Archive for July 2018
International juggling competition in Springfield is all about numbers (photos, video)
Competitors from the International Jugglers’ Association took part Friday in the Numbers Championships, one of the many events held during the organization’s 71st annual festival this week at the MassMutal Center. The event serves as a challenge to the jugglers as they try to successfully juggle the greatest numbers of balls, clubs and rings in a…
Read MoreChicopee eyes tax deal to help develop apartments in Cabotville Mill
Tax break details for the redevelopment of the Cabotville Mill complex still have to be worked out, but city leaders are already looking beyond converting the old factory buildings into housing to the dream of drawing customers to the nearby shops and restaurants. “I think it could revitalize the whole downtown,” City Councilor James K.…
Read MoreGrant program could provide money for security upgrades for Massachusetts nonprofits
A $150,000 grant program included in the state budget could help Massachusetts nonprofits afford security updates to their buildings. “It’s very important that we provide these organizations with this type of funding, because a lot of them are shoestring organizations that don’t have the budget to put these types of protections in place,” said state…
Read MoreWestfield State Awarded $21 Million for Extensive Renovations
Ramon Torrecilha says that when it opened in 1956, Parenzo Hall, the first building on what was then Westfield State College’s new campus on Western Avenue, housed “pretty much everything.” That included classrooms, the dining hall, a large auditorium, administrative offices — yes, everything, said Torrecilha, president of what is now Westfield State University. Over…
Read MoreRegional Rail Service Picks Up Speed
The launch of the Hartford line last month, which expands rail activity from Union Station in Springfield to a host of Connecticut stops, has been a success, judging by early ridership. More important, it has municipal and economic-development leaders from Greater Springfield thinking about the potential of a Springfield-to-Greenfield service beginning next year, as well…
Read MoreHundreds of jugglers descend on downtown Springfield for 71st annual festival (photos, video) | masslive.com
With workshop names like ‘Factory Variations with 3 Balls,’ and ‘4-5 Club Multiplex,’ you might not know what is being taught this week at the MassMutual Center in downtown Springfield. But one peek into the center’s exhibition hall will answer all your questions as plastic juggling clubs fly from person to person and balls are…
Read MoreCommunity Connections Energize Easthampton – BusinessWest
As executive director of the Greater Easthampton Chamber of Commerce, Moe Belliveau has a good view of what has become one of the region’s more unique and energetic small cities. “There’s a lot of great stuff here, different stuff,” she told BusinessWest. “I think Easthampton has a very eclectic flavor to it, and that just…
Read MoreAs casino opening looms, MGM Springfield on course to meet hiring goals for diversity, Springfield residents
MGM Springfield officials told the Massachusetts Gaming Commission on Thursday that they are well on course with the hiring of 3,000 casino employees, as pledged, and with meeting goals for local hiring and diversity. Gaming Commission officials praised the effort and results during its meeting in Boston, occurring as the $960 million resort casino is…
Read MoreHolyoke city employees learn to create healthy meals at Hcc Mgm Culinary Arts Institute
During the first day of the two-part class, Jim Crowley grilled some salmon that he ate with fresh, locally grown produce. “It’s fantastic on a salad,” said Crowley, who works for Holyoke Gas & Electric. “So when you’re eating it, it doesn’t feel like you’re on a diet. You’re just eating better food.” Crowley was…
Read MoreBloomberg Philanthropies names Holyoke national finalist for $1 million art grant
Bloomberg Philanthropies on Wednesday named the El Corazon de Holyoke (The Heart of Holyoke) and the city, along with 14 communities nationwide, as finalists for a Public Arts Challenge Grant. Holyoke competed with more than 200 applicants for the coveted grants of up to $1 million. Bloomberg Philanthropies will name three winners in the fall.…
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