Russell Public Library opens ‘Library of Things’ - The Reminder
RUSSELL — Need some new early childhood toys to try out? Want yard games for an outdoor event? Have a tool you need for one job only?| The Reminder
RUSSELL — Need some new early childhood toys to try out? Want yard games for an outdoor event? Have a tool you need for one job only?| The Reminder
BLANDFORD — At an informational meeting on Sept. 20, the Porter Memorial Library building committee presented the plans for the library’s expansion which are nearing completion.| The Reminder
WESTFIELD — With a little less than a month remaining before the Nov. 4 municipal election, candidates’ signs are starting to fill in on residents’ lawns alongside the falling leaves.| The Reminder
WEST SPRINGFIELD — With the Nov. 4 election almost upon us, Reminder Publishing sent questionnaires to the two West Springfield mayoral candidates on the ballot.| The Reminder
SPRINGFIELD — An eight-year fundraising initiative reached its official conclusion on Sept. 16 when the Springfield Library Foundation presented the final $137,500 of the East Forest Park Library’s Promised Realized Campaign.| The Reminder
SPRINGFIELD — Twenty-seven GoNetSpeed installations inside the Indian Orchard neighborhood will have to wait at least another few weeks after the City Council voted to hold off on them for a second time.| The Reminder
SPRINGFIELD — Two local developers are planning to submit a proposal for the new Springfield Regional Justice Center to be placed at the corner of Chestnut and Lyman streets.| The Reminder
SOMERS — For Kristine LaFortune and her family, opening Fortune Fuel in Somers wasn’t just about starting a business — it was about sharing a lifestyle that had transformed their lives.| The Reminder
ENFIELD — Enfield is about to experience a burst of creativity with the arrival of Art Squash Enfield, a new community arts exhibition, organized by the Enfield Culture and Arts Commission, designed to celebrate local talent while planting the seeds for a more vibrant arts culture in town. The inaugural event will take place on […]| The Reminder
Two young men with ties to Western Massachusetts were part of an all-volunteer humanitarian aid flotilla intercepted by the Israeli Navy in waters outside of Gaza early the morning of Oct. 2. The post Western Mass. natives among Gaza flotilla detainees appeared first on The Reminder.| The Reminder
EAST LONGMEADOW — On Sept. 27, the Apple Place hosted its eighth annual Apple Fest. The post Eighth annual Apple Fest returns to Apple Place appeared first on The Reminder.| The Reminder
WILBRAHAM — At the Sept. 24 Wilbraham Planning Board meeting, board member Jack Luttrell kicked off a lively discussion about developing a master plan. The post Wilbraham Planning Board discusses creation of master plan appeared first on The Reminder.| The Reminder
SOUTHWICK — If you’re passionate about nature and the community, the town is looking for a group of dedicated volunteers to take a seat on the Open Space Committee. The post Southwick seeks volunteers to serve on Open Space Committee appeared first on The Reminder.| The Reminder
HAMPDEN — The Scantic River Artisans are preparing to welcome the community to their annual “Fall Into Art” show, a celebration of creativity that doubles as a fundraiser for the group’s programming and scholarship fund. The post Scantic River Artisans to host ‘Fall Into Art’ show appeared first on The Reminder.| The Reminder
WILBRAHAM — For families of a person with the neurodevelopmental disorder Rett syndrome, daily life can be isolating, said Maggie Wurm, whose 24-year-old daughter, Madasyn, has the disorder. The post Livy’s VIP Dance to fund ‘hope’ for those with genetic disorder appeared first on The Reminder.| The Reminder
HOLYOKE — Nueva Esperanza announced that the fifth annual Paper City Food Festival will take place on Saturday, Oct. 11, and Sunday, Oct. 12, in Downtown Holyoke, spanning from Appleton Street to Dwight Street. The post Paper City Food Festival, Doors Open Holyoke return Oct. 11 appeared first on The Reminder.| The Reminder
SOUTHWICK — The Kiwanis Club of Westfield will kick off its 104th year of community service and celebrate the past year’s achievements and member milestones on Oct. 3 at the club’s annual officer installation banquet at Tucker’s Restaurant, 625 College Highway, Southwick. The post Westfield Kiwanis Club to celebrate 104th year appeared first on The Reminder.| The Reminder
