By Ben LeBlanc | Special to The Republican
SPRINGFIELD — U.S. Rep. Richard E. Neal, D-Springfield, and U.S. Sen. Edward Markey, D-Mass., announced a $5 million grant at a ribbon-cutting ceremony Friday that would earmark congressional funds for the rapidly expanding Hope Center for the Arts in downtown Springfield.
Along with $10 million in funds from founder Bob Bolduc and his family, the grant closes the gap toward funding a $15 million project that would provide the center with a new HVAC system, upgrades to the building and signage, a Youth Coffee House, two student buses, classical instruments and a grand piano.
At the event held in front of the center’s Hope for Youth Theatre, the three were joined by state representatives and several Springfield officials, including School Committee Vice Chair LaTonia Monroe Taylor, School Superintendent Sonia Dinnall, as well as members of the School Committee and City Council, the three were joined by state representatives and several Springfield officials, including School Committee Vice Chair LaTonia Monroe Taylor, School Superintendent Sonia Dinnall, as well as members of the School Committee and City Council.
Neal recalled Bolduc approaching him and Markey to ask for the eye-popping funds, an experience he said gave him “heartburn.” He said because the House of Representatives is more close-fisted with money, he and Markey went to the Senate, where they worked with U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., to secure the funds. Springfield Mayor Domenic J. Sarno said the impressive amount was the result of having “well-respected” leaders in Congress.
“There’s enormous competition for these five million dollars, so you have to make a good case,” Neal said.
Markey said the center, which opened in June and replaced the old CityStage theaters, was an opportunity for youth to renew their culture through art.
“You’re not just creating culture, you are protecting memory and dignity,” he said after veiled references to President Donald Trump’s policies. “You’re protecting truth.”
Markey, Neal and state Sen. Adam Gomez, D-Springfield, among others, praised the generosity of the Bolduc family. The $10 million the Bolduc family invested as part of the grant is in addition to the $4 million the family invests each year.
The center offers a range of after-school activities that are free for all Springfield residents, including workshops in dance, digital media and visual arts. Nathan Pannell, 13, planned to use his time there to make a video game based on the Jurassic Park franchise called “Jurassic Outbreak.” Marlee Bennett, 13, played instrumental piano music while attendees milled around.
“I kid you not I would be here all day if I could,” she said of her experience at the center during prepared remarks. Of the free cost of the after-school program, she said, “It’s free, spelled F-R double E.”
