Hampden
Change is the theme of this year’s Year in Review
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.
Toy for Joy donations surge with deadline looming
The Toy for Joy campaign is in its final stages, but a late surge in donations will make countless children and families happy this Christmas.
Hampden leadership talks FY26 budget needs, tax bill increase
HAMPDEN — The Hampden Selectboard met with department heads on Dec. 9 to discuss where the town’s finances stand and what is anticipated for fiscal year 2026, which begins July 1, 2025. The meeting was a key step in creating that year’s budget.
Local families and organizations make generous Toy for Joy donations
The Phelon family and the Roberts family come from different backgrounds to share the desire to help children.
New HWRSD finance head plans to be ‘transparent,’ ‘open and honest’
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.
Hampden residents defeat Senior Center issue at Town Meeting
HAMPDEN — A capacity audience at the Hampden Town Meeting on Oct. 13 rejected for a third time an effort to put on the next ballot a question approving a Proposition 2 1/2 override to borrow money to pay for renovations and expansion of the town’s Senior Center.
Springfield Thunderbirds host annual School Day Game
SPRINGFIELD — Thousands of area school children had the opportunity to see the Springfield Thunderbirds play their annual School Day Game with a 10:30 a.m. puck drop on Nov. 6.
Neal defeats activist opponent, secures 19th term in House
The morning after the Nov. 5 election, while control of the U.S. House of Representatives was still in the air, the outcome in Massachusetts’ First Congressional District was clear. U.S. Rep. Richard Neal (D-Springfield) won a 19th term, his sixth representing the westernmost district in the state.
Friends of Hampden Senior Citizens begin January 2025 calendar fundraiser
HAMPDEN — The Friends of Hampden Senior Citizens’ lottery calendar fundraiser has commenced for 2025, working with local businesses and residents to raise funds for the Hampden Senior Center Building Expansion Fund.
Hampden resident releases debut book to support new therapists
HAMPDEN — Hampden resident Anthony Smith recently released his debut book “Getting Started as a Therapist: 50+ Tips for Clinical Effectiveness” to provide additional support to psychology students and therapists as they work to apply their education to real world experiences.
