Area briefs: Coolidge Bridge delays through Friday; Holyoke police chief search extended; Aging support group to begin 14th year

Crews from the Massachusetts Department of Transporation are spending this week inspecting the Coolidge Bridge between Northampton and Hadley, as they did in this 2020 photo.

Crews from the Massachusetts Department of Transporation are spending this week inspecting the Coolidge Bridge between Northampton and Hadley, as they did in this 2020 photo. gazette file photo

Published: 10-29-2024 10:04 AM

Coolidge Bridge delays continue through Friday

NORTHAMPTON/HADLEY — The Massachusetts Department of Transportation is expected to continue performing bridge inspections through Friday on the Coolidge Bridge, which carries Route 9 over the Connecticut River between Northampton and Hadley.

On Monday and Tuesday, the work required closure of the westbound right lane, while the eastbound lane will close from Wednesday through Friday. The closures take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day.

Temporary traffic alterations will be in place during inspection hours. At least one lane of travel will remain open in each direction, and signage and messaging will guide drivers through the work area.

Drivers traveling through the affected area should expect delays, reduce speed, and use caution.All scheduled work is weather dependent and subject to change without notice.

Holyoke police chief search extended

HOLYOKE — The search for a new police chief has been extended by two weeks after one of the finalists for the position withdrew his candidacy, according to Holyoke Mayor Joshua A. Garcia. The mayor’s scheduled Wednesday interview of the finalists for the position has been postponed.

The interviews would have concluded a competitive selection process facilitated by Public Safety Consultants, LLC. The extended application process will close on Nov. 11.

Following the July 31 retirement of former Chief David Pratt, the Mayor’s Office launched a search for police chief candidates. A Search Committee, composed of city officials, community leaders, and law enforcement personnel, reviewed applications, conducted interviews, and assessed candidates through a rigorous evaluation process. The process included a public listening session, public surveys, and an assessment in which each candidate participated in a series of exercises that simulate critical aspects of the job.

Garcia said the date and time of the rescheduled interviews would be posted on the city website and publicized in the area news media. The public will be invited to the interview session. Individuals unable to attend in person will be welcome to join via Holyoke Media, or via a Zoom link that will be publicized prior to the rescheduled interview session.

Aging support group to begin 14th year

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The aging support group, “Living Fully, Aging Gracefully, and Befriending Death, will begin its 14th year on Wednesday, Nov. 6, from 4 to 6 p.m. Meetings are online by Zoom, and continue every two weeks through April.

Participants may attend regularly or occasionally, and new people are welcome to join those who have attended for several years and share the joys and challenges of growing older.

The group is offered and led by John Berkowitz, 77, of Northampton, a retired peace and justice activist and human services worker. He uses simple guidelines ensuring that all voices are heard and a few don’t dominate the discussion.

The cost is $8 a session, or whatever amount is affordable. More information at johnpberk@proton.me, or at 413-387-8439.