MEET ROBERT!

Age:78

Occupation: Retired Protestant Clergyperson

Currently lives: Worthington Street

Q. HOW LONG HAVE YOU LIVED IN DOWNTOWN?

Robert: Since June 2016

Q. WHAT MADE YOU MOVE TO DOWNTOWN?

Robert: Wanted to live near all the resources downtown e.g., people, Springfield Museums, Central Library, many restaurants, many retail stores, commercial offices, city, county, state and Federal offices, Union Station, Symphony Hall, Mercy Medical Center, Riverfront Park and Connecticut River, affordable housing, several churches, colleges and universities, civic center, sidewalks, parks, easy access to I-91, I-291, I-90, 20, 5, 57, Bradley Airport, Basketball Hall of Fame, etc.

Q. TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF

Robert: My career has been as pastor of several United Church of Christ parishes in CT, MA and Upstate New York, and in human services with adults with mental illness. I lived in Springfield for 23 years while working in western MA (1983-2006). Moved to New York as pastor (2006-2016). Decided to retire and live in downtown Springfield. Divorced with four children and five grandchildren living in MA, CT and CA.

Q. WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT LIVING DOWNTOWN?

Robert:Being able to walk or drive to events or sites including all of the resources listed in answer to above question.

Q. FAVORITE DOWNTOWN RESTAURANT?

Robert: Blake House Cafe- convenient while at Museums or Central Library; several others for near favorite for breakfast or dinner as Blake House only open for lunch…

Q. HOW HAVE YOU BEEN KEEPING BUSY DURING QUARANTINE? 

Robert: Zoom meetings with several churches and non-profit organizations, Facebook social media, emails, texts and telephone calls, keeping in touch with family and friends, reading, volunteer work, walks, inside catching up on projects prevented by earlier being busy in community, watching TV cable news

Q. FAVORITE PLACE OR STREET YOU LIKE TO WALK ON 

Robert: Main Street, Chestnut Street, Quadrangle.

Q. DO YOU ATTEND ANY EVENTS IN DOWNTOWN, IF SO WHAT ARE THEY?

Robert: Springfield Museums-a la Carte Thurs noon series, Rotunda concerts and author events, galleries and museums, Museum receptions, restaurant special events, Thunderbirds, Rallies or marches, parades, Public Forum, church concerts, Springfield Symphony Orchestra, jazz Festival, Community Music School recitals, Tres Classique concerts, Valley Venture Mentors, Farmers Market, 4th of July, primary and general election voting, UMass Springfield programs, Art gallery receptions, Historical Classical, awards and gala dinners and receptions, etc.

Q. HAVE YOU EVER ATTENDED A SPRINGFIELD BID SIGNATURE EVENT?

Robert: Downtown Farmers’ Market at Court Square and ate at a Springfield restaurant during Springfield Restaurant Week.

Q. HOW DO YOU TYPICALLY FIND OUT ABOUT DOWNTOWN EVENTS OR ACTIVES?

Robert: Usually through social media, Masslive, Eventbrite, flyers/signage, and through friends and family.

Q. IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE ADD ABOUT LIVING DOWNTOWN SPRINGFIELD?

Robert: I find downtown to be safe and secure at the places, events and times that I attend. BID and city public works, parks and recreation do an excellent job year round. Police, fire and EMT/ambulance appear to do excellent service as well.

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