by Sarah Heinonen | Aug 5, 2026 | Hampden County, Local News, Springfield
SPRINGFIELD — The steps of Symphony Hall were lined with American flags as firefighters, police and emergency responders milled around in their dress uniforms. Above them, an enormous Puerto Rican flag flew, held aloft by two Springfield Fire Department ladder trucks. Inside, small Puerto Rican flags were handed out to the rows of people who came to watch Miguel “Mike” Rivera be sworn in as Springfield’s first Latino fire commissioner.
by Sarah Heinonen | Aug 4, 2026 | Agawam, Hampden County, Local News
AGAWAM — The arts come to Agawam this August. The nonprofit Agawam Artists and Artisans have staged an exhibit titled “Art Vibes” at Cooper’s Commons. The organization will also unveil the New England Mosaic, an annual community-sourced art piece that funds scholarships.
by Sarah Heinonen | Aug 4, 2026 | Hampden County, Local News, Springfield
SPRINGFIELD — Drive through Springfield and they are everywhere. Larger-than-life explosions of color, words and portraiture on building walls. More than art for art’s sake, the murals tell the stories of the schools, organizations and people of Springfield. Soon, another of these murals will grace the exterior wall of Work Opportunity Center at 73 Market St.
by Sarah Heinonen | Aug 4, 2026 | Hampden County, Local News, Springfield
SPRINGFIELD — State Rep. Bud Williams organized a panel discussion on addiction and gun violence hosted by the Bay Area Neighborhood Council.
by Sarah Heinonen | Aug 4, 2026 | Hampden County, Local News, Springfield
SPRINGFIELD — Despite frequent downpours and a last-minute change in venue, about 50 people gathered in the cafeteria of Lincoln-Brightwood School to hear about plans for the new German Gerena Community School.
