Good morning, Springfield.

On a November morning, volunteers at Atlas Farm in Deerfield gathered 100 bags of lettuce to help local food pantries and food banks meet the rising demand for fresh produce.

Sarah Bluestein from Rachel’s Table said the gleaning effort—spurred by extra crops and SNAP cuts—provided much-needed support to those seeking fruits and vegetables.

The Eastern States Exposition donated beef from its annual 4-H sale to local food pantries (including The Parish Cupboard and Friends of the Homeless) to help feed families in need this holiday season.

Gene Cassidy explained the plan involved buying and processing two steers from each Big E auction to support local food programs.

The Big E has announced a holiday sale offering value passes, reduced tickets for single-day admission, and vouchers for The Big E Bakery through December 31 (tickets are available online).

The 2026 fair will run from September 18 through October 4.

Rick Sullivan, president and CEO of the Western Mass Economic Development Council, will step down next month as he champions efforts to boost local innovation.

Western Mass was named a Quantum Technology TechHub and a Food Science TechHub while Springfield Technical Community College received $1 million for a study of a quantum supply chain accelerator—the first such facility aimed at strengthening the region’s advanced manufacturing supply chains.

Deberry School in Springfield continues a tradition of sending students home with a red bag of snacks like pretzels, fruit snacks, and juice boxes from community donations—helping to ease holiday hunger.

Volunteers and staff coordinate the program, which has grown and now inspires other schools to join in.

Springfield Technical Community College earned six Medallion Awards from the National Council for Marketing — Public Relations District 1 at an annual conference in Pittsburgh in November.

The awards — including Gold for E-Newsletter and Interior Signage/Displays, Silver for E-Card, and Bronze for short-form writing, Outdoor Signage/Display, and Audio Content — highlight the creative strength of the college's marketing team.

Springfield once received an EPA grant to support climate projects like home retrofits and tree planting—funds that were later frozen under cuts by a previous administration.

The city is now using local grassroots efforts and its Climate Action and Resiliency Plan to drive needed environmental improvements.

Residents in Ludlow say drivers are ignoring traffic rules near Ludlow High School on Stivens Terrace—Mountainview and Parkview Streets, raising concerns for pedestrian and family safety.

The Ludlow Police have reminded drivers to obey the 25 mph limit and increased patrols in the area.

SNAP benefits have returned to EBT cards in Springfield after the government shutdown, but new rules under the Big Beautiful Bill require adults to work, volunteer or complete job training for eight hours each month (a change affecting many).

Gov. Maura Healey said officials will work to keep food aid available (local residents are confused about the guidelines).

Nurses at Mercy Medical Center questioned the plan to close its maternity center on Dec.

8, saying Trinity Health did not offer competitive pay to recruit needed staff. Springfield councilors and union members worry that moving births to Baystate Medical Center will hurt low-income families—hospital officials say they will explore options to restore local services if conditions improve.

On June 14, over 600 cyclists joined the Bikes Fight Cancer Charity Ride at Tree House Brewing Company in South Deerfield and raised more than $260,000 to support local cancer care and research — with $170,000 funding programs for patients in the Pioneer Valley.

Jeff Dye Performance

8-11 p.m. — MGM Springfield — Ticket prices vary — Experience the comedic flair of Jeff Dye live in Springfield.

Sweater Weather Paint & Pick Your Sip

6-8 p.m. — White Lion Brewing Company — Ticket required — Cozy up for a painting evening with included drinks and good vibes.

ROAR! Comedy: Frank Santos Jr.

8-11 p.m. — MGM Springfield — Free entry — Laugh the night away with Frank Santos Jr.'s hilarious comedy show.

ROAR! Comedy: Todd Barry

8-11 p.m. — MGM Springfield — Tickets required — Experience an evening of laughter with comedian Todd Barry, known for his wit and TV appearances.

Teddy Bear Toss Night

6:05-7:35 p.m. — MassMutual Center — Ticket prices fluctuate — Bring a new teddy bear and toss it onto the ice after the first goal for a charitable cause.

5th Annual Kringle Market

10 AM – 4 PM — Nosh Café and Restaurant — $2 at the door — Celebrate the holidays with local artisans, festive food, and community spirit at this vibrant market.

Holiday Sip & Shop

4:30-7:30 p.m. — Mercedes-Benz of Springfield — No entry fee — Enjoy festive refreshments while shopping local gifts and test driving Mercedes-Benz vehicles.

Winter in Watercolor Workshop

10 a.m.–3:30 p.m. — Springfield Museums — $110, $94 for Members — Explore winter landscapes in watercolor with guidance from artist Andrea Mackin.

MGM Springfield Basketball Hall of Fame Classic

4:30-7 p.m. — MassMutual Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience a thrilling basketball classic featuring UMass vs. Boston College and Yale vs. UAlbany in the birthplace of basketball.

Polish Christmas Decorations: Design, History, and Meaning

12:15-1:30 p.m. — Springfield Museums — $4 for residents, FREE for members — Discover the vibrant history and craft of Polish Christmas decorations with artist Susan Urban.