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Survey seeks opinions on which Longmeadow roadway projects to prioritize

LONGMEADOW — Roadwork, including the installation of sidewalks, bike lanes and crosswalks, is a never-ending challenge for municipalities. Longmeadow is asking residents for their opinions on which roadway projects will help make streets “complete.”

Westfield school cafeterias excited to expand farm-to-table offerings

WESTFIELD — Rachel Kania, director of food services for Westfield’s public schools, said she is really excited about this school year. “I think it’s going to be one of the best yet,” Kania said.

‘Nuts and bolts car guys’ share passion for fixing Model As

SOUTHWICK — When David Sheehan picked up his girlfriend for their first date, he arrived in an unusual car: a 1930 Ford Model A Tudor.

‘Learn about Dementia’ classes in Huntington this month 

HUNTINGTON — The Huntington Council on Aging is sponsoring a series of professional workshops called “Let’s Learn about Dementia” presented by Laura Lavoie of Our Dementia Life.

Owner of West Springfield diner damaged by fire eyes return

WEST SPRINGFIELD — On Aug. 29, District 1 Councilor William Forfa visited Charlie’s Diner, where he met with owner Michael Alfano, an employee and some friends who were helping with the rebuilding effort.

Velis celebrates collaborative summer outreach for youth

HOLYOKE — State Sen. John Velis (D-Westfield) took a visit to MiraVista Behavioral Health Center on Aug. 27 to celebrate and recognize the efforts of the organization and the Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts following their summer outreach efforts that targeted youth mental health.

Tech Foundry, Comcast donate 50 laptops to residents

HOLYOKE — Representatives from Tech Foundry, Comcast and state Rep. Patricia Duffy (D-Holyoke) gathered in downtown Holyoke on Aug. 22 for a donation of 50 laptops to help residents in Holyoke, Springfield and surrounding towns gain access to the skills, technology and reliable high-speed internet needed to succeed in today’s increasingly digital world.

Cartledge officially named permanent police chief

NORTHAMPTON — A new era for the Northampton Police Department is officially underway after Mayor Gina-Louise Sciarra announced that John Cartledge has officially become the city’s next permanent police chief.

Debbie Gardner honored with Age of Excellence Award

EAST LONGMEADOW — It’s been said, if you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life. As an editor and writer with Reminder Publishing in East Longmeadow, Debbie Gardner, 67, loves what she does and can’t believe she’s being saluted for doing it well into her 60s.

Granville garage get-together to mark a century in business

GRANVILLE — It’s been 100 years since Ernest “Wad” Humphrey started working on cars and trucks in town, and to celebrate the centennial anniversary of the business, its current owner Doug Jordan and his family are having an open house and a “not retiring, yet party.”

Ware Select Board approves potential legal action against Mary Lane demo

WARE — Resident Stephen Granlund, an outspoken critic of Baystate Health and its plans for the Mary Lane campus, met with the Select Board on Aug. 22 to seek approval from the board to send his findings, reports and research to KP Law to start the process for an injunction or cease and desist to halt demolition of Mary Lane Hospital buildings.

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Dining & Entertainment

Sicily’s Mount Etna lends wine varieties a unique minerality

Here at Provisions, we’re huge fans of the wines produced in Sicily, particularly from the island’s volcano, Mount Etna. Etna is Europe’s tallest active volcano and still has minor eruptions from time to time, creating incredibly fertile soil laden with volcanic rocks that brings a bright acidity and crunchy minerality to the wine.

What I’m Eating: A fun food tour of Polar Park

One of my favorite hobbies is soaking up America’s pastime by attending Worcester Woo Sox games. The Triple-A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox celebrated its inaugural season in 2021, one year removed from being stuck at home during the coronavirus pandemic.

Opinion