Longmeadow
First Church hosts annual Christmas tree lighting celebration
The First Church of Christ in Longmeadow hosted its the annual Christmas tree lighting on the Town Green on Dec. 3. Along with the tree lighting, residents participated in Christmas caroling and enjoyed a visit from Santa Claus. The tree lighting ceremony took place directly across from the First Church of Christ.
New Longmeadow fire chief excited to lead ‘best department in the area’
LONGMEADOW — The Longmeadow Fire Department has a new leader with a familiar face. Chief John Rigney took command of the department on Nov. 22 when then-Chief John Dearborn retired.
With tax rate hike likely, Gold argues commercial should pay more
LONGMEADOW — Historically, Longmeadow has adopted a single tax rate for all property owners in town and the Select Board chose to do so for fiscal year 2025 at its Dec. 2 meeting. However, not all members of the board are satisfied with this strategy.
Longmeadow schools submit wish list of capital projects but temper expectations
LONGMEADOW — The Longmeadow School Department is requesting funding for nine capital projects, but Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Operations Tom Mazza emphasized he only expects a couple projects to make it to the final budget.
Simmons reflects on five years as Longmeadow’s town manager
LONGMEADOW — Five years ago, Lyn Simmons took the helm as the town manager in Longmeadow. Since then, the town has navigated the coronavirus pandemic, opened several new facilities and worked to balance the needs of the town against the state’s tax ceiling.
Voters approve school location, preliminary fiber work
LONGMEADOW — Voters at the Longmeadow Town Meeting on Nov. 12 voted overwhelmingly in favor of continuing plans for a combined middle school project on the site of the existing Williams Middle School.
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.
Longmeadow educators receive grants to take education to the next level
LONGMEADOW — Thanks to the fundraising efforts of parents and community members, Longmeadow teachers can educate students with initiatives and materials that would otherwise be out of reach. The Longmeadow Educational Excellence Foundation awarded $78,241 in grants to 31 educators at its annual ceremony on Oct. 24.
Longmeadow Town Meeting to decide funding on several projects, bylaw changes
LONGMEADOW — Longmeadow will conduct a fall Town Meeting on Nov. 12 at 7 p.m. in the Longmeadow High School gymnasium. There are 29 articles on the warrant. Several of them seek funding, or additional funding, for large projects. Others amend, remove or add to the town’s bylaws.
Town clerks lay out what to expect for the Nov. 5 state election
With the Nov. 5 election in a few days, towns and residents are in the final stages of preparing for the upcoming state and presidential election.
