Gardening the Community recently held their annual pancake breakfast at Trinity Church in Springfield. Pictured are members of the Gardening the Community family.

The children of Shiloh Seventh-Day Adventist Church honor Mrs. Alberta Howard at her 105th birthday celebration along with church officials and Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno who presented her with a proclamation.

Frank Jordan, special advisor with the Boston Red Sox, presents a special recognition to Viola Goodman as her family and friends look on during her 105th birthday celebration recently.

Journey in Jazz, presented by Traci Gaynor and Orice Jenkins, took place recently. L to R: drummer Jocelyn Pleasant, trombone player Nigel Bello, multitalented musician Jo Sallins, pianist and composer Emery Austin Smith, Traci Gaynor, photographer Maurice Robertson and vocalist Orice Jenkins.

Family and friends gathered recently at Chez Josef to salute Dora Robinson (standing 3rd from right) at her retirement celebration and thank her for her many contributions to the city and the community.

Students going on the MLK Jr. Family Services Black College Tour assembled for a group photo before leaving on the bus trip.

Malik Champlain spoke at the Constructing Kings Youth Conference at Springfield College.

Alden Baptist Church’s 5th Annual Men’s Prayer Breakfast featured Owen C. Tynes, a graduate of the Springfield Public Schools and winner of the 7th Annual Edward W. Brook III Oratorical Contest as the keynote speaker. Also on the program were Deacon David Williams, the Men’s Choir, Preacherman and the Singing Saints, Reverend Dr. Calvin J. McFadden, Sr. and Elder Jesse Burgess.

From L to R: Vincent and Veta Daley with Springfield Carnival Association President Barrington Stephenson and Secretary Gloria Scarlett at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church’s Annual Dinner Dance held this year in honor of the late Vera O’Connor.

The Mason Square Health Task Force under the direction of Samantha Hamilton (third from right), Director of Public Health Initiatives for Martin Luther King Jr. Family Services, sponsored a health fair at the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center.