Holyoke teacher publishes first children’s book
HOLYOKE — By publishing her children’s book, “The Extraordinary Adventures of Emma and the Dragon,” Lisette Martinez has officially achieved a dream she’s had since her formative years.
HWRS Committee backs budget increase for middle school projects
WILBRAHAM — The Hampden-Wilbraham Regional School District unanimously approved an increase in the district’s operating budget, now set at $59.8 million, to include Wilbraham Middle School’s interim plan while waiting on a core program decision from the Massachusetts School Building Authority at the committee’s July 30 meeting.
HWRSD School Committee approves revised regional agreement draft
WILBRAHAM — The Hampden-Wilbraham Regional School District School Committee approved revisions to the regional agreement between Hampden and Wilbraham with a 6-1 vote at its July 30 meeting.
Reichelt announces next steps for school consolidation
WEST SPRINGFIELD — West Springfield is onto the next step for its John Ashley School and Fausey Elementary School consolidation project. Mayor William Reichelt said it’s still a couple years and votes away until the town gets shovels in the ground, but he said it is well on the way.
Area art organization brings two exhibits to Agawam this August
AGAWAM — The arts come to Agawam this August. The nonprofit Agawam Artists and Artisans have staged an exhibit titled “Art Vibes” at Cooper’s Commons. The organization will also unveil the New England Mosaic, an annual community-sourced art piece that funds scholarships.
People get hands on to create mural of organization’s history
SPRINGFIELD — Drive through Springfield and they are everywhere. Larger-than-life explosions of color, words and portraiture on building walls. More than art for art’s sake, the murals tell the stories of the schools, organizations and people of Springfield. Soon, another of these murals will grace the exterior wall of Work Opportunity Center at 73 Market St.