Temperatures are on the rise as is the excitement for the Spirit of Springfield's 24th season of fun-filled events like the World's Largest Pancake Breakfast, a new and improved Spirit of Springfield Golf Classic and so many more.

The support from the community for these events has been incredible. We thank all the sponsors, donors and volunteers that have already committed resources.

Judy Matt
President

Come Hear the Band Play

Health New England and Accountable Care Associates have committed their support for the April 23 concert by the U. S. Air Force Band of America. Tickets are now available at WMAS FM on East Columbus Avenue, CBS3 Springfield in One Monarch Place, Springfield Department of Elder Affairs, and the Spirit of Springfield at 1350 Main Street.

The United States Air Force Heritage of America Band has a rich history of inspiring hearts and minds, building and sustaining American patriotism, and enhancing esprit de corps in the United States Air Force. It was one of the original Army Air Corps bands, created by order of the Secretary of War on October 1, 1941.

The Concert Band features the diverse talents of 45 professional musicians, all of whom are active duty military personnel. The Heritage of America Band will play a mix of patriotic, classical and jazz favorites as well as many more tunes for all to enjoy.

Special thanks to media sponsors ABC40/FOX6, MassLive, The Republican and WMAS FM, and the Springfield Department of Elder Affairs.

Promote with Pancakes

Get one-on-one with what your company, or community organization, has to offer at the World's Largest Pancake Breakfast. Reserve your table, fill it with promotional materials, giveaways to attract attention and generate new customers. The annual flapjack feast is a great way to promote products and services while supporting a family-friendly event.

If you are interested in growing your client base, visit spirit of springfield.org.

Golfers Wanted

The Spirit of Springfield is looking for golfers to participate in the Spirit of Springfield Golf Classic on Friday, June 6 at Franconia Golf Course. With the input of new committee members Mark Arigoni from Milone and MacBroom and Chris Russell from the Springfield Business Improvement District, Committee Chairs Greg Superneau, Anthony Cignoli and Chris Rusell are promising an exciting, interactive and networking tournament.

CBS3 Springfield's John Hesslein has committed their support along with Mark Fulco from Mercy Medical Center. More sponsors and players are needed for the fundraiser for the Spirit of Springfield.

If you are interested in learning more or donating to the raffle and silent auction, contact Nicole Eickelberg at nicole@spiritofspringfield.org.

Springfield Campanile Project

The City of Springfield recently announced plans to raise the money for the proper restoration of the Springfield Campanile, the tower in the center of Springfield's Municipal Group. Leading the efforts will be four men with ties to the Office of the Mayor. The Chairs are Congressman Richard E. Neal, Springfield's 50th Mayor, William Lowell Putnam, son of Springfield's 41st Mayor Roger L. Putnam, Jonathan Fantini Porter, Great Grandson of Springfield's 34th Mayor John A. Dennison, and Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno, Springfield's 55th Mayor.

The goal is to raise $20 million to restore the 100 year old, 275-foot tall tower including the twelve large bells of carillon. There are significant cracks in the beautiful limestone that correspond to the highly rusted steel structure within the masonry walls.

The Spirit of Springfield was pleased to lend its support to the announcement and the project.

Springfield Spring Cleaning!

In preparation for the World's Largest Pancake Breakfast, the Springfield Business Improvement District (SBID) and the Spirit of Springfield are joining forces for Springfield Spring Cleaning on Saturday, May 3 from 9AM to 12 noon on Main Street.

Bring your own broom or pick one up at the SBID tent in Court Square where the first 100 volunteers to arrive receive a free pair of garden gloves. All who register will be placed in a drawing for a fun trip to Downtown Springfield--dinner, tickets or parking. Free parking with validation at registration will be available at the Civic Center Garage.

At 12 noon, volunteers will be rewarded with some of Downtown Springfield's finest pizza from Empire Pizza on Dwight Street and Paramount Pizza on Main Street.

For more information about Springfield Spring Cleaning, contact the SBID at 781-1591.

Bright Nights Survey

Thanks to everyone who completed the Bright Nights survey that was created by students at Western New England University. We were hoping for 100 responses and we received 220. The students will be analyzing the data so that we can enhance the Bright Nights visitor's experience.

The Spirit of Springfield is a private, non-profit corporation

which produces high-quality,

large-scale events in the city of Springfield.

Our mission is to promote community events and
encourage civic pride.

Celebrating the city's biggest, best and brightest

In This Issue

Come Hear the Band Play

Promote with Pancakes

Golfers Wanted

Springfield Campanile Project

Bright Nights Survey

Guest Corner

Maura McCaffrey,

President and CEO,
Health New England (HNE)

HNE is a proud supporter of Springfield and local events that help improve the health and life of people in our communities.

As part of our ongoing support of Springfield, Spirit of Springfield, and community events; HNE will be one of the sponsors for the upcoming U.S. Air Force Band of America concert on April 23rd.

It's a privilege to support a local concert that's so rich in heritage and offers a mix of patriotic music that can be enjoyed by all.

Community leadership has been a hallmark of HNE and Baystate Health Systems for many years, and I will continue the vision for HNE to remain local, personal and accountable to its over 140,000 members. I am proud and honored to lead this great company forward and to continue the HNE tradition of excellence.

HNE's mission to provide for the healthcare needs of its members, deliver superior value and act as a leading community citizen drives our company's commitment to improve the quality of life and health status of the communities we serve. Our associates participate and volunteer hundreds of hours collectively to various community benefit programs. We are proud as a company to say we really do live our brand.

Enjoy the Concert!

Help Us Plan For 2014!

Send Us Your Thoughts and Ideas to
staff@spiritofspringfield.org