Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 11th of July.
Good morning, Springfield.
Pioneer Valley Financial Charitable Fund donated $10,000 to the TJO Animal Control and Adoption Center to replace supplies after an outbreak of parvovirus and panleukopenia disrupted shelter operations.
The donation will help secure PPE, vaccines, and treatment supplies for the animals.
A 2-year-old tabby named Mikey has been at Dakin Humane Society for 51 days and is now ready for adoption in Springfield.
Adoption fees are half off until today, and potential adopters should prepare a quiet space (such as food, toys, and a litterbox) for his comfort.
Local attorneys in Springfield advise seniors to safeguard their finances from rising high-tech scams that misuse AI to empty bank accounts.
They recommend setting up a power of attorney and regular account reviews (as seen in a recent East Longmeadow case) to help prevent financial loss.
Springfield designer Ty’rone Watkins debuted his spring Moonwalker collection, 'Cotton Candy & Nightmares,' on June 28, blending playful colors and dark tones to showcase creativity and perseverance.
Watkins will next present in Connecticut on July 19 before returning for Springfield Fashion Week on Aug. 8.
Downtown Springfield and South End streets are closed as the Italian Feast and Jazz and Roots Festival run; Main Street is closed until Sunday 7 p.m. and Court Street until 1 a.m. for these events — featuring a Holy Cannoli 5K, live music and a vespa raffle.
Tyra Allen, a Howard University alumna, launches the HBCU Network of Western Massachusetts and will host its inaugural HBCU Student Send-Off and Alumni Mixer on Thursday, Jul.
23 at Mason Square Library from 5 to 7 p.m.; incoming students and alumni will enjoy gifts and refreshments (registration is encouraged).
Springfield Public Schools announced a new governance structure in eight local schools to boost student learning and teacher recruitment (an evolution of the district’s Empowerment Zone started over a decade ago).
The Innovation School Zone now covers Van Sickle Academy, Chestnut Accelerated Middle School, John J. Duggan Academy and others.
Heavy rain caused six million gallons of untreated wastewater to spill into the Connecticut River, and officials say a $300 million program is upgrading aging infrastructure at the Springfield Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant (Bondi’s Island).
Residents are advised to avoid the river for at least two days after the alert.
Camp Wilder beach on Parker St. was closed after water tests showed high bacteria counts + the mayor’s office stated no swimming is allowed until the water is retested on Monday.
Old First Church, one of Springfield's oldest landmarks, will have its exterior stabilized this summer using $2.32 million in ARPA funds plus $300,000 from Community Preservation.
Officials said Kronenburger and Sons Restoration is set to begin work soon (final review by historic commissions is in progress).
Officer Jack Alberici, a 27-year-old Longmeadow native with Wilbraham PD, is seeking a kidney donor after being diagnosed with a rare kidney disease that limits his patrol duties.
He is undergoing dialysis three days a week and hopes a donor can help him return to community work.
Local addiction counselors Teressa Williams and Leslie Harmon have launched Serenity Path Counseling and Consulting in downtown, offering flexible help via telehealth appointments + in-person meetings and free community support groups.
The practice will soon expand to include more clinicians and build a nonprofit arm to further assist recovery.
Belgian motocross rising stars Lucas and Sacha Coenen will race at The National at The Wick 338 in Southwick today.
Local riders join the event starting with 8 a.m. practice (Crestview Construction is the title sponsor) after heavy rain affected the track.
Local riders Jacob Walker and Nick McDonnell will race today at The Wick 338 in Southwick as part of the 45th Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship.
Rising stars Lucas and Sacha Coenen join veteran Tony Lorusso, a Brockton native, for an event that promises hometown excitement.
Springfield Dragon Boat Festival - Individual Registration
6 a.m. – 3 p.m. — Pioneer Valley Riverfront Club — Free entry — Sign up to paddle in a dragon boat and enjoy a day of community fun and teamwork.
Yoga on the Landing
11 a.m. – 1 p.m. — MassMutual Center — Free entry — Engage in gentle yoga sequences and sound healing while connecting with the community in a serene outdoor environment.
Lawn Party @ The Landing Featuring La Era Del Mambo
4:30-7:30 p.m. — MassMutual Center — Free admission — Enjoy a lively evening of Latin sounds with La Era Del Mambo.
Heritage Pops Orchestra Concert
1-2:30 p.m. — Springfield Armory National Historic Site — Free — Enjoy a patriotic-themed concert on the historic grounds with the Heritage Pops Orchestra.
River of Dreams: A Tribute to Billy Joel
5-7 p.m. — Springfield City Library: Mason Square Branch — Get tickets — Experience the nostalgia of Billy Joel's greatest hits performed live.
Marina Franklin Comedy Show
8:30-10:00 p.m. — MGM Springfield — Check venue for ticket prices — Enjoy an evening with veteran comedian Marina Franklin, known for her engaging humor and impressive TV credits.
5th Annual Mentoring Matters 5K
8 PM — Old Monkey House — $40 registration — Participate in a run/walk that raises awareness for mentorship in under-resourced communities.
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