𝗦𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝗡𝗲𝘄𝘀 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗶𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗳𝗶𝗲𝗹𝗱

Celebrating Springfield's Biggest, Best and Brightest!

One of the most significant contributions the Spirit of Springfield has made to our community is Springfield’s September 11th Monument and the ceremony that has been held annually since the first anniversary of the horrific attacks on our country. This year, we mark the 25th anniversary with an expanded program and a photography exhibit in memory of Private Dennis Leger, Aide to the Springfield Fire Commissioner from 2001 to 2020.

I encourage everyone to visit the photography exhibit which will open on Friday, September 4th at 10am in the lobby of One Financial Plaza at 1350 Main Street, and join us for the program on September 11th starting at 6pm in Riverfront Park.

We must never forget the fallen heroes and those who are still fighting to protect our freedoms.

-- Judy Matt

President

September 11th Remembrance Ceremony

On the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001, when the United States was attacked, the Springfield Fire and Police Departments, and the Spirit of Springfield will host the annual September 11th Remembrance Ceremony in the shadow of Springfield’s beautiful monument in Riverfront Park.

The evening will begin at 5pm with a ceremony prelude featuring a drumline from High School of Science and Technology, a musical performance by the Springfield Kiltie Band, and a moving video produced by Penfield Productions in honor of the 25th anniversary.

The ceremony will take place at 6pm with Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno; a tribute to Private Dennis Leger, former Aide to the Springfield Fire Commissioner by retired Springfield Fire Commissioner Gary Cassanelli; and a monument remembrance by Patrick Sullivan, retired Executive Director of the Springfield Department of Parks, Buildings and Recreation Management. There will be remembrances by Springfield Fire Commissioner Miguel Rivera, Springfield Police Superintendent Lawrence Akers, retired Brigadier General John Driscoll, and Patrick Leonardo, Regional Director for American Medical Response.

Retired Springfield Fire Department Lieutenant Daniel Keenan will speak of his experiences in New York City during the days immediately following the attacks. Bishop Bruce Shaw, Pastor of the New Hope Pentecostal Church and retired major with the Massachusetts Army National Guard, will speak about his colleagues’ experiences and tragedies that occurred at The Pentagon. A video message from Edward Cetnar, Superintendent of Police/Director of Public Safety for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, will be presented.

Emergency equipment will roll out over the Memorial Bridge to signify the last call. A wreath will be laid in the Connecticut River by the Veterans Dragon Boat USA. While the names of the 498 first responders who died on September 11, 2001, are being shown on a 16' x 9' screen, Vanessa Ford will perform “Hero” followed by Joe Broadnax singing “You Raise Me Up”.

The evening will conclude with a rifle salute, taps, the retiring of the colors, and the lights on Springfield’s September 11th Monument coming on to cast a shadow of the World Trade Center onto the monument’s bronze wall.

With the support of many, Springfield’s September 11th Remembrance Ceremony is underwritten by American Medical Response, Charlie Arment Trucking, MGM Springfield, Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, PeoplesBank, Springfield Business Improvement District, and the We Love Springfield Campaign.

Learn more at spiritofspringfield.org.

Forever In Our Hearts Photo Exhibit

To mark the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, attacks, the Spirit of Springfield is proud to present “Forever in Our Hearts” Photo Exhibit. The photography exhibit was curated by Springfield photographer Chris Marion and primarily features photos by Chris Marion and Dennis Leger, former Aid to the Springfield Fire Commissioner. Dennis Leger, to whom the exhibit is dedicated, was rarely without his camera, capturing images of Springfield's September 11th Ceremony and of his journey down to New York City in September 2001. He and his colleagues from the Springfield Fire Department served as members of the Honor Guard for New York City firefighters in the days following September 11th.

The show, which will open on September 4th at 10am in the lobby of One Financial Plaza at 1350 Main Street, Springfield, will also feature images provided by the National September 11th Memorial and Museum in New York City, the Springfield Police Department, and Hoang “Leon” Nguyen.

Sponsored by White Lion Brewery, the “Forever In Our Hearts” Photo Exhibit will be open through Tuesday, September 21st during the building’s regular business hours. It is also supported by NAI Plotkin and JX2 Productions.

Registration Opening for Bright Nights 5K Road Race

The Bright Nights 5K Road Race is a unique and fun run through the magnificent lighting displays that have made Bright Nights at Forest Park the northeast’s premier holiday attraction.

Runners will lace up on Monday, November 30th to bear the challenges of the hilly course while being distracted by the more than 750,000 lights along the route. At 6:30pm, they will take their mark under the mammoth Seuss Land Arch, then enjoy the beauty of the Garden of Peace, step up their pace in Jurassic Word, cruise through Victorian Village, run under the leaping deer, and then onto the glow of the Giant Poinsettia Candles, before retuning to the finish line. They will be awarded with a warming soup supper in the Bright Nights storage facility.

To be one of the 500 to compete in the Bright Nights 5K Road Race, participants must register online at brightnights.org beginning Monday, September 21st starting at 12am. The registration will close when the last spot has been reserved, which is often less than 24 hours after opening.

The entrance fee is $85. It includes the amazing experience to run through the lights, a complimentary admission ticket to return to the show, a long-sleeve souvenir athletic shirt, and post-race soup supper.

The Bright Nights 5K Road Race is sponsored by Baystate Health/Health New England, Covestro, Siemens, and Freedom Credit Union.

Get more information at brightnights.org.

Bright Nights Horse-Drawn Experiences

Climb aboard a wagon or the Cinderella Carriage and enjoy many of Bright Nights at Forest Park’s magical displays. The crisp winter air and the clip-clop of the horses' hooves make for a memorable experience among the twinkling lights.

