Word of the Week - Apricity
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🐶Meet Bruno!🐕 
Pet of the week available for adoption scroll to the end for info

Over 200 law enforcement professionals, officials, and families gathered at the Massachusetts State House on November 13 for the 2025 Law Enforcement & Corrections Awards Ceremony.

The Massachusetts Sheriffs’ Association honored remarkable members from sheriff’s offices statewide in a celebration that highlighted courage, leadership, and innovation.

Western Massachusetts took pride as two local honorees claimed top awards.

Hampshire County’s Elizabeth Stetzel, Director of the Records Department, earned Employee of the Year for leading a major overhaul of records management and fostering statewide improvements through training and mentorship.

Lieutenant Benjamin Goody of the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office was recognized for heroic actions during a dramatic rescue in Greenfield, exemplifying selfless service in high-risk situations.

The event reinforced the vital and evolving role of Massachusetts sheriffs, whose efforts in rehabilitation and community partnership are setting national standards.

Local communities salute this year’s honorees, whose dedication keeps Western Mass safer and stronger.

In the hustle of everyday life, true innovation often emerges from moments of calm.

Meditation boosts creativity by silencing mental chatter, easing stress, and sparking fresh ideas.

Instead of forcing breakthroughs, it allows thoughts to connect freely, leading to inventive leaps.

Picture a peaceful stroll in New York's parks, blending urban buzz with serenity—much like meditation in chaotic routines.

Research shows it synchronizes brain regions for heightened imaginative flow, turning reflections into groundbreaking concepts.

In 2025, local events in places like Salt Lake City offer workshops merging breathing exercises with creative writing.

October sessions focus on mindful techniques for originality, while November youth festivals celebrate arts and mindfulness.

As World Meditation Day approaches in December, these gatherings invite everyone to harness inner peace for innovation.

Beginners can start with simple reflections on challenges, blending daydreaming with focus for practical ideas.

Embracing meditation reshapes obstacles into opportunities, redefining creativity for artists and thinkers alike.

Join a community event this year to unlock your potential.

East Longmeadow firefighters in D Group tackled a remarkable 21 emergency calls in just 24 hours on Friday, November 14, making it one of their busiest recent shifts.

The team responded to a rapid-fire pace from the early morning, with ten calls flooding in within the first three hours and another ten through the following nine hours.

Crews handled everything from fire alarms to medical situations, earning praise from residents for their commitment and skill.

Mutual aid from Action Ambulance Service Inc., Longmeadow Fire Department, and East Longmeadow Police Department proved vital, helping manage the overwhelming demand.

Though call details are private, the sheer volume highlighted the unpredictable nature of public safety in the 413.

The department’s teamwork and dedication let East Longmeadow rest safely, even on the most challenging days.

In an exciting shift for local safety, Dan Bruno steps up as Hampden’s new Police Chief.

With a solid background as a detective sergeant from East Longmeadow, he’s ready to lead with expertise.

The town’s Selectboard chose him after a detailed search, emphasizing community-focused leadership.

As Hampden grows with family-oriented projects and improved amenities, Bruno’s role is perfectly timed.

Community talks highlight new homes and parks, calling for smart policing approaches.

He plans to enhance neighborhood programs that have reduced crime in comparable towns.

Residents are hopeful, seeing his experience as a boost for safer, more connected streets.

Upcoming town meetings will focus on teamwork to tackle daily issues.

This change reflects Hampden’s blend of heritage and innovative security.

Excitement builds for the fresh direction under Hampden’s new Police Chief.

Back In Time - Chicopee

The diner in the image is the  Embassy Diner

, which was located in Chicopee, Massachusetts. This specific photograph was taken in 1977 as part of the John Margolies Roadside America photograph archive. 

Located on Worthington Street, the restaurant offers a menu that caters to both regulars and new guests.

Inside, you'll find a welcoming atmosphere reminiscent of the French Quarter.

Comfortable seating provides a cozy setting to enjoy food and company.

At Mamou, they focus on Southern hospitality, creating a familial gathering for every meal.

Whether you're out for a casual night out or a special occasion, they bring the heart of Louisiana to downtown Springfield.

Stop in to Mamou, a beloved local spot where we they look forward to hosting you!