WILBRAHAM — The Wilbraham Planning Board approved two accessory dwelling units at its Sept. 24 meeting, the first to be approved since a bylaw regulating them was passed at the annual Town Meeting in May. The post First accessory dwelling units approved under Wilbraham’s bylaw appeared first on The Reminder.| The Reminder
CHICOPEE — The Chicopee City Council hosted a special meeting on Sept. 22 to review the leading design options for a new Anna E. Barry Elementary School, with city officials and residents eager to weigh the costs, challenges and long-term benefits of each proposal.| The Reminder
SPRINGFIELD — One Springfield councilor believes Massachusetts and Connecticut should work together to “crystallize economic development initiatives” between the two states.| The Reminder
SPRINGFIELD — A vote to set minimum square footage standards for apartments and condominiums in the city will have to wait until another City Council meeting.| The Reminder
SPRINGFIELD — A massive fire that occurred at Chet’s Auto Wrecking and Scrap Yard was possibly caused by a lithium-ion battery, but that has not been confirmed.| The Reminder
As someone who attended Salem State University and experienced downtown Salem in all its glory, I can tell when a witch-themed attraction is either a worthy presence in the community or a nonsensical cash grab for naïve tourists.| The Reminder
RUSSELL — Elizabeth Hanechak, 18, of Russell has been awarded a $100,000 scholarship for her project, “Solving the Plastic Problem: Developing a Microbial System for the Bioremediation of Plastic Waste into Drinkable Water and Fertilizer Material.”| The Reminder
The Gray Catbird Gift Shop at 22 East Main St. in Huntington, which opened next door from its previous location over the summer under new owner Sherri Church, has had to close for the foreseeable future due to smoke damage from a fire incident.Reminder Publishing photo by Amy Porter HUNTINGTON — Only a few short […]| The Reminder
WESTFIELD — City Clerk Kaitlyn Bruce said in less than 24 hours after announcing the kickoff for the 2026 Top Dog competition, she already received 15 entries.| The Reminder
WESTFIELD — On Sept. 11, 2025, at both the 10 a.m. remembrance at the Westfield Fire Department on 34 Broad St. and the 11 a.m. service in 9/11 Memorial Park, one message was shared by all of the speakers: Westfield will never forget.| The Reminder
SOUTH HADLEY — Town Administrator Lisa Wong and Superintendent Jennifer Voyik gave a fiscal year 2026 town and school budget update during a meeting on Sept. 2, at which Wong stated, “We certainly wish that we didn’t have to give you this presentation today.”| The Reminder
WEST SPRINGFIELD — With students returning to school, the West Springfield School Committee were provided a few updates during its Sept. 9 meeting from Superintendent Stefania Raschilla.| The Reminder
HOLYOKE — On Sept. 9, citizens and residents gathered outside Holyoke City Hall to demonstrate and demand that the city should not work or collaborate with ICE and its unconstitutional abductions.| The Reminder
CHICOPEE — Chicopee police officers and firefighters, EMTs, state and city officials, employees and community members gathered on the morning of Sept. 11 at the Public Safety Complex to remember and honor all those who sacrificed and lost their lives after the tragedies that took place 24 years ago.| The Reminder
NORTHAMPTON — The Taste of Northampton is back this year and expanded for a two-day stretch of good eats and drink on Saturday, Sept. 13 and Sunday, Sept. 14, all hosted in its original home at the Armory Street Lot.| The Reminder
NORTHAMPTON — Incumbent Mayor Gina-Louise Sciarra hosted a “Party for the Prelim” on Sept. 3 at the Florence Civic Center to ramp up support and rally voters ahead of the preliminary election coming Tuesday, Sept. 16.| The Reminder
NORTHAMPTON — The fourth and final candidate to square off in the upcoming Northampton mayoral race is Dan Breindel.| The Reminder
EASTHAMPTON — The Bread & Puppet Theater will return to Easthampton on Friday, Sept. 12, at Park Hill Orchard with its iconic circus as part of its 2025 fall tour to cities and towns in the U.S.| The Reminder
HOLYOKE — During the Aug. 27 Massachusetts School Building Authority Board meeting, the Board of Directors approved up to $46 million for 10 Accelerated Repair Projects for schools in seven districts, including three projects in Holyoke.| The Reminder
