"Rescue Pet Nickel Steals Hearts, Big E 2025 Wrap-Up, Word of the Week, and Controversy Over Bad Bunny Super Bowl Performance

Big E 2025 Wraps Up: Controversial Bad Bunny Headlining Super Bowl Halftime! 🐰🏈 Meet Rescue Pet Nickel at the Bottom! #WesternMA future plans? #WordOfTheWeek

This Weeks Rescue Pet - Meet Nickel🙀 (Scroll To Bottom)

Quote Of The Day

"An investment in knowledge pays the best interest."

Big E 2025 Wraps Up: What's Next for Western Massachusetts?

The close of Big E 2025 leaves Western Massachusetts abuzz with more autumn excitement.

Culture seekers can explore the Wistariahurst Museum in Holyoke, featuring Cemetery Tours at Forestdale Cemetery on October 11 and the candlelit Darkened Hallways Tour on October 15.

Sports fans won’t want to miss the high-energy Bound for Glory wrestling event at the Tsongas Center in Lowell on October 12, promising thrilling entertainment for all ages.

For traditional fare, Hadley’s lively Oktoberfest at The Club and Pavilion on October 25 serves German food, craft beers and music against brilliant fall foliage.

Families can enjoy the Ashfield Fall Festival on October 11 and 12, where local crafts, games and live performances fill the weekend.

Adventurers will love the Thunder Mountain Bike Park at Berkshire East, with trails for every skill level amid sweeping autumn views.

Western Massachusetts stays vibrant and welcoming, offering memorable events for every interest this season.

Top 7 Must-See Spots in Northampton, Massachusetts

Word Of The Week

Quixotic
Scroll down!

Opinions Divided on Bad Bunny Headlining Super Bowl Halftime Show

Fans and critics have mixed reactions to the announcement that Bad Bunny will headline the Super Bowl Halftime Show.

The popular Latin artist's selection has elicited excitement from his fans, who are eager to see him perform on such a large stage.

However, some critics have expressed skepticism about the choice, questioning whether Bad Bunny's music will resonate with a mainstream audience.

Overall, the decision to have Bad Bunny perform at the Super Bowl Halftime Show has generated a range of opinions, with many anticipating an energetic and memorable performance from the chart-topping artist.

This week's not so typical events

Tuesdays on the Terrace- Sips & Stogies🚬
Where:One MGM Way, Springfield, MA
When: Tuesday 09/30/25 6:00 PM
Why Go: Tuesday nights with skyline views, smooth whisky, hand-rolled stogies, and live music at https://www.facebook.com/share/1CsLJnXTVr/

Beyond Beginning Watercolor👩‍🎨
Where:Springfield Museums 21 Edwards Street, Springfield,
When: Thursday 10/02/25 1pm-3:30pm
Why Go: Museum School Class – Adults

Springfield Museums, à la Carte Lectures✳️
Where:Springfield Museums or Zoom 21 Edwards St Springfield,
When: Thursday 10/02/25 12:15 PM
Why Go: Becoming Darlene: The Story of Belchertown Patient #4952 at 413-314-6488

Wine, charcuterie, and oysters at our Fall Wine Event🥂
Where:1477 Main Street Springfield, MA
When: Friday 10/03/25 7-9pm
Why Go: wine, charcuterie, and oysters at our Fall Wine Event at https://www.eventbrite.com/

Holyoke's Historic Canals and Dam Tour💧
Where:Holyoke Heritage State Park 221 Appleton Street · Holyoke, MA
When: Saturday 10/04/25 10:00 AM
Why Go: Join the park interpreter for a 2-hour walk along Holyoke’s canal system. 413-534-1723.

