SPRINGFIELD — Each year, the Hampden County Sheriff’s Department hosts a charity 5K/walk to benefit a local organization that helps the community. This year the race will benefit domestic violence prevention and support efforts from the YWCA of Western Massachusetts, a cause that is personal to Sheriff Nick Cocchi.
NORTHAMPTON — After a slight delay and several months of laying idle, the regional ValleyBike Share program will officially make its return on Aug. 12.
SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield Thunderbirds visited Forest Park for the second of three Community Caravan events on July 22. The event featured an appearance from Thunderbirds mascot Boomer and team staff, as well as a wide variety of activities and vendors, street hockey activities, and food. The first Community Caravan event took place in June at Look Park in Northampton and a third will take place at Amelia Park in Westfield on Aug. 17, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
SPRINGFIELD — The Massachusetts Gaming Commission recently announced it had awarded Springfield $2.86 million for improvements for fiscal year 2025 through its Community Mitigation Fund.
SPRINGFIELD — Overgrown weeds and graffiti on the inside of windowpanes are obvious signs of dereliction at the former Vibra Hospital at 1400 State St. The building was abandoned by Vibra Healthcare in fall 2023. While the city entered into a purchase and sale agreement for the property at the time, Mayor Domenic Sarno said the company has not held up its end of the bargain.
SPRINGFIELD — Chronic absenteeism has been a struggle for school departments nationwide over the past few years. The Springfield School Committee met on June 20 to approve policy changes designed to remove barriers to attending school.