Westhampton eyes better communications in storm emergencies

Following a public meeting last month on emergency management practices, town officials say they will work on improving communications during weather emergencies and will set up a daytime warming center at Westhampton Elementary School.

Westhampton woman's golden years tarnished after Friendly's bankruptcy

WESTHAMPTON - The letter Mae Pelissier received from the Friendly Ice Cream Corp. was dated Jan. 5, but did not arrive in her mailbox until the 13th. It did not contain good news. It began, "Dear Retiree," and said benefits Pelissier had earned from a 28-year career as a Friendly's restaurant employee were being terminated as of Jan. 9 as a result of the Wilbraham-based company's bankruptcy filing.

Briefs

Amherst

VOLUNTEERS WANTED: Hospice of the Fisher Home in North Amherst will hold volunteer training sessions beginning in March. Adults interested in visiting with patients, providing emotional support and assisting with kitchen chores are welcome to apply to become volunteers.

Estee Abrahamson at-large 'Distinguished Young Woman' candidate

NORTHAMPTON - Hampshire Regional High School senior Estee Abrahamson, 17, watched her friends on stage at the Nov. 20 Distinguished Young Woman of Greater Easthampton competition, but she really wanted to be up there with them. She lives in Northampton, and contestants for the competition formerly known as Junior Miss must live in Easthampton or one of the five towns that make up the Hampshire Regional School District to compete. But Abrahamson recently learned she will get a chance to don an evening gown and show off her talents at the state level of the competition because she qualified as an at-large candidate.

Westhampton Select Board to take up emergency plans

WESTHAMPTON - The Select Board tonight will take up the town's protocol when power fails.

The board has scheduled a meeting tonight at 6:30 p.m. at the Town Hall to review emergency planning practices in the event of extended power outages. Selectmen will discuss "additions to the existing Emergency Management Plan," according to John Shaw, secretary for the board.

Easthampton chamber, city officials mend fences

EASTHAMPTON - After years of what some business owners view as an adversarial relationship, Easthampton's main business advocacy group is gearing up to forge stronger ties and better collaboration with city government.

Hilltown photo exhibit on the move

A girl skating on a pond and boy waving a rhubarb leaf like a magic wand as if to summon spring are two images that are part of a photo exhibit now on display at the Worthington Library.