Good morning, Springfield.

United Way of Pioneer Valley will host its Champions of Change event on May 1 from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at the HCC MGM Culinary Arts Institute building (164 Race St., Holyoke) where they will honor community members with awards at 5 p.m. and guests will be able to tour the UWPV Food Pantry (which will serve light appetizers) to see how support helps local families.

Emergency crews responded to a house fire on Sunday on James Street in Agawam when heavy flames emerged from the back of the house just after 4 p.m., causing significant smoke and heat damage while ensuring everyone, including a dog, escaped safely (officials have said the incident is not considered suspicious and the investigation continues).

Yankee Mattress Co.—a local mattress maker with stores in Agawam, Springfield, Greenfield, and Northampton—announced that Katerina Cai has been named its new president.

She brings strong retail leadership from her role at Mass Commercial Cleaning and will guide the company’s future expansion as part of the Teamshares network.

Bishop William D. Byrne said he met Pope Francis two years ago and recalled that the Holy Father urged everyone to be welcomed as brothers and sisters.

He described the late Pope as a clarion voice for the poor and asked Springfield Catholics to pray for his soul (in the spirit of our Jubilee Year of Hope).

Today, Springfield honors its heritage as the City of Firsts by preserving sites like the Springfield Armory+ museums that show our role in the American Revolution.

The Massachusetts250 project celebrates historic milestones and modern achievements in areas like life sciences+ sports to keep the revolutionary spirit alive in our community.

Eric Hall, the son of the Cicada’s original designer, is working with aviation historian Matt Lawlor to build a full-scale replica of the plane that crashed at Bowles-Agawam Airport in 1932—experts are gathering missing design details from local families to ensure an accurate rebuild that can eventually be flown and then housed in a museum. The project is estimated to cost several hundred thousand dollars and seeks to honor Springfield’s rich aviation history.

Holyoke Community College will offer a free eight‐week course—AI Essentials—in partnership with CanCode Communities for eligible Massachusetts residents.

The online program runs on Wednesdays and Fridays from May 2 to June 27, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.—students needing devices can receive laptops and WiFi hotspots.

After years of planning, construction has begun on a new Agawam High School as workers start on a community wing with a gym, auditorium, tech classrooms and cafeteria during school vacation week.

The project will cost $229,000,000 (with $100,000,000 from the commonwealth) and finish in two phases by December 2028.

Paving preservation work began Monday night on I-91 from exit 45 to 49 *as part of a two-year project* that will include milling, repairs, and new pavement.

The Connecticut Department of Transportation stated that northbound and southbound lanes will close from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday through Friday with additional lane and shoulder closures each weekday morning after 9 a.m.

Veterans Support Group Meeting

3-4 p.m. — OCA Veterans Support Center — Free entry — Engage in a supportive environment designed for veterans in recovery.

Live Music from John Prout

1-4 p.m. — Great Awakening Brewing Co — Free entry — Enjoy live music while sipping on a variety of craft beers and fresh food.

Empower Your Finances Workshop

1:30-3 p.m. — Springfield Armory National Historic Site — Free entry — Equip yourself with skills and strategies for financial independence.

ROAR! Comedy: Corey Rodrigues

8-11 p.m. — MGM Springfield — Tickets available — Enjoy an evening of laughs with national touring comedian Corey Rodrigues.

Northeast Large Scale Train Show

9 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Better Living Center, Eastern States Exposition — $10 per day, $18 for 2 days — Explore model railroads, railroad art, and the rich history of railroading.

2025 Preservation Awards

7-8:30 p.m. — Springfield Performing Arts Ventures, Inc. — Cost information not specified — Celebrate the efforts of individuals and organizations dedicated to restoring Springfield's historic structures.

Mother’s Day Bottomless Brunch at Union Station

10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. — Springfield Union Station — $5 – $46 — Enjoy a delightful array of bottomless cocktails and a lavish brunch spread with chef-attended stations.

EASTEC Manufacturing Trade Show

8 AM - 5 PM — Eastern States Exposition — Check website for details — Discover cutting-edge manufacturing technologies and strategies at this major trade show.

ROAR! Comedy: Aaron Chen

8-11 p.m. — MGM Springfield — Fun experience — Enjoy an exciting night of laughter with Aaron Chen, a rising star in comedy from Australia.

ROAR! Comedy: Aaron Chen

8-11 p.m. — MGM Springfield — Tickets required — Enjoy a night of laughter with rising star Aaron Chen from Australia.