"Prehistoric Winter Wonderlands, Kitchen Fires, and Wine-Making Must-Haves: The Pet of the Week Will Melt Your Heart!"

Hadley Police Department Master Police Officer John Robitaille was officially cleared for the final time by Dispatcher Henry Baj since the Hadley Select Board approved his retirement and appointment to Master Police Officer. For over 26 years, Officer Robitaille served the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the Town of Hadley honorably and often with a smile. Unfortunately, this is no normal retirement for he was diagnosed with ALS back in the fall.

Not only is this a difficult time for the department and his family, but the town as well. Currently, the Hadley Police Association is selling patches to help raise money for his family. If you are interested in purchasing a patch, reach out to the association through their Facebook page or reach out to any department member.

On behalf of the Hadley Media staff, we thank 340 for his selfless service to the Town of Hadley and wish nothing but the best for him and his family.

"A Small Spark Could Cost You Everything: The Risk of Kitchen Fires"

Advertorial

The Prepared Hero Emergency Fire Blanket 4-Pack delivers a quick and clean way to suppress small fires in the kitchen, garage, or even on the road.

Each blanket measures 40" x 40" and features lightweight, heat-resistant fiberglass that can withstand temperatures up to 1076°F, making it ideal for grease or liquid fires.

Users appreciate the easy deployment tabs and the portable, wall-mountable design—perfect for families, apartment dwellers, or frequent cooks who want peace of mind without the mess of a traditional extinguisher.

The pack of four allows for coverage in multiple rooms.

While it's best for smaller fire emergencies, the blanket’s simplicity and CE-certified safety make it a reliable addition to any home or vehicle.

At a competitive price per unit, this bundle offers solid value and proven protection for a broad range of everyday fire risks.

Making wine at home is both a labor of love and a showcase of personal craftsmanship. Using the right equipment is crucial for producing consistent, high-quality wine that stands up at parties or restaurants. Quality winemaking gear ensures proper sanitation, precise measurements, and efficient processes, all key to great results.

Essential tools for beginners include primary fermentation containers, glass carboys for secondary fermentation, crushers, hydrometers, and winepresses. Auto-siphons, bottling wands, stoppers, wine thieves, paddles, and straining bags round out the basic kit. Sanitation is non-negotiable, with stainless steel tools and food-safe materials a must to prevent contamination.

Budget-friendly alternatives, such as food-grade plastic buckets and nylon bags, can help beginners get started. Common issues like stuck fermentation or cloudy wine are best solved with careful monitoring and clean practices. With patience, the right gear, and an understanding of the science, local home winemakers can create bottles that rival commercial brands and fill every event with a glass of something truly special.

Back In Time

The Lehmann Publishing House of 460 Main Street, South Holyoke, Holyoke, Massachusetts. Founded in about 1894 by August Lehmann (whose name appears faded on the awning above the door), it would remain extant to about 1922, publishing a small German paper Die Biene (The Bee) from its founding until shortly after Lehmann's death in 1917. The printing firm, part of the Holyoke German immigrant colony, sat in the former location of competitor, the German-American Publishing Company

Local Events: December 30, 2025–January 5, 2026 (Western MA)

Bach at New Year's: The Six Brandenburg Concertos 🎼 Where: Academy of Music Theatre, 274 Main Street, Northampton, MA When: Tuesday 12/30/25, 7:00 PM EDT Why Go: Ring in the new year early with a full performance of Bach's masterful Brandenburg Concertos—virtuosic baroque music in a historic Pioneer Valley theater for classical fans. Contact Info: https://aomtheatre.com/

Bright Nights at Forest Park (Ongoing Holiday Lights) 💡 Where: Forest Park, 1040 Park Drive, Springfield, MA When: Daily 12/30/25 – 1/04/26, 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM EDT (Sun–Thu) or 10:00 PM EDT (Fri–Sat); final days of season Why Go: Last chance for the iconic drive-through with 1M+ lights, animated scenes, and musical tree—peak crowds for post-Christmas and New Year's visits in Greater Springfield. Contact Info: https://www.brightnights.org/

First Night Northampton 2026 🎉🎶 Where: Downtown Northampton (multiple venues, fireworks at Northampton High School) When: Wednesday 12/31/25, Noon – Midnight EDT Why Go: New England's premier alcohol-free New Year's arts festival—100+ performances including live music (indie rock, reggae, etc.), comedy, puppetry, dance, button-making, and midnight fireworks with ball raise. Family-friendly all day. Contact Info: https://www.firstnightnorthampton.org/

New Year's Eve Parties & Live Music 🎶 Where: Various venues (e.g., Iron Horse, Parlor Room in Northampton; MGM Springfield Roar! Comedy or events) When: Wednesday 12/31/25, Evening (8:00 PM onward) Why Go: Ring in 2026 with local bands, DJs, or comedy—options from intimate folk at Parlor Room to upscale at MGM; check for themed parties with countdowns. Contact Info: https://northampton.live/music-nightlife or mgmspringfield.com

New Year's Day Recovery & Open Attractions 🎄 Where: Bright Nights (open), select museums/parks When: Thursday 1/01/26, Evening for lights Why Go: Quiet start to 2026 with holiday lights or low-key walks—many spots closed, but Bright Nights offers festive drive for hangover-friendly celebration. Contact Info: Venue sites

Kwanzaa Finale (Imani - Faith) 🕎 Where: Community centers or homes (e.g., Springfield or Northampton gatherings) When: Thursday 1/01/26, Evening Why Go: Close the seven-day celebration with the final candle, feasts, gifts, and reflections on faith—cultural music and unity in Pioneer Valley groups. Contact Info: Local Kwanzaa Collective or Facebook

Final Bright Nights Week 💡 Where: Forest Park, 1040 Park Drive, Springfield, MA When: Friday 1/02/26 – Sunday 1/04/26 (season ends Jan 4) Why Go: Wrap up holidays with last views of lights and displays—weekend crowds for closing nights in Greater Springfield's signature event. Contact Info: https://www.brightnights.org/

Discover Our Pet of the Week for Heartwarming Adoptions

Meet Ferris

Hoarder cats are House Spirits - very shy with people. They live in your home, but are rarely seen - visitors will never see them. They are cats who live with you, and who may sometimes grant you the opportunity to touch them. Or, they may not.

Word of the Week: Ebullient

Definition: Adjective. Overflowing with enthusiastic excitement, like a pot of water joyfully boiling over—bubbling with energy, high spirits, and uncontainable cheer that lifts everyone around you.

Example Sentence: As the clock struck midnight, the crowd grew ebullient, cheering, hugging, and dancing under showers of confetti like the new year had personally handed them pure happiness.

Origin: From the Latin ebullire (“to boil up”), entering English in the late 1500s. It originally described literal boiling before becoming the perfect word for that irrepressible, fizzy joy.

Perfect for the very last days of 2025—let’s all be a little ebullient as we step into the new year! 🎆✨ What’s got you feeling ebullient right now?