Good morning, Springfield.

Springfield Angelina Park reopened last week after $250,000 in upgrades that brought new playground features, a walking path, and a handicap-accessible gate (located off Page Boulevard).

The project was funded by local taxpayer money and more amenities are planned with a Neighborhood Enhancement Fund grant.

Thirty-six chronically unhoused residents will soon have apartments at a new permanent supportive housing building on Worthington St., operated by Clinical & Support Options, Inc. The units are funded by Section 8 vouchers and multiple public sources and include wrap-around services.

Rick’s Place Golf Classic will take place Sept.

19 at the Country Club of Wilbraham to honor Rick Thorpe’s legacy and support local youth and families grieving a loss from 9/11 — golfers register at 10:30 a.m. for an 18-hole shotgun scramble, while a community dinner is offered for $40.

In June, the Rotary Club of West Springfield awarded nearly $17,000 in grants to 10 local organizations — supporting projects like refugee education, veterans' services, youth programs, environmental safety and public library resources.

City leaders will host a listening session on gun violence today at 6 p.m. at the Bay Area Neighborhood Council center (437 Bay St) as State Rep. Bud L.

Williams, Councilor Justin Hurst and community advocate Charles Stokes join local residents, clergy and neighborhood leaders to discuss solutions.

Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield will host the Big E Job Fair 2026 on Aug.

18 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. outside Storrowton Village’s Greenwich Barn+ jobseekers can network with fair departments and apply online for positions during The Big E, which begins Sept. 18.

Eastern States Exposition and Rocky’s Ace Hardware launched a ticketing initiative offering advance discount tickets for The Big E until Sept.

16 at participating stores, including Rocky’s Springfield locations — regular tickets are then sold from Sept. 17 and the fair runs Sept. 18 to Oct. 4.

East Longmeadow residents gathered at the Pleasant View Senior Center on Aug.

6 to view the 1976-2026 time capsule opened for the first time in 50 years (showcasing letters, photos, cassette tapes, and town memorabilia). Some items were kept or shared by those connected to their original contributors.

State lawmakers approved bills to ban cell phones during the entire school day, allowing schools to enforce the policy by secure storage or geofencing (with exceptions for special needs and emergencies).

Potential disagreements between the House and Senate might delay the change before the upcoming school year.

Brittney Aponte and Niulka Hernandez-Batista were chosen by lottery to buy new affordable homes from the City of Homes program (run by Way Finders) in Springfield.

The program, supported by local and state funds, offers renovated properties at discounted prices for first-time buyers.

Minnechaug’s swim and dive team earned All-American honors as Alex, Olivia, and Colin were recognized for strong performances at sectional and state meets.

Coach Mandell praised the athletes’ hard work and legacy as they now prepare for college competition + future success.