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Collins-Kalbaugh becomes Chicopee Fire Department’s first female deputy chief

CHICOPEE — Katie Collins-Kalbaugh is no stranger to making Chicopee history within the city’s Fire Department. On Oct. 20, when Collins-Kalbaugh was promoted from captain to deputy chief, she became the first woman to hold the role within the Chicopee Fire Department.

Why’s It Gotta Be? Theater offers unique take on Shakespeare classic

SPRINGFIELD — Fresh off its first anniversary, Why’s It Gotta Be? Theater Group returns for its second production: the Shakespeare classic “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” Nov. 6-14 at the Unitarian Universalist Society of Greater Springfield.

Reassured Springfield City Council approves halal ‘slaughterhouse’

SPRINGFIELD — Business consultant Ryan McCollum reassured the City Council that a halal fresh market at 785 Page Blvd., which will slaughter chickens to order, will be a retail environment rather than a stereotypical butcher shop.

Springfield council, activists in holding pattern on biomass facility

SPRINGFIELD — The City Council Public Health Committee met to discuss what actions the city’s legislative body can take to oppose a long-proposed biomass energy facility at 1000 Page Blvd.

Wilbraham fundraiser supports families affected by dementia

WILBRAHAM — An evening of wine, conversation and community will offer more than just an opportunity to raise a glass this November, as the Friends of Wilbraham Seniors host “A Toast to Memories.”

South Hadley’s Town Meeting warrant includes 11 articles

SOUTH HADLEY — This year’s special Town Meeting, which will be held Monday, Nov. 9, at 6 p.m., at South Hadley High School. features 11 articles on the warrant, including six on zoning.

City Council approves ad hoc committee to study data center development

HOLYOKE — Holyoke will continue discussing data centers and their potential impacts after the City Council approved a temporary ad hoc committee during its Oct. 20 meeting.

Longmeadow Public Schools strengthens security measures

LONGMEADOW — State Sen. Jake Oliveira and state Rep. Brian Ashe appeared at the Longmeadow Public Schools district office on Oct. 23 to present a ceremonial check for $75,000 to strengthen security measures across the district.

Longmeadow’s Maple Shopping Center celebrates grand reopening

LONGMEADOW — Nearly five years after a fire destroyed the 62-year-old Maple Shopping Center on Nov. 23, 2021, Longmeadow and the Pun family are beginning a brand-new chapter after celebrating the plaza’s grand reopening.

Longmeadow resident creates platform promoting bilingual music

LONGMEADOW — When Longmeadow resident Isa Traverso-Burger unexpectedly lost her job last year, she chose to see it as an opportunity to build a career out of something she loves to do most — songwriting.

First C3 meeting brings police, Indian Orchard community together

SPRINGFIELD — About a dozen residents filled seats in the Indian Orchard Community Center. Several officers from the Springfield Police Department, members of Hampden County District Attorney’s Office and community organizations sat behind a U-shaped set of tables in the room. The residents had concerns; the police were there to listen.

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