Good morning, Springfield.

Monte’s March marks its 16th year today as Monte Belmonte and U.S. Congressman Jim McGovern lead the march from Northampton to Greenfield to raise $650K for the Food Bank of Western Mass, which will provide 1.3 million meals + local media airs special programming on food insecurity.

The Entrepreneurial & Business Collaborative in Springfield was chosen by the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center to serve as the Pioneer Valley hub and will receive up to $1,195,000 in four grants to expand clean energy workforce training—supporting a $600,000 CUBS grant, a $135,000 regional spoke award, a $335,000 Equity Workforce Training Implementation Grant and a Climate-Critical Workforce Training, Equipment and Infrastructure Grant. The awards aim to reduce barriers for minority- and women-owned businesses in clean energy.

Partners Restaurant and Catering in Agawam celebrated its 40th anniversary on November 22 with about 400 guests, marking decades of family-led service.

Sue and Mark Tansey overcame a fire in 2014 and tough COVID days while expanding their business—loyal staff and customers continue driving its success.

Springfield Symphony Orchestra announced its search for a new music director to lead its 70-plus musicians and shape the future of symphonic art in the region—applications will be accepted through Jan.

5 with the new director set to debut during the 2026-27 season. A search committee that includes community input will guide the process as the orchestra looks to build a dynamic artistic future.

Tuesday night, the Red Team beat the White Team 5 to 1 at Pope Francis in the WMass Class C and D girls soccer All-Star Game with Monson’s Hannah Murphy scoring twice and adding an assist — a record-setting performance that made her the all-time goal scorer for girls soccer in Massachusetts — as the senior players celebrated their final matchup.

St. Louis Blues boss Doug Armstrong said on Tuesday that Milan Lucic was cut from his AHL tryout.

Lucic had joined the Springfield Thunderbirds after his lower-body injury and played in five preseason games — the team did not give a reason for the cut.

The Red Sox traded with the Cardinals to acquire starting pitcher Sonny Gray by sending pitcher Richard Fitts and prospect Brandon Clarke.

Gray waived his no-trade clause after a challenging stint with the Yankees—he said he is very excited to join Boston and boost the rotation.

Tuesday night, 51 seniors played in the Western Massachusetts Class A and B girls soccer All-Star Game at Pope Francis High School despite rain and wind.

The white team won 5-3 and the players said they will meet again in club play (many look forward to continuing their soccer careers in college).

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.