West Springfield
‘Read, Renew, Repeat’ is summer theme at West Springfield library
WEST SPRINGFIELD — The West Springfield Public Library began its Summer Reading Program on June 18. The program runs until Aug. 2. The theme this year is “Read, Renew, Repeat,” with a focus on protecting the environment. “For us as a library, we have so many...
Council of Jewish Women awards $70K in scholarships
Nearly 50 students will have an easier time paying for college this fall with scholarships totaling $70,000 from the Springfield Council of Jewish Women.
West Springfield volunteers lend a hand for homeowners
WEST SPRINGFIELD — Marie Colbert is a retired payroll clerk living in a small ranch house on Westfield Street. She takes pride in her home and was frustrated when she couldn’t keep it pristine.
Block party will continue West Springfield 250th celebration
WEST SPRINGFIELD — To mark the town’s year-long birthday celebration, West Springfield will host a 250th Anniversary Block Party on Saturday and Sunday, June 22-23, noon to 7 p.m. on the Town Common. In collaboration with city officials and the 250th Anniversary...
West Springfield valedictorian motivated by plans for medical career
WEST SPRINGFIELD — When Adam Mahdi entered West Springfield High School as a ninth grader, he wasn’t thinking about being valedictorian of his graduating class in 2024. He planned to play basketball, which he didn’t think would give him enough time to take AP classes.
ValleyBike’s new operator not ready to talk expansion yet
NORTHAMPTON — As the busy summer season kicks off, those eagerly waiting for the return and possible expansion of ValleyBike Share will have to wait a while longer. In a recent interview, Dipesh Dar, the co-founder and COO of Drop Mobility, the new vendor running...
West Springfield council cuts $1M from schools to reduce taxes
WEST SPRINGFIELD — Councilors cut more than $1 million from the mayor’s proposed town budget on June 3, most of it from the School Department. After rejecting a $1.6 million cut proposed by Town Councilor Daniel O’Brien, the council agreed to a series of line-item...
Sen. recalls fallen comrades at West Springfield Memorial Day
WEST SPRINGFIELD — Memorial Day started as a way to remember those who died in the Civil War. But for state Sen. John Velis, the commemoration brings to mind much more recent, and much more personal, losses.
Roundtable celebrates early lit success, highlights new initiative
SPRINGFIELD — During a May 22 literacy roundtable event at Edward P. Boland Elementary School in Springfield, local education leaders discussed projects across multiple school systems to improve early literacy in Western Massachusetts, including the state’s Literacy Launch initiative.
Cannabis, hotel taxes help balance West Springfield $129M budget
WEST SPRINGFIELD — Councilors are looking at Mayor William Reichelt’s proposal of a $128.8 million budget for fiscal year 2025. The proposal, a 7.24% increase from the current budget, would result in an increase of 6.18% in taxes on existing properties. Town...