Latest news with #DomenicSarno
Yahoo
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Springfield to host 8 concerts, 10 movies for free this summer
SPRINGFIELD — People looking for inexpensive family fun this summer won't have to go far, since the city is returning with a full lineup of its free movies in multiple parks and concerts at the Forest Park Amphitheater. The fairly low cost to the city is worth it for the enjoyment that everyone — from toddlers to retirees — get from the annual summer tradition, said Mayor Domenic J. Sarno when announcing the lineup. There will be eight concerts and 10 movie showings in July, August and September. 'It brings families of all creeds, colors and backgrounds together,' Sarno said. 'You can't put a price tag on these events. It is a real morale booster.' It will cost $34,150 to host the movies and concerts from a budget that tops $985 million. In good weather, the concerts attract an average crowd of 500, while movies bring in upward of 200 families, said Tom Ashe, director of parks, buildings and recreation management. All eight concerts are scheduled at 6:30 p.m. on Thursdays at the Forest Park Amphitheater and will be moved inside to the Carriage House in case of rain. 'There is really something here for everyone,' Ashe said. Ashe said his staff created a robust lineup to offer everything from country and blues to rock, and a few local favorites who play every year. This year the schedule begins with Dee Reilly on July 17 followed by Manzi Family Band on Aug. 7. The rest of the schedule is: Aquanett, Aug. 14; Bennie and the Jets, Aug. 21; Trailer Trash, Aug. 28; Floyd Patterson Band, Sept. 4; and Unforgettable Fire, Sept. 11. The last performance is new to the lineup but will highlight one of the city's assets with two quintets from the Springfield Symphony Orchestra performing Sept. 18. Sarno said he is hoping the last performance will serve as a way to promote the symphony, which has struggled with a comeback since COVID shutdowns in 2020. 'I hope people who have never seen the symphony will enjoy the performance and will want to see another show,' he said. White Lion Brewery will be at the concerts selling food and beverages from its truck. Other food trucks also park at the movies and concerts, so people can buy dinner and make it a full night, Ashe said. The concerts are a tradition that date to the 1980s, and the city also has hosted movies on its inflatable, portable screen for more than a decade, said Sydney Pasini, special event coordinator for parks and recreation. The movies will travel to 10 different spots across the city, giving families a chance to head to their neighborhood park close to home. Each will begin at 8:30 p.m. and will be canceled if it rains, she said. The city this year selected three movies to show, with 'Moana 2' scheduled for July 14 in Samuel Bolden Park, July 16 at the Forest Park amphitheater and July 18 in Emily Bill Park. 'The Wild Robot' will be held July 21 at Marshall Roy Park, July 22 at Riverfront Park, July 23 at Emerson Wight Park and July 25 in Hubbard Park. 'Padding in Peru' will be held July 28 in Kenefick Park, July 30 in Nathan Bill Park and Aug. 1 in Van Horn Park. Ashe joked that he told Pasini she could select the movies but had to watch each five times before ordering them to ensure there is nothing inappropriate for children. In truth, Pasini said she does watch each twice and selects movies that are current and recommended by people and she thinks families will enjoy. Read the original article on MassLive.
Yahoo
14-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Casa Italiana social club returns to Springfield, bringing Italian Feast back to city
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – Reviving the Italian-American heritage in Springfield, dozens of people came together on Friday for the grand opening of the Italian social club Casa Italiana. Celebrating Italian-American heritage and spreading cheer and tradition, a ribbon-cutting took place for Casa Italiana. This social club was originally founded in 1897, the historic home known to many is recognized as the heart and soul of the local Italian community. Springfield Juneteenth Jubilee Committee hosts annual flag raising ceremony 'This is about family, faith, and food,' said Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno. 'And now to have this Casa Italiana back to the future, and there's a lot of tradition down here. I remember sweeping the streets at 3:00 a.m. after the feast and the fireworks.' 'They've got a nice group of positive people,' said Rico Daniele, member of the Sons & Daughters of Italy. 'We have 20 members now, we're trying to bring it back like the old days and bring people together.' The club also announced that in a month, the one and only Italian Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel will return to the city of Springfield. This will mark the first time in 20 years that the feast will take place, bringing back the 40-foot grease pole competition and traditional food that locals won't want to miss. 'People might remember way back in the day when people went up the pole to get the prosciutto and salami to get that,' said Salvato Circosta, President of Casa Italiana. 'And we're excited to bring that back.' WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
14-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Springfield Juneteenth Jubilee Committee hosts annual flag raising ceremony
