Word of the Week: Eudaimonia

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🙀Meet Kaya! 

 Pet of the week available for adoption scroll to the end for info

The legendary Hairpin Turn on the Mohawk Trail outside North Adams offers more than a sharp bend — it’s a living time capsule and a rite of passage for locals and visitors alike.

Once a tribal footpath used for trade and war, the Mohawk Trail evolved into New England’s first scenic auto route in 1914, climbing over the Hoosac Range with a breathtaking 180-degree curve.

Early motorists braved steep grades and tight corners, but today drivers savor panoramic views of North Adams, the Taconic peaks, and the riot of color each autumn.

Landmarks like the Golden Eagle Restaurant and the Hail to the Sunrise statue root this spot in local lore, while the nearby Mass MoCA and state forest trails keep the area vibrant year-round.

As North Adams reinvents itself, the Hairpin Turn stands as a dramatic reminder: history, adventure, and classic Western Mass beauty all meet here.

Holyoke Police Chase Raises Questions on Pursuit Protocols

A Holyoke police pursuit on Route 5 ended in a head-on collision, injuring an innocent motorist who remains in the ICU. As the suspect faces charges, advocates call for clearer guidelines from Massachusetts' new police oversight board.

Springfield, MA remains a standout in the U.S. housing market, drawing intense interest as 2025 approaches late fall.

Its affordability and central location between Boston and Hartford make it a popular choice for families planning their next move.

According to Realtor.com, listings here attract over three times more viewers than the national average, highlighting the area’s strong demand.

The median home value hovers around $293,000, up 1.9% from last year, with properties spending an average of just 26 days on the market.

A shortage of inventory—down 37% since 2019 across Massachusetts—has created fierce competition, pushing prices up and fueling bidding wars.

First-time buyers face significant challenges amid these tight conditions, but new developments like Merrick Park Apartments and the “X” infrastructure project are energizing the city.

For both buyers and sellers, navigating Springfield’s dynamic real estate landscape takes preparation and experienced local guidance.

Brodie Mountain, nestled beneath Mount Greylock in Western Massachusetts, has long captivated locals as a ski destination known for its festive Irish spirit and annual St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.

The mountain’s heyday flourished under Jim Kelly in the 1960s, introducing innovations like snowmaking and lively trail names themed around Irish heritage.

After changing hands in 1999, the resort ceased downhill skiing in 2002, later restricted from public ski operations to protect nearby Jiminy Peak.

In late 2023, Brodie Mountain Development LLC acquired the 500-acre property for $975,000.

Investor Todd Oifer hinted at ambitious redevelopment, though public skiing remains prohibited until 2033.

Options for private skiing events or memberships are on the table, while the site’s proximity to Williams College, Mass MoCA, and Tanglewood supports hopes for new recreation and hospitality ventures.

Locals and enthusiasts await new plans hoping to see Brodie Mountain return as a cherished regional landmark.

"Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful." - Albert Schweitzer

Medicare will introduce key changes in 2026 that could affect your healthcare costs and plan options.

The average Medicare Part D premium is expected to drop by about 10% to $34.50, though the maximum deductible will increase to $615.

Annual prescription drug out-of-pocket limits will rise slightly to $2,100.

Negotiated prices for ten major medications, including Eliquis and Jardiance, will take effect in January, bringing potential savings of up to $1.5 billion for beneficiaries.

Insulin costs under Part D will continue to be capped, and there will be no deductible for covered insulin products.

Some insurers plan to scale back their Medicare Advantage and Part D plan offerings, possibly resulting in fewer choices in some areas.

Medicare Open Enrollment, from October 15 to December 7, is a prime time to review plan changes and look for better coverage or savings.

Voices of Valor: Songs and Stories from the Front 🇺🇸 Where: The Mount, Edith Wharton's Home, 2 Plunkett Street, Lenox, MA When: Tuesday 11/11/25, 6:00 PM EDT

Why Go: Honor veterans with a musical tribute blending WWI melodies and Edith Wharton's humanitarian stories, celebrating courage and resilience in an intimate Drawing Room setting. Contact Info: https://berkshires.org/events/voices-of-valor-songs-and-stories-from-the-front/2025-11-11/

Springfield Veterans Day Parade 🇺🇸 Where: Starting at Springfield Technical Community College, ending at City Hall, Downtown Springfield Main Street, Springfield, MA When: Tuesday 11/11/25, 11:00 AM EDT

Why Go: March alongside veterans in this rain-or-shine parade, culminating in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Veterans Monument— a powerful community tribute to service members. Contact Info: https://explorewesternmass.com/event/springfield-veterans-day-parade-4/

UMass Women's Basketball vs Harvard 🏀 Where: Mullins Center, 200 Commonwealth Avenue, Amherst, MA When: Tuesday 11/11/25, 7:00 PM EDT

Why Go: Cheer on the Minutewomen in a Salute to Service game focused on mental health awareness, with high-energy college hoops and special recognitions. Contact Info: https://explorewesternmass.com/event/umass-mullins-center-basketball-4/

