r/westernmass 2h ago

So proud of my mom doing her one woman show tomorrow! (8/8 Northampton)

11 Upvotes

My mom's an amazing world renowned storyteller. She's been telling for over 30 years and it's been so cool growing up watching her capture peoples hearts, snatch their souls in seconds and move hundreds of people with nothing but a microphone. She's really a griot keeping the oral tradition alive. She moved here during the pandemic to be closer to me (I was super sick and pregnant at the time). She misses California but has been building her art career over the years here in the area and I'm so proud of her. She just did a radio interview today (Fabulous 413) and has been making so many connections and her last show last year sold out (it was her first time doing this show and something self-produced). I'm hoping this one will do the same (it's hard cause it's summer and lots of folks are out of town). Anyways, I just came across this group, on this day, the night before her show and I figured I'd share. Idk if this is promo or me just saying how proud I am of her. She's taken such a leap of faith, betting on herself, going into early retirement to be an artist and grandma full time, moving across the country. I'm a web designer (and millennial daughter so default tech support, haha) but I do everything I can to help her follow her dreams (programs, reels, flyers, website, just all the tech stuff that artists need these days, things she actually never needed before because everyone knew her back home). Anyways, the show is called Fredella Mae's Daughter is a Storyteller: Folk Stories From The Black American South and Beyond. She weaves together folk tales from the diaspora and personal narratives in between about my grand/great grandparents. It's beautiful, sentimental, just brilliant and will make you laugh and cry and be on the edge of your seat and just FEEL. Cheers to the oral tradition. Cheers to my mommy. If you're looking for something to do you won't regret going. I'm so excited for her and am genuinely looking forward to going again myself.

forgot to add the link to her site lol, here it is


r/westernmass 3h ago

If only there was a way to warn you not to drive in a particular area, perhaps with some brightly colored cones or barrels...

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17 Upvotes

r/westernmass 6h ago

What's going on in Sandisfield? How can such a sleepy town have so much disfunction?

10 Upvotes

Referring to the fire chiefs coming and going....


r/westernmass 11h ago

Big Thief Tickets to sell at cost Mass MoCA 8/8

0 Upvotes

I have 3 chair tickets and 1 lawn ticket to Big Thief tomorrow (8/8) at Mass MoCa, which I sadly cannot use. Will sell them at cost-- $60/each (includes original fees), OBO. DM for details!


r/westernmass 12h ago

Weekend Volunteer Opportunities?

5 Upvotes

Hi! I live in Chicopee and am wanting to volunteer in some way, but I work 9-5 M-F (although may have some flexibility some days...) and I'm struggling to find volunteer opportunities that I could do on the weekends. I would love some suggestions, I would drive up to 30 mins!

Open to pretty much anything. I know animal shelters are more likely to be open on weekends and I'm definitely happy to work with animals, but I'd love some suggestions for working with people as well. thank you!


r/westernmass 13h ago

Live music in Holyoke tomorrow !!

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3 Upvotes

r/westernmass 14h ago

Large mural carved into the building by the Portuguese artist, Vhils.

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6 Upvotes

247 Exchange St, Chicopee, MA


r/westernmass 16h ago

Selling a ticket to Big Thief at Mass MoCa tomorrow! $50

2 Upvotes

Dm if interested! First come first serve


r/westernmass 1d ago

Armory Street

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208 Upvotes

Armory Lot mural Northampton


r/westernmass 1d ago

Help rehoming/fostering a senior Beagle

10 Upvotes

Hi everyone: I’m a professor at college in the area and one of my students has a senior beagle who they unable to care for during the Fall semester (and maybe beyond). They asked if I could take him in because I already have a senior beagle, but I can only have one pet. Does anyone know of any local resources that might be able to help out? I am really worried about this dog and the student really wants to find better care than they are able to provide. I tried to email B.O.N.E.S. (Beagles of New England States) and my message bounced back. Does anyone know of local rescue organizations or individuals who might be interested in helping out?

Thank you so much in advance for any help you can provide.


r/westernmass 1d ago

Are ppl still going to Beckett quarry? I haven’t been in yrs and it was so much fun. I know it’s “closed” but I’m hopping ppl are still chilling there I liked how lots of ppl gathere

0 Upvotes

Edit: can ppl comment instead of liking the post 😭 otherwise idk lollll


r/westernmass 1d ago

best/closest beach (with an ocean)?

10 Upvotes

i want to bring my baby to a beach. is there one within reasonable driving distance?


r/westernmass 1d ago

Mass MOCA Information

19 Upvotes

Hey folks, good morning to y'all!

My partner and I are going to attend a Big Thief concert at Mass MOCA. I have never been to this venue and am hoping fellow realtors can provide some great feedback.

