Springfield Vaccination Day coming to STCC on Oct. 30
Community event organized by Extreme Science Kid.com to feature live music, games and more
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – Springfield Technical Community College on Oct. 30 will host Springfield Vaccination Day, a festive community event organized by Extreme Science Kid.com.
The event will be an opportunity for anyone to get a free COVID-19 vaccine or booster shot and enjoy free live music as well as participate in fun family-friendly events on Halloween eve. Vaccinations will be given between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. at STCC. Other events will run throughout the day, including morning and evening.
Anyone will be eligible to receive free first or second vaccinations and booster shots. Attendees also will have access to a flu shot clinic and mental health services. Participants can walk up to receive a vaccine or register in advance at extremesciencekid.com
Extreme Science Kid.com founder Renee Stewart Bates and her 7-year-old son Carmello Stewart wanted to create Springfield Vaccination Day as a way to bring the community together and to help end the COVID-19 pandemic. They both tested positive for COVID-19 in 2020 and said they want to do their part to educate about the importance of getting vaccinated to reduce community infections.
“As a community collaborator, it is our responsibility to protect the health of our community,” Stewart Bates said. “The Springfield Vaccination Committee, which is made up of volunteers and community collaborators organizing the event, is committed to educating our community through awareness, prevention and vaccination.”
Dr. John B. Cook, STCC President, said he hopes to see a big turnout for the event.
“I want to thank Renee and Carmello for organizing and bringing in so many community partners,” Cook said. “We’re excited to host this event at STCC. People will have a chance to enjoy the activities on our beautiful campus.”
Some of the highlights of the event include (all free):
- Candy and dress-up for children
- Kids basketball clinic (9 a.m.-noon)
- Local high school basketball (1 p.m.-9 p.m.)
The event also will honor frontline community volunteers and workers, families who have experienced loss, and community organizations. State Rep. Carlos Gonzalez, D-Springfield, will present plaques and citations to those being recognized.
Extreme Science Kid.com is organizing the event with sponsors including STCC (host of the event), Trinity Health New England, Baystate Health Network, WTCC 90.7 FM, Caring Health, Extreme Kid, Inc., Springfield Youth Athletics, Stop & Shop, Springfield Health Department, the STCC Foundation, the Office of Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno, state Rep. Patricia Duffy, D-Holyoke, state Rep. Carlos Gonzalez, DomDee Photography, Springfield Central High School basketball coaching staff and several community volunteers.
About Springfield Technical Community College
STCC, the Commonwealth's only technical community college, continues the pioneering legacy of the Springfield Armory with comprehensive and technical education in manufacturing, STEM, healthcare, business, social services, and the liberal arts. STCC's highly regarded workforce, certificate, degree, and transfer programs are the most affordable in Springfield and provide unequalled opportunity for the vitality of Western Massachusetts. Founded in 1967, the college – a designated Hispanic Serving Institution – seeks to close achievement gaps among students who traditionally face societal barriers. STCC supports students as they transform their lives through intellectual, cultural, and economic engagement while becoming thoughtful, committed and socially responsible graduates.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Jim Danko, (413) 755-4812, jdanko@stcc.edu