Springfield
Morning News
Wednesday, October 1st, 2025
Good morning, Springfield. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 1st of October.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The Springfield Library Foundation ended its eight-year Promise-Realized Campaign on Sept. 16 by presenting a final check of $137,500 to support the new 17,000-square-foot East Forest Park Library on Surrey Rd. The foundation will provide $500,000 later this year to fund programs and Wi-Fi hotspots that help keep the library a lively community resource. The Reminder
- ➤ Monson Savings Bank invites residents to cast their vote for its 2026 Community Giving Initiative today—votes will be accepted online until 3 p.m. on Dec. 31 and the top ten nonprofits will be announced by mid-January. BusinessWest
- ➤ Over a dozen local restaurants will use grants from MassDevelopment (the state’s development finance agency) to prepare meals for nonprofit distributors that help deliver food to those in need. Seventeen of these restaurants will receive awards ranging from $7,000 to more than $34,500 as part of 31 total recipients in western Massachusetts. Western Mass News
- ➤ Girls on the Run Western Massachusetts will host its third annual Sneaker Soirée on October 9 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Springfield Country Club — the event invites girls and families to wear party attire with sneakers and will raise funds through a silent auction to support program scholarships. The Reminder
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ The Western New England University small business legal clinic is accepting applications from entrepreneurs & business owners for free legal help during the spring 2026 semester. Applications must be submitted by Jan. 1 and services will begin in mid-January, with later applications considered if resources allow. BusinessWest
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ School Committee candidates in Springfield answered questionnaires ahead of the Nov. 4 election, detailing their goals for academic improvement and better fiscal management. Incumbents Denise Hurst and LaTonia Monroe Naylor face challenger Michele Pepe as they outline plans to boost school safety — manage budgets amid shifting policies. The Reminder
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ The nearly 100-year-old Becker Pond Dam in the Mount Plantain Preserve will be removed beginning in November due to safety concerns for humans and wildlife — the 95-foot embankment will be transformed into a walking trail with additional details shared in a webinar on October 8. Western Mass News
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Springfield City Council delayed a vote on 27 GoNetSpeed installations in Indian Orchard—citing concerns that the plan might leave poorer neighborhoods behind—and will revisit the details at its October meeting, so residents will wait a few more weeks for improved internet options. The Reminder
- ➤ Jeb Balise and Tom Dennis plan to submit a proposal for the new Springfield Regional Justice Center at the corner of Chestnut and Lyman Streets after getting an exemption to quickly demolish four historic buildings that are unsafe. They aim to make the site ready for the courthouse or another project—an effort to improve downtown development and address long-standing hazards. The Reminder
- ➤ Massachusetts lawmakers warn that if a bipartisan funding deal is not reached, the federal government will shut down today and nearly 19,000 residents could lose their ACA help. Lawmakers say losing these subsidies—needed for low-cost care—may cause long-term challenges in the state. New England Public Media
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Michael J. Dias Foundation runs three sober homes for men recovering from addiction with a 12-step approach—providing safe housing and support for those in need. The group is raising funds for a Women’s Recovery Residence, received a $20,000 grant to help cover rent, and will host its annual golf tournament on Oct. 6. The Reminder
- ➤ Cuoco & Co. Real Estate donated over $50K from a charity golf event to CHD’s Cancer House of Hope—supporting free services for families battling cancer in western Massachusetts. The donation will help the organization expand its care for local individuals. Western Mass News
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The Springfield Thunderbirds began training camp Tuesday with 33 players, including 17 returning members and captain Matthew Peca, who is one point from reaching 200 points. Team President Nathan Costa said the roster will be finalized as more players arrive and noted that the season opener on Saturday, October 11 will feature a pre-game block party at 3:00 p.m. — a new family-friendly schedule aiming to get games over by 9:00 p.m. Western Mass News
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Hypertufa Pots Workshop
5-7 p.m. — Zenful Spaces — All materials included — Create unique hypertufa containers for your garden with step-by-step guidance in this hands-on workshop.
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Sarah Elizabeth Charles Album Release Concert
On October 4th, 2025, Sarah returns to CMSS and Robyn Newhouse Hall to celebrate the release of her fifth album, Dawn, which chronicles her experience becoming a mother. In addition to performing the music from this song cycle (which includes voice, piano, bass, drums, violin and cello), this evening will include the in person premiere of Charles' two mini documentaries and a post concert Reflective Talk Back.
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Job Expo
4-7 p.m. — Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame — Free entry — Explore job opportunities and connect with local employers in a dynamic setting.
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Spirit & Grace Tour - Springfield
7:30-9:30 p.m. — MassMutual Center — $1.00 service fee — Experience a vibrant evening of entertainment during the Spirit & Grace Tour.
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The Mighty Oktoberfest Celebration
5-11 p.m. — Student Prince Cafe and The Fort — Ticket includes one beer — Celebrate with authentic German food, live music, and festive atmosphere.
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Girls VolleyHall Classic Elite Tournament
8 a.m. – 4:15 p.m. — American International College — $10 for adults, free for students and children — Cheer on the top 36 high school girls' volleyball teams from the Northeast in this exciting tournament.
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New England Equitation Championships
8 a.m. to 5 p.m. — Eastern States Coliseum — Free admission — Experience five days of thrilling equestrian competition featuring top junior and adult riders.
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G&LW Gem Show - West Springfield
9:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. — Eastern States Exposition — Wholesale only — Explore stunning gems and jewelry from various exhibitors in a charming New England setting.
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ROAR! Comedy Featuring Neema Naz
8-11 p.m. — MGM Springfield — Check for ticket prices — Enjoy an evening of laughter with Iranian-Canadian stand-up comedian Neema Naz.
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Plantella: A Houseplant Expo
11 a.m. – 5 p.m. — MassMutual Center — VIP Tickets: $20 | General Admission: $10 — Explore the best of houseplants and related businesses from the Northeast.
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MVMA Fall Continuing Education Conference
Earn 12 hours of CE — 2 days — MGM Springfield — Entry Fee Required — Enhance your professional expertise at this informative veterinary conference.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
If the path ahead of you is clear, you're probably on someone else's.
~ Joseph Campbell
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