Hilltowns
Hilltown Community Ambulance to host pig roast in Strathmore Park Sept. 20
RUSSELL — The Hilltown Community Ambulance Association Inc.’s second annual pig roast will be held rain or shine on Sunday, Sept. 20, from 1-4 p.m. at Strathmore Park, 773 Westfield Road in Russell.
Chester Railway Station Museum is participating in Connecticut River Watershed Week
CHESTER — The Chester Railway Station Museum will participate in the Connecticut River Watershed Partnership’s second annual Watershed Week Sept. 19-27.
Fenton cites ‘geographic politics’ as Governor’s Council bid fails
SPRINGFIELD — Calling the results an illustration of “geographic politics,” Springfield City Councilor and local attorney Michael Fenton failed in his second attempt for the Eighth District seat on the Governor’s Council.
DiZoglio ostracizes Legislature for ‘patronizing’ voters
SPRINGFIELD — State Auditor Diana DiZoglio does not believe Massachusetts is immune to the federal government’s threat to democracy. In fact, she thinks the state is very much part of the problem.
Blandford Fair returns Labor Day weekend with a full schedule of events for all ages
BLANDFORD — The 157th Blandford Fair will return Labor Day weekend, Sept. 4-7, with a jam-packed schedule of activities for all ages.
Russell Police Association to host Family Fun Day and Car Show Aug. 29
RUSSELL — The Russell Police Association will hold its annual Family Fun Day and Car Show on Saturday, Aug. 29, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Strathmore Park.
Historic North Hall to host upcoming performances at arts festival
HUNTINGTON — The North Hall Association’s 2026 Historic North Hall Arts Festival continues with three remaining programs in August and September on the North Hall stage.
STRM: Velis sounds off on recent statewide issues
On the latest episode of “So That Reminds Me,” state Sen. John Velis sat down with co-hosts Ryan Feyre and me to discuss data centers, cellphone and social media policies, upcoming ballot questions and opioid settlement funds.
For autistic children, wandering presents persistent danger
A nonverbal teen with Down syndrome named Matteo left his house in Monson on June 29 without an adult’s knowledge. He was found two days later about a mile from his home. While the incident ended safely, it brought the issue of wandering among children with developmental disabilities to the forefront. State Rep. Angelo Puppolo joined the Office of the Child Advocate and the Department of Developmental Services in efforts to raise awareness about wandering among children with autism spectrum disorder.
Neal, Blandford officials announce $1 million for water system upgrades
BLANDFORD — U.S. Rep. Richard Neal joined Blandford Town Administrator Christina Ferrera, Select Board Chair Jacqueline Coury, and Water Commission Chair Brad Curry on July 17 to announce $1.1 million in federal funding for water treatment and distribution system upgrades for the town.