June News from The Spirit

Celebrating Springfield's Biggest, Best and Brightest

Despite the crisis we thought it was important to try to continue with some type of normalcy.

We are so very fortunate to have wonderful community partners. We have been meeting with them, virtually of course, and they have been committing their support. This shows me that our business leaders see the value in the services the Spirit of Springfield has been producing for 30 years.

Spirit of Springfield has been creating lasting memories. We are looking forward to a time when we can make more, when we can be together and we can celebrate!

Be well!

- Judy Matt

President

COVID-19 Effects On Our Vendors

Some vendors in the business of special events are thriving while others are rethinking, reorganizing and revising so they will be ready to reactivate when the time is right.

Peg Boxold - Elegant Affairs

For over 30 years, I have been in the business of special events. Elegant Affairs has hosted bridal showers, wedding receptions, baby showers, graduation parties and anniversary parties for the same family. We survived the recession and we will survive COVID-19. As events cancelled, the outlook did not look promising until I received a call from Greater Springfield Senior Services to assist them with medically tailored "Meals on Wheels." Baystate Health also contracted with us for meals for essential workers that were made possible by donations.

As we look ahead and find just the right date for the rescheduled events, we will make sure we are following all the necessary protocols, work to overcome food shortages and rising costs, have the right number of tables and chairs in the Glass Room, and get back to work in the "people business."

Michael Linton - Michael's Party Rentals

The virus hit us hard right at the start of our season cancelling the majority of Spring and Summer functions including graduations, festivals and weddings.

Our office staff is helping to accommodate all 2020 clients affected by Covid, by helping them reschedule their events to 2021. We are starting to see a trend in smaller more intimate weddings with larger one year anniversary parties in 2021.

Our crews are working setting up and servicing virus testing tents for hospitals and emergency tents throughout the state. As these tents are starting to come down we are now helping restaurants with tents for outdoor dining and large companies with cafeteria tents to help maintain social distancing. This is not our typical work during peak season but we've learned to pivot during these difficult times.

Dan Stezko - Flowers, Flowers!

The last few months have certainly been arduous times for mankind. Many businesses immediately became financially unstable and countless numbers of people suddenly became unemployed. Yes, these are difficult times.

We are now on the slow road to recovery. We need to keep a positive attitude, a caring smile and a genuine concern for ourselves and everyone around us. Flowers, Flowers! will come out of this stronger than we were before. The shining light is on the horizon. Let's watch it rise.

Staying Safe and Supporting The Spirit

Face masks have become a necessity in the recent months. For some, they are a fashion accessory. Many have to wear them during an eight hour work shift. Everyone has to wear them in public when they are unable to social distance. Shields are the new and more comfortable personal protection option.

The Spirit of Springfield has partnered with FuseFX to offer a high quality,comfortable full-face protection. Made with the highest quality components, the shields have a soft forehead pad over half inch thick, adjustable strap and replaceable shield. They do not fog and can be used with glasses. The top is vented for great air circulation. The best feature is the ability for customers to see employee smiles.

The price of the shields is $14.50 each. Replacement shields are sold in packages of 10 for $12.85. Every shield and every package of replacements sold includes a donation to the Spirit of Springfield that is tax deductible.

Order today for direct shipment. The order will help you, your business, your employees and the Spirit of Springfield.

Ad Club Honors for The Spirit

The Spirit of Springfield is honored to receive two 2020 Creative Awards from the Advertising Club of Western Massachusetts.

The 2019 City of Bright Nights Ball invitation won a Bronze award in the category of Series of Collateral. It was designed by Rebecca Coderre and printed by Custom Pop-Ups.

The Bright Nights at Forest Park 25th Anniversary Video won a Silver Award in the category of Single Video Short. The eight-minute presentation was produced by Chris Teebo Films with Chris Thibault as writer and director, Missy Thibault as editor, Nick Laroche as assistant editor and camera, and Joe Rollins as visual effects artist. It made its debut at the 2019 City of Bright Nights Ball.

Shop Bright Nights Online

The Bright Nights at Forest Park online store is up and running! Take a virtual stroll through the aisles. Grab an insulated lunch bag for your trip to the park. Order a ceramic campfire mug for next camping trip or your morning coffee. Buy a coloring book to keep the kiddos occupied. There are bibs, books, shirts, sweatshirts and more.

It might be a little too warm now for the hats and scarves, but you can always plan ahead.

BREAKING NEWS

Thank you Sponsors!

The list of supporters continues to grow. The Spirit of Springfield has received new commitments from Columbia Gas, Comcast, MassLive, PeoplesBank and The Republican.

In This Issue

COVID-19 Effects On Our Vendors

Staying Safe and Supporting The Spirit

Ad Club Honors for The Spirit

Shop Bright Nights

Breaking News

Guest Column - Chris Russell, Springfield Business Improvement District

Bright Nights Season Pass

GUEST COLUMN

Chris Russell,

Executive Director,

Springfield Business Improvement District

T he culture of Springfield's Downtown will be thriving again. The Springfield Business Improvement District (SBID) has been working in support of the businesses and restaurants. With the help of a generous grant from MassDevelopment along with BID reserves we were able to pay one month's rent for 50 retail businesses within the BID. We will be starting a gift card purchase program during Phase 2 and 3 alongside a robust marketing campaign to bring folks back out.

The SBID is also reinventing its programs. In place of the Downtown Farmer's Market, the William C. Sullivan Visitors Center will serve as a pick-up site for The Farm Shop and Café Farm Share Boxes on Fridays from 2pm to 6pm. That begins June 5 and will run through the fall. To register for the program, go to Springfielddowntown.com.

We are exploring innovative ways to entertain and bring people downtown while maintaining current health guidelines. Stay up to date by visiting our website and following us on Facebook and Instagram.

ORDER NOW

Bright Nights

Season Pass

JUST $35 FOR A LIMITED TIME

Dates for 2020

SUBJECT TO CHANGE

S pirit of Springfield Golf Classic

Friday, August 7

Shotgun Start - 10am

Franconia Golf Course

World's Largest Pancake Breakfast

TBA

8am to 11am

Main Street