Now that we are a few years removed from the coronavirus pandemic, the theater scene in the area is persevering through challenges, and in a lot of cases, thriving thanks to a new crop of theater groups and established entities making their mark.
CHICOPEE — With the increased capacity of its new location on 25 Carew St. in Chicopee, the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts is better able to confront the 44% increase in food insecurity brought on by inflation and the end of coronavirus pandemic-era funds, according to Executive Director Andrew Morehouse.
When water began gushing into the newly established Quabbin Reservoir in 1939, the resulting water supply tore apart the Swift River communities in favor of providing clean, consistent water to eastern Massachusetts, according to the Department of Conservation and Recreation. The four disincorporated towns — Dana, Enfield, Greenwich and Prescott — disappeared from the map.
Three years ago, transgender and gender-diverse people in Western Massachusetts were given a new option for inclusive healthcare with the opening of Transhealth, a Northampton organization focusing on providing care to these underserved populations. Reminder Publishing checked in with Transhealth CEO in Western Massachusetts to see how the organization has fared since opening and what work still needs to be done.
In early 2020, the coronavirus pandemic was beginning to fracture parts of daily life. On March 13, 2020, former President Donald Trump declared a national emergency. Two days later, shutdowns began across the country, impacting schools, businesses and restaurants, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said.
For Illyse Levine-Kanji, an executive committee member of the Advocates for Autism of Massachusetts, the Blue Envelope Program is a “game changer” for those within the autism community.