CHICOPEE — Chicopee is on the verge of a new chief human resources officer after Mayor John Vieau announced the appointment of Bianca Janeczek at the Aug. 4 City Council meeting.

SPRINGFIELD — Get ready for vibrant colors, lively music and dancing in the street as the Springfield Caribbean Carnival & Parade returns on Saturday, Aug. 15.

SPRINGFIELD — While many children hula hooped and played with flying discs and drop four games near the splash pad at Forest Park, Daniel Beauchamp was hard at work. He hopped onto a specially equipped stationary bicycle and began pedaling. That movement powered the motor of a blender, turning fresh fruits and a little bit of lemon juice into a slushy puree.

SPRINGFIELD — The steps of Symphony Hall were lined with American flags as firefighters, police and emergency responders milled around in their dress uniforms. Above them, an enormous Puerto Rican flag flew, held aloft by two Springfield Fire Department ladder trucks. Inside, small Puerto Rican flags were handed out to the rows of people who came to watch Miguel “Mike” Rivera be sworn in as Springfield’s first Latino fire commissioner.

WILBRAHAM — A special edition of “Pizza with Puppolo” with state Rep. Angelo Puppolo, alongside Hampden County Register of Deeds Cheryl Coakley-Rivera, informed homeowners of title fraud preventions, deed theft and resources available to protect property ownership at the Wilbraham Senior Center on Aug. 4.

LONGMEADOW — Williams and Glenbrook Middle Schools are introducing an information literacy pilot program for eighth graders in the 2026-2027 school year after unanimous approval by the Longmeadow School Committee.

LONGMEADOW — A college student hailing from Longmeadow and his roommates have started to make a name for themselves in the gaming community after developing a new indie game and creating their own studio.

EAST LONGMEADOW — Many know that the stress ball has been a go-to tool for handheld relaxation and mediation since its inception in 1988, but a new trend has taken over the market.

HOLYOKE — By publishing her children’s book, “The Extraordinary Adventures of Emma and the Dragon,” Lisette Martinez has officially achieved a dream she’s had since her formative years.