"Believe you can and you're halfway there." - Theodore Roosevelt

More Eats at the Big E!

The Big E, New England’s beloved Eastern States Exposition, showcases the region’s vibrant food scene with inventive dishes each year.

This season’s standout was the Chicken Tot Pie—a comforting twist where crispy tater tots replace the classic pie crust, encasing a filling of shredded chicken, peas, carrots, and savory gravy.

Each bite blends nostalgia with creativity, making it an unforgettable treat for fairgoers.

Inspired to recreate this magic at home, a recipe based on Ree Drummond’s Chicken Tot Pie uses leftover rotisserie chicken, sweet corn, and a cast-iron skillet for rustic perfection.

Baked until golden at 400°F, the dish delivers all the fairground flavors, earning rave reviews from the family table.

For anyone craving The Big E experience, serving this at home is the next best thing.

Springfield is inviting residents to nominate deserving individuals for the 2025 Veteran of the Year Award, recognizing selfless local veterans who make a positive impact in the community.

Nominations can be submitted online through the Department of Veterans’ Services and must be received by October 31, 2025.

The honored veteran will be celebrated at City Hall on November 3, 2025, at 2 p.m., and the city will also host its annual Veterans Day Parade on November 11 at 11 a.m., starting from Springfield Technical Community College.

Springfield Veterans Activities Committee is also launching a fundraising campaign for a Global War on Terrorism Veterans Monument, set to be added to Veterans Way on Court Street.

Supporters also joined a fundraising golf tournament at Veterans Golf Course on June 7, 2025. To  make donations directly see the committee.

The city encourages all residents to participate and honor those who have served.

A few events happening in the 413 Area code this week!

Collage Club: Take a Break & Create🎯
Where:Make-It Springfield 286 Bridge Street, Springfield
When:9/24/25  4-6pm
Why Go:creative collage session, guided by our friendly staff.413-455-0663

Valley Comedy Showcase🤣
Where:The Parlor Room 32 Masonic St, Northampton,
When: Thursday 9/25/25 7:30PM
Why Go: Performers:Herlandt Lino, Cole Johnson, Raj Patel, Khalid Alford at https://parlorroom.org/

Apple Fest 2025🍎
Where: The Apple Place East Longmeadow MA
When:  Sept 27 2025 9AM - 4Pm raindate- next day
Why Go:Celebration of local talent!! In 2025, 30+ Artisans!! Our award winning bakery and ice cream will be available! Our corn maze will be OPEN! We will have LIVE music ALL day! Kids Crafts!
https://www.theappleplace.net/

Yoga & Wine with Hannah🧘‍♂️
Where: 592 Sylvester Rd Florence
When:  Sunday Sept 28  11am
Why Go: yoga class while taking in the beautiful scenery of the orchards followed by a social hour and a glass of wine of your choice
https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/d7xtqaz?

Kids’ Art Classes at Wistariahurst🎨
Where:Wistariahurst Museum Holyoke 238 Cabot Street
When:September 28th, 2:00-4:00pm
Why Go:Kid’s Art Classes are a fantastic way for them to explore, discover, and engage
Eventbrite.com for tickets $10

TJO hosted their annual "Ride Like an Animal" motorcycle run, with proceeds going to support the Thomas J.

O’Connor Animal Control & Adoption Center.

The event began with a scenic ride followed by food, live music, raffles, and prizes.

Participants included both motorcycle enthusiasts and animal lovers, coming together to raise money for a good cause.

The event was a success, bringing awareness to the needs of the animal shelter and providing a fun and engaging way for the community to support their efforts.

TJO provides a second chance for adoptable dogs, cats and occasionally other types of critters.

My name is Lulu.

I am a spayed female, white and black Chihuahua - Smooth Coated.

The shelter staff think I am about 8 years old.

I have been at the shelter since Aug 25, 2025.

Lulu is a soft-hearted lady with a love for life’s simple pleasures sniffing flowers, taking short strolls, and curling up for cozy naps. She’s not one for chaos or crowds; instead, she thrives in relaxed environments where she can just be herself without pressure or fuss. Though she’s a bit shy and prefers minimal handling, Lulu’s sweetness shines through in quiet moments. She’s like cotton candy—delicate, comforting, and full of charm. With time, patience, and love, she’ll blossom into a loving companion who appreciates your presence and respects your space. She needs a patient adopter who respects her space.

This information  may not represent all of the animals at the TJ O'Connor Adoption Center.

Check out the local farmer's market in Northampton for fresh produce, artisanal goods, and yummy treats every Tuesday and Saturday!