HOLYOKE — The city of Holyoke hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony on Sept. 2 to officially unveil the new Dr. William R. Peck Middle School to the community.| The Reminder
CHICOPEE — Chicopee’s new community hub, The Hub at Market Square, will be opening its doors on Saturday, Sept. 13, with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 11 a.m. at 31 Springfield St.| The Reminder
CHICOPEE — During the Sept. 2 City Council meeting, the council approved adding a non-binding question to the Nov. 4 municipal ballot that would gather feedback on potentially implementing a quarterly tax payment system instead of the biannual system that is currently used.| The Reminder
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.| The Reminder
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.| The Reminder
WESTFIELD — The theme of the Overdose Awareness Vigil on Aug. 28 was “Forget Me Not,” honoring those lost to overdose, but the message from the speakers directed to family members and people struggling with addiction was “You are not alone.”| The Reminder
WESTFIELD — The Blessed Buys Thrift Shoppe gifted proceeds of $1,200 from its third anniversary sale to the Westfield Food Pantry last week. So far this year, the thrift store, located in the Old Town Hall at 20 Broad St., has given almost $5,000 to other nonprofits in Westfield.| The Reminder
Agawam| The Reminder
Ahead of Independence Day, the hosts of “So That Reminds Me” were joined by two individuals from East Longmeadow and Enfield, where two of the largest Fourth of July celebrations happen in the area.| The Reminder
Despite it being a rainy, cold afternoon on Aug. 20, Hampden County Sheriff Nick Cocchi’s annual picnic attracted more than 1,000 people, consisting of local and state elected officials, community members and more.| The Reminder
Mt. Tom’s Homemade Ice Cream’s mint chocolate chip in a waffle cone.Reminder Publishing photo by Trent Levakis I scream, you scream: The Reminder goes for ice cr | RSS.com It’s “the best summertime activity” that involves food, according to Executive Editor Chris Maza. What is it, you might ask? The answer: eating ice cream. As […]| The Reminder
AGAWAM — If you’re craving something good to eat in the neighborhood but have dietary restrictions, well, not to worry because there’s a new place at 360 North Westfield St., that is worth checking out.| The Reminder
LONGMEADOW — Novelist and publisher Linda Cardillo will release her newest work, “Paint the Wind” on Sept. 16.| The Reminder
EAST LONGMEADOW — If you’re looking for a fun-filled event to go to this weekend, the First Congregational Church of East Longmeadow at 7 Somers Rd. is having its third annual Food Trucks on the Rotary, Sept. 6, from 3-7 p.m., rain or shine.| The Reminder
HAMPDEN — This year, the Theatre Guild of Hampden will celebrate its 20th anniversary. When President and Artistic Director Mark Giza and Vice President Rick Rubin founded the theater company in 2005, they wanted the chance to direct and produce shows.| The Reminder
Sometimes, a film catapults to a rare cultural pinnacle out of nowhere. While filmmakers and executives pour hours into each production, no one can truly replicate the indescribable alchemy that breeds a touchstone endeavor.| The Reminder
SPRINGFIELD — Springfield’s Law Department will work with two city councilors on improving the first draft of a proposed ordinance that addresses the issue of unpaid tickets across the city.| The Reminder
SPRINGFIELD — A recent tour through several Springfield business corridors has sparked City Councilor Sean Curran’s desire for sign and façade improvements across the city.| The Reminder
SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield Plan B Burger Bar will be among the three locations to close in the area by Aug. 31.| The Reminder
SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield Police Department and Hampden County Sheriff’s office are partnering on a new initiative that brings an increased police presence to Union Station.| The Reminder
The next mayoral race will culminate with an inauguration in 2028. That’s a while off but the supporters of Dominic Sarno are prepping now.| The Reminder
Longmeadow to vote on new middle school| The Reminder
