Community Corner

🌱 How a $450K grant could reshape Chicopee’s old Uniroyal mills

Spotted on the Chicopee calendar: Munich Haus, German Weihnachtsfest

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Thursday December 11th Patch AM
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Hello Chicopee! Stay connected with the latest updates from around town. Let's dive in! ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • How a $450K grant could reshape Chicopee’s old Uniroyal mills
  • How 200 boxes of toys will brighten Chicopee kids’ holidays
  • How new state grants will change food education in Chicopee schools

Also on today's calendar: Kilashandra: Live Irish Music and 5 more events.

Find out what's happening in Chicopeefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: What did one tuna say to the other after getting caught stealing files from work? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Chicopeefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Thursday: A snow shower; windy, colder, with a high of 34 and low of 18 degrees. ⛄️ Brr!
  • Friday: Breezy in the morning, temps: high: 33, low: 14.
  • Saturday: Mainly cloudy, with a high of 35 and low of 24 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Chicopee named ‘most affordable' city in Mass., moves forward on Uniroyal project (masslive.com) — Chicopee has been singled out as one of the most affordable places to live in Massachusetts, with home prices far below the state average and new affordable Belcher Apartments just opened. The city also secured a $450,000 MassWorks grant to help transform the former Uniroyal mills into RiverMills at Chicopee Falls, a massive redevelopment that could add up to 500 new housing units.
   

2. U.S. Marines collect boxes from 22News for Toys for Tots (wwlp.com) — U.S. Marines stopped by 22News in Chicopee to pick up about 200 boxes of donated toys for the Toys for Tots drive, which will go to local children in need. The toys will be sorted and distributed through area nonprofits and churches, helping Chicopee-area families make the holidays brighter for kids who might otherwise go without gifts.
   

3. Healey announces funding for food education (westernmassnews.com) — Chicopee Public Schools are among 24 districts statewide receiving part of a $1.2 million MA Fresh grant to expand food and nutrition education. The funding will help local educators teach students about healthy eating, science, and local food systems, supporting families facing higher food insecurity after SNAP cuts.
   

4. These 10 Mass. cities are so affordable you can retire there on Social Security alone (masslive.com) — If you’re hoping to retire in Chicopee on Social Security alone, a new analysis suggests it’s one of the more affordable options in Massachusetts. The report highlights Chicopee, Holyoke, and Westfield for relatively low property taxes and senior-friendly public transportation, alongside seven other budget-conscious cities statewide. It also notes widespread senior centers, discounts, and utility assistance that help stretch fixed incomes.
   

5. Over 122 million Americans expected to travel during winter holidays (wwlp.com) — A travel forecast from Chicopee highlights that more than 122 million Americans are expected to hit the roads, skies, and rails between December 20 and January 1, slightly more than last year. With most people driving and the weekend before Christmas expected to be busiest, local travelers are urged to plan around peak times and possible weather disruptions.
   

📸 Around Chicopee

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Chicopee

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📣 Chicopee Shout Outs!

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🗓 Events Nearby

    Thursday December 11
  • Maker Time!
    Liberty Branch , 136 Surrey Rd. , Springfield
    10:00 am
  • Genealogy Open Lab
    Chicopee Main Library , 449 Front Street , Chicopee
    10:00 am
  • Circle Time Fun
    Liberty Branch , 1187 Parker St. , Springfield
    10:30 am
  • Spark Your Creativity Coloring Club
    Indian Orchard Branch Library , 44 Oak St. , Indian Orchard
    1:00 pm

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Vanessa has been cleaning my house for about 5 months now.
    She comes every week and is very thorough and detailed. She is always on time and is communicative about my needs. I was in an accident and unable… (Nextdoor Memorial Drive)
  • Good morning neighbors!!
    Today is another beautiful day to be happy and works for our Dreams. (Nextdoor Chicopee Front to Broadwa)
  • Big Y posted a job opening for Frozen Food/Dairy Clerk in Chicopee. Apply here.
  • Planet Fitness Inc. posted a job opening for Overnight Custodian in Chicopee. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Chicopee here.

Ok Chicopee! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I could get canned for this!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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