April News from The Spirit

Celebrating Springfield's Biggest, Best and Brightest

Back in the 1980's, then-Mayor Richard Neal hired me to oversee the Mayor's Office of Community Affairs. Now, more than 30 years later, he has entrusted the Spirit of Springfield with the opening festivities for Springfield's Union Station. I am honored and proud to be a part of the historic events. They will be grand and will welcome the community to the new intermodal transportation center.

Mark your calendars for June 24, 25 and 26.

- Judy Matt
President

Sheriff Cocchi Given Pancake Breakfast Honors

In a room filled with supporters and volunteers, Hampden County Sheriff Nick Cocchi was named the 2017 World's Largest Pancake Breakfast Honorary Chair. He was presented with his "official" Spirit of Springfield jacket by Senator James Welch, who served as the 2016 Honorary Co-Chair with Senator Eric Lesser, and Danielle White, Regional Vice President of Community Engagement for MGM Resorts International.

"I am overwhelmed, and so very honored to be named Chairperson of this year's Pancake Breakfast. I've enjoyed these events with my family for years," said Cocchi. "This event is so much more than pancