Word of the Week: Exultant

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"The biggest risk is not taking any risk. In a world that is changing quickly, the only strategy that is guaranteed to fail is not taking risks." - Mark Zuckerberg

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A 42-year-old Agawam resident, Nicholas Kingsley, has pleaded guilty to serious federal firearms offenses after police twice discovered large caches of illegal weapons in April 2024.

Kingsley’s initial arrest came during a traffic stop in Enfield, Connecticut, where officers found three untraceable ghost guns and dozens of rounds of ammunition.

Ghost guns, privately made and lacking serial numbers, remain a significant challenge for law enforcement because they bypass background checks and registration requirements.

Just two days after the first incident, Homeland Security agents searched Kingsley’s vehicle in Agawam, recovering 14 fully assembled firearms, several Glock machine gun conversion devices, and over 2,000 rounds of ammunition.

The case spotlights growing concern over illegal conversion devices that can turn legal handguns into automatic weapons.

Four agencies, including local and federal authorities, coordinated on the multi-state investigation that led to Kingsley’s guilty plea.

Western Massachusetts faces serious post-holiday weight gain each winter, leaving many residents eager to adopt healthier habits as the new year begins.  

Most resolutions collapse quickly, not due to lack of willpower, but because of inflexible plans that ignore real-life challenges like harsh weather and busy schedules.  

Success starts by separating goals from actions: aim for clear, manageable steps like 15-minute walks, preparing protein-rich breakfasts, or using local gyms and YMCAs when it’s too cold for the Norwottuck Rail Trail.  

Adapting to unpredictable winters—by keeping healthy foods on hand and crafting indoor exercise routines—can help maintain consistency.  

Lasting results depend on patience, realistic expectations, and celebrating small wins, whether it’s better sleep or extra energy.  

If routines stall, adjusting your approach or consulting Western Mass healthcare providers may help.  

By building sustainable habits through February’s cold and March’s mud, locals can look forward to real change by spring’s arrival.

Kokusai Denki Electric America, Inc., a Southwick-based firm formerly known as Hitachi Kokusai Electric Comark, agreed in December 2025 to pay nearly $2 million to federal authorities for allegedly misrepresenting its employee count on a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan application.

Authorities say the company underreported its total workforce by excluding parent company employees, violating federal rules that require all affiliate employees be counted.

This error caused the company to claim eligibility for a Second Draw PPP loan in 2021, despite having more than the 300-employee limit.

The case was exposed by a whistleblower lawsuit and highlights ongoing PPP fraud enforcement — even years after the program ended.

Federal investigators use data checks, audits, and tips to spot PPP violations, and businesses are urged to review compliance or risk steep penalties and reputational harm.

Local employers should ensure accurate PPP documentation, as enforcement is expected to continue through 2031.

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Local Events: December 23–29, 2025 (Greater Springfield & Pioneer Valley)

Bright Nights at Forest Park (Ongoing Holiday Lights) 💡 Where: Forest Park, 1040 Park Drive, Springfield, MA When: Daily 12/23/25 – 12/29/25, 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM EDT (Sun–Thu) or 10:00 PM EDT (Fri–Sat); open Christmas Eve & Christmas Why Go: Peak post-Christmas week with 1M+ lights, animated displays, 50-foot musical tree, and AR experiences—ideal for family drives, dates, or repeated visits in the holiday glow. Contact Info: https://www.brightnights.org/

Santa Visits at Holyoke Mall 🎅 Where: Holyoke Mall, 50 Holyoke St, Holyoke, MA When: Daily through 12/24/25 (Christmas Eve), various hours (typically 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM; shorter Christmas Eve) Why Go: Last chances for photos and wish lists with Santa—festive sets and professional pics for holiday memories in a major Pioneer Valley shopping hub. Contact Info: https://www.holyokemall.com/events/

Santa at Yankee Candle Village 🎅 Where: Yankee Candle Village, 25 Greenfield Road, South Deerfield, MA When: Daily through 12/24/25, various hours Why Go: Meet Santa amid candle scents and holiday shops—cozy, aromatic visits with photo ops in this flagship Pioneer Valley store. Contact Info: https://explorewesternmass.com/events/

