"Every sunset brings the promise of a new dawn in Western Massachusetts."

Word of the Week: 

Effulgent

Scroll to end for meaning

Meet Diné. 🐱

Scroll Down For Pet Of The Week!

Gabriel Lebron, 35, of Northampton, was sentenced to eight years in federal prison after police caught him with a loaded gun and distribution-ready crack cocaine and heroin while on supervised release.

On April 9, 2025, officers responded to reports of a man waving a firearm inside the Howard Johnson hotel lobby in Hadley, finding Lebron armed with a loaded semi-automatic pistol and multiple packages of drugs.

He pleaded guilty to federal gun and drug charges, and to being a felon in possession.

The judge sentenced him to seven years for these offenses, plus one extra year for violating his previous supervised release following a separate 2023 conviction for a ghost gun in Vermont.

Lebron, who has a record of firearms violations, must serve his terms consecutively and will face three years of supervised release after completing his prison sentence.

An officer-involved shooting in Adams, Massachusetts, has been deemed justified after an investigation.

The incident occurred when police responded to a report of a stabbing.

South Hadley, MA- “The Big Broadcast!,” a popular musical tradition and signature Mount Holyoke College event, will present its 21st anniversary concert Saturday, March 7 in Chapin Auditorium on the college’s campus. There will be two performances — 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Snow date is March 8.

“The Big Broadcast!” is a unique recreation of a 1940s-style radio show, complete with news, commercials, popular songs, and a radio play in the old Western serial style.  

Sponsors are Mount Holyoke College, Loomis Communities, 22News, PeoplesBank, NEPM, Reminder Publications, The Republican and MassLive.

22News meteorologist Brian Lapis returns to “The Big Broadcast!” in his role as the show’s host, Fred Kelley. Mark Gionfriddo, director of the Mount Holyoke College Jazz Ensembles, is the show’s creative director. “The Big Broadcast” is a production of the Mount Holyoke College Big Band, Vocal Jazz, and Chamber Jazz ensembles. Part concert, part theater, the show is produced by students with Gionfriddo playing the role of band leader Matt Morgan.

Aries feels romance heat up as bold choices spark passion.

Leadership in your career stands out, so dare to initiate a new idea.

Keep your energy balanced and review your finances for surprise gains.

Taurus finds love in shared moments — plan something cozy.

Focus on security at work and make mindful health choices for stability.

Smart investing could bring financial growth.

Gemini shines by communicating openly in relationships.

Professional doors open through networking, while mindfulness strengthens your well-being.

Research before making money moves.

Cancer centers love at home, enhancing bonds with family.

Hard work leads to career progress, and saving secures your finances.

Leo finds playful romance and a creative spark at work, while taking risks could bring financial perks.

Virgo shows love through helpful acts and succeeds by staying organized.

Financial planning builds security.

Libra thrives with relationship balance and career collaboration.

Health and wealth grow through partnership.

Scorpio experiences deep passion and career changes — embrace transformation and research investments.

Sagittarius chases love adventure and learns new career skills, reaping financial benefits from fresh experiences.

Capricorn strengthens romantic commitments and achieves professional respect through focus, while careful spending repays over time.

Aquarius deepens connections through conversation and original thinking, with finances boosted by your social circle.

Pisces relies on intuition in love and creativity at work, attracting abundance through kindness.

Western Massachusetts offers a vibrant week of arts and culture, with engaging events across Amherst, Northampton, Easthampton, Florence, Holyoke, Lenox, and Springfield.

Historic and literary highlights include a Mabel Loomis Todd photo exhibit supporting the Emily Dickinson Museum and book events featuring M.J. Beasi, Michael Perry, and bestsellers like "Wings of Fire."

Live music thrives with performances by blues-rock legend Joe Bonamassa at Springfield Symphony Hall, jazz saxophonist Charles Langford with Green Street Trio, and the soulful all-female band Cherish The Ladies at The Iron Horse.

Art lovers can explore advanced student works at Smith College’s Janotta Gallery, while creative types enjoy "Paint & Plunge" in Florence.

For music enthusiasts, Grateful Dead tribute nights and Valley Classical Concerts bring unique sounds to Northampton, while the Sacred Harp Singing Convention offers participatory tradition in Florence.

There’s something for every interest in the Pioneer Valley this week.

Western Massachusetts is rich with history, often hiding in plain sight for those who look closely.

One remarkable window into the past is the 1855 Map of Hampden County, Massachusetts, masterfully surveyed by Henry Francis Walling and published in Boston by H.A. Haley.

This massive, hand-colored map—measuring almost 84 x 166 centimeters—captures local towns, rivers, and neighborhoods as they appeared nearly 170 years ago.

Now preserved by the Library of Congress, the map provides a vivid glimpse into the region’s 19th-century landscape, when busy factories lined the Connecticut River, railroads rapidly changed travel, and family farms remained vital to the community.

For residents of the 413, the map stands as both a beautiful artifact and a living connection to our shared past.

Diné is a tan and white male Boxer mix, estimated to be about 5 years old.

He has been at TJ O’Connor Adoption Center since February 7, 2026, awaiting a calm and understanding forever home.

This gentle senior still shows playful energy when the mood strikes, but prefers a quieter space where he can relax.

Because he’s sensitive about his skin tags, Diné is not suited for homes with young children.

He’s independent around other dogs and would likely do well with calm canine housemates, although any introductions should be done before adoption.

A home with someone experienced in positive reinforcement training would be ideal, ensuring he stays comfortable and healthy.

Diné thrives best in a moderately active to quiet home, where boundaries are respected and he has space to unwind.

Word of the Week: Effulgent

Definition: Adjective. Shining with a radiant, splendid brightness—like sunlight bursting through after rain or a person's face glowing with pure happiness. It describes a warm, generous, almost majestic light that feels both powerful and welcoming.

Example Sentence: The March sun finally broke free of the clouds, turning the budding trees effulgent and making every new leaf look like it was lit from within.

Origin: From Latin effulgēre (“to shine forth brightly” or “flash out”), built from ex- (out) + fulgēre (to flash or gleam like lightning). It entered English around the early 1500s and has always carried a slightly grand, poetic tone—perfect for describing those moments when light feels almost celebratory.

Here’s to welcoming the longer, brighter March days with a little effulgent energy of our own! 🌞✨ What’s feeling especially bright and glowing in your world right now?