Springfield Gas Explosion Anniversary
On November 23, 2012, a massive gas explosion in downtown Springfield leveled Scores strip club, damaged a dozen other buildings, and resulted in the hospitalization of eighteen people.A year later, the historic Macintosh building has still not been repaired. A total of 15 residential units and all commercial units in the building were condemned. Six floors of scaffolding erected on the Worthington and Chestnut sides of the building to secure the facade remain there, blocking the view of this historic building.
We speak with Karoun Charkoudian, a former resident and boardmember, who has not been able to return to her home. Ms. Charkoudian was in the process of opening a new business, Karoun Yoga, when she was displaced from the building. Springfield’s Chief Development Officer Kevin Kennedy discusses how the city recovered from the disaster and future plans for that area of downtown Springfield.
From Kathy, the building manager: “Rebuilding after a disaster is a long frustrating process. In October we finished the process of discovery and received our stamped plans for repair. We have hired a contractor and are just beginning, a year later, the repairs necessary to bring “The Mac” back to the former glory that placed it on Historic Register many years ago.”
Karoun Yoga on Facebook
Follow on Twitter: @KarounYoga
Typhoon Haiyan
Marina Lopez Shah of West Springfield, a member of the Philipino-American Association of New England and native of the Philippines, discusses efforts to aid her homeland following the devastation of Typhoon Haiyan. She grew up in the area most-severely damaged by the typhoon and has not heard from a brother and other members of her family still living in that region.
Pilipino-American Association of New England
Professor John Diffley Remembers JFK
Springfield Technical Community College History Professor John Diffley discusses the Kennedy presidency with Jim Madigan in recognition of the 50th anniversary of Kennedy’s assassination.
Bill Corbett’s Tips for Happier Holidays with Kids
Bill Corbett, Award-Winning Author of Love, Limits, & Lessons: A Parent’s Guide to Raising Cooperative Kids, talks about his 8 Tips for Happier Holidays with Kids.
Follow on Twitter: @billcorbett99
