organizations, businesses and public safety units scheduled to attend.

WESTCOMM officially opens new dispatch center

CHICOPEE — Elected officials, first responders and more gathered on July 14 for the ribbon cutting ceremony of a new regional emergency communications center at the old Salter College site at 645 Shawninigan Dr.

Next phase of Easthampton’s Old Town Hall breaks ground

EASTHAMPTON — A groundbreaking ceremony took place at Easthampton’s Old Town Hall on July 15 as construction is set to begin on the addition of an elevator and accessible entryway to the historic building.

Welcome Day kicks off Kamp for Kids 50th season

WESTFIELD — BHN Kamp for Kids, a summer day camp for children and young adults of all abilities, hosted a Kamp Welcome Day on July 11 at Camp Togowauk, 754 Russell Rd. in Westfield. This year’s event hosted special significance as the program celebrates its 50th anniversary season.

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Dining & Entertainment

What I’m playing: hands on with the Nintendo Switch 2

The launch of a new Nintendo console is always an exciting time, and I was lucky enough to be able to get my hands on Nintendo’s latest hardware, the Switch 2, on its launch day. As a lifelong Nintendo fan, the Switch 2 marks the first time I’ve been able to secure the latest Nintendo console on its launch day.

Opinion