Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 25th of November.
Good morning, Springfield.
🏘️ Community
The Springfield Redevelopment Authority hosted its fifth annual tree lighting ceremony at Union Station where local officials, Santa Claus and musicians from the Community Music School lifted spirits ahead of Thanksgiving — Congressman Richard Neal and neighbors shared warm festive remarks during the event.
John O’Brien, the longtime Rock102 morning host — a Massachusetts Broadcasters Association Hall of Famer — died after a 14-year battle with cancer.
Colleagues and local officials remembered him for his warm voice and genuine kindness in Springfield.
On Monday, 300 frozen turkeys arrived at Thanksgiving destinations in Springfield.
Law firms Pellegrini, Seeley, Ryan and Blakesley partnered with the Gray House (a local nonprofit) to distribute the turkeys.
Rock102’s annual Mayflower Marathon began Monday at MGM Springfield and will run through Wednesday as it gathers non-perishable donations for Springfield’s Open Pantry to help families facing food insecurity.
The event honors founder John O’Brien—whose legacy started with one van nearly 32 years ago—as organizers aim to load several trucks with donations over 52 hours.
Eversource has pledged $3,000—volunteering to help the Salvation Army run its 103rd Toy for Joy Campaign, which serves hundreds of children.
The campaign will distribute toys this December to families in Springfield and nearby counties.
💼 Business
Massachusetts retailers are forecasting a modest 1.7% rise in holiday sales that falls short of national growth, according to the Retailers Association of Massachusetts—high living costs and rising expenses are dampening spending among small businesses.
The survey of 4,000 members shows that a shift towards online shopping is also reshaping local sales patterns.
🎭 Culture
The Majestic Theater has been a community mainstay for nearly 30 years—once a nearly forgotten building, it now hosts 250 to 300 shows a season that draw in families and first-time theatergoers.
Local leaders have kept the theater affordable and engaging by offering a mix of plays, musicals and special events that honor its rich history.
🎓 Education
Square One cut the ribbon on its new $15.1 million early childhood education facility at 186 William St. in Springfield, where the three-story building uses trauma-informed design and offers classrooms that lead directly to a 5,118-square-foot outdoor play area (celebrated by local children and officials).
🏛️ Government
State officials attended the 'Green Friday' Christmas Tree Cutting Ceremony Monday morning at Chestnut Mountain Christmas Tree Farm (Hatfield) where Governor Maura Healey launched the event to encourage locals to choose state-grown trees.
A gift certificate for a tree was donated to Save the Children to help raise funds for the organization.
Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell met with former tenants and community organizers from Springfield Gardens to discuss unlivable conditions and a $10 million settlement that forgives millions in withheld rent and bans the landlord from managing properties here—helping to secure better housing for residents.
🏥 Health
Consumers in Springfield are advised to check their kitchens for recalled food items after the FDA issued recalls on pasta sauces, infant formula, English muffins, garlic cheddar cheese, and ice cream bars due to risks of botulism, allergens and listeria—items should be discarded or returned for refunds.
🎉 Springfield Events
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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.
Breakfast with Santa
9-11 a.m. — MassMutual Center — Ticket price supports local charity — Enjoy a festive breakfast while meeting Santa and supporting a good cause.
🏠 Springfield Real Estate
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💼 Springfield Job Board
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📣 Springfield Announcements
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