Health director who navigated Westfield’s COVID response dies
WESTFIELD — Joseph Rouse, Public Health Director who helped the city of Westfield navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, died unexpectedly on Friday, Jan. 10.
Southwick, Westfield students selected for leadership project
A statewide service program known as Project 351 is giving four local 8th graders the opportunity to participate in a year-long journey of service, civic engagement and leadership.
Tower Pizza brings Puerto Rican fare, traditional pizza to food court
SPRINGFIELD — Michael Baez manifests a simple yet hospitable mantra when it comes to his approach working in the food business: bring joy to the customers.
Upset HWRSD parents ask LPVEC ‘what are we doing?’ about bus delays
WILBRAHAM — Hampden-Wilbraham Regional School District families upset with the tardiness of buses will have to wait until the start of the 2025-2026 school year before a permanent fix is in place. In the meantime, transportation provider Lower Pioneer Valley Collaborative’s Executive Director Alvin Morton was on hand to answer questions at the Jan. 9 School Committee meeting.
Longmeadow residents urged to ‘embrace differences’ at DEI Committee event
LONGMEADOW — Longmeadow’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advisory Committee hosted the first of six events planned for 2025 that will examine topics and issues including race, ability, gender and other underrepresented identities and communities.
Hampden leaders discuss potential town offices move
HAMPDEN — Members of Hampden’s town leadership are considering repurposing Thornton W. Burgess School to house the town’s offices. At the second meeting on the topic, on Jan. 7, Selectboard Chair Donald Davenport went over several considerations.