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Word of the Week: Solace

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From Western Mass News - A list of schools and businesses in Western Massachusetts that are experiencing closings or delays due to inclement weather.

The list includes various school districts, government offices, and private businesses that have either closed for the day or are opening late.

The closures and delays are a result of snow and ice affecting the region, prompting officials to prioritize safety for students and employees affected by snow and ice.

Captain Katie Collins-Kalbaugh of the Chicopee Fire Department was honored with the Norman Knight Award for Excellence in Community Service during the 36th Annual Firefighter of the Year Awards at Mechanics Hall in Worcester.

Captain Collins-Kalbaugh’s recognition highlights her longstanding commitment to fire safety education and proactive prevention, making a significant impact on residents throughout Chicopee.

The ceremony brought together 170 firefighters from across Massachusetts, celebrating acts of bravery and public service performed between June 2024 and June 2025.

Governor Maura Healey, Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll, and other dignitaries offered thanks and paid tribute to firefighters lost in the line of duty, including Jeffrey Albanese and Jeffrey Dashens.

Accolades also went to teams and individuals for courageous rescues and heroism, reinforcing the region’s appreciation for local first responders.

This honor underscores Chicopee’s leadership in public safety, inspiring pride and setting a high bar for community-focused service.

Winter storms in Massachusetts turn local roads hazardous, demanding vigilance from every driver.  

Black ice often forms on bridges and overpasses without warning, making even short drives risky.  

Reduce your speed by at least half during storms—highway speeds should drop to 30 or 35 mph when snow or ice covers the pavement.  

Triple your following distance, allowing eight to ten seconds between vehicles for safer stopping.  

Use gentle steering, acceleration, and braking; abrupt movements increase the chance of losing control.  

Clear snow and ice from your vehicle before driving to protect everyone on the road.  

Prepare your car with winter tires, fresh wipers, and ensure your battery can handle severe cold.  

Keep an emergency kit with blankets, water, and essentials in your trunk.  

Above all, stay home when conditions are severe or travel bans are issued—no errand is worth risking your safety.

- Greenfield is home to the annual Green River Festival, a music and hot air balloon festival held every July. - Greenfield is located at the geographic center of Franklin County, Massachusetts.

In a heartwarming celebration, Mayor Domenic J. Sarno honored John and Geri Spear's 66th wedding anniversary at their longtime family home in Springfield.

The couple tied the knot on Thanksgiving Day in 1959, right in the same living room that echoes with decades of family stories.

Geri delighted the community for over 40 years with her Costume Closet, providing creative outfits for locals.

John built custom footwear at Spear Specialty Shoes, including over 90 pairs for a hit movie starring a renowned comedian.

Mayor Sarno reflected on the rarity of such longevity, noting many couples don't last 66 months, let alone years.

He described the gathering as a morning full of warmth in a home rich with love and history.

This event ties into Springfield's festive holiday spirit, from food drives and light displays to senior luncheons and flag ceremonies.

Sarno shared personal connections, like borrowing costumes for Halloween and attending school with their son Greg.

Amid new city initiatives like marketing campaigns and hockey events, the Spears' story highlights enduring community bonds in this vibrant Massachusetts hub.

Local leaders champion these moments, strengthening unity in Springfield's dynamic landscape.

Residents in Western Massachusetts are grappling with serious risks following a nationwide outage and data breach in the CodeRED emergency alert system.

This cyberattack has disrupted vital communications for storms, evacuations, and other urgent alerts in towns like Granville and Springfield.

The INC Ransom group struck hard, claiming responsibility and leaking unencrypted user data including emails and passwords.

Local officials warn of potential scams and identity theft, urging immediate password changes and vigilance.

With the system offline, communities are shifting to backups like social media, which could delay critical warnings during harsh weather or disasters.

This breach exposes flaws in digital defenses, eroding trust in tools meant to save lives.

Some areas are abandoning CodeRED entirely, opting for rebuilds or new providers amid stalled ransom talks.

As winter looms in the Berkshires, staying proactive is crucial—enable multi-factor authentication and verify suspicious contacts through official channels.

This incident highlights broader vulnerabilities, reminding everyone that informed actions can help rebuild stronger safety nets.

