Good morning, Springfield.

UMassFive College Federal Credit Union finished its June care drive after collecting over 1,000 hygiene items from Hadley, Northampton, and Springfield (Mercy Medical Center) branches for local groups like Amherst and Northampton Survival Centers and Gray House.

Members and staff gathered essentials such as shampoo, toothbrushes, and diapers.

MassMutual Center generated a record $65.8 million in economic impact from 174 events plus 414,000 guests, boosting rental revenue above $1 million and supporting an estimated 620 jobs.

Gov. Healey announced $93 million in renovations for improved concessions + HVAC + fire systems at the venue.

Hope Center for the Arts showcased the talents of local youth on Thursday and Friday at the former CityStage theater space with free summer camp performances in dance, theater, live music and creative writing.

Springfield Fashion Week takes place today at MGM Springfield with vendors opening at 3:00 p.m. and the runway show beginning at 7:00 p.m. The event spotlights secondhand and upcycled fashions while featuring a family segment and career-ready services from Dress for Success Western Mass.

Downtown Springfield’s MassMutual Center posted record revenue over the past year from 174 events attracting over 400,000 guests and supporting 620 jobs, while city and state officials announced a nearly $100 million renovation plan to upgrade the arena over the next five years (boosting local businesses).

The Springfield Symphony Orchestra announced Lee Burgess as its new director of Youth Programs and Education.

He brings five years of experience from STEM Middle Academy and will develop a three-year plan for youth orchestras + school partnerships.

At a Wednesday Conservation Commission meeting in Chicopee, residents opposed an 8,000-foot chain-link fence planned near Chicopee Memorial State Park, saying the project would harm local wetlands and trails (safety concerns remain debated).

A decision is delayed until state and federal feedback is received, with further discussion on Aug. 19.

The upcoming fall season of girls volleyball will see many All-Western Mass standouts return, including Longmeadow's Chloe Scott who reached 1,000 assists last season.

Several seniors, juniors, and underclassmen from Class A to D are expected to make an impact.