LONGMEADOW — The Town Meeting on Sept. 9, which will determine if Longmeadow’s proposed middle school will be funded, is expected to be attended by up to 3,000 voters.| The Reminder
LONGMEADOW — On Sept. 9, Longmeadow residents will vote at Town Meeting on whether to approve a debt exclusion to fund the construction of a new middle school at 410 Williams St.| The Reminder
LONGMEADOW — The School Committee approved referral of an article to fund the construction of a combined middle school on Williams Street for inclusion on the Sept. 9 Town Meeting warrant.| The Reminder
WILBRAHAM — Two local business owners are redeveloping a property on Boston Road, bringing back its original purpose as a place for people to stay and dine along Nine Mile Pond.| The Reminder
AGAWAM — Judy Cosby was 13 when her parents gave her a journal for Christmas. It inspired her to put into writing a promise to someday write a book and become a published author.| The Reminder
The towns war memorial added a new walkway and flowers to make the area accessible and appealing to residents.Photo credit: West Springfield Veterans Services Department WEST SPRINGFIELD — Before hosting a ceremony on Aug. 7 to recognize Purple Heart Day, residents gathered on the town common to rededicate the war memorial following recent improvements made […]| The Reminder
CHICOPEE — Pizza Lino and the city of Chicopee hosted a ribbon cutting event on Aug. 19 to officially introduce the new pizza shop at 42 Center St.| The Reminder
SPRINGFIELD — Two city councilors aim to solve the issue of unpaid ordinance tickets in Springfield with a new law that they hope to present to the full council in September.| The Reminder
SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield general election is expected to be a busy one this year, with most incumbents experiencing a challenger or two.| The Reminder
SPRINGFIELD — American International College has become the only private college west of Worcester to be designated as a Massachusetts Early College Program by the state’s joint Early College Committee.| The Reminder
SPRINGFIELD — The iconic Barney Estate Carriage House inside Forest Park will be home to one of Springfield Preservation Trust’s biggest fundraisers in just a few days.| The Reminder
HOLYOKE — The Greater Holyoke Chamber of Commerce filed a criminal complaint with the Holyoke Police Department and the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office against its former executive director, Jordan Hart, for the alleged theft and misappropriation of funds.| The Reminder
HOLYOKE — New art installations have been displayed at the Armour Yard, courtesy of Beyond Walls. Shipping containers as large as 40 feet in length feature murals by world-class artists.| The Reminder
CHICOPEE — Local developer Dinesh Patel, in partnership with DVR Ventures and Pilot, hosted a groundbreaking event on Aug. 12 for a new Pilot Travel Center located at 357 Burnett Rd.| The Reminder
CHICOPEE — The city of Chicopee hosted a ribbon cutting event on Aug. 14 at Frank J. Szot Memorial Park to celebrate the completion of Phase 1 efforts to restore and revitalize Abbey Brook.| The Reminder
SOUTHWICK — A long-time Southwick Senior Center volunteer was recently honored with an annual award created to recognize Southwick seniors who are active at the center.| The Reminder
Paul Barabani (center), the oldest Army vet at the “Bring a Veteran to School” program, and Staff Sgt. Jonathan Peloquin, the youngest vet in attendance (right), cut a birthday cake that honored the founding of the U.S. Army in a special ceremony that symbolizes the passing of knowledge and experience and leadership from one generation […]| The Reminder
AGAWAM — Abigail “Abby” Drumm made poetic history this year at Agawam High School. In February, she was the first student to win the school’s annual Poetry Out Loud contest for three consecutive years and then in March became the Massachusetts POL champion.| The Reminder
AGAWAM — Just days before the start of their summer break, Agawam teachers and education support paraprofessionals overwhelmingly approved a new three-year collective bargaining agreement.| The Reminder
WEST SPRINGFIELD — Mayor William Reichelt will have some competition in this year’s general election.| The Reminder
SPRINGFIELD — The city of Springfield has installed a new scoreboard at Walker Memorial Grandstand that honors the late legendary sportswriter, Garry Brown.| The Reminder
