Celebrating 26 Years of Springfield's Biggest, Best and Brightest

Thanks to everyone that joined us yesterday for the Spirit of Springfield 25th Anniversary Appreciation Breakfast. We have a lot of people to thank for our success over the last 25 years.

Judy Matt
President

25th Anniversary Appreciation Breakfast

The Spirit of Springfield wrapped up its 25th season with an Appreciation Breakfast at the Sheraton Springfield. Judy Matt was joined by Patrick Sullivan, Executive Director of the Springfield Department of Parks, Buildings and Recreation Management, to present the Bright Nights Crew with monogrammed duffle bags to carry their belongings in to the new storage and maintenance facility that will open later this year.

Receiving official Spirit of Springfield jackets for their exemplary contributions to the Spirit of Springfield were James Vallides, 90 Meat Outlet, Fred Christensen and Annette Scheidecker, CBRE-Tower Square, Sergeant Sean Connor, Massachusetts Army National Guard, Josephine Sarnelli, CPA and Small Planet Dancers, Peter Garvey, Springfield Department of Capital Asset Construction, Carolyn Jackson, Office of Mayor Domenic Sarno, Tony Gleason, David Johndrow, and Bill Metzger from Gleason Johndrow Landscaping.

Spirit of Springfield Video Debuts

For a year, Chris Thibault and his team at Chris Teebo Films captured the Spirit of Springfield events. The three-minute video gives the viewer a look behind the scenes to show some of what goes on, and the impact these events have on the community.

Watch the video now!

U. S. Navy Concert Band Tickets Available

Marches, patriotic, pop, jazz and contemporary works will be included in the free concert by The U. S. Navy Band on Saturday, March 5, at 7PM in Springfield Symphony Hall. It is a part of their National Tour. They are featured regularly at the White House and have performed for 21 Presidential Inaugurals.

"For many years, Navy bands have been where it matters, when it matters, just like the rest of our Navy. Today, we have Sailors performing around the world, improving relations with our allies abroad as well as telling the Navy story here at home," said Captain Kenneth Collins, U.S. Navy Band Commanding Officer.

The U. S. Navy Band will have ten guest performers when they perform John Philip Sousa's "Washington Post March." They will be ten students from the Sci-Tech High School Band.

The free concert is sponsored by Big Y World Class Markets in celebration of their 80th anniversary. Media sponsors are MassLive, The Republican, Rock102 and Western Mass News.

Tickets are available at Big Y World Class Markets in Western Massachusetts and in the lobby of 1350 Main Street, Springfield.

Spirit of Springfield's 26th Season Sponsors

Plans are underway for the Spirit of Springfield's 26th season of fun and excitement. As tradition dictates, there will be pancake for Springfield's birthday celebration, fireworks for July 4th as well as many holiday celebrations starting with the City of Bright Nights Ball and continuing with the Parade of the Big Balloons, Bright Nights at Forest Park and the Bright Nights 5K Road Race.

This is thanks to the generous sponsorship commitments from business that include CBRE/Tower Square, Siemens, Health New England, Western Mass News, iHeart Media, PeoplesBank, Moriarty & Primack, PC, Sisters of Providence Health System and the Springfield Business Improvement District.

To learn more about supporting the Spirit of Springfield, contact Amy at 413-733-3800 or amy@spiritofspringfield.org. We will tailor a package that will exceed your expectations.

Welcome Bridget Delaney

The Spirit of Springfield is pleased to welcome Bridget Delany to the staff. A Springfield native and graduate of Westfield State University, Bridget will bring her graphic design, marketing and social media skills to the Spirit of Springfield.

She will also expand her responsibilities at the Bright Nights Gift Stop where she has worked since 2007. Using her retail and marketing skills, Bridget was instrumental in the success of the Springfield Business Improvement District's 2015 Holiday Market.

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 26 Years of Springfield's

Biggest, Best and Brightest

In This Issue

25th Anniversary Appreciation Breakfast

Spirit of Springfield Video Debuts

U. S. Navy Concert Band Tickets

Spirit of Springfield's 26th Season Sponsors

Welcome Bridget Delaney

Guest Column - Donald D'Amour

Guest Column

Donald D'Amour,

Chief Executive Officer,

Big Y World Class Market

Paul and Gerry began their legacy in 1936 at the Y Cash Market in the Willimansett section of Chicopee, MA at the intersection where two roads converge to form a Y.

Eighty years ago, Big Y was founded on the principle of delivering world class service and value by exceeding expectations. As we mark our 80th Anniversary, we are especially grateful to our customers and our fellow employees who help us to carry on our mission. Supporting our community has never been more important; and, we value our relationship with the Spirit of Springfield. This year, in celebration of our anniversary, we are honored to support our Servicemen and women for their continued bravery and sacrifice. Being an American owned company, we are proud to be a part of this concert.

2016 Calendar of Events!

U. S. Navy Band Concert

Saturday, March 5

7PM

Symphony Hall