Sarno administration unveils Springfield’s FY25 budget
SPRINGFIELD —Mayor Domenic Sarno released his administration’s budget recommendations for fiscal year 2025, reflecting a nearly 6% increase over last year.
Music school raises $150,000 for student scholarships at gala
SPRINGFIELD — Community Music School of Springfield recently raised $150,000 to support student scholarships following the school’s 40th anniversary Spring Gala.
Ware principals share school updates with School Committee
WARE — During the May 8 School Committee meeting, the principal of each Ware school gave a brief presentation on updates within their building. Each highlighted ongoing programs as well as recent achievements in supporting students.
Ludlow CARES seeks reimbursement from opioid funds
LUDLOW — At its May 7 meeting, the Board of Selectmen met with representatives from the Ludlow CARES Coalition who are pursuing program and operating expense reimbursement from the town’s opioid settlement funds.
Belchertown, Ware partner in rain barrel discount program
BELCHERTOWN — Extreme weather and intense rain events have become more common in recent years. In August 2023, many New England communities experienced severe flooding when more than 6 inches of rain fell over a six-hour period. In an effort to mitigate future storm impacts, Belchertown and Ware have partnered with The Great American Rain Barrel Company to offer rain barrels to residents at discounted prices, helping homeowners collect the water, instead of letting it go down the drain.
Painting parties introduce new artists, support food pantries
Since December, the Agawam Community Artists and Artisans have been hosting “paint and sip”-style workshops to raise money for local food banks. Known as “Art with a Heart,” ACAA President Ceil Rossi described them as a “two-and-a-half-hour paint party.”