Latest news with #Springfield-area
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Freedom Credit Union pledges to Square One's capital campaign
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – Freedom Credit Union has pledged $7,500 to Square One's 'Back to Square One' capital campaign, furthering its commitment to community development. The donation will help support early childhood education in western Mass. and fund Square One's new early learning and family support center in Springfield's South End. Healey administration awards affordable housing internet grants to western Mass. communities The planned 26,000-square-foot facility is being built on the same site where Square One's original building stood before it was destroyed by a tornado in 2011. The new campus is scheduled to open next month. 'This gift represents Freedom Credit Union's strong support for our mission and vision for the future of the families who live and work here,' says Kristine Allard, Vice President of Development & Communication for Square One. 'We know that our new campus will play a vital role in positioning our region's young children for long-term success. We are so grateful to our friends at Freedom Credit Union and everyone who has supported our campaign.' Since launching the campaign in March 2023, Square One has raised more than $13 million toward the construction of its new facility. However, the organization's rapid growth has already created a new challenge: a need for more space. To help address the space limitations, Balise Auto donated a nearby unoccupied building adjacent to the construction site. That structure requires an estimated $4 million in renovations, which will begin once construction of the new main campus is complete. 'We are proud to support the important work Square One does every day to help children and families in our community grow and thrive,' said Freedom Credit Union President Glenn Welch. 'Their vision to effect meaningful change that results in more promising futures for children, families, and our community closely reflects our own cooperative spirit.' Square One has seen rising demand for its family support services, a reflection of its growing impact in the region. The expansion of facilities is a strategic move to ensure continued support for Springfield-area families through high-quality education, care, and comprehensive family resources. The 'Back to Square One' campaign continues to accept donations as it pushes forward with renovations and programming expansion. 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
21-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Like mother, like daughter: Schweska wins same teaching award her mother won 33 years ago
Lisa Schweska was in just her second year of teaching in Springfield District 186 when her mother, Jean Ahlberg, was named the Horace Mann Educator of the Year in 1992. Schweska attended the award luncheon and even helped draft part of the nomination for her mother, a French teacher at Lanphier High School. So when Schweska was presented the same teaching award at a surprise assembly at Black Hawk Elementary School in April 10, the emotions flowed. More: 'The guy cared:' Popular Southeast High School history teacher dead at 52 "Being the first mother-daughter combination (to win the award), that was really special to me," said Schweska in a recent phone interview. "My mom passed away in 2010, so I always hoped that this would be something to make her proud. My dad (Dennis Ahlberg) always tells me that, that she's proud of me, even though she's not with us." Erika Metz, an assistant principal at Southeast High School, was named Administrator of the Year in a separate assembly. Horace Mann Educators Corporation, which is headquartered in Springfield, has been a sponsor of the awards program since its inception in 1988. An independent panel of Springfield-area community and education leaders selects the top teacher and administrator, as well as Rising Stars, outstanding teachers with four or fewer years in District 186. Schweska, a fourth-generation teacher in her family, used to help her mom figure grades at home. But Schweska insisted she didn't push her into the profession. That epiphany came later as she was earning her history degree at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Schweska's father was a chemistry teacher--he and Jean met teaching together in Fairbury, Ill.