"The mountains are calling and I must go." - John Muir

Local Events: December 2–9, 2025

Home for the Holidays with Norman Rockwell 🎨 Where: Norman Rockwell Museum, 9 Route 183, Stockbridge, MA When: Tuesday 12/02/25 – Tuesday 12/09/25, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM EDT (daily, ongoing installation) Why Go: Immerse in Norman Rockwell's iconic holiday illustrations capturing Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's joy—perfect for families seeking nostalgic seasonal inspiration amid festive decor. Contact Info: https://berkshires.org/events/home-for-the-holidays-with-norman-rockwell/2025-12-02/

Author Talk: Harvesting Legacy 📖 Where: Sheep Hill, 671 Cold Spring Road, Williamstown, MA When: Tuesday 12/02/25, 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM EDT Why Go: Hear Michael Hutton-Woodland discuss his novel on rural farm succession and conservation dilemmas, drawing from real farmer interviews—a timely chat on land ethics. Contact Info: https://berkshires.org/events/author-talk-harvesting-legacy/

Winterlights at Naumkeag ✨ Where: Naumkeag House & Gardens, 5 Prospect Hill Road, Stockbridge, MA When: Wednesday 12/03/25 – Sunday 12/07/25, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM EDT (Wed-Sun only) Why Go: Wander illuminated gardens with dazzling lights, live music, and hot cocoa amid Gilded Age splendor—early holiday magic in the Berkshires. Contact Info: https://berkshires.org/events/winterlights-at-naumkeag/2025-12-03/

Works on Paper Highlights Talk 🖼️ Where: Clark Art Institute, 225 South Street, Williamstown, MA When: Wednesday 12/03/25, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM EDT Why Go: Uncover seldom-seen prints and drawings from the Clark's vast collection in this free, curator-led spotlight—ideal for art aficionados. Contact Info: https://berkshires.org/events/150063/2025-12-03/

Bright Nights at Forest Park 💡 Where: Forest Park, 1040 Park Drive, Springfield, MA When: Wednesday 12/03/25 – Sunday 12/07/25, 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM EDT (daily, closed Dec 1-2) Why Go: Drive through a 3-mile wonderland of 1M+ twinkling lights, animated displays, and rides—Springfield's beloved holiday tradition for families and photo ops. Contact Info: https://www.brightnights.org/

Festival of Trees 🎄 Where: MassMutual Center, 1277 Main Street, Springfield, MA When: Thursday 12/04/25 – Sunday 12/07/25, 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM EDT (Thu-Sat), 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM EDT (Sun) Why Go: Browse 500+ decorated trees benefiting local kids' programs, with Santa, live music, and shopping—a festive fundraiser in downtown Springfield. Contact Info: https://www.massmutualcenter.com/events/detail/fot2025

Meet the Grinch in The Grinch’s Grotto 🎅 Where: Springfield Museums, 21 Edwards Street, Springfield, MA When: Saturday 12/06/25, 11:30 AM – 3:30 PM EDT Why Go: Snap photos with the Grinch in his whimsical grotto amid holiday exhibits—fun, mischievous encounters for kids and How the Grinch Stole Christmas fans. Contact Info: https://springfieldmuseums.org/program/meet-the-grinch-in-the-grinchs-grotto/2025-12-06/

Winter in Watercolor Workshop 🎨 Where: Springfield Museums, 21 Edwards Street, Springfield, MA When: Tuesday 12/09/25, 10:00 AM – 3:30 PM EDT Why Go: Capture frosty landscapes with guided watercolor techniques—hands-on art for beginners and pros, inspired by seasonal themes. Contact Info: https://springfieldmuseums.org/program/winter-in-watercolor-workshop/

Up North

alexandra and Glass Poetry Reading 📖 Where: Weinstein Auditorium, Northampton, MA When: Tuesday 12/02/25, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM EDT Why Go: Hear fresh poetic works from emerging voices in a cozy literary gathering, fostering connections through spoken word and discussion. Contact Info: https://www.artshubwma.org/event/alexandra-and-glass-poetry-reading

