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"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

Word of the Week: 

Coruscating

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The Springfield Police are seeking your help to locate missing adult 57-year-old Juan Nieves.

A 76-year-old woman tragically died after being rescued from a late-night fire on Virginia Avenue in Pittsfield, according to Fire Chief Thomas Sammons.

Firefighters were called just after 11:20 PM Saturday and arrived to flames at the front of her single-family home at 7 Virginia Avenue.

Crews entered the house quickly, battling the blaze while searching for anyone trapped inside.

The woman, who lived alone, was found and pulled to safety by firefighters. Paramedics rushed her to a local hospital, but she later succumbed to her injuries.

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner is investigating to determine the exact cause and manner of her death.

Massachusetts has launched a $10 million grant program to boost sports and entertainment events statewide, aiming to energize tourism and economic growth far beyond the usual Boston headlines.

Western Massachusetts stands out in this effort, as the new Sports and Entertainment Events Fund specifically encourages geographic diversity, supporting applications from regions often overlooked in statewide funding.

Organizations and local governments can apply if they can show events have strong economic impact and the potential to shine a national or even international spotlight on the state.

Venues like Springfield’s MassMutual Center, Tanglewood in Lenox, and sites across the Berkshires and Pioneer Valley give western communities a real edge, offering world-class facilities with lower costs than Boston.

Applications are due March 4, giving Western Massachusetts a timely shot to seize new opportunities for hosting memorable events and drawing visitors to the region.

Marcus Hicks, a 46-year-old Springfield resident, has been sentenced to 18 months in federal prison for drug trafficking charges following his conviction in federal court.

The sentencing, delivered by U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni on January 27, 2026, includes an additional three years of supervised release after Hicks completes his prison term.

His conviction stems from a September 2025 verdict on three counts: possession with intent to distribute cocaine, possession of crack cocaine, and possession with intent to distribute marijuana.

Authorities arrested Hicks in November 2022, recovering 97 grams of powder cocaine, 15 grams of crack cocaine, and more than two pounds of marijuana.

The quantities seized did not reach federal mandatory minimum thresholds, granting the judge sentencing flexibility based on Hicks’ individual circumstances.

With his conviction nearly two years after the initial indictment, Hicks now faces federal supervision and possible rehabilitation in the Springfield area.

Weekly Horoscope February 3 – February 9, 2026

February’s energy pushes intentions into action as the cosmos encourages new growth and personal breakthroughs for every sign.

Aries thrives on passion, with .....

The Hotel Oakwood, later the Oakwood Inn, once stood as a premier destination in Great Barrington, Massachusetts during the early 20th century.

This elegant Victorian-style landmark featured a wide wraparound porch, ornate railings, multiple chimneys, and beautiful gabled roofs, all set amid lush lawns and vibrant flower beds.

Guests were welcomed by curving walkways and garden benches, inviting relaxation and reflecting the period’s grand tradition of Berkshires summer retreats.

Built in the late 1800s, the hotel attracted visitors seeking scenic vistas, cool breezes, and refined New England hospitality.

After nearly a century as a cherished community symbol, its contents were auctioned in 1974 and the building was later demolished.

This postcard offers a nostalgic glimpse into Great Barrington’s Gilded Age charm and the golden era of Berkshire tourism.

Western MA offers a lively week of arts and culture from February 10–17, 2026.

Catch acclaimed singer-songwriter Josh Ritter in an intimate solo performance at Northampton’s Iron Horse Music Hall.

Haze hosts its beloved Dead Night with rotating Grateful Dead cover bands, plus a themed karaoke social on Wednesday.

The Elusie Gallery showcases Trace Meek’s narrative paintings, while The Strange Page and FreeWrite groups in Greenfield create space for literary growth and women’s recovery through writing.

Art lovers can explore collage workshops in Florence and a playful scavenger hunt in Paxton, while the Amherst Jazz Orchestra and bluegrass at Happy Valley bring uplifting music.

Comedian Chris Fleming appears at the Academy of Music Theatre, and film enthusiasts can join Madie Hays’ talk at Graham Hall.

There’s also indie rock from TWEN, a beginner tango series, and peaceful soundbath with KAMAUU for wellness seekers—ensuring something for everyone in the Pioneer Valley arts scene this week.

Tell us about a great place to eat!

Visit the Great Barrington Farmers' Market on Saturdays for some delicious fresh produce and unique local products.

Jasper is a gentle senior cat seeking a quiet, low-stress home for his golden years.

He needs to be the only pet and thrives in peaceful surroundings where he can settle in at his own pace.

Shy at first, Jasper blossoms into a calm, devoted companion once he feels at home.

He enjoys simple pleasures, from gazing out the window to playful moments with a laser pointer.

If you prefer a relaxed buddy who values both your company and his own space, Jasper could be your ideal match.

He does have a medical consideration, so interested adopters should consult staff to ensure the right fit.

Jasper will be nervous at first and needs a dedicated room with necessities and time to gain confidence.

Adopters will receive a behavior plan to help ensure a smooth transition for everyone involved.

Word of the Week: Coruscating

Definition: Adjective. Sparkling or glittering with brilliant, flashing light—like fireworks exploding in slow motion or sunlight dancing on choppy water. It describes a vivid, dazzling shimmer that catches the eye and feels almost electric.

Example Sentence: The February sky was alive with coruscating stars, each one twinkling so fiercely it seemed they were putting on a private show just for the quiet neighborhood below.

Origin: From the Latin coruscare (“to flash” or “glitter”), entering English in the early 1700s. It’s a slightly rarer, more poetic word that packs extra sparkle when you want to describe something truly dazzling.

Here’s to catching (or creating) a few coruscating moments in these short, bright February days! ✨ What’s sparkling or shining in your world right now?

Visit Taft Farms for the best fresh produce and locally made goods, it's a hidden gem in Great Barrington!