West Springfield
4-H eyes better participation at Big E events in 2024
WEST SPRINGFIELD — After COVID-19 took a toll on their numbers, two events coming to the Big E in late July are hoping for increased participation this year.
Big E marketing director will miss her ‘little bit of showbiz’
WEST SPRINGFIELD — It’s the end of an “E”-ra. When Noreen P. Tassinari closed the books on an almost 50-year career with Eastern States Exposition on June 30, including 34 years as director of marketing, she left an indelible mark on the West Springfield...
West Springfield chief ready for challenges of modern policing
WEST SPRINGFIELD — After four and a half years as police chief and 28 years on the force, Paul Connor has retired. In his place, Mayor William Reichelt last month appointed former detective Capt. Jay Gearing.
Agawam, West Springfield students connect businesses to teens
Three Agawam and West Springfield high school students recently had a unique opportunity to spread the word among their peers about potential jobs in the area while also working to educate the business community about what young adults need from them.
Visitor Bureau says Western Mass. needs to promote itself
WEST SPRINGFIELD — Western Massachusetts tourism marketers stressed to Greater Springfield mayors the importance of their industry at a June 14 roundtable talk at the Eastern States Exposition grounds.
Regional awardee at middle school credits positive attitude
WEST SPRINGFIELD — Emma Chapman was in the car with her mother on the way to being dropped off at West Springfield Middle School in June when mom told Emma the principal wanted to see the eighth grader that morning.
Trail walking book club offers exercise for both mind, body
WEST SPRINGFIELD — Book lovers can exercise their bodies and minds while discussing books in a new program offered by the West Springfield Public Library that puts a new spin on the traditional book group.
Council votes unanimously for $11M boost to West Springfield fiber
WEST SPRINGFIELD — Despite the billboard, the mailers and the warnings of “false promises” and “blank checks,” town councilors on June 17 voted unanimously to borrow $11 million to continue building a municipal fiber-optic network.
West Springfield downtown vibe attracts fried chicken restaurant
WEST SPRINGFIELD — A Connecticut-based Southern fried chicken chain is planning to open a franchise in West Springfield this month. It will be located at 164 Elm St., the former location of Ichiban Asian Bistro. “We’re coming for Massachusetts,” said Lou Sterling,...
West Springfield councilors can’t override veto of school cuts
WEST SPRINGFIELD — Four town councilors stood by their school budget cuts, but it wasn’t enough to override the mayor’s veto, averting layoffs to five “interventionist” educators. “The need for interventionists in our schools is huge, to make up for the lost...