Springfield

Markey seeks to expand YouthBuild, speaks with program grads

By Sarah Heinonen | Jul 22, 2024

Markey seeks to expand YouthBuild, speaks with program grads

U.S. Sen. Edward Markey gives a thumbs up while posing with recent YouthBuild graduates Jozely Ramos, Leighana Laboy, Joshua Rosa, Hector Collazo, Chris Obara, Joshua Cardona, Reina De Jesus, Deishanet Crochiere, Joshua Cotto and Raheem Biggs.Reminder Publishing...

Springfield School Committee expresses support as Dinnall takes the helm

By Sarah Heinonen | Jul 22, 2024

Springfield School Committee expresses support as Dinnall takes the helm

SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield School Committee officially welcomed incoming Superintendent Sonia Dinnall at the July 11 committee meeting.

Sarah Heinonen

sheinonen@thereminder.com | + posts

By Sarah Heinonen | Jul 17, 2024

Neal decries assassination attempt, conspiracy theories

SPRINGFIELD — In the wake of the July 13 assassination attempt on former President and current Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, U.S. Rep. Richard Neal (D-Springfield) called for Americans to “ratchet down the rhetoric” and a cease the spread of conspiracy theories.

Sarah Heinonen

sheinonen@thereminder.com | + posts

Local man to stage his own one-man play

By Staasi Heropoulos | Jul 15, 2024

Local man to stage his own one-man play

SPRINGFIELD — When store detective Ken Harris was on the lookout for shoplifters at retailers in Springfield and Enfield, he was also taking mental notes and writing a one-man play about what he saw. The 47-year-old actor and playwright is now taking the stage, portraying all 10 characters in his comedic and dramatic production of “Foes of a Minimum Wage Guard.”

Staasi Heropoulos

+ posts

Staasi Heropoulos has been a broadcast and print journalist as well as a corporate communications practitioner, in Western Mass. and internationally for more than 40 years. He loves writing feature articles on local people and places but also welcomes story ideas about corporate and government malfeasance. Staasi can be reached at Staasi.Heropoulos@gmail.com.

The Farmer’s House: ‘high quality’ food for ‘hard working’ Forest Park

By Chris Maza | Jul 15, 2024

The Farmer’s House: ‘high quality’ food for ‘hard working’ Forest Park

SPRINGFIELD — A new restaurant has opened in the heart of Forest Park. The Farmer’s House at 600 Belmont St. promises “a delicious and inviting dining experience for families.”

Chris Maza

cmaza@thereminder.com | + posts

By G. Michael Dobbs | Jul 15, 2024

Springfield City Council approves first step to help injured officer

SPRINGFIELD — On July 9, the City Council took the first step to provide additional funding to a seriously injured, now retired, police officer.

G. Michael Dobbs

+ posts

Dakin reopens kitten ICU, expects to treat 250 felines per year

By Sarah Heinonen | Jul 15, 2024

Dakin reopens kitten ICU, expects to treat 250 felines per year

SPRINGFIELD — Kennels line the walls of an L-shaped room at Dakin Humane Society. Peering into one of the kennels, two small, fuzzy, orange-and-white figures can be seen taking shaky steps toward the door. One kitten mewls while its roommate snacks on a bowl of wet food.

Sarah Heinonen

sheinonen@thereminder.com | + posts

Springfield Ballers make donation to Boskovic Memorial Fund

By Sarah Heinonen | Jul 8, 2024

Springfield Ballers make donation to Boskovic Memorial Fund

LONGMEADOW — The Springfield Ballers, a youth athletics organization serving the Greater Springfield area, received a $2,500 donation on June 24 from the Katarina “Kat” Boskovic Memorial Fund.

Sarah Heinonen

sheinonen@thereminder.com | + posts

By Sarah Heinonen | Jul 8, 2024

Springfield Partners for Community Action use farmers market as venue for SNAP registration

SPRINGFIELD — About once a month, in the corner of The Farmers Market at Forest Park, Springfield Partners for Community Action Director of Community Services Tabitha Desplaines offers information to passerby about the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program through the United States Department of Agriculture and the state Department of Transitional Assistance.

Sarah Heinonen

sheinonen@thereminder.com | + posts

By Sarah Heinonen | Jul 8, 2024

Safe Summer Program offers LGTBQIA+ youth space for summer

SPRINGFIELD — While many students look forward to summer vacation, it can come with its own set of challenges. Outside of school clubs and the friends they make in school, LGBTQIA+ youth may struggle to find social support that is inclusive. To address this, the Springfield Pride Parade Organization has created the Safe Spaces Summer Program.