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

2017 Champions of Character Award Recipients front row from L to R: Bishop Naomi Barber, Joan Moultrie, Hattie Gasque and Justin Haynes are shown with Pastor Jesse Burgess and First Lady Stephanie Burgess (far left), former Champion of Character recipients and State Rep. Bud L. Williams (far right).

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.

Dream Studios presented the Broadway musical “Hello Dolly” as part of its summer theater camp.

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.