r/westernmass

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I was charged 5+ hours of work (over $800) to replace 3 light fixtures and one wall switch. Not sure if there are any other Electrcian’s here but I can’t imagine an hour and 15 mins per fixture is standard practice.

would not recommend using.

For anyone in MA-01 check out Jeromie Whalen who is running against incumbent Richard Neal in the September primary. He held his first town hall event last night in East Longmeadow and made it very clear his priority is to show up for the communities he will represent.

We're going to be moving to the Berkshires in the not too distant future, and we're trying to figure out childcare options for our two kids. Many of our friends have utilized an au pair as a support structure.

My understanding is that the au pair system in the state has effectively collapsed with some of the recent legislation - and I'm wondering if it's even an option to pursue given how expensive it is compared to other states. I'm wondering if anyone has experience working with one - and whether the cost actually makes sense.

Thanks!

https://preview.redd.it/3xsh9mxyglwg1.png?width=725&format=png&auto=webp&s=4cba3c4bc402a773721ca98729c7f1a9d3251811

Connecticut’s Department of Transportation is releasing its 30 year long-range transportation plan, and the Train Campaign needs YOUR 🫵 signature on our petition calling for more passenger rail to connect Connecticut, New York, and Massachusetts! 

For years, dormant rail lines have sat idle while traffic gets worse. Other states are already restoring their lines, and the Train Campaign wants Connecticut to do the same. American passenger rail is poised for a renaissance, but it won't happen without YOUR VOICE.

We at the Train Campaign are demanding that CTDOT studies the restoration of service on two corridors by 2027:

1. The Maybrook Line: Connecting the Danbury, Waterbury, and Harlem Metro-North lines, creating an East-West corridor linking the Nutmeg and Empire States. 
2. The Housatonic Line: Connecting Danbury, Connecticut to Pittsfield, MA by way of the Berkshire Mountains.

 

The tracks are already there. The stations are already there. This isn’t a pipe dream, but a practical solution to the region’s housing and traffic nightmares. 

How YOU Can Help

Transit authorities like CTDOT often justify service cuts because they think nobody is paying attention. Let’s prove them wrong. On April 22nd, Train Campaigners are heading to the public meeting to share their thoughts on CTDOT’s Connecticut 2055 plan. We want to show them thousands of signatures that say loud and clear, “We, the people, want more trains!” 

If you envision a Northeast Region with cleaner skies, cheaper homes, and less traffic, the Train Campaign humbly asks you to sign our petition today. 

• Donate: If you'd like to donate to our cause, you can click here to access our donor box.   
• Stay Informed: Learn more at traintime.substack.com and traincampaign.org.

P.S. Why post this in a Massachusetts sub? Because rail doesn't stop at state lines. Showing CTDOT that our neighbors in MA are watching proves that passenger rail restoration is a regional necessity. Help us show them the "Big Picture" by adding your voice.

The gem & lapidary wholesale show is this Friday/Saturday in west Springfield, MA. I live about 2 hours away and debating if it’s worth the drive. I’m mainly looking for gemstone beads and pendants.

We are looking to buy a house in Western MA and trying to choose between Easthampton vs South Hadley. Given our constraints, circumstances and available listings right now these seem like the best/only 2 options. Easthampton seems to be up and coming and South Hadley looked more rural with nicer scenery.

The recent vote in South Hadley that rejected the tax override is making me very hesitant and worried about the longer term growth/desirability of the area. Especially given that high schools were heavily affected by this. I know that Easthampton has similar budget deficits but would a tax override be more likely to pass there maybe?

We recently moved to the area and still getting to know it better so would appreciate some thoughts. Thank you!

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Does anyone happen to have an old menu, or item from Spaghetti Freddy’s? I know they closed years ago, but I was looking to gift a piece of memorabilia from the place.

Was at work last night and myself and another guy saw some lights in the sky looking south into Westfield/Southwick from Russell. It looked like a series of 4-5 orange arcs almost like a boomerang slowly streaking across the sky from west to east. It faded after about 15 seconds. This happened right about at 3:00am. My best guess is it was a meteor burning up low in the atmosphere or something else falling from space but I’ve just never seen anything like it even online. Did anyone else see this or have any clues?

My friend is visiting me in Hampshire County and we're both kinda broke. We like to hike and take photos and explore. Neither of us are fond of crowds or noisy places.

What do you like to do that's free/cheap?

We're hoping to stay within a 30-45 minute drive of Northampton.

Thanks!

Staying in Pittsfield area for work the coming week…

Wondering if there’s any bars or anything to check out during the week?

Any punk/alt bars?

We are looking to buy a house in Western MA and trying to choose between Easthampton vs South Hadley. Given our constraints, circumstances and available listings right now these seem like the best/only 2 options. Easthampton seems to be up and coming and South Hadley looked more rural with nicer scenery.

The recent vote in South Hadley that rejected the tax override is making me very hesitant and worried about the longer term growth/desirability of the area. Especially given that high schools were heavily affected by this. I know that Easthampton has similar budget deficits but would a tax override be more likely to pass there maybe?

We recently moved to the area and still getting to know it better so would appreciate some thoughts. Thank you!

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The golf course has been open for two weeks now; have YOU been able to enjoy a round of golf? 🤨

Get yourself a membership online! Students will have to show student ID and purchase at the clubhouse. Book a tee time online.

Golf course for the people 😏🍻

Follow Cherry Hill on IG - cherryhill_amherstma

I posted about a month ago give or take asking to see if anyone knew someone that was selling a car for me friend and I. My friend is currently in treatment so I spent a lot of personal time going back and fourth looking for a car for the both of us. It’s truly disappointing how scammy people can be, from cars being completely different than their pictures to people rolling back miles on cars. To being treated differently when I bring a male person around. I’m young so this is one of my first times experiencing the whole car buying sitch.

I’m officially turning into used dealers that have credible reviews and genuine connections because even they can be unreliable.

So if anyone knows a credible, decent, reputable and reliable Auto Sales place. Please drop them below thank you 🫶🏽🫶🏽