Good morning, Springfield.

The TJO Adoption Center seeks volunteers after a parvo closure to help with tasks like laundry, dishes, and pet transportation, and it invites community members to support the upcoming Jack Rome Memorial 5K on May 2 (volunteer shifts are flexible).

BusinessWest celebrated its 20th edition of the 40 Under Forty club with 800 honorees from business and community who will receive plaques at an annual gala on June 11 at the MassMutual Center in downtown Springfield — marking two decades of local excellence.

In March, business certificates and trade names were issued or renewed for many companies across neighboring communities such as Belchertown, Northampton, Westfield, and West Springfield.

The list covers varied services including bakeries+trucking firms, painting and construction.

Massachusetts has replaced its rectangular E-ZPass transponders with a low-cost sticker tag system beginning Mar.

1 + drivers now receive new toll devices for free while existing tags still work, and New Jersey is testing the theft-proof option for fleet vehicles later this year.

Building Business Leaders, a cohort-based program for rising managers from small and mid-sized businesses, is now enrolling for the 2026-27 session.

The 10-session, in-person course runs from September through June and costs $3,000 per participant, with full reimbursement available from the state’s Workforce Training Fund Express Program for eligible employers.

West Springfield High School health educator Belinda McDonnell warned that vape products marketed with sweet flavors and covert designs lure teens, as a 2025 survey shows 23.5% have tried vaping + she urges families to talk openly and use programs like My Life, My Quit for support.

2026 Stifel Stars on Ice Tour

7-10 p.m. — MassMutual Center — Ticket required for entry — Celebrate Olympic greatness with top U.S. Figure Skating stars showcasing breathtaking performances on ice.

Play by the Books: A Novel Night of Creative Crafting

5:30-7:30 p.m. — Springfield Museums — $20 ($15 for members) — Celebrate literature and creativity with art-making stations and a gallery tour.