Lecture on the Emamzadeh Yahya Project 🕌 Where: Clark Art Institute, Manton Research Center Auditorium, 225 South Street, Williamstown, MA When: Tuesday 11/11/25, 5:30 PM EDT

Why Go: Explore the 2021 Emamzadeh Yahya Project with scholar Keelan Overton, uncovering the shrine complex's history, architecture, and cultural significance in a free academic talk. Contact Info: https://berkshires.org/events/lecture-on-the-ememzadeh-yahya-project/

Competitive Puzzling Night at Hot Plate 🧩 Where: Hot Plate Brewing Co., 1 School Street, Pittsfield, MA When: Tuesday 11/11/25, 6:00 PM EDT

Why Go: Race against teams to complete 500-piece puzzles supplied by the Berkshire Athenaeum, with prizes for winners— a fun, brain-teasing twist on trivia night. Contact Info: https://berkshires.org/events/competitive-puzzling-night-at-hot-plate/2025-11-11/

UMass Football vs. Northern Illinois 🏈 Where: McGuirk Alumni Stadium, 200 Commonwealth Avenue, Amherst, MA When: Wednesday 11/12/25, 7:00 PM EDT

Why Go: Catch midweek #MACtion as the Minutemen host Northern Illinois in a Salute to Service game, packed with college football excitement and tailgating vibes. Contact Info: https://explorewesternmass.com/event/umass-football/

Moments: Photographs by Alfred Mitchell - Artist Reception 📸 Where: Likely Northampton or nearby (from Art Hub WMass), Northampton, MA When: Monday 11/17/25, 6:00 PM – 7:50 PM EDT Why Go: Celebrate photographer Alfred Mitchell's series capturing fleeting moments at this reception, mingling with the artist amid evocative images of everyday life. Contact Info: https://www.artshubwma.org/event/moments-photographs-by-alfred-mit2025-11-17

A House in Holyoke Through Time (Free Public Lecture) 🏠 Where: Lewis Wing, Wistariahurst Museum, Holyoke, MA When: Monday 11/17/25, 5:30 PM EDT

Why Go: Uncover Holyoke's architectural history through a free lecture on a historic house's evolution, hosted by the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts. Contact Info: https://www.artshubwma.org/event/a-house-in-holyoke-through-time-free-public-le2025-11-17

35mm Negatives of the 1970's: Local Author Peter Monroe 📷 Where: Greenfield Public Library, 412 Main St, Greenfield, MA When: Monday 11/17/25, 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM EDT

Why Go: Dive into 1970s photography with local author Peter Monroe discussing his book on 35mm negatives, sharing stories and visuals from the era. Contact Info: https://www.artshubwma.org/event/35mm-negatives-of-the-1970-s-local-author-peter-monroe

Monday Storytime 📖 Where: Likely local library in Western MA (e.g., Northampton or Greenfield), Northampton, MA When: Monday 11/17/25, 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM EDT

Why Go: Engage young children with stories, songs, and crafts in a 5-week session starting November 10, building early literacy in a fun group setting. Contact Info: https://www.artshubwma.org/event/monday-stor2025-11-17

Lyman Conservatory: Explore Global Plant Life and Biodiversity 🌿 Where: The Botanic Garden of Smith College, 16 College Ln, Northampton, MA When: Monday 11/17/25, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM EDT Why Go: Wander through diverse plant collections from around the world, learning about biodiversity and conservation in this serene, educational conservatory tour. Contact Info: https://hilltownfamilies.org/events/category/performance-art/day/2025-11-17/

Available At Dakin

Kaya

Are you looking for a cat who gets an A+ in snuggling? A social girl who loves attention? Then Kaya is the girl for you! If you're up for some entertainment, just sit back and enjoy the show as she runs around, tossing her toy mice, feathers and sparkly poms poms into the air and proudly carrying them about in her mouth. Her handling of the sparkly pom poms, in particular, point to a possible future with the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders. Kaya enjoys being petted, although she's not a fan of tummy and chest pets. This sweetie may be scared by loud noises but she doesn't hide; she just has this adorable stunned look on her face. Kaya is a very good communicator, and if she looks deep into your eyes, it may be love or it also may be that she's telling you to turn on the sink. All in all this kitty is an angel and with a possible future with the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, she may turn out to be a great investment for you!

Kaya has a medical condition that will require prescription food from a veterinarian. Dakin is requiring a vet reference to adopt her

Don't forget to support local businesses in Southampton by shopping at small shops and restaurants in the area!

Word of the Week: Eudaimonia

Definition: Noun. That deep, soul-warming sense of flourishing and true happiness—not just fleeting joy, but a life blooming with purpose, virtue, and fulfillment, like tending a garden that thrives year after year.

Example Sentence: After years of chasing the right career, she finally stepped into eudaimonia, where every day felt like a gentle adventure aligned with her deepest values.

Origin: Straight from ancient Greek philosophy—eu (good) + daimon (spirit or soul)—coined by Aristotle to describe the highest human good, a life of balanced excellence that's been inspiring thinkers ever since.

Perfect for this cozy November stretch: What's one small step toward your own eudaimonia this week?  😊