--before he caught on with the State of Illinois. At 92, he is still part of Schweska's fifth-grade class with "Wednesday Wanderings With Grandpa" via Zoom, offering STEM activities and science experiments, among other things, to the students. Even in her 35th year of teaching, Schweska, who also has taught at Sandburg and Fairview elementary schools, said she still tries to be creative in getting lessons across. "It's being recognized for doing what I love," Schweska said of the honor, which she shared with her husband, Dan, and others. "I wouldn't change anything that I do for the world. Every day is a new adventure and a new opportunity, so I love that." Superintendent Jennifer Gill, a contemporary of Schweska, said the district was blessed to have her. "She epitomizes the word engagement, but also pedagogy," Gill said. "She knows how to teach in a way that helps kids learn and grow." Metz, Gill said, "probably works harder than anyone I know. "I think kids feel like she's more of a family member than just an administrator, but she also has good, tough love and keeps things under control and we really appreciate her hard work." Born and raised in Rochester, Metz came to Southeast as an administrative intern in 2009 after teaching in the Williamsville-Sherman school district. She has been an assistant principal since 2012. Even before that, Metz said she got a sense of the vibe of the building, shadowing then-principal Jason Wind as part of her master's degree coursework. "I've been fortunate to live it since 2009," Metz told The State Journal-Register. "I think everything around here bleeds blue and gold. It's just a good place to be. "Southeast is by far a hidden gem in Springfield." Like Schweska, Metz was caught by surprise at a school assembly, in her case, one involving the ACT, which is required for the junior class she is responsible for. More: Accessing local journalism is even easier with the State Journal-Register app "The kids went crazy. I think I burst into tears," said Metz, who shared the moment with co-workers and family, including her husband, Brian. "It was extra special, for sure." While she was honored by the award, Metz said "it isn't going to change how I do anything, how I approach my job. I was raised to always give 110%, to go above and beyond, to always fight for the underdog, to always not be afraid to try new things. "I think that's what brought me to Southeast, and it was the best decision of my life." Rising Stars were Sierra Buske (Laketown Elementary) Kristin Cullen (Lanphier High School) and Adam Lanter (Franklin Middle School). Each will receive $250 and a crystal award from Horace Mann. Educator of the Year finalists were Emily Anderson (Springfield Learning Academy), Elizabeth House (Butler Elementary), Spring Shaon (Douglas PREP) and Veronika Young (Early Learning Center). Each will receive $250 from Horace Mann. Administrator of the Year finalists were Erica Filipiak (Wilcox Elementary) and Kenyatta Revelle (Iles School). Each will receive $250. Schweska will receive $1,400 and an award from Horace Mann. Metz will receive $500 and a crystal award. Contact Steven Spearie: 217-622-1788; sspearie@ X, This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: Horace Mann top teaching, administrator awards given in Springfield
Yahoo
16-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Chick-fil-A to open 12-15 new locations in Massachusetts, including Springfield and West Springfield
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – Chick-Fil-A has officially kicked off its next phase of growth in Massachusetts, announcing plans to open 12 to 15 new restaurants across the state by the end of 2027, including new locations in East Springfield and West Springfield. The new Springfield-area restaurants will be among several sites opening beyond the Greater Boston area. Chick-fil-A estimates the expansion will generate approximately 1,600 new jobs across Massachusetts. Kids eat free at Applebee's on Sunday at these western Mass. locations Chick-fil-A currently operates 19 restaurants statewide, but the announcement of new locations in East Springfield and West Springfield marks the brand's first direct investment into the western part of the state. While exact opening dates for the western Mass. locations have yet to be confirmed, construction is expected to begin in 2025, with openings anticipated shortly thereafter. Residents can expect full-service restaurants that may include drive-thru lanes, mobile ordering, and dine-in service. The Springfield expansion is expected to generate dozens of new jobs per location, offering both part-time and full-time roles. Locally, Chick-fil-A has already had an impact through initiatives like the Shared Table program, which redirects surplus food from restaurants to food banks and nonprofits. Since 2016, Massachusetts-based Chick-fil-A locations have donated more than 150,000 meals. The company also announced it will donate $25,000 to Feeding America for every new restaurant opened, directly supporting area food banks such as The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts and the Greater Boston Food Bank. The full list of new locations coming to the Bay State can be found here. 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
24-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Hear from local candidates: Nonpartisan coalition hosts interviews for April 8 election