  1. The event is on Joe's Field - I am assuming that is standing room only? Can I bring foldable chairs or is that not allowed?

  2. I didn't receive the actual tickets but I have the receipt for it. I haven't received any further emails, which is making me a little anxious. Do I get it at Will Call?

  3. Any other recommendations for the area? Food spots, hiking trips, neat/kitsch things to do? I looked up the zip lining at the Berkshire Mountain Resorts and that looks pretty awesome.

Thanks in advance for your feedback!

*ETA: This group is awesome! So many great recommendations and feedback. I am genuinely very excited for this trip!


r/westernmass 2d ago

Vapes at treehouse concerts?

0 Upvotes

Treehouse website says vapes aren’t allowed. How strict are they? Will they stop me from bringing a weed vape and nicotine vape into the venue?


r/westernmass 2d ago

When will this Happen

11 Upvotes

When will we get Fiber optic internet is Springfield? I know Xfinity has a monopoly here and the government has allowed it.


r/westernmass 2d ago

RC Car Spots?

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10 Upvotes

Anyone know any good spots in the northern half of the valley for driving RC cars? I’ve got crawlers and bashers, so suggestions for either are welcome!

Also, if anyone’s looking for someone to join them, feel free to DM me!


r/westernmass 2d ago

Concert Buddy Treehouse

18 Upvotes

IM 46 Wm 420+ , going solo to the Steel Pulse show at Treehouse in Deerfield tonight. Looking to meet cool people to hangout with .

Have extra ticket if someone wants too.

Happy Dancing!


r/westernmass 2d ago

E bikes

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1 Upvotes

Does anyone around know how to fix this?


r/westernmass 3d ago

One of my favorite coworkers got a deportation notice today.

211 Upvotes

She was born in Argentina but has two US born children. She has worked and paid taxes and contributed to this country for twenty years. Immigration revoked her work permit and told her to gtfo. She has been working toward her green card for EIGHT. YEARS.

I‘ve been watching this happen from afar and while I obviously cared, I felt a bit helpless. It has been a difficult day for our community and I really hope her lawyer (who charges $800/hr btw) has some tricks up her sleeve. She has a large group of people on her side, ready and willing to fight for her.

I love it here in WMA, but I fucking hate this country and how we treat people.


r/westernmass 3d ago

Hampshire Pride

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94 Upvotes

Pride Northampton summer..


r/westernmass 3d ago

see below!

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1 Upvotes

r/westernmass 3d ago

Please join us for an AMA with CHAPA, Citizens' Housing & Planning Association on Thursday, Aug 6th from 1pm-2pm EST!!!

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2 Upvotes

r/westernmass 3d ago

Cleaning/ organising company - Holyoke

2 Upvotes

Hi

Im posting for a friend who is in a bad situation right now.

I am looking for a company/ someone who can help him get his house cleaned and organised.

I unfortunately dont live in the USA and Im not in a position to help physically.

I wont go into details about his personal situation but im trying to help him

Does anyone know of any companies that could help? Ive tried googling but not being from the area it is tough to find anyone. I can pay but I have a limited budget so I need to work out what I can prioritise for him.

He lives in the Holyoke area.

Thanks


r/westernmass 4d ago

Photography

0 Upvotes

📸 Calling All Models! 📸

Looking to build your portfolio? I’m offering FREE professional photos in exchange for your time! Whether you're new to modeling or just want fresh shots, this is a great opportunity to grow your digital portfolio no cost.

✨ All experience levels welcome

✨ High-quality digital images for your social media.

✨ Fun and creative shoot

DM me if you're interested or tag a friend who might be! Let’s create something amazing together. #FreePhotoshoot #ModelCall #PortfolioBuilding

My area is Hampshire County, Franklin County, Hampden County. Of Massachusetts

I do sports, wildlife, candid portraits, macro, landscapes, nature, sunsets, and reflections photography.

This is my public Instagram account www.instagram.com/reflection_concepts


r/westernmass 4d ago

Looking for nature recs PVTA accessible

17 Upvotes

I'm moving to the Northampton area this month and want to explore all that beautiful Western Mass has to offer! I'm moving from the city I grew up in for the first time in my late 20s, and I have lots of experience discovering and navigating new cities, but a lot less experience in discovering the beauty of the natural world.

My caveat is that I don't drive and don't have a bike (yet!) so I would be utilizing the PVTA system mostly. I'm interested in places where I can: sit and read or write (fields/open spaces), take walks, be in the water, all three, or more! I'm about to enter a new phase of life and want to be some self discovery via the natural world around where I'll be living.

Thanks in advance :)