Every time the Spirit of Springfield hosts a performance by a military band, I say that "that was the best ever." I said it again after the amazing performance by the U. S. Navy Concert Band on March 5 in Springfield Symphony Hall.

Thanks to Big Y World Class Markets for sponsoring the free concert on the occasion of their 80th anniversary.

- Judy Matt
President

Full House for U.S. Navy Concert

Springfield Symphony Hall was near capacity for the March 5 performance by the U.S. Navy Concert Band. There was a line out the door and the lobby was full in anticipation of the concert by the 59 musicians.

There was a solo by Christopher Sala, chief musician and a 1990 graduate of Minnechaug Regional High School. Ten students from the Sci-Tech Jazz Band joined the band on stage to perform "Washington's Post March." Many audience members stood with pride during the performance of the "Armed Forces Medley."

The crowd was so enthusiastic they were treated to two encores. One member of the band asked if the Spirit of Springfield had paid the audience.

The free concert was sponsored by Big Y World Class Markets with additional support from MassLive, Rock102, The Republican and Western Mass News.

See more photos!

Exhibitors Wanted for Pancake Breakfast

The World's Largest Pancake Breakfast is a great place for businesses and community service organizations to meet thousands of area residents. Exhibitors are given the opportunity to speak directly to consumers, distribute materials and entice them with giveaways.

McDonald's is just one of the many companies returning to the flapjack feast. MedExpress is planning for their first time. The Vietnam Veterans Chapter #111 is also planning to return.

Community service organizations can register for $25 for each table. Businesses are just $500 and political campaigns are $100. All participants require a certificate of insurance. To register your organization, visit spiritofspringfield.org.

See more photos from last year's flapjack feast.

Gearing Up for Golf Classic

Several foursomes have already committed to participate in the 2016 Spirit of Springfield Golf Classic on Friday, June 3. The tournament, sponsored by Western Mass News, will have golfers from Charlie Arment Trucking, Milone & MacBroom, Columbia Gas of Massachusetts, Siemens, Sisters of Providence Health System, Western Mass News and many others.

It is a great day on the course, and a great way to support the Spirit of Springfield efforts to celebrate Springfield's biggest, best and brightest!

Registering a foursome or sponsoring a tee can be done by visiting spiritofspringfield.org.

See more photos from last year's tournament.

AIC Students Share Creativity

They call themselves the Honey Bees as a spin on the American International College's (AIC) mascot, The Hornets. They are the members of an Advertising Class taught by Carol DeCarlo, owner of CamelotHot Communications.

The Spirit of Springfield asked for ideas to help Big Y World Class Markets celebrate their 80th anniversary in conjunction with Spirit of Springfield activities. Their ideas were creative, well-thought out and warranted a meeting with John Schnepp, Advertising Director and an AIC alum, that was held last month.

Congratulations Formal Affair

Since opening in 2008, Kevin Kousch and his team at Formal Affair have provided the formalwear for the City of Bright Nights Ball. Last month, Kevin, Audette and Zeza, relaunched the business by adding a line of men's suits, sport coats and pants to his extensive inventory of formalwear.

On hand to cut the ribbon were Senator Donald Humason, Jr., West Springfield Mayor William Reichelt, former Mayor Edward Sullivan, and Town Councilor Bridget Fiala.

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

Full House for U.S. Navy Concert

Exhibitors Wanted for Pancake Breakfast

Gearing Up for Golf Classic

AIC Students Share Creativity

Guest Column - Jeremy & Sal, The Honey Team

Guest Column

Jeremy Antivo, Student,

American International College

Working with Judy and Amy over at Spirit of Springfield was a wonderful and highly educational experience.

Our advertising class, also known as "The Honey Team," led by Carol DeCarlo, enjoyed learning and going through the process of working with an actual client. Having the chance to collectively brainstorm ideas for Spirit of Springfield to gain a Big Y World Class Markets' sponsorship, and then being able to see those ideas through and present them to John Schnepp of Big Y World Class Markets was something we will never forget.

Judy and Amy were so supportive throughout the whole process, and it was very insightful as students to be able to work with them. It was also exciting to be able to gain first-hand experience with some of the movers and shakers of the Springfield community.

The Honey Team is looking forward to teaming up with Spirit of Springfield on many future projects and events!

Valley Gives is coming May 4!

Make your donation today!

2016 Calendar of Events!

World's Largest Pancake Breakfast

Saturday, May 14

8AM to 11AM

Main Street