Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 4th of December.
Good morning, Springfield.
🏘️ Community
La Cucina di Hampden House will host its annual Toy for Joy Night on Monday, Dec.
8 from 3-8 p.m. at 1 Allen St in Hampden (offering a 50% off entree for those who bring an unwrapped toy) to support local children.
Springfield’s Ride to Remember donated over $40,000 to four charities, including Christina’s House (supporting homeless families) in memory of fallen officers.
The next ride, honoring first responders from Sept. 11, is set for Sept. 12, 2026 along a route through Western Mass and Connecticut.
Amelia Park Ice Arena in Westfield is launching a fundraiser to replace aging compressors needed for its rink.
Rink manager Billy Fellows (a local skater) said the non-profit seeks $250,000 to keep skating affordable for youth hockey teams and local skaters who have used the rink for 25 years.
Immigrant families in Massachusetts are finalizing guardianship documents to protect their children if detained + Debora Ramirez in New Bedford has authorized her eldest daughter to act as caregiver after support from a local center, with advocates urging similar measures amid rising enforcement concerns.
💼 Business
Tech Foundry launched Western MA Forward to raise $50,000 by Dec.
31 so it can rebuild Tech Hub Holyoke (service hours dropped from 40 to six) after federal funding cuts reduced its free digital classes.
🎭 Culture
The Sons and Daughters of Italy will host an Italian Christmas Market on Winthrop Street in the South End from Friday to Sunday.
The free outdoor festival starts Friday at 5:30 p.m. with a tree lighting ceremony featuring Mayor Sarno and ends Sunday with a living Nativity at 6 p.m.
🎓 Education
MGM Springfield donated a $5,000 check to Link to Libraries at a volunteer reading event at Gerena Community School on Wednesday (Dec.
3) to boost literacy among third graders; each classroom received books and every student got a free book.
Square One is expanding its early education programs and is now accepting applications for jobs and child enrollment at centers on Hickory, King, Sumner, and William Streets.
Families and educators can call (413) 732-5183 or (413) 858-3117 for more details.
📰 Finance
Members of BrightBridge and Arrha Credit Unions voted this week to merge at their headquarters in Lawrence, with BrightBridge as the continuing brand and Arrha becoming a division.
The merger will finalize Jan. 1 pending regulatory approval and will serve communities in Massachusetts + Connecticut.
🏛️ Government
Residents on French Street reported uneven snow clearing on Wednesday morning, prompting one neighbor to clear his driveway while Springfield DPW Director Chris Cignoli said cleanup crews will tackle the remaining snow and ice soon — safety remains a concern for many elderly residents.
📰 Real Estate
Hedge Hog Industries plans to tear down a used-car lot, auto shop, and historic home (subject to a nine-month delay) to build a three-story, 21-unit apartment complex in Indian Orchard at Berkshire and Cottage Streets.
The City Council approved the permit unanimously to help ease housing shortages.
🏈 Sports
Two Springfield Central student-athletes signed with collegiate teams this week + school officials said the signings mark a promising step for local sports talent.
🎉 Springfield Events
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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.
25th Anniversary of the Festival of Trees
10 AM – 5 PM — MassMutual Center — Support local youth programs while enjoying a delightful display of beautifully decorated trees.
New England's Funniest Comedy Showcase
8-11 p.m. — MGM Springfield — Ticketed event — Experience a night of big laughs and fresh voices from New England's top comics.
🏠 Springfield Real Estate
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💼 Springfield Job Board
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📣 Springfield Announcements
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