New York City famously had the Stonewall Inn and Club 82. In Boston, there was Sporters and The Other Side. The history of mid-20th century LGBTQ+ bars and hotspots in these cities has been well documented. But the history of Springfield, which also had a bustling LGBTQ+ nightlife, has largely gone undocumented, according to Anne Wheeler, a Springfield College professor who started The Western Massachusetts LGBTQ+ Oral History Project.
While nothing is ever certain about the weather in New England, cold winters are a given, and temperatures can sometimes dip below zero degrees. The cost of home heating, be it oil, electricity or natural gas, can be expensive. Local aid organizations have seen an increase in the number of people unable to make ends meet when the mercury drops.
WILBRAHAM — The Wilbraham Select Board voted to hire Patrick Renna as its new director of veterans’ services, filling the role left vacant by Jered Sasen. However, the interview process left no question as to the impact Sasen has had on veterans and the town.
LONGMEADOW — Lori Rapuano sees beauty in the world around her. At the Richard Salter Storrs Library this month, visitors can see how she recreates that beauty in vivid watercolors.
EAST LONGMEADOW — An old farm is breathing new life in East Longmeadow and the owners want to reintroduce it to the town. The Farm at Hawks Landing, formerly State Line Farm, will host Holiday Prelude on Sunday, Dec. 22, from 12-5 p.m