NORTHAMPTON – The three candidates competing for the Ward 1 City Council seat in a preliminary election on Tuesday, Sept. 16, will attend a meet-and-greet with constituents on Friday, Aug. 29, at 6 p.m., at the Agnes Fox Park on State Street.

The candidates are Nikolas Letendre-Cahillane, Gwen Nabad and Michele Ronco. A fourth candidate, Leigh Graham, has decided not to run for the Ward 1 seat.

At the informal setting, each candidate will have a chance to give a short stump speech, answer prepared questions on current city topics and respond to questions from the audience.

Organizers will provide cold drinks and some chairs, but extra lawn chairs would be helpful. For more information, contact Joanne Campbell at joannec83153@gmail.com, or George Kohout at geokohout@gmail.com.

Valley View Farm to host Farm Bar on Sunday

HAYDENVILLE — Valley View Farm in Haydenville is hosting a Farm Bar community event on Sunday, Aug. 24. The event is a first-come, first-served affair and no tickets are needed.

The event will feature food trucks with local favorites; farm-to-table cocktails, Muse cider, beer and wine; live music with Misty Blues Band; and family-friendly activities with Western Mass Face Painting.

The Farm Bar runs from 2-9 p.m., with Muse Cider Bar open from 12-6 p.m., at the farm at 16 Walpole Road. The Misty Blues Band will perform from 6-8 p.m.

Leashed dogs are allowed. Parking is available, but carpooling is encouraged. People are encouraged to bring a picnic blanket or chair, as there is limited outdoor seating.

For more details, visit the farm’s Facebook event at Facebook event Link. 

Cooley Dickinson receives award for stroke treatment

NORTHAMPTON – Cooley Dickinson Hospital has received a 2025 ‘Get With The Guidelines’ quality achievement award from the American Heart Association (AHA), for excellence in treatment of stroke. The honor was given with “Gold Plus” distinction – the highest level of the award given by the AHA.

The award recognizes Cooley Dickinson’s commitment to the association’s in-hospital program that ensures patient care is aligned with the latest research and evidence-based guidelines.

Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death, and a leading cause of disability, in the United States. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts. When that happens, part of the brain cannot get the blood and oxygen it needs, and brain cells die. Early stroke detection and treatment are key to improving survival, minimizing disability, and accelerating recovery times.

Each year, program participants qualify for the awards recognitions by demonstrating how their organization has committed to providing quality care for patients. In addition to following treatment guidelines, Get With The Guidelines participants also provide education to patients to help them manage their conditions at home.

1965 Williamsburg High grads can request permanent transcripts

WESTHAMPTON — Hampshire Regional High School notifies graduates of Williamsburg High School from the year 1965 that they may request to receive their permanent transcripts. As the holding school, Hampshire Regional keeps these records for 60 years.

Interested parties may contact 413-437-5582 by Sept. 23. After this date, all records described above will be destroyed.