Local Events: November 18–25, 2025

Open Mic Every Tuesday at Studio 9 🎤 Where: Studio 9 at The Porches Inn, 18 Veazie Street, North Adams, MA When: Tuesday 11/18/25, 7:00 PM EDT Why Go: Bring your talent or enjoy an evening of local music, comedy, poetry, and more in a professional venue with top-tier sound and lights—open to all performers and audiences. Contact Info: https://berkshires.org/events/open-mic-every-tuesday-at-studio-9/2025-11-18/

Works on Paper Highlights Talk 🖼️ Where: Clark Art Institute, 225 South Street, Williamstown, MA When: Wednesday 11/19/25, 11:30 AM EDT Why Go: Discover rare prints, drawings, and photographs from the Clark's extensive collection in this free weekly talk—perfect for art lovers seeking hidden gems. Contact Info: https://berkshires.org/events/works-on-paper-highlights-talk/

Competitive Puzzling Night at Hot Plate 🧩 Where: Hot Plate Brewing Co., 1 School Street, Pittsfield, MA When: Tuesday 11/18/25 (recurring weekly theme; confirm for Nov 18), 6:00 PM EDT Why Go: Team up for fast-paced 500-piece puzzle competitions with prizes, paired with craft beer—a fun, low-key alternative to trivia night. Contact Info: https://berkshires.org/events/competitive-puzzling-night-at-hot-plate/

NightWood at The Mount ✨ Where: The Mount, Edith Wharton's Home, 2 Plunkett Street, Lenox, MA When: Friday 11/21/25 – January 3, 2026 (opens Nov 21; evenings) Why Go: Stroll through a magical winter light and sound installation in the gardens, blending nature, art, and music for an enchanting holiday kickoff experience. Contact Info: https://berkshires.org/events/nightwood/2025-11-21/

Thanksgiving Angels Fundraiser Gala 🦃 Where: Berkshire Hills Country Club, Pittsfield, MA When: Early November (exact date TBD; typically pre-Thanksgiving) Why Go: Support local families in need with an elegant evening of dining, dancing, and auctions— a heartfelt way to give back during the season of gratitude. Contact Info: Check npcberkshires.org/gala-calendar/ for updates

Thanksgiving Week Community Meals & Events 🍽️ Where: Various locations (e.g., churches, community centers in Springfield, Pittsfield, Northampton) When: Week of 11/24–11/27/25 Why Go: Join free or low-cost Thanksgiving dinners, turkey trots, or food drives across the Pioneer Valley and Berkshires—many hosted by local nonprofits for community connection and support. Contact Info: https://www.wwlp.com or local town sites for announcements

Festival of Trees Displays Begin 🎄 Where: Berkshire Museum (39 South St, Pittsfield) & other venues When: Late November (e.g., Aquatica theme opens ~Nov 23) Why Go: View creatively decorated trees themed around local causes, vote for favorites, and get into the holiday spirit with family-friendly exhibits running through early January. Contact Info: https://berkshiremuseum.org or explorewesternmass.com/events

Pre-Thanksgiving Farmers Markets & Harvest Events 🥧 Where: Longmeadow Shops, Forest Park Farmers Market, etc. When: Tuesdays/Thursdays through Nov 25 Why Go: Stock up on local pies, produce, and crafts for your Thanksgiving table at final outdoor markets before the holiday—support farmers and artisans. Contact Info: https://explorewesternmass.com/events/list/

Notes:

• November 18–25 is a quieter week leading into Thanksgiving (Thursday, Nov 27, 2025), with many events focusing on community gatherings, early holiday lights, and pre-holiday markets rather than large festivals.

"The best way to predict the future is to create it." - Peter Drucker

Meet Bruno, an 8-year-old shepherd mix who’s as sweet as they come. This big guy loves people and soaks up every bit of attention and petting he can get. He’s house trained, well-behaved, and has the calm, easygoing manners of a true gentleman.

Bruno can be a bit sensitive to handling, so he’d do best with kids 8 and up who know to be gentle and not grab or pull on his fur. He hasn’t lived with other dogs before and has a pretty “rude” playstyle, so not every dog appreciates his energy. If you have another dog at home, we’ll need to do a meet and greet to make sure they can tolerate his style.

Bruno’s a loving, loyal companion looking for a family who’ll enjoy his company and give him all the pets he deserves.

Word of the Week: Apricity

Definition: Noun. The delicious warmth of the winter sun on your face when everything else is frosty and cold—like nature’s gentle hug on a crisp morning. It’s that rare, cozy glow that makes you close your eyes and smile in the middle of December.

Example Sentence: She stepped outside with her coffee, tilted her head back, and just soaked in the apricity—it was the best part of the whole chilly day.

Origin: A beautiful old English word from the 1620s, straight from Latin apricitas (“sunny” or “warmed by the sun”). It fell out of use centuries ago but totally deserves a comeback!

Perfect for these short November days—go find yourself a little apricity this week! ☀️❄️ What’s your favorite way to catch those golden winter rays?