NORTHAMPTON — Tenants and advocates gathered outside the front gates of Smith College on Nov. 19 to demand that the college reverse rent hikes and honor prior agreements with tenants.

ENFIELD — At a time when many listeners lament about a lack of good music, the No Cover Café Songwriter Series is proving the opposite.

LONGMEADOW — A thrifter’s paradise is coming back to Longmeadow to kick off the holiday season with the First Church of Christ’s Christmas on the Green Fair.

AGAWAM — Maddie Balzano is disciplined, organized, passionate, creative and loves history.

SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield City Council voted 12-0 to use $3 million of the city’s free cash to reduce the tax rate on Nov. 24.

WESTFIELD — A Huntington man accused of walking into a barbershop on the morning of Nov. 21 and stabbing a man multiple times was arrested for attempted murder a few hours later at his home.

With Thanksgiving in the past, Chicopee, Holyoke and South Hadley are now preparing for their respective tree lighting ceremonies and holiday celebrations.

NORTHAMPTON — The Hot Chocolate Run is returning on Dec. 7 from 8 a.m. to noon in what is set to be another big year of the 5K event, which celebrates and supports Safe Passage, the Hampshire County organization addressing domestic violence.

HARTFORD — It has all the dazzle and glitter of a spectacular holiday lighting display, but with the warmth and comfort of an event indoors.

EAST LONGMEADOW — A beloved community tradition will return on Dec. 5, when residents gather on the lawn of the Congregational Church for the annual Tree Lighting sponsored by the East Longmeadow Lions Club.