April 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.

Thank you to all that are working the front lines to fight COVID-19. This includes the doctors, nurses, nursing assistants, janitorial support, hospital administrators, store clerks, police officers, firefighters, emergency medical services, military, lab technicians, mechanics, restaurant workers, public works employees, postal and package delivery services, members of the media and so many others.

We recognize your personal and professional sacrifices as you care for those infected, protect others from being infected, and keep us healthy.

The time will come when we are ready to come together as a community. When that happens, the Spirit of Springfield will be ready with the World's Largest Pancake Breakfast, Star Spangled Springfield, and so many other wonderful Springfield traditions.

Until then, please stay well. Please stay safe and keep your

spirits up.

- Judy Matt

President

Bright Nights Says Thanks!

Bright Nights at Forest Park's 25th season was a great one. To celebrate, the annual Bright Nights Appreciation Breakfast was held on March 10th at the Sheraton Springfield.

Spirit of Springfield President Judy Matt and Patrick Sullivan, Executive Director of the Springfield Department of Parks, Buildings and Recreation Management were joined by Mayor Domenic Sarno, Major General Gary Keefe, The Adjutant General for the Massachusetts National Guard, Senator Eric Lesser, Representative Angelo Puppolo, Chris Kelley, MGM Springfield President and Chief Operating Officer, Attorney Melinda Phelps, Partner with Bulkley, Richardson & Gelinas PC and Spirit of Springfield Board Chair, and Anthony Cignoli, President of A. L. Cignoli Company, who served as the emcee.

Honored supporters included members of the Hampden County Sheriff's Department, Springfield Park Department and the members of the department who have the responsibility of installing, removing and maintaining the Bright Nights displays.

Spirit of Springfield Honorees

The Spirit of Springfield added three new members to its honorary team. At the Bright Nights Appreciation Breakfast, Major General Gary Keefe, The Adjutant General for the Massachusetts National Guard, Chief Master Sergeant Maryanne Walts, Command Chief for the 104^th Fighter Wing, and Chris Kelley from MGM Springfield were presented with official Spirit of Springfield jackets.

The blue and white jackets are iconic and are presented in recognition of unwavering support.

September 11th Monument Gifted to City

Following a successful fundraising campaign and empowering dedication ceremony, the Spirit of Springfield gifted Springfield's September 11 ^th Monument to the City of Springfield. On March 3rd, Springfield Mayor Domenic J. Sarno accepted the monument from Spirit of Springfield Board Chair, Attorney Melinda Phelps, and Spirit of Springfield President, Judy Matt. They were joined by Springfield City Councilor Malo Brown, Springfield Police Commissioner Cheryl Clapprood, Springfield Fire Commissioner B. J. Calvi, and Patrick Sullivan, Executive Director of the Springfield Department of Parks, Buildings and Recreation Management.

The program opened with Vanessa Ford singing the National Anthem in honor of National Anthem Day.

Our Social Distancing Update

While the Spirit of Springfield staff has been practicing social distancing, the staff has been keeping themselves busy with activities that are not typically in their daily routine.


Judy delivered treats to Baystate Medical Center on Doctor's Day.

Amy took her dog for a walk during lunch.


Nicole taught her son the fine art of mopping.

Marielle has had time to keep up on brushing her pups.

BREAKING NEWS

Get ready to go back to work or school with a Bright Nights at Forest Park insulated lunch bag and 24 ounce hydro soft-tech bottle. They are available online at brightnights.org.

In This Issue

Bright Nights Says Thanks!

Spirit of Springfield Honorees

September 11th Monument Gifted to City

Social Distancing Update

Breaking News

Guest Column - Mayor Domenic J. Sarno

Spirit of Springfield Golf Classic

GUEST COLUMN

Mayor Domenic J. Sarno

City of Springfield

As your humble and thankful mayor, I want to continue to reassure you that our proud city team, from cabinet head to rank-and-file, has been tested and true through a number of natural and man-made disasters. As we have done before during these challenging times, we are in this together.

As we all deal with and respond the coronavirus (COVID-19), I will continue to have our dedicated city team and medical experts, keep you updated on what has or has not occurred and what we are proactively doing about it. I want to encourage our residents and business community to check out our city's website at www.springfield-ma.gov We constantly update it with the most recent news, information and with the latest developments.

Along with our community's healthcare and other essential workers, we in the City of Springfield continue to operate all essential functions and services, including such emergency services as police, fire, health, building and code, and DPW. Our police and fire continue to receive and respond to calls and DPW continues to collect trash and recycling, and maintain our roads.

As we work together toward the goal of re-establishing a safe, healthy environment and the sense of normalcy, please continue to adhere to and follow all of the preventative and recommended health measures - though they seem simple and common sense these efforts will help meet and defeat this challenge before us. As we rise to this challenging occasion, I look forward to celebrating the enduring spirit of our Springfield when this situation is behind us and we are able to gather and reflect on the strength and resiliency of our Springfield community.

As my administration has done before with prior challenges and just as important - we will get through this together and for the better as one. With the Spirit of Springfield we will celebrate once again.

May God Bless you and your families.

SUPPORT

TH E SPIRIT

FRIDAY, JUNE 5TH

FRANCONIA

GOLF COURSE

REGISTER NOW!

Dates for 2020

World's Largest Pancake Breakfast

TBA

8am to 11am

Main Street