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‘Prioritizing what people can do;’ council OKs skills-based hiring ordinance

‘Prioritizing what people can do;’ council OKs skills-based hiring ordinance

SPRINGFIELD — Over a year after Gov. Maura Healey signed an executive order instituting skills-based hiring practices for the state’s workforce, Springfield has just implemented a similar ordinance to promote equity and inclusion in its own municipal jobs.

East Longmeadow Town Council hears veterans’ memorial request, discusses move

EAST LONGMEADOW — Terry Glusko and the ad hoc East Longmeadow Veterans Memorial Committee came before the Town Council on June 11 to request $106,484 to help build a small memorial park on the front lawn of the Pleasant View Senior Center.

Gunn resigns amid public outcry, steps to remove him

LONGMEADOW — Planning Board member Walter Gunn resigned on June 17, five weeks after it came to light that he had tresspassed on a resident’s property and made inappropriate comments to the homeowner.

Springfield City Council approves initial step of gas station weed ordinance

SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield City Council is one step closer to passing an ordinance that would crack down on unregulated, untested THC, also known as “gas station weed.”

Diploma applications open after MCAS repeal

HOLYOKE — Superintendent/Receiver Anthony Soto discussed diploma eligibility for former students impacted by MCAS during the Holyoke School Committee meeting on June 9.

Chicopee announces launch of Project Lifesaver

CHICOPEE — The city of Chicopee, in collaboration with the Hampden Country Sheriff’s Department, hosted a press conference on June 11 to discuss a vital new program, Project Lifesaver.

Northampton protest calls out immigration enforcement

NORTHAMPTON — Led by Indivisible Northampton, a standout protest — in response to the National Guard and ICE activity in Los Angeles — took place on June 9 at the Northampton Rotary and sidewalks at Damon Road.

Velis, Spilka talk school-based behavioral health program

AGAWAM — Over the past school year, Agawam was one of two school districts in the commonwealth to pilot a program that helps improve behavioral health outcomes for the districts’ students.

Thousands at ‘No Kings’ protest rail against Trump admin

SPRINGFIELD — About 2,000 people gathered in front of the United States Federal Court House on State Street in Springfield on June 14 to protest the actions of President Donald Trump. The protest, dubbed “No Kings,” was part of a coordinated group of actions in more than 1,800 cities and towns across the country.

So That Reminds Me: talking mental health with MiraVista

On the latest episode of “So That Reminds Me” MiraVista Behavioral Health Center Chief of Creative Strategy and Development Kimberley Lee sat down with hosts Chris Maza and Tyler Garnet to talk all about the services MiraVista provides.

East Longmeadow Public Library kicks off summer reading season

EAST LONGMEADOW — Hundreds of children were joined by their families at the East Longmeadow Public Library for the June 11 kickoff to the 2025 summer reading season. The library was filled with raffles, swag bags and activities. There was also children’s entertainment, billed as Music with Mr. Liam and Magic with Ed. The theme of this year’s summer reading is “Level Up at Your Library.”

Easthampton Theater Co. to present ‘Guys and Dolls’

EASTHAMPTON — Luck Be a Lady! The Easthampton Theater Company is set to run its first musical production from June 21-29, and will be turning the Williston Theater into the high-stakes world of dice-rolling gamblers and dreamy-eyed showgirls with the Broadway classic “Guys and Dolls.”

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Dining & Entertainment

What I’m playing: hands on with the Nintendo Switch 2

The launch of a new Nintendo console is always an exciting time, and I was lucky enough to be able to get my hands on Nintendo’s latest hardware, the Switch 2, on its launch day. As a lifelong Nintendo fan, the Switch 2 marks the first time I’ve been able to secure the latest Nintendo console on its launch day.

Gray Catbird Pottery Studio expands art class offerings

HUNTINGTON — This summer, Dale Rogers, owner of the Gray Catbird Gift Shop and Pottery Studio on 22 East Main St. is expanding art class offerings beyond pottery, with some of the 63 artists and artisans featured in the gift shop offering their talents to the public with step-by-step instruction.

Opinion