Hilltowns

New Town Administrator Andrew Alward starts in Chester

By Amy Porter | Sep 8, 2025

New Town Administrator Andrew Alward starts in Chester

CHESTER — Andrew Alward, 27, has started as the new town administrator for Chester, replacing former state senator and representative Donald Humason Jr., who served the town as administrator for the past three years.

Amy Porter

amyporter@thewestfieldnews.com | + posts

SHAEC in Chester announces fall schedule for classes

By Amy Porter | Sep 8, 2025

SHAEC in Chester announces fall schedule for classes

CHESTER — The Southern Hilltowns Adult Education Center in Chester has released the September class offering schedule. SHAEC’s classes, which are funded by a Community Development Block Grant, are free and open to residents of Chester, Huntington, Russell and Middlefield.

Amy Porter

amyporter@thewestfieldnews.com | + posts

By Amy Porter | Sep 3, 2025

Fall art workshops offered at Gray Catbird Pottery & Art Studio

HUNTINGTON — Gray Catbird Pottery & Art Studio has announced the schedule of fall art workshops by local artisans in different media at its studio on 22 East Main St. in Huntington.

Amy Porter

amyporter@thewestfieldnews.com | + posts

Potter seeks to fill Empty Bowls for food pantry

By Amy Porter | Sep 3, 2025

Potter seeks to fill Empty Bowls for food pantry

HUNTINGTON — Dale Rogers, proprietor of the Gray Catbird Pottery Studio, has been making bowls all summer, recently completing her 150th, which her students are glazing.

Amy Porter

amyporter@thewestfieldnews.com | + posts

Westfield, Gateway Regional awarded state preschool grants

By Amy Porter | Sep 3, 2025

Westfield, Gateway Regional awarded state preschool grants

BOSTON — The Healey-Driscoll administration announced last week that 30 school districts, in partnership with over 100 community-based preschool programs, will receive a total of $20.3 million in Commonwealth Preschool Partnership Initiative grants to expand access to high-quality, affordable preschool for children and families across Massachusetts.

Amy Porter

amyporter@thewestfieldnews.com | + posts

By Amy Porter | Aug 27, 2025

Group hike Sept. 7 to Chester and Becket Railroad Granite Line

CHESTER — Western Mass Hilltown Hikers is offering a group tour of the Chester and Becket Railroad Granite Line on Sept. 7 at 1 p.m. Parking is on Hampden Street at the Chester and Becket Trailhead.

Amy Porter

amyporter@thewestfieldnews.com | + posts

After 156 years, the Blandford Fair is better than ever

By Cliff Clark | Aug 27, 2025

After 156 years, the Blandford Fair is better than ever

BLANDFORD — There will be no better place to be on Labor Day weekend than the 156th edition of the Blandford Fair as it celebrates the agricultural heritage of New England with a schedule of events over three and a half days of horse, sheep, cattle and art shows, tractor and oxen pulls, games, entertainment, music, fabulous food and much more.

Cliff Clark

cclark@thereminder.com | + posts

New superintendent starts at Gateway Regional

By Amy Porter | Aug 20, 2025

New superintendent starts at Gateway Regional

HUNTINGTON — Melissa Matarazzo, chief administrative officer for Studer Education in Rochester, New York, began Aug. 18 as the new superintendent for the Gateway Regional School District.

Amy Porter

amyporter@thewestfieldnews.com | + posts

Russell Police Family Fun Day & Car Show slated for Aug. 23

By Amy Porter | Aug 12, 2025

Russell Police Family Fun Day & Car Show slated for Aug. 23

RUSSELL — The Russell Police Association will host its annual Family Fun Day and Car Show on Saturday, Aug. 23, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Strathmore Park. Admission is free.