July 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.

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is opening cautiously and carefully. The Spirit of Springfield is following their guidelines so we will be unable to bring the community together in celebration for a Star Spangled Springfield. We will be together in spirit, patriotic spirit!

On behalf of the Spirit of Springfield Board of Directors and staff, we wish you a safe and happy Independence Day!

-- Judy Matt

President

Star Spangled Springfield Postponed

Since 1991, the Spirit of Springfield has presented 30 Independence Day celebrations. That equates to 5.2 million people who have enjoyed the festivities and have seen the fireworks from both sides of the Connecticut River.

Fireworks displays around the country have been postponed and Springfield’s is among them. Fireworks by Grucci has had more than 60% of their shows postponed or cancelled this year. This marks only the third time Star Spangled Springfield has had to be postponed. The first two times were due to inclement weather. In 2020, it is for the safety, health and well-being of our community.

“Once we defeat this COVID-19 Coronavirus, and we will, with the Spirit of Springfield, celebrate once again,” said Springfield Mayor Domenic J. Sarno.

Star Spangled Springfield (Postponed) PSA 2020

Restaurants Reopening

Dining al fresco is the new normal. Many of Springfield’s restaurants are following the trend.

The Fort – Peter Picknelly

Grab a stein of your favorite German beer and celebrate summer on Fort Street!

After months of the Student Prince being closed we are pleased to offer al fresco dining tented under the stars on Fort Street for the first time ever! All of our Fort favorites will be served, with live entertainment every Wednesday through Saturday as part of German Summer Festival outside on Fort Street. Our inside dining area is also now open.

We certainly missed our extended Fort family and cannot wait to see everyone again!

Nosh – Teri Skinner

Nosh is now offering outdoor dining in addition to takeout, curbside pickup, and delivery. Customers can dine al fresco on the Springfield eatery’s beautiful brick patio from 11am to 3pm Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday, and Thursday and Friday from 11am to 7pm. A full menu is available, in addition to family meal delivery, weekly specials, beer, and wine.

Nosh is also debuting small private dining events every Saturday, featuring a Chef’s Choice Seasonal Menu. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 413-237-1822; the events are currently booked through July 4th.

The eatery is following all state safety guidelines.

Nadim’s Downtown - Nadim Kashouh

This pandemic was a true test for many people and businesses. It forced us to either be creative or close. Luckily for us, we have invested in “on line technology” which helped us stay afloat and sustain our existence.

This testing time has elevated our sanitation above and beyond what we normally do to protect not only us but our guests, friends and their families.

Springfield BID Team Hard at Work

No matter what the weather or pandemic, the Springfield Business Improvement Team is always hard at work. They have been focusing on spring and summer beautification. To get the downtown restaurants open for outdoor dining, they have done exterior cleaning and power washing. They are keeping the hanging baskets and planters looking beautiful, setting up tables and removing graffiti. They have also assisted with the beautiful marketing lighting on Worthington Street, Fort Street and between 1350 and 1380 Main Street.

“I’m proud to be part of the SBID Ambassadors Team. I love our city. Our team works tirelessly to make downtown a great place to Live, Work & Play,” said Richard “Cubi” Cubi who leads the team that includes Luis Cubi, Albert Boden and Luis Figueroa.

Springfield's September 11th Monument Marks Anniversary

Springfield’s September 11 ^th Monument marked its one-year anniversary. It was on June 19, 2019, when the community came together to dedicate the monument with Andrew H. Card, former Chief of Staff to President George W. Bush, representatives from the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey, the New York City Police and Fire Departments, and the National September 11 ^th Memorial and Museum.

Over the past year, thousands have visited the monument. Springfield’s September 11 ^th Remembrance Ceremony has held there, and a group of young men and women took their oath to the U. S. Navy in its shadow.

Congratulations General Green

After 38 years as a member of the 104 ^th Fighter Group of the Massachusetts Air National Guard, Peter T. Green, III was promoted to Brigadier General and appointed to serve as the Assistant Adjutant General of the Massachusetts Air National Guard.

The Spirit of Springfield is honored to have had the opportunity to get to know General Green and have his participation at September 11 ^th Remembrance Ceremonies, dedication of Springfield’s September 11 ^th Monument and at Star Spangled Springfield, and Bright Nights at Forest Park.

Congratulations General Green and thank you for your continued service to our country.

In this Issue

Star Spangled Springfield Postponed

Restaurants Reopening

Springfield BID Team Hard at Work

Springfield's September 11th Monument Marks Anniversary

Congratulations General Green

Guest Column - Dennis Duquette, MassMutual

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Guest Column

Dennis Duquette,

Head of Community Responsibility,

MassMutual

Star Spangled Springfield has been an Independence Day tradition since 1991, bringing thousands of people together over the years to make memories, enjoy music and be awed by magnificent fireworks. It is one of many celebrations that make Springfield so special.

Unfortunately, due to health and safety concerns related to COVID-19, we will not be able to come together in person this summer. While this is certainly disappointing, we will not let this decision dampen our patriotic spirit or MassMutual’s commitment to supporting the Spirit of Springfield and Star Spangled Springfield 2021. We are committed to helping our local community thrive as a great place to live, learn, work and celebrate.

On behalf of MassMutual, we wish you and your family a safe and happy July 4 ^th .

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Star Spangled Springfield

POSTPONED

Saturday, July 4th