Change — or resistance to it — was a common theme in the area in 2024. Reminder Publishing took a look back at some of the stories that took precedence over the past year in East Longmeadow, Longmeadow, Hampden and Wilbraham.
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.
WILBRAHAM — Wilbraham first began exploring alternatives to existing commercial internet options in late 2012. By 2014, voters had approved the creation of a Municipal Light Plant, a structure required to operate town-owned utilities under state law. Ten years later, Wilbraham does not yet have a municipally owned broadband internet network, but that might be changing.
WILBRAHAM — After an exhaustive search, the Hampden-Wilbraham Regional School Committee authorized Superintendent John Provost to hire Douglas Slaughter to be the district’s new assistant superintendent of Finance, Operations and Human Resources.
WILBRAHAM — Historically, Wilbraham has used a single tax rate, with all property owners paying the same amount per $1,000 of property value. On Nov. 4, the Select Board chose to continue the practice for fiscal year 2026.
WILBRAHAM — Local wine and beer store The Guilty Grape has officially opened its doors to customers.