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For the seventh year in a row, Big Y was named as Forbes ‘Best-in-State Employer’ for the seventh year in a row in both Massachusetts and Connecticut. Big Y said the recognition celebrates the dedication of the more than 10,000 employees who “who bring heart to their work and make a meaningful impact in the lives of our customers and communities.”

The town of Agawam hosted a food fest, aimed to introduce people to new dining options in their neighborhoods and foster a sense of community. It featured a range of vendors and highlighted the diverse food culture in the area.

The Valley Opportunity Council celebrated the opening of the Belcher Apartments in Chicopee with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, marking a significant step in providing affordable housing in the area. The new complex, located at 10 Southwick Street, features 25 apartments, 22 of which are designated as affordable housing units aimed at combating housing insecurity.

Several food banks and pantries across Western Massachusetts got a $100,000 donation from PeoplesBank yesterday as they prepare for increased demand during the holiday season. The Martin Luther King Jr. Family Services pantry in Springfield was among 18 groups receiving donations from the bank. The pantry is experiencing a 30 percent increase in shoppers

The fire last weekend in Amherst that left over 230 people without a place to live, has brought to light the importance of a fully staffed fire department. Amherst firefighters said current numbers are not only unsustainable, but dangerous for everyone. Only 4 firefighters showed up originally, and mutual aid has had to be frequently requested in Amherst

A third airline in two months has announced they will be pulling their services from Bradley International Airport, as BermudaAir has joined Avelo and Spirit Airlines. While the three airline departures are completely unrelated, passengers are still concerned, especially with even smaller airports around the country adding airlines.

The Chicopee Police Department just got a donation of buckets filled with winter supplies for veterans in need. The Elisha Project supplied more than 50 police departments, fire responders, and officials with buckets of essential items for homeless veterans. They are filled with, a coat from Ocean State Job Lot, along with gloves, a hat, snacks, and hygiene items.

The Spirit of Springfield has introduced Bright Nights Neighborhood IDs to help those in Forest Park access side streets during the 2025 season. If you can recall, side street cut through access is blocked off during Bright Nights traffic. The IDs are designed to assist those who live on those streets by identifying them to the Springfield Police Department

With Thanksgiving approaching, one local farm is offering free produce to struggling families. Red Fire Farm, just past the Ludlow line in Granby, opened a pop-up free produce shed to give freshly grown produce to anyone facing food insecurity. Farm employees said there's no more important time to give back, then right now

Nearly 2,500 students attended the Thunderbirds Student Day game yesterday morning and turned the arena into an educational experience that combined sports with science. The event included more than just watching hockey. Each student received a book bag and workbook as part of the educational programming.

MassDOT’s fourth annual “Name a Snowplow Contest” officially began Wednesday, giving elementary school students across the state another chance to get creative. The contest has drawn significant participation since its inception, with over 2,000 entries submitted over the past three years. The program connects students with the workers who keep Massachusetts roads safe during winter weather

AIC’s basketball court was alive with excitement, teamwork and basketball fun last night. The Center for Human Development’s ‘All In Barrier-Free Recreation Program’ offered a chance for those of all abilities to learn fundamental basketball skills, all alongside AIC athletes. The event saw huge success

Mikey’s Soft Serve Burger and Fries in Springfield gave out free meals to the community yesterday, in an effort to fight hunger. The business only opened on Sumner Ave last year, but many have said the owner has a huge heart for the people of Springfield, and is a community favorite, not just for their food but also for their commitment to supporting those in need.

Hundreds of people gathered in Springfield yesterday for the annual Veterans Day Parade, honoring the men and women who have served in the military. The parade featured floats, signs, and participants from various community groups, all coming together to pay tribute to veterans. A similar parade happened in West Springfield as well

Ludlow mobile home tenants continue pushing back against rent hikes of over 100%, in a battle that's been going on for over two years. The fairly new mobile park owner, has been advocating for the rent increase, citing expenses such as sewer, trash renewal, and snowplow removal. No decision was made at a hearing yesterday, leaving the fight unresolved

New autism support services are being offered by the Behavioral Health Network, called the New Abilities Learning Centers in Springfield. Sare offered both on site and also for in-home care, and they will offer children with autism-structured learning environments and calming sensory rooms.

Local towns and cities like Chicopee and Agawam, just to name a couple, held Veterans ceremonies yesterday. Chicopee alone has over 4,000 veterans living there. The memorial ceremony and wreath laying were just some of the things Chicopee did to honor all who have served.

You've heard of bring your parent to school day, but what about this? The Roberta G. Doering Middle School in Agawam hosted National Bring a Vet to School Day yesterday to highlight veterans and thank them for their service. City leaders were on hand for the special day

When you move to Springfield you may think to yourself like I did.....probably won't have to think about wildlife disruption....but on Sunday three bobcats visited a backyard in Springfield. It was on Island Pond Road and those with small pets are urged to use caution when letting them outside

It's not really a time of year where you think about swimming...but the city of Springfield celebrated the grand reopening of the renovated pool at Milton Bradley Elementary School yesterday. The renovation includes new flooring, tile, and locker rooms, making nearly everything in the facility brand new. The pool serves as a hub for various swimming programs, including Learn to Swim classes

Speaking of Veterans, a vet in Westfield just won a free roof. The AQ Cares Veteran Roof Giveaway is an annual initiative, designed to recognize and thank local veterans for their service by providing a deserving hero with a worry-free roofing system at no cost. The roof installation for Leo will take place later this month at his home

Certain Springfield homeowners may soon be seeing some tax relief from the city. The tax relief, funded by donations, will be for homeowners who don’t qualify under current tax exemptions, like disabled veterans, those legally blind, or surviving spouses over 70 years old.

The state of emergency is Amherst has ended, after an apartment fire that required help from a ton of local fire departments, including down here in the Springfield area. When the fire stopped, several people went to watch construction equipment rip apart the Olympia Place apartment complex. At least 230 people, mostly UMass students, are displaced and trying to figure out what to do next.

A Chicopee bowl-a-thon returned over the weekend, raising over $70,000 for Camphill Village Copake, which supports adults with developmental disabilities. The event hadn't returned since the 2020 shutdown, but since it began, the community has raised more than $600,000 to make sure disabled adults can have nurturing care

The 39th Annual Hope for Holidays Toy Drive and Motorcycle Run kicked off in Chicopee over the weekend, aiming to bring joy to children in need this holiday season. Toys were collected all day Saturday in front of the Chicopee Walmart, and will be given out through Lorraine's Soup Kitchen

Restaurants across the nation are honoring active-duty service members and veterans tomorrow with free meals, bounce back cards and other discounts. Local stops include Friendly's and Applebees among others. A full list can be found on pur trending now page at the q 997 dot com

In case you haven't heard, The Q 99.7 is gearing up to collect food for those in need on Thursday November 20th....less than 2 weeks from today. We'll be out in the 5 Town Plaza parking lot in Springfield, near the Big Y, from 12-6pm that day. You're invited to swing by and drop off some non perishables that we'll then give to local food pantries ahead of Thanksgiving. For all the details just visit the q 997 dot com and click the banner

If you or someone you know could use a little extra help putting food on the table right now, we’ve got some resources that might make things a bit easier. The organizations below have been preparing to be able to make sure you do not need to go hungry. We’re here to remind you — you’re not alone, and there’s hope and help right here in our community.

40 years is a long time, and after 40 years, all 13 locations of Smithland Pet & Garden Center will close. The company originally known as myAgway and Dave’s Soda and Pet City said this decision was difficult but necessary. They have locations in both western Massachusetts and across Connecticut, but there's no public timetable for the closure