Springfield

By Sarah Heinonen | Jun 24, 2024

Springfield celebrates Juneteenth

SPRINGFIELD — Gov. Maura Healey and U.S. Rep. Richard Neal joined Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno, state and local officials to raise a flag commemorating Juneteenth outside Springfield City Hall.

Sarah Heinonen

sheinonen@thereminder.com | + posts

Back to Square One: organization to rebuild at tornado site

By Sarah Heinonen | Jun 24, 2024

Back to Square One: organization to rebuild at tornado site

SPRINGFIELD — The tornado that tore through the Connecticut River Valley on June 1, 2011, devastated homes and businesses throughout Springfield and destroyed the 947 Main St. Campus of Square One, an early education and childcare organization.

Sarah Heinonen

sheinonen@thereminder.com | + posts

By G. Michael Dobbs | Jun 24, 2024

Councilor believes Springfield water rate increase is justified

SPRINGFIELD — Two Springfield city councilors, who conducted a hearing on June 13 about increases in the city’s water rates and the safety of the water, are satisfied with the answers to questions they posed to representatives of the Springfield Water and Sewer Commission.

G. Michael Dobbs

+ posts

By Sarah Heinonen | Jun 17, 2024

Springfield City Council approves 14 projects funded by CPA

SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield City Council approved all 14 projects proposed for funding by the Community Preservation Committee, including the rehabilitation of several vacant buildings in the city.

Sarah Heinonen

sheinonen@thereminder.com | + posts

By Sarah Heinonen | Jun 17, 2024

Springfield community, police agree they must get to know each other

SPRINGFIELD — Representatives from the federal Department of Justice, the Springfield Police Department and the community met online on June 12 to develop concepts that will become part of the Police Department’s Community engagement plan. The engagement plan was a requirement of the settlement agreement reached between the federal government and the Police Department in August 2022.

Sarah Heinonen

sheinonen@thereminder.com | + posts

Jen’s Organics restaurant out to prove all-vegan is all-delicious

By Sarah Heinonen | Jun 17, 2024

Jen’s Organics restaurant out to prove all-vegan is all-delicious

SPRINGFIELD — Jenelle Smith opened her restaurant, Jen’s Organics, in November 2023. Since then, she has built a base of customers who have responded to her array of all-vegan dishes.

Sarah Heinonen

sheinonen@thereminder.com | + posts

Community celebrates Juneteenth Jubilee in Springfield

By Sarah Heinonen | Jun 17, 2024

Community celebrates Juneteenth Jubilee in Springfield

SPRINGFIELD — Community members came out to Mason Square on June 14 to celebrate the upcoming Juneteeth holiday, commemorating the day the last enslaved people learned they were free.

Sarah Heinonen

sheinonen@thereminder.com | + posts

Council of Jewish Women awards $70K in scholarships

By Sarah Heinonen | Jun 17, 2024

Council of Jewish Women awards $70K in scholarships

Nearly 50 students will have an easier time paying for college this fall with scholarships totaling $70,000 from the Springfield Council of Jewish Women.

Sarah Heinonen

sheinonen@thereminder.com | + posts

Foundation kicks off campaign to support sober living for women

By Bill Zito | Jun 17, 2024

Foundation kicks off campaign to support sober living for women

LONGMEADOW — Grace Dias called it “the beginning of an important journey.”

Bill Zito

bzito@thereminder.com | + posts

By Sarah Heinonen | Jun 12, 2024

Mercy awarded $1.1 M to treat substance use disorder

SPRINGFIELD — Substance use disorder is an area of mental health that is often shrouded in shame and stigma. Springfield Mercy Medical Center has been working to treat the disorder through its addiction consult services program since 2018. Now, a $1.1 million grant will allow even more people to seek treatment without judgement.