Two young men with ties to Western Massachusetts were part of an all-volunteer humanitarian aid flotilla intercepted by the Israeli Navy in waters outside of Gaza early the morning of Oct. 2.

LONGMEADOW — Voters in Longmeadow supported a debt exclusion to pay for the $151.59 million middle school, with a vote of 2,130-1,360.

HOLYOKE — On Sept. 26, the city of Holyoke hosted a press conference to discuss a new 10-year contract between the city and Veolia North America.

EAST LONGMEADOW — East Longmeadow Police Chief Mark Williams and Fire Chief Christopher Beecher delivered an update to the Town Council on Sept. 23 regarding their departments’ needs and interactions with the community.

SPRINGFIELD — An eight-year fundraising initiative reached its official conclusion on Sept. 16 when the Springfield Library Foundation presented the final $137,500 of the East Forest Park Library’s Promised Realized Campaign.

WESTFIELD — On Sunday, Oct. 5, from noon to 5 p.m., the Skyline Beer Company at 98 Southwick Road in Westfield will be hosting “Wheels for Darren,” a day filled with raffles, live music and incredible food to raise money for a wheelchair van for Darren, a 13-year-old with Duchenne muscular dystrophy who has strong ties to Westfield.

WEST SPRINGFIELD — Joanne and Gary Moquin were among many Agawam residents visiting the Big E on Sept. 24 during the fair’s annual Salute to Agawam Day.

Girls on the Run Western Massachusetts will host its third annual Sneaker Soirée on Thursday, Oct. 9 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Springfield Country Club.

EASTHAMPTON — The newly introduced “Keys to the City” program saw its first recipient presented during the City Council’s Sept. 17 meeting as honoree Robin Bialecki was recognized for her work and leadership as executive director of the Easthampton Community Center.

On the latest episode of “So That Reminds Me,” Lauren LeBel and I sat down with Michael J. Dias Foundation Director of Operations Robert Jaszek about the foundation’s work.