Yankee Magazine editor to present new book
SOUTH HADLEY — Longtime Yankee Magazine writer and editor Mel Allen will present his new book at Odyssey Bookshop, 9 College St., in South Hadley on Thursday, Dec. 4, at 7 p.m.
The book, “Here in New England, Unforgettable stories of people, places, and memories that connect us all” is a collection of 45 stories selected from the hundreds the author has written for Yankee Magazine over the past 48 years. There are stories about famous New Englanders, but most of the people Allen chose to write about are everyday New Englanders and the places they live.
The event is free, but registration is encouraged at https://odysseybks.com/event/2025-12-04/mel-allen-person.
Northampton’s perfect score on human rights campaign
NORTHAMPTON — Mayor Gina-Louise Sciarra joins the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) to announce that the city has scored a perfect score (100) on the 2025 Municipal Equality Index (MEI) for the eighth year in a row.
The MEI is the nation’s premier benchmarking tool designed to inform municipal officials, policymakers, and business leaders on how well cities across the nation embody LGBTQ+ inclusion in their laws, policies and services. It has been published every year since 2012.
Since 2018, the MEI has evolved by instituting new benchmarks such as requiring trans-inclusive health benefits, protecting LGBTQ+ youth from bullying in city services, and defending against dangerous so-called “conversion” therapy.
The MEI rated 506 cities, including the 50 state capitals, the 200 largest cities in the United States, the five largest cities or municipalities in each state, the cities home to the state’s two largest public universities, 75 municipalities that have high proportions of same-sex couples, and 98 cities selected by the HRC and Equality Federation state group members and supporters. It assesses each city on criteria covering citywide nondiscrimination protections, policies for municipal employees, city services, law enforcement, and city leadership’s relationship with the LGBTQ+ community.
MEI’s full report, Northampton’s scorecard, detailed scorecards for every city, and a searchable database are available online at www.hrc.org/mei.
Shutesbury church to light community tree
SHUTESBURY — Shutesbury Community Church will sponsor the annual community tree lighting, carol sing and visit by Santa Claus at 4:30 p.m. this Sunday, Dec. 7, on the Town Common.
Santa will read the story of Christmas, give gifts to all the children and lead the singing of classic carols. Cocoa, hot cider and doughnuts will be provided. All are welcome.
In the event of rain or very cold weather, the event will be held inside the church hall. The tree is donated annually by West Brook Tree Farm in Athol. For more information, contact Pastor Mark Ellis at 413-349-8444 or email shutesburychurch@gmail.com.
Sen. Velis office hours for December
WESTFIELD — The office of Sen. John C. Velis will hold community office hours for the month of December to provide an opportunity for constituents to engage directly with the senator’s office and to seek assistance with local or state matters.
Due to the winter holidays throughout the month of December, several regularly scheduled office hours were moved. This month’s office hours include:
- Wednesday, Dec. 3, from 9:30-10:30 a.m., at the Southampton Council on Aging.
- Tuesday, Dec. 16, from 10:30-11:30 a.m. at the Easthampton Council on Aging.
- Wednesday, Dec. 17, from 10-11 a.m., at the Holyoke Council on Aging.
A full list of office hours dates and locations for the month can also be found on the senator’s website and social media accounts. Constituents are encouraged to call the senator’s district office with any questions or concerns at 413-572 3920.