Three candidates vie for Hampden town administrator
HAMPDEN — Three candidates interviewed with the Hampden Board of Selectmen on Jan. 18, seeking to fill the position of town administrator being vacated by Bob Markel.
Westfield preservation board finds funds for Old Town Hall, garden
WESTFIELD — The Community Preservation Committee met on Jan. 18 to review their funding status and award grants to two applicants, $410,000 to Domus Inc. for veterans housing in the Old Town Hall at 20 Broad St., and $9,200 to Grandmother’s Garden on Smith Avenue.
Otis family turns tragic loss into smiles for charitable causes
OTIS — The O’Brien family is approaching the second anniversary of the night their 20-year-old son, Jack, was killed in a snowmobile accident. Since then, they have mourned and cried, but they have also honored his memory by raising nearly $250,000 for charity causes.
WSHS will adopt locked-pouch system to stop cellphone use
WEST SPRINGFIELD — Students at West Springfield High School will soon have to join their counterparts at the regional vocational school in locking away their cellphones during the day.
Longmeadow Key Club to host Winter Festival to raise money for Lydia’s Closet
LONGMEADOW — Longmeadow High School’s Key Club will host its inaugural Winter Festival on Sunday, Jan. 28.
Music school owner shares keys to success in 40-year career
WEST SPRINGFIELD — Forty years ago, Ellen Buoniconti began giving piano lessons to children in the basement of her home. She took on five students at first, starting the business with modest expectations.