Easthampton's East Street (Eastside) Cemetery👻
Where:East Street Easthampton, MA
When: Saturday 10/04/25 11:00 AM
Why Go: Tour a cemetery that is was established in the 18th century at https://www.eventbrite.com

Salsa in the Park Amherst💃
Where:Mill River Recreation Area 95 Montague Road, Amherst
When: Saturday 10/04/25 6:00 PM
Why Go: Salsa in the Park featuring dancing and great music at https://www.amherstma.gov/calendar.aspx?EID=29788

Habitat Family Fun Fest🍉
Where:429 Morgan Road W Springfield
When: Sunday 10/05/25 12-4PM
Why Go: Enjoy free kids’ activities, raffles, food trucks, craft vendors, and community resources all in one lively, all-ages celebration. http://habitatspringfield.org/fun-fest

Adult Drop-In Open Modern Dance🕺
Where:Northampton Center for the Arts Hawley Street, Northampton
When: Monday 10/06/25 7:00 PM
Why Go: Drop-in class with rotating teachers. Open level, all are welcome at chloescdt@gmail.com

Our Monday Night Dinner Spot!

Max Burger In Longmeadow

Bite into Better: Why Max Burger in Longmeadow is a Must-Try 🍔

Tonight we tried the GRILL CHEESE and The CRISPY BEE CHICKEN SANDO. Great food at reasonable prices! ($15 each)

If you're looking for a burger experience that goes beyond the basics, you need to head over to Max Burger at 684 Bliss Road in Longmeadow, MA. This isn't just another burger joint; it's a chef-driven restaurant that elevates the classic American burger in an upscale gastro-pub environment.

The Farm-to-Table Difference

Max Burger, established in 2009, is committed to the farm-to-table philosophy. They constantly strive to source the highest quality ingredients, including seasonal produce, local dairy products, and artisanal grains.

What really sets their burgers apart is the beef: they proudly serve all-natural hamburger meat. This beef comes from cattle raised to be hormone, steroid, and antibiotic-free, reflecting Max Burger's commitment to sustainable and ethical practices. When you take a bite, you can taste the dedication to quality that starts right on the farm.

More Than Just Burgers

While the focus is on creative, fresh twists on the classic hamburger, the dining experience is rounded out by an impressive selection of sides and drinks.

Sides: Expect perfectly hand-cut fries and house-made sauces to complement your meal.
Drinks: Their innovative beverage program features an extensive wine list, an excellent craft beer selection, and, for those looking for a sweet treat, over a dozen traditional and liquor-spiked milkshakes.

Plan Your Visit

Whether you're looking for a family dinner or a weekend night out, the Longmeadow location is ready to serve:

Address: 684 Bliss Road, Longmeadow, MA 01106
Phone: 413-798-0101
Hours:
- Sunday - Thursday: 11:30 am - 9:00 pm
- Friday - Saturday: 11:30 am - 10:00 pm

You can also check out their full Menu, Happy Hour Menu, and Kids Menu online, and they offer options for pick-up or delivery. Max Burger is a part of Max Hospitality, driven by a mission of "an uncompromising commitment to quality service, style and cuisine." Stop by the Longmeadow location and experience a truly exceptional burger.

Word of the Week: Quixotic

Definition: Adjective. Unrealistically optimistic or impractical; pursuing noble goals in a way that is unrealistic or doomed to fail. Often inspired by lofty ideals, but disregarding practical considerations.

Example Sentence: Her quixotic quest to single-handedly save the old theater from demolition charmed the community, even if it seemed unlikely to succeed.

Origin: Derived from the character Don Quixote, the protagonist of Miguel de Cervantes' novel, who pursues impractical dreams with unwavering optimism.

At The Westfied Animal Shelter

Meet Nickel

Nickel is a handsome 3-year-old male with a big personality and an even bigger appetite! This feline foodie has a deep appreciation for mealtimes and his enthusiasm for food is matched only by his zest for life. Nickel would thrive in a home that can keep him mentally stimulated, and puzzle or slow feeders are a great way to engage his curious mind while helping him enjoy his meals at a healthy pace.
If you’re looking for a fun, food-motivated companion, Nickel is your guy!