Springfield
Forest Park Zoo devastated by felled trees from powerful storm
SPRINGFIELD — Passing through Forest Park on Aug. 12, debris had been cleaned from the roads, but forestry crews were hard at work, stacking downed branches and cutting up the trunks of once-mighty trees. The damage could be seen everywhere, but it was nothing compared to the zoo.
Developers’ attorneys spar in court over courthouse contract
SPRINGFIELD — Developer FDS MA Liberty Junction LLC had its day in court, going before Judge Jeremy Bucci, as he listened to arguments from rival developers who argued that Liberty Junction should be blocked from building the new Springfield Regional Justice Center.
Milleron and Whalen debate ahead of primary, midterm elections
SPRINGFIELD — Two people looking to unseat U.S. Rep. Richard Neal in the Massachusetts 1st Congressional House District met at a debate on Aug. 11 to discuss their politics, priorities and approach. Of those, the most daylight between Nadia Milleron and Jeromie Whalen was in their approach.
Two people chosen by lottery win chance to buy affordable homes in Springfield
SPRINGFIELD — Standing on the porch of a newly built three-bedroom house on Highland Street, Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno turned the handle on a bingo cage, sending the green and white balls inside clattering as it spun. Opening the cage door, he fished out a ball at random, cracked it open and read the slip of paper inside.
New Springfield apartments give chronically homeless people a place to call home
SPRINGFIELD — Thirty-six people who have not had a stable place to call home will soon move into an apartment of their own in a new building owned and operated by Clinical & Support Options, Inc.
For autistic children, wandering presents persistent danger
A nonverbal teen with Down syndrome named Matteo left his house in Monson on June 29 without an adult’s knowledge. He was found two days later about a mile from his home. While the incident ended safely, it brought the issue of wandering among children with developmental disabilities to the forefront. State Rep. Angelo Puppolo joined the Office of the Child Advocate and the Department of Developmental Services in efforts to raise awareness about wandering among children with autism spectrum disorder.
Caribbean Carnival & Parade to bring colors, music to Springfield
SPRINGFIELD — Get ready for vibrant colors, lively music and dancing in the street as the Springfield Caribbean Carnival & Parade returns on Saturday, Aug. 15.
New school food supplier introduces itself to community
SPRINGFIELD — While many children hula hooped and played with flying discs and drop four games near the splash pad at Forest Park, Daniel Beauchamp was hard at work. He hopped onto a specially equipped stationary bicycle and began pedaling. That movement powered the motor of a blender, turning fresh fruits and a little bit of lemon juice into a slushy puree.
Miguel Rivera sworn in as city’s 1st Latino fire commissioner
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.
People get hands on to create mural of organization’s history
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.