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Word of the Week: 

Scintillant

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Bishop Timothy A. McDonnell, the eighth bishop who steered the Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield through a period of crisis and change, died March 4, 2026, at age 88 in Holyoke.

McDonnell led the Western Massachusetts diocese from 2004 to 2014, a decade marked by bold action to heal wounds from clergy abuse scandals and difficult decisions on parish closures.

He personally negotiated settlements with abuse survivors, consolidated parishes to strengthen local faith communities, and worked to renew vocations, culminating in the ordination of 26 new priests.

McDonnell played a visible role during the 2011 Springfield tornado, helping rebuild schools and support affected families.

In retirement, he remained active at St. Joseph Parish in Pittsfield until declining health.

Survived by his brother, he leaves behind a lasting spiritual and community legacy in Western Massachusetts.

A Pittsfield resident has been charged with federal fraud after authorities say he impersonated a U.S. Army veteran for 32 years to claim benefits reserved for service members.  

James D. Sommers was arrested at Soldier On, a veteran-focused housing facility in Pittsfield, following a VA hospital visit that led to his alleged deception being uncovered.  

Officials accuse Sommers of collecting nearly $30,000 in medical care and thousands more in Social Security payments, all under the identity of a veteran who served from 1979 to 1982.  

Court records link Sommers to a string of New York convictions—such as forgery and grand larceny—using the stolen name, damaging the real veteran’s record and reputation for decades.  

If convicted, the defendant faces up to five years in prison and significant fines.  

Prosecutors emphasize that these allegations highlight ongoing concerns about identity theft targeting veterans in Massachusetts and beyond.

Pittsfield Names Marc Maddalena as New Police Chief After 28 Years on Force

Pittsfield has a new police chief. Mayor Peter Marchetti announced March 4, 2026, that Marc Maddalena, a 28-year veteran of the Pittsfield Police Department, will permanently lead the force.

Maddalena succeeds former Chief Thomas Dawley and becomes the department's top commander after rising through the ranks from patrol officer to lieutenant over nearly three decades.

Aries: This week, fiery energy fuels your ambition. In love, let your desires show – boldness brings romance to life. Your inventive career ideas can shine now, so share them confidently. Prioritize mindful exercise for your well-being. Consider small changes to your budget for better savings.

Taurus: Nurture key relationships with thoughtful gestures. Teamwork at work will unlock fresh success, so be ready to collaborate. Pamper yourself for better health, and stay vigilant about impulsive expenses to ensure stability.

Gemini: Your strength is in communication. Speak your mind in love and connect through networking for career gains. Keep your mind engaged for optimal health, and always research financial decisions.

Cancer: Home takes center stage; offer support to loved ones and colleagues alike. Practice emotional balance and create a budget for lasting well-being.

Leo: Bask in attention and lead boldly at work. Show affection openly in romance. Physical activity boosts health; watch your spending for financial security.

Virgo: Organization pays off, both in love and career. Eat mindfully and fine-tune investments for harmony.

Libra: Seek compromise and peace in love and work. Relaxation improves health; think long-term in finances.

Scorpio: Embrace change – deeper connections await in relationships and career. Release stress, and get advice before investing.

Sagittarius: New adventures inspire you in love and work. Stay active and savor experience over things.

Capricorn: Stay loyal and hard-working; discipline brings health and steady savings.

Aquarius: Celebrate your uniqueness. Think creatively at work and nurture social connections for health and fresh financial ideas.

Pisces: Follow your feelings in romance, express your creativity in your career, and make space for healing self-care. Watch expenses to ensure financial peace.

Pioneer Valley’s arts and culture scene is buzzing with a week of standout events for every interest and age.

Music lovers can groove to Grateful Dead tributes at Haze in Northampton or experience jam-band energy with Spafford and Gubbulidis at The Drake in Amherst.

Enjoy peaceful reflection at South Church Amherst’s candlelit musical service or join local songwriters for an intimate, supportive session in Florence.

Art fans will delight in hands-on creativity at Smith College Museum’s Second Friday and eggshell mosaics at BOMBYX, plus gallery talks and dance samplers at Northampton Center for the Arts.

Families and bookworms have literary nights in Greenfield and a Wings of Fire book launch at Academy of Music.

There’s also classical concerts with Camille Thomas and Julien Brocal, experimental arts from Hiroaki Umeda, social fun at Golden Girls Bingo, and vibrant nightlife at Village Disco.

A full calendar ensures there’s always something memorable to do downtown or close to home.

A rare black-and-white photograph reveals Armory Street in Springfield, Massachusetts, during the 1930s, highlighting the vital role of coal companies in everyday life.  

The image features the City Coal Co., its utilitarian loading bay, and a vintage automobile, offering a snapshot of Depression-era commerce.  

Throughout the 1930s, coal heated homes and powered factories across Springfield and New England.  

For many working-class families, a steady supply of coal was essential for surviving harsh winters and keeping daily life afloat.  

The neighborhood's industrial spirit stemmed from landmarks like the Springfield Armory, with coal suppliers making it possible for local businesses to persist during hard times.  

Photographers from agencies like the FSA and WPA helped document these unsung moments, capturing not just buildings, but the resilience and support local companies offered communities.  

This photograph preserves more than a storefront—it reflects a time when small businesses sustained Springfield through one of America's most challenging eras.

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Meet Poppy: A Sweet, Shy Tabby Searching for Home

Poppy is a one-year-old spayed female Domestic Shorthair with a gorgeous white and brown tabby coat.

She arrived at the TJ O’Connor Adoption Center after needing a lifesaving emergency spay for a serious uterine infection.

Poppy’s gentle nature shines through her shyness, and she’s learning to trust, accepting soft pets and cuddles as she settles in.

Poppy needs a calm, patient home with an experienced adopter willing to give her the time she needs to blossom.

An adult-only household and a confident, friendly feline companion would help Poppy feel secure and loved.

While she’s still hesitant to play, she’s devoted to caring for her beautiful coat and is ready for regular veterinary care.

Visit or call the shelter at 627 Cottage Street, Springfield, MA, (413) 781-1484 to learn more about welcoming Poppy home.

Word of the Week: Scintillant

Definition: Adjective. Sparkling or twinkling with tiny, brilliant flashes of light—like stars on a crisp night or the playful glint of sunlight on fresh snow. It describes a lively, delicate shimmer that feels alive and full of subtle magic.

Example Sentence: The early March wind carried a few last snowflakes that caught the light, turning the whole yard scintillant for one perfect, fleeting moment before everything melted into spring.

Origin: From the Latin scintillare (“to sparkle” or “send out sparks”), the same root as “scintillate.” It entered English in the 1600s and carries a slightly more poetic, old-world charm than its more common cousin.

Here’s to noticing those tiny, scintillant details that make ordinary March days feel quietly extraordinary! ❄️✨ What little sparkle or glint has caught your eye lately?