Election season is unfolding with election day on April 8 fast approaching. As in past elections, more than a dozen nonpartisan Springfield-area organizations have partnered to produce a series of candidate interviews allowing local voters to hear directly — in their own words — from those running for elected office. Volunteers with the Informed Voter Coalition, which includes the Springfield News-Leader, collaborated to help voters learn about mayor, City Council, and school board candidates in Springfield and mayoral candidates in Ozark. Starting Tuesday, March 25, candidates will share their ideas and goals in brief conversations to air on KSMU Ozarks Public Radio (91.1 FM). After they air, video versions of the interviews produced by the News-Leader will be added to this story at and on the websites of other coalition members. The coalition selected four contested races to cover, which will air at noon on the following days: Candidates for Ozark mayor Donald Currence, David Snider, and Eddie Campbell participated in the interviews. Candidates for Springfield school board Kelly Byrne, Sarah Hough, David Myers, and Gail Smart participated in the interviews. Candidates Matt Simpson and Bruce Adib-Yazdi for Springfield City Council Zone 4 seat, and Heather Hardinger and Eric Pauly for Springfield City Council General A seat participated in the interviews. Monica Horton, running unopposed for Council Zone 1 seat, and Craig Hosmer, running unopposed for Council General B seat, also participated. Candidates for Springfield mayor Jeff Schrag and Mary Collette participated in the interviews. More: Here's what's on the April ballot in Springfield and surrounding communities in the Ozarks Launched in 2019, the Informed Voter Coalition aims to educate voters and foster engagement between candidates and citizens. All organizations are nonpartisan. Members are: Be Civil Be Heard Drury University's L.E. Meador Center for Politics & Citizenship KSMU Ozarks Public Radio Leadership Springfield League of Women Voters of Southwest Missouri Missouri State University's Office of Public Affairs NAACP Springfield Ozarks Technical Community College's Social Sciences Department Rosie Show Me Christian County Springfield Business Journal Springfield-Greene County Library District Springfield News-Leader Please enable Javascript to view this content. Marta Mieze covers local government at the News-Leader. Have feedback, tips or story ideas? Contact her at mmieze@ This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Springfield candidates share city, school board thoughts in interviews
Yahoo
05-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
DOGE cuts target 4 Springfield locations among 20+ Illinois facilities
Leases for five Springfield-area federal agencies were among the 20-plus statewide being cancelled, according to the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) website. The cost savings from those five leases was $443,980, it claimed. Four of the leases being eliminated are in Springfield, along with a field office in Litchfield. More: Nearly $2B has not been paid to Illinois by feds, Gov. Pritzker and others say Statewide, there are 24 cuts in Chicago, Champaign, O'Fallon, Hoffman Estates, Rockford, Joliet, Naperville, Fairview Heights, Peoria, Lisle, Rock Island, Tinley Park and Quincy with a savings of $14,876,081. The website listed a total of 748 federal facility leases that are scheduled for termination. The leases account for more than 9.5 million square feet in property and $660 million in savings, the site said. DOGE, which is headed by billionaire Elon Musk, was created by the President Donald Trump Administration to find ways to cut spending. In addition to the termination of leases, the website listed cutbacks in federal agencies and cancellations of contracts. Here are the Springfield-area offices on the DOGE cut list: Public Buildings Service-Field Office, 3,860 square feet, $164,698 total savings, $62,102 annual lease cost, lease termination notice sent 1-30-25, termination effective on 4-29-25. Departmental Management IG, 3,253 square feet, $47,886 total savings, $63,848 annual lease cost, termination via "mass mod" (mass modification refers to uniform changes to large numbers of government contracts). Employment Standards Administration (U.S. Department of Labor), 509 W. Capitol Ave., 2,128 square feet, $147,203 total savings, $42,058 annual lease cost, termination via mass mod. Small Business Administration, 3330 Ginger Creek Drive, 2,022 square feet, $40,548 total savings, $34,756 annual lease cost, termination via mass mod. Mine Safety & Health Administration (U.S. Department of Labor), Litchfield, 2,889 square feet, $43,645 total savings, $58,193 annual ease cost, termination via mass mod. Contact Steven Spearie: 217-622-1788; sspearie@ X, This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: DOGE cuts target 4 Springfield, Illinois locations
