EASTHAMPTON — At its meeting on Feb. 4, the Easthampton City Council made moves on city housing issues, appropriated funds for a new dog park and listened to public safety updates.

CHICOPEE — The Chicopee Cultural Council hosted its fourth annual Black History Month ceremony on Feb. 6, which included performances, a panel of speakers and a flag raising ceremony.

AGAWAM — Waiting with the five other contenders vying to become Agawam’s 2026 colleen, Ava Levesque was nervous, but tried her best to stay calm. Her anxiety quickly turned to joy when her name was announced as the new colleen.

LONGMEADOW — Sushi Time Owner and Master Chef John Lin said they offer special fish that no other restaurants have. They also specialize in teriyaki and hibachi dishes.

WEST SPRINGFIELD — Seven young performers recently had the chance to perform the works of esteemed composers at the historic Carnegie Hall concert venue in New York City on Jan. 17.

WEST SPRINGFIELD — A couple weeks ago, people who walked into Memorial Elementary School saw red brick walls with cream-colored cinderblock. Now, visitors, students and staff are greeted with the sight of a peace sign, hearts floating up the wall and a reminder to “Bee Kind.” Further down the hallway is a blue dog with spots, a rocket ship, a basketball wearing a graduation cap, more bees and a school bus. What makes this piece of art more than just a mural is that the images all came from the students’ imaginations.

AGAWAM — The Agawam Veterans’ Service Office has completed its mission to fund a fifth monument for veterans who have served since the Vietnam War. Now underway is a campaign to identify the names of veterans, coined “No Name Left Behind.”

WILBRAHAM — Putting the budget together is in full swing and the Hampden-Wilbraham Regional School District School Committee is beginning to see what their finalized budget might be looking like with reduced numbers from state aid and estimates that are too high for the towns.

NORTHAMPTON — From the Valley Fest, a new youth film and photography festival started by two Hampshire County high schoolers, is coming to 33 Hawley in Northampton on Feb. 21. The inaugural event will showcase and celebrate the work of young artists in their respective mediums.

HOLYOKE — Following months of discussions, the City Council approved provisions to the city’s Municipal Finance Modernization Act during its Feb. 3 meeting.