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno joined the Springfield Juneteenth Jubilee Committee to proclaim June 13 as Juneteenth Jubilee Day in Springfield. This was one of many celebrations leading up to June 19 in the city. June 19, 1865, marked the official end of slavery in the U.S. Although President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863 to free all enslaved people, it had little impact in Texas. That was the last state to be liberated by Union troops, and the end of slavery didn't mean the end of injustice. Whip City Jerky in Westfield reopens under new ownership 'In Springfield, it was tough living here if you were black,' said Jimmie Mitchell, Springfield Juneteenth Jubilee Committee Member. 'I got my license, and my dad, who only went to the third grade, came up to me and said, 'Jimmy, you do not go past the railroad tracks.' The railroad tracks were where Magazine Park is now. It wasn't against the law, but the police would stop you if you tried to go past there.' After State Representative Bud Williams helped make Juneteenth a state holiday, a year before it was federally recognized, Springfield has welcomed a diverse community. That is why the Springfield Juneteenth Jubilee Committee used June 13 to celebrate Black History with a flag raising at the Black and Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Mason Square. The celebration included prayer, songs, and remarks from the youth as well as local and state leaders. The organizers told 22News that they strive to always host a flag-raising ceremony at Mason Square because it is known to be the heart of Springfield. 'Now it's important for us together, as your senator, I need all of you to remember to step forward and step up. even in rooms where some of us are not going to be,' said Senator Adam Gomez. Other Springfield Juneteenth celebrations include an Adult Day Block Party on Friday on State Street and Ben Swan Way, Family Fun Day on Saturday from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on 1758 Roosevelt Ave, and the Juneteenth Jubilee Father's Day Brunch from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Dunbar Community Center. WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Newly restored Italian social club in Springfield to cut ribbon tonight; ‘La Festa' returning
SPRINGFIELD — A ribbon cutting will be held tonight at 6 for Casa Italiana, the newly restored Italian social club in the heart of Springfield's South End. The club is at 13 Winthrop St. The event will feature Mayor Domenic Sarno and many other community activists and leaders, celebrating the rebirth of a historic property and the revitalization of a cultural institution to many in the Italian American community throughout the region. The Springfield Order of the Sons & Daughters of Italy also will announce the official return of the Italian Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, set to take place on July 12 and 13 in the streets of the South End. There has not been 'La Festa' in the neighborhood for 20 years. Once a celebrated annual social and cultural gathering, many have hoped for a return of this decades-old tradition. 'It took a lot of work. It will take a lot more work. But the revitalized organization has the dedicated volunteers and new leadership to make this a success,' organizers said in a statement. Casa Italiana is now home to the St. Padre Pio 3013 Sons & Daughters of Italy and the Societa della Madonna del Carmine. Founded in 1897, this historic club has been a cornerstone for the Italian community in Springfield. Now, under new leadership, it is being brought back to life with a bold new vision — to celebrate, preserve and pass on Italian heritage for generations to come. Read the original article on MassLive.
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
National initiative to improve financial stability coming to Springfield's Mason Square neighborhood
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – The City of Springfield secured a new grant that will help many of its residents improve their financial stability. Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno said his administration helped to secure this grant through the national nonprofit, Cities for Financial Empowerment. It was a part of their CityStart initiative, which works with local leaders to develop and implement strategies to help families in the community become more financially stable. Springfield's 'X' intersection construction project begins The more knowledge you have, the more power you have in making good financial decisions. which helps with empowerment, which helps with mobility and sustainability,' said Mayor Sarno. Mayor Sarno said this particular grant will help families and community members in the Mason Square neighborhood, but they look to expand in the future to other neighborhoods. Over 40 cities across the country have participated in the CityStart process, helping to empower residents of all ages and backgrounds. 'The CityStart grant is a major step forward in my administration's mission to enhance financial empowerment opportunities for Springfield residents,' said Mayor Domenic J. Sarno. 'This funding will help us create a sustainable plan to improve economic mobility and financial literacy for our community. I want to thank the Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund for their support in making this possible.' 'Across the country, leaders are using the levers of local government to deploy financial empowerment strategies that improve their residents' financial stability. Our CityStart initiative provides a platform for deep engagement between governments, residents, and other critical partners to create a community-informed plan for transforming residents' financial lives,' said Jonathan Mintz, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund. 'We look forward to working with Mayor Sarno to advance financial empowerment and wealth opportunities in the City of Springfield.' 'Financial empowerment is a critical component of building a strong and resilient community,' said Tim Sheehan, Chief Development Officer. 'With the support of the CityStart grant, Springfield will be able to develop targeted strategies that directly address the financial challenges faced by our residents, particularly in the Mason Square neighborhood.' WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
