š± What Chicopeeās $8.13 million school budget fix means for future years
Good morning Chicopee! We're back in your inbox this morning to keep you in the loop with what's happening in and around town. Grab a cup of coffee and read on. āļøļø
In today's newsletter:
- What Chicopeeās $8.13 million school budget fix means for future years
- What Chicopeeās new firefighter medical certifications mean when you dial 911
- How a Chicopee sheriffās program is helping over 100 people restart
Also on today's calendar: Volunteer Open House - Senior Companion Program and 6 more events.
Today's riddle: What did the inventor of the knock-knock joke win? š¤ (Answer below!)
- Friday: A t-storm around in the p.m., with a high of 74 and low of 50 degrees.
- Saturday: Cloudy, temps: high: 67, low: 50.
- Sunday: Cloudy, showers; cooler, with a high of 55 and low of 34 degrees.
š° News we're reading
ā¢ City Council approves $8.13 million appropriation to balance school budget (thereminder.com) ā Chicopeeās City Council has unanimously approved transferring $8.13 million into a stabilization account to plug a looming FY27 school budget gap caused by a state reclassification of low-income students. City and school leaders say the rollover funds will balance next yearās budget but warn of a future ābudget cliffā as they lobby state and federal officials and plan longer-term adjustments. 
Ā Ā Ā 
ā¢ Chicopee Fire Department announces upgrades to enhance emergency response services (thereminder.com) ā Chicopeeās Fire Department has upgraded all engine and ladder companies to Basic Life Support status, meaning firefighters can now deliver more advanced on-scene medical care across the city. Backed by the mayor, firefighters union, and City Council, the change adds tools for diabetic, breathing, and allergy emergencies. Officials say it will significantly improve response when ambulances are delayed or unnecessary. Ā Ā Ā
ā¢ Over 100 graduate from Hampden Sheriff support program (wwlp.com) ā More than 100 people just graduated in Chicopee from the Hampden County Sheriffās All-Inclusive Support Services program, which helps former inmates rebuild their lives. Graduates and Sheriff Nick Cocchi highlighted how the program offers family-like support, mental health resources, and practical guidance to ease reentry into the community. The ceremony marked the programās 27th annual class. Ā Ā Ā
šø Around Chicopee
Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!
š
Upcoming Events in
Chicopee
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
ā Featured events ā
-
HCSS JV Softball @ Putnam Vo-Tech
Roger L. Putnam Vocational Technical Academy, 1300 State St, Springfield
4:00 pm
Friday April 17
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Other local events
-
Girls Varsity Lacrosse - Girls @ Monson High School
Chicopee Comprehensive High School , 55 Margaret St , Monson
4:00 pm -
Girls Varsity Tennis - Team vs Renaissance School
Chicopee Comprehensive High School , 617 Montgomery St , Chicopee
4:00 pm -
Boys Varsity Tennis - Team @ West Springfield High School
Chicopee Comprehensive High School , 514 Amostown Road , West Springfield
4:00 pm -
Boys JV Volleyball @ Longmeadow High School
Chicopee Comprehensive High School , 95 Grassy Gutter Rd , Longmeadow
4:30 pm -
Boys Varsity Volleyball @ Longmeadow High School
Chicopee Comprehensive High School , 95 Grassy Gutter Rd , Longmeadow
6:00 pm -
MAC Chicopee April Dispensary Party
Mass Alternative Care Chicopee Recreational & Medical Dispensary , 1247 E Main St , Chicopee
12:00 pm -
Munich Haus, Game Feast
Munich Haus , 13 Center St , Chicopee
6:00 pm -
Volunteer Open House - Senior Companion Program
516 Chicopee St , Chicopee
2:00 pm
Friday April 17
Saturday April 18
Monday April 27
š£ Chicopee Shout Outs!
Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!
š Events Nearby
-
Lawrence Presents: Ä Tie-Dye Shirt Joy Event Ć¢ April 17, 2026
Holyoke Public Schools Holyoke, MA 01040
8:00 am -
Knot Just Knitters
East Springfield Branch , 21 Osborne Terrace , Springfield
10:00 am -
World of Maps - Homeschool Program
Liberty Branch , 204 Boston Rd. , Springfield
10:00 am -
Bilingual Storytime | Hora de Cuentos BilingĆ¼e
East Springfield Branch , 21 Osborne Terrace , Springfield
11:30 am
Friday April 17
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.
š¬ Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- Actually have my AC on low, thank you perimenopause LoL
My unit is about 7 yrs old and seems great Anyone else start theirs yet this year? (Nextdoor Aldenville)
- Jetro Restaurant Depot posted a job opening for Stocker - Produce in Chicopee. Apply here.
- Bowlero Corporation posted a job opening for Greeter / Counter Desk Attendant in Chicopee. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Chicopee here.
š Nearby News
Holyoke
- Ordinance Committee 4/14/2026 (holyokemedia.org)
- Suspected drug dealer arrested in Holyoke (newportdispatch.com)
- Mount Holyoke's corpse flower blooms again, drawing crowds to its ārotting flesh' stench (westernmassnews.com)
Springfield
- Hampden DA's office to host 10th annual Hoop Up Springfield event (westernmassnews.com)
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: The NO-BELL prize (Thank you Gina M. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
š Help make Patch AM better
- Help us grow by suggesting local news sources.
- Shape this newsletter with your feedback.
- List items for sale or services offered
We use a combination of real people and machines to tell you whatās happening around town. Learn more about Patch AM.