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Wilbraham Select Board discusses PVTA assessment increase at meeting

Wilbraham Select Board discusses PVTA assessment increase at meeting

WILBRAHAM — Many people in Wilbraham rely on the buses operated by the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority. And while buses are free to riders right now, the town pays an assessment each year for the service. This year, the assessment has nearly doubled over last year, to nearly $85,000.

East Longmeadow Fire Department marks change of command at ceremony

EAST LONGMEADOW — “The end of one legacy and the beginning of another.” That is how firefighter Ed McCandlish described the Change of Command ceremony hosted by the East Longmeadow Fire Department on March 7, during which retiring Fire Chief Paul Morrisette handed the reins to incoming Chief Christopher Beecher.

Holyoke, Chicopee colleens talk journey, reaction to being selected

Ahead of this year’s St. Patrick’s festiviites in Holyoke, Reminder Publishing sat down with Holyoke Grand Colleen Moira Catherine Reardon and Chicopee Colleen Daiana Torres to discuss their reaction to being named the colleens in their cities, and the journeys that made them into this year’s colleens.

Nonprofit testifies in favor of pilot lending program

SPRINGFIELD — Springfield-based nonprofit Common Capital has provided over 900 loans totaling over $35 million to small businesses in Western Massachusetts since its inception in 1990, leading to the creation or retainment of 2,200 jobs.

Johnson, Reichelt share budget and project updates

AGAWAM — With essentially no free money coming from the federal government anymore, West Springfield Mayor William Reichelt said a significant increase to the town’s fiscal year 2026 budget is unlikely to happen.

Holyoke preparing for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations

HOLYOKE — With the calendar turning to March, excitement is growing in Holyoke and across the region as the city’s biggest weekend, the 72nd St. Patrick’s Parade weekend is rapidly approaching.

Springfield School Committee to vote on new five-year MOU for school cameras

SPRINGFIELD — A new memorandum of understanding that lets police patch into school cameras during emergencies is officially at the finish line.

Budget season begins in earnest for Springfield School Department

SPRINGFIELD — With budget season officially in full force, the Springfield School Committee’s Budget and Finance Subcommittee met on March 5 to conduct preliminary discussions on what the School Department’s budget may look like.

Colleen prioritizes service, learning about her Irish heritage

WESTFIELD — The colleen who will represent Westfield in the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 23 and in activities throughout the year is Jillian Battles, 17, a senior at Westfield High School. Members of her court are Jaiden Caban, McKenna Clark, Madison LeClair and Isabella Proietti. The colleen and her court were selected in a two-day interview process, culminating at the Sons of Erin Colleen Ball on Feb. 7.

Easthampton artist’s work to be on exhibit in Westfield

WESTFIELD — The Westfield Athenaeum is hosting an exhibit of the paintings of local artist Kim Carlino. The exhibit opened on March 10 and will run through May 3 inside the building’s gallery space.

Easthampton City Council sends Daley Field Road proposal back for more study

EASTHAMPTON — At its March 5 meeting, after many comments from Easthampton residents and discussion by the councilors, the Easthampton City Council voted to send the proposed traffic direction switch of Daley Field Road back to the Public Safety Committee.

Mountain View Dogs training business comes to Wilbraham

WILBRAHAM — Dog training is a science, said Shelby Coolidge, owner and trainer at the newly opened Mountain View Dogs. That is why Coolidge adheres to “force-free” training, which she said is an evidence-based method of instilling positive behaviors in canine companions.

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.

Local theater celebrates 40 years of curtain calls

LUDLOW — On March 22, Exit 7 Theater will have its 40th celebration Gala at the Ludlow Country Club from 6-10 p.m. The gala will include a red-carpet event. Guests must be 18 and up to attend. Tickets are $60 per person. There will be a dinner buffet, dancing, photo booth and multiple raffles.

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.