Chicopee and Holyoke prepare for back-to-school events
Chicopee and Holyoke are both preparing for their respective back-to-school events featuring free backpacks, services and supplies for students attending the gatherings.
Hilltown Hikers to lead a group hike at Tekoa Park in Westfield on Aug. 15
WESTFIELD — The Western Mass Hilltown Hikers will lead a group hike Aug. 15 at 10 a.m. at the reborn Tekoa Park in Westfield on the Westfield/Russell town line, just before the I-90 bridge.
Martial artists from Wilbraham studio win big in Las Vegas tournament
WILBRAHAM — Four martial artists from Wilbraham’s Giroux Bros. Martial Arts returned from Las Vegas as karate champions after placing first in their point sparring divisions at the Chuck Norris System International Training Championships, with one toting the coveted Norris Cup and the grand champion title.
Unexpected virality brings members of East Longmeadow High School’s class of 2007 closer
EAST LONGMEADOW — The 233 members of East Longmeadow High School’s 2007 graduating class walked the stage to receive their diplomas and close out their high school careers nearly 20 years ago, and one Facebook post while planning the reunion has since turned the 233 alumni into 10,000 followers and honorary alumni after reaching the feeds of people all across the country.
City Council confirms mayor’s appointment of Plante as new CAFO
HOLYOKE — The city of Holyoke officially has its first chief administrative financial officer after the City Council confirmed the appointment during its Aug. 4 meeting.
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.