The tour begins at the Bright Nights Gift Shop. Passengers are then carried away to enjoy the glimmer and glow of Seuss Land, the tranquility of the Garden of Peace, and the jungle of Jurassic World. Upon return to the gift shop, they can purchase gifts and souvenirs, visit with Santa, enjoy a tasty treat, and bask in the glow of Bright Nights at Forest Park’s Grand Christmas Tree.

The private horse-drawn wagon for as many as 12 people is $300 and includes two complimentary vehicle admission tickets for Bright Nights at Forest Park. The Cinderella Carriage holds up to four people for $250 and includes one complimentary vehicle admission ticket. Reservations are required and can be made at brightnights.org.

City of Bright Nights Ball Menu

A team of “seasoned” tasters sat down to test the appetizers, entrées, and dessert for the City of Bright Nights Ball. They were delighted and dazzled by the amazing menu they were presented with, from the hot and cold appetizers to the limoncello tiramisu. Guests will have three entrée options: seared beef tenderloin, baked stuffed shrimp or stuffed acorn squash as the vegetarian and vegan option.

The amazing meal prepared by MGM Springfield’s culinary team was presented by Chef Eric Quagliano, Executive Chef – Banquets. It will be served to 500 guests on Saturday, November 7th in the Aria Ballroom surrounded by elegantly themed décor.

Tickets are $800 per couple. Early reservations can be made by contacting the Spirit of Springfield at 413-733-3800 or by email.

Bidding for the Ball

Leading up to and at the City of Bright Nights Ball, guests and those not attending the black tie gala can bid on great silent auction items, several of which are currently being previewed online. There are getaways to Antigua, Barbados, Panama, and the Hawthorne Hotel in Salem, Massachusetts. There are tickets for the Micheal Jackson tribute show, WooSox, Hartford Yard Goats, and more.

Watch for additional items to be listed including jewelry and sequined purses. To donate something special to the auction, contact the Spirit of Springfield at 413-733-3800 or via email. All donations are tax deductible as charitable contributions to the fullest extent of the law.

Guests attending the November 7th gala will also be able to bid on great live auction items including MGM Springfield’s box for 22 people at Fenway Park for a Red Sox home game with transportation provided by King Gray Coachlines.

Preview and check back often for updates at spiritofspringfield.org.

Baystate Health with its Health Plan, Health New England, Support the Spirit

Like many, Baystate Health and Health New England contribute products to serve the World’s Largest Pancake Breakfast. For many years, they have been contributing plates, cups, napkins, and utensils.

During the holiday season, they keep the candles burning bright at Bright Nights at Forest Park. They generously sponsor the Giant Poinsettia Candles, one of the last displays in the park and one of the most iconic that the holiday experience has to offer. They are also a Golden Circle Sponsor for the City of Bright Nights Ball.

This year, they will continue the tradition started by Mercy Medical Center. They will bring holiday music and cheer to Springfield Symphony Hall with the free concert by the 215th Army Band. It will feature sounds of the holiday season and patriotic pride on Sunday, December 13th.

ATTRACTION SPOTLIGHT:

Mattoon Street Arts Festival

The Mattoon Street Arts Festival features over 100 outstanding crafters, food vendors, and strolling entertainment. It will be held Saturday, September 12th and Sunday, September 13th on the historic Mattoon Street nestled in Downtown Springfield. It is the Pioneer Valley’s longest-running arts festival.

The brick row houses serve as the backdrop for artists from throughout the region to showcase their finest wares. There will be painters, potters, jewelry designers, wood carvers, glass blowers, photographers, seamstresses, artisan foodies, and more.

Admission is free. Parking is available at the TD Bank lot at the corner of Dwight Street and Harrison Avenue.

Visit welovespringfield.com for a complete listing of upcomign Springfield events!

Congrats to Margaret & Jack and Payton & Nicholas

Spirit of Springfield Board Members Margaret Boyle and Payton North have recently made big announcements.

Margaret and her husband, Jack Chamberland, welcomed their first child, Meredith, and Payton and Nicholas Felicianco, announced their engagement.

We wish them all love and happiness as they embark upon a new chapter in their lives.

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In this Issue

September 11th

Remembrance Ceremony

Forever In Our Hearts

Photography Exhibit

Registration Opening for

Bright Nights 5K

Bright Nights

Horse-Drawn Experiences

City of Bright Nights Ball Menu

Bidding for the Ball

Thank You

Baystate Health/

Health New England

We Love Springfield ❤️

ATTRACTION SPOTLIGHT

Mattoon Street Arts Festival

Guest Column

Brigadier General

John J. Driscoll (Retired)

September 11th

Commemorative Items

Spirit of Springfield Calendar

Bright Nights Season Pass

We Love Springfield ❤️

Guest Column

Brigadier General John J. Driscoll

Massachusetts Army National Guard (Retired)

My unforgettable day, 11 September 2001.

For those alive 25 years ago, September 11th is that moment where you remember when, where and what you were doing that unforgettable day.

At 8 AM in Springfield’s National Guard Armory, my wife pinned my gold oak leaf at my promotion to Major. After she went to work in Agawam, I drove my daily 90-mile commute to Lexington listening to Colin Powell’s My American Journey book on tape. Flipping the cassette, I heard the news of a plane hitting the WTC and then of the second plane when changing to new tape.

I knew the world had changed; the happiness and hope that began 11 September 2001 ended in anguish and anger with a reborn sense of unity and patriotism with each person having their own American Journey from September 11th to today.