Briefs

New charter school seeks students

HOLYOKE - The Paulo Freire Social Justice Charter School, set to open in September 2012 is accepting applications from students entering grade 9 for the 2012-2013 school year.

Holyoke man hurt in I-91 rollover

NORTHAMPTON - A Holyoke man was being treated Wednesday evening at Cooley Dickinson Hospital for injuries he suffered after he rolled his car on Interstate 91 earlier in the day.

According to state police, Brett B. Waddell, 35 was driving a 2003 Chrysler 300 north around 3:20 p.m. when he lost control of the car between Exits 22 and 23, rolling it into the median.

Briefs

Amherst

FARMSTEAD COMMUNITY: An information session about a new community farm where people with disabilities will be able to live, work and socialize will be held at the Jones Library, 43 Amity St., April 26 at 6 p.m.

Andrea Raphael recalled as dynamic woman with thirst for social justice

HOLYOKE - The laughter was as abundant as the tears - and often both came at the same time - at a memorial service held Monday to honor Andrea Raphael, who died April 6 at her home in Florence at the age of 47. About 700 people turned out for the service, filling every seat set out in the expansive function room at the Log Cabin at the top of Route 141 in Holyoke. When all chairs were taken, the staff carted in more. And still, dozens of people remained standing at the back of the room.

• Click here for Andrea Raphael's obituary

Mount Tom Reservation blaze put out by three departments

EASTHAMPTON - A brush fire Saturday afternoon at the Mount Tom State Reservation was extinguished by firefighters from three communities.

Easthampton Fire Capt. Kevin Benson said the department got a call at 3:31 p.m. that a brush fire was burning in a section of woods near the first observation tower, accessible by Christopher Clark Road.

Holyoke man faces auto charges

NORTHAMPTON - A Holyoke man, accused of drunkenly driving a stolen car with stolen plates in January, has pleaded not guilty to charges in Hampshire Superior Court.

Northampton, local towns join state's health initiatives

NORTHAMPTON — If the state has a say in the matter, residents in many Hampshire County communities are about to get a whole lot healthier.

That's because the state Department of Public Health is expanding its Mass in Motion Municipal Wellness and Leadership Program into Northampton and nearby communities in Hampshire County and throughout the western part of the state.