SPRINGFIELD — Ward 1 City Councilor Maria Perez is taking legal action against her former workmates at New North Citizens Council for what she claims — among other things — was a “wrongful termination” from her job as chief of housing programs.| The Reminder
SPRINGFIELD — What started out as a dream and a drawing on their daughter’s tablet has turned into a reality for Isaac and Nancy Reyes.| The Reminder
CHICOPEE — Jess Stanley will be running the Falmouth Road Race on Sunday, Aug. 17, with Team New England Donor Services for the fifth year in honor of her son, who passed away when he was only 12 years old.| The Reminder
CHICOPEE — Chicopee hosted its 31st annual National Night Out on Aug. 6 at Sarah Jane Sherman Park.| The Reminder
HOLYOKE — South Holyoke Homes Phase 3 project, a 40-unit affordable rental building on the corner of South East Street and Sargeant Street, received two different sources of funding from the state to conduct an environmental assessment and to begin construction on the parcel.| The Reminder
HOLYOKE — Mayor Joshua A. Garcia has been named a finalist for the Mayor of the Year Award by the Northeast Renewable Energy Coalition, in recognition of his leadership and innovation in clean energy and community development.| The Reminder
CHICOPEE — The Center for Human Development recently opened a unique Adult Social Day program in Chicopee designed to support and engage adults living with cognitive impairment.| The Reminder
WILBRAHAM — To honor the 60th anniversary of Medicare and Medicaid, U.S. Rep. Richard Neal visited the residents at Life Care Center of Wilbraham, a rehabilitation and skilled nursing facility on Boston Road.| The Reminder
LONGMEADOW — In the lead-up to the Sept. 9 Town Meeting vote on funding the new middle school, the Middle School Building Committee organized tours of both existing middle schools so voters can see for themselves the conditions and limitations educators and students experience.| The Reminder
LONGMEADOW — The Longmeadow Select Board voted in favor of supporting a bill that would restructure the Springfield Water and Sewer Commission, from which Longmeadow buys its water.| The Reminder
Five area girls learned lessons in the value of determination and their own ability to make lasting change while undertaking Girl Scout Gold Award projects.| The Reminder
SPRINGFIELD — Nearly 30 organizations in Springfield are lending their support to the Springfield City Council’s fight against a recent ruling that revives a controversial biomass plant proposal by Palmer Renewable Energy.| The Reminder
WEST SPRINGFIELD — A decades-long charity event is sustaining its mission with a new look.| The Reminder
SPRINGFIELD — The chairs of the City Council’s Health and Human Services and Public Safety committees have joined forces to work on a home rule petition that urges the state to change its current laws around drugs near playgrounds and schools.| The Reminder
SPRINGFIELD — For its 17th year, the Springfield Indie Soul Festival will offer a “powerful day” of live music, Black entrepreneurship, literature and cultural cuisine for thousands of people.| The Reminder
HOLYOKE — Holyoke will once again be hosting a four-day celebration, Fiestas Patronales de Holyoke, to showcase a portion of the rich cultural diversity that defines the city of Holyoke.| The Reminder
CHICOPEE — SunRise Sweets officially opened its doors for business at 28 Center St., after a ribbon cutting ceremony on June 5.| The Reminder
CHICOPEE — School buses in Chicopee will soon be equipped with violation detection monitoring systems on the school bus to enforce violations by a driver who fails to stop for a school bus when required to do so.| The Reminder
CHICOPEE — For its 31st year, Chicopee will host its rendition of National Night Out at Sarah Jane Park, 21 Vivian St., on Wednesday, Aug. 6 from 5-9 p.m., with multiple vendors, organizations, businesses and public safety units scheduled to attend.| The Reminder
SPRINGFIELD — Ten years after dying during a terrorist attack in 2015, Gunnery Sgt. Thomas J. Sullivan was honored by friends, family and officials for his heroism as a longtime Marine during a ceremony on July 16.| The Reminder
SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield City Council elected to wait until its September meeting to vote on a GoNetspeed project in Indian Orchard that would connect residents to the company’s services.| The Reminder