Student Prince Caroling Season 🎶 Where: Student Prince Cafe & Fort Restaurant, 8 Fort Street, Springfield, MA When: Evenings 12/23/25 – 12/24/25 (recurring carolers) Why Go: Live holiday caroling with German meals, mulled drinks, and historic ambiance—warm, musical evenings in downtown Springfield. Contact Info: https://www.studentprince.com/events

McCray’s Farm Holiday Light Walkthrough ✨ Where: McCray’s Farm, 55 Alvord St, South Hadley, MA When: Evenings through late Dec (check for 12/23–12/29) Why Go: Walk through festive lights on the farm—family-friendly outdoor display with seasonal charm in the Pioneer Valley. Contact Info: https://explorewesternmass.com/events/

Ice Rink at MGM Springfield ⛸️ Where: MGM Springfield, One MGM Way, Springfield, MA When: Daily 12/23/25 – 12/29/25, various hours Why Go: Outdoor skating in downtown—fun winter activity with lights and holiday vibes for all ages. Contact Info: https://mgmspringfield.mgmresorts.com/en/entertainment.html

Christmas Eve Candlelight & Musical Services 🕯️🎶 Where: Various churches (e.g., Christ Church Cathedral, Trinity UMC, First Church in Springfield/Northampton/Holyoke) When: Wednesday 12/24/25, Evening services (4:00–5:00 PM family, 7:00–10:00 PM, midnight common) Why Go: Choirs, carols, candle lighting, and nativity—musical and reflective community worship open to all for Christmas Eve peace. Contact Info: Local church sites (e.g., trinityspringfield.org) or wwlp.com listings

Christmas Day Open Attractions 🎄 Where: Bright Nights (open), select spots like MGM Rink When: Thursday 12/25/25, Evening for lights Why Go: Quiet holiday drives through lights or limited open venues—low-key celebration for those seeking activity on Christmas Day. Contact Info: Venue sites

Kwanzaa Kickoff (Umoja - Unity) 🕎 Where: Community gatherings (e.g., Springfield Museums or local centers) When: Friday 12/26/25, Evening Why Go: Light the first candle, discuss unity, with cultural music/dance—start of seven-day African heritage celebration. Contact Info: https://springfieldmuseums.org/program/the-kwanzaa-collective-2025/

Annual Community Kwanzaa Festival 🕎 Where: Boys & Girls Club or UMass Center at Tower Square, Springfield, MA When: Saturday 12/27/25 or 12/28/25 (main event day; check 2025 schedule) Why Go: Music, dance, vendors, kids' activities, principle talks—vibrant full-day celebration of culture and community in Greater Springfield. Contact Info: Kwanzaa Collective Facebook or local updates

Harlem Globetrotters 100-Year Tour 🏀 Where: MassMutual Center, 1277 Main Street, Springfield, MA When: Monday 12/29/25, Evening (typical 7:00 PM) Why Go: Trick shots, comedy basketball, and family entertainment—high-energy show celebrating the Globetrotters' centennial in downtown Springfield. Contact Info: https://www.massmutualcenter.com/events/detail/harlemglobetrotters100yeartour

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Word of the Week: Exultant

Definition: Adjective. Overflowing with triumphant, ecstatic joy—like that unstoppable rush of happiness when you’ve just won something huge, accomplished a dream, or simply feel victorious in the moment.

Example Sentence: When the final whistle blew and her team won the championship, she threw her arms in the air, completely exultant, tears of pure joy streaming down her face.

Origin: From the Latin exultare (“to leap up” or “rejoice greatly”), which itself comes from ex- (out) + saltare (to jump). It entered English in the early 1600s and perfectly captures that “leaping for joy” energy!

Fits right in with the holiday highs—here’s to all the little (and big) exultant moments this week! 🏆✨ What’s got you feeling exultant lately?