The Fifth Step (National Theatre Live) 🎭 Where: Amherst Cinema, 28 Amity St, Amherst, MA When: Tuesday 12/02/25, 7:00 PM – 8:40 PM EDT Why Go: Stream Olivier Award-winner Jack Lowden in a gripping drama about addiction and redemption—perfect for theater fans seeking intimate, powerful storytelling. Contact Info: https://www.artshubwma.org/event/the-fifth-step-national-theatre-live

Northampton Jazz Workshop 🎷 Where: Spare Time Northampton, 525 Pleasant St, Northampton, MA When: Tuesday 12/02/25, 7:30 PM EDT Why Go: Groove to live jazz with Jason Ennis on guitar, Paul Arslanian on piano, and more— a relaxed night of standards and improvisation for music lovers. Contact Info: https://www.artshubwma.org/event/the-northampton-jazz-workshop

Tony Trischka 🎸 Where: The Iron Horse, 18 Center Street, Northampton, MA When: Wednesday 12/03/25, 7:00 PM EDT Why Go: Catch bluegrass banjo legend Tony Trischka's avant-garde stylings that inspired a generation—high-energy picking in an iconic Northampton venue. Contact Info: https://www.artshubwma.org/event/tony-trischka

Greater Northampton Chamber ARRIVE@5 Networking 🤝 Where: BOMBYX Center for Arts & Equity, 130 Pine Street, Florence, MA When: Wednesday 12/03/25, 5:00 PM EDT Why Go: Connect with local business leaders over light bites and drinks—build networks and discover opportunities in the Pioneer Valley's creative hub. Contact Info: https://www.artshubwma.org/event/greater-northampton-chamber-of-commerce-arrive-5

Gamelan Fall Concert 🥁 Where: Earle Recital Hall, 144 Green St, Northampton, MA When: Wednesday 12/03/25, 7:30 PM EDT Why Go: Experience the mesmerizing sounds of Javanese gamelan music performed by Smith College's ensemble—exotic rhythms and cultural immersion. Contact Info: https://www.artshubwma.org/event/gamelan-fall-concert

December Community Writing Workshop ✏️ Where: Online (Zoom, Pioneer Valley Writers' Workshop) When: Friday 12/05/25, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM EDT Why Go: Spark your creativity with guided prompts and peer feedback in this monthly session—ideal for writers seeking motivation amid holiday hustle. Contact Info: https://www.pioneervalleywriters.org/event-details/december-community-writing

Gallery Talk at Historic Northampton 🏛️ Where: Historic Northampton, Northampton, MA When: Sunday 12/07/25, 3:00 PM EDT Why Go: Explore seasonal exhibits with expert guides, uncovering Northampton's rich history through artifacts and stories—engaging for history buffs. Contact Info: https://www.historicnorthampton.org/upcoming-programs.html

The Nutcracker by Pioneer Valley Ballet 🩰 Where: Academy of Music Theatre, 274 Main St, Northampton, MA When: Friday 12/12/25 – Sunday 12/14/25, Multiple showtimes (e.g., 7:30 PM Fri, 1:00 PM & 4:30 PM Sat/Sun) Why Go: Delight in the classic tale of Clara and the Sugar Plum Fairy with stunning sets and local dancers—a timeless holiday tradition for all ages. Contact Info: https://www.pioneervalleyballet.org/season/the-nutcracker/

Historical Agawam - Back In Time

The Captain Charles Leonard House is located in the village center of Agawam, on the east side of Main Street.  Built in 1805 for Captain Charles Leonard, a local militia leader.

Westfield Animal Shelter

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Word of the Week: Solace

Definition: Noun. That gentle comfort wrapping around you like a soft scarf on a chilly evening—a source of relief and peace in tough moments, whether from a friend's call, a favorite song, or simply breathing in the quiet.

Example Sentence: Amid the whirlwind of holiday prep, he found true solace curled up by the fire with his dog, letting the day's worries melt away like snowflakes.

Origin: Rooted in the Old French solaz (comfort or enjoyment), from the Latin solari (to console or soothe). It's been a reliable English word since the 1300s, offering a steady hand through life's ups and downs.

Just right for these crisp December days: What's your go-to spot for a little solace this week? Cozy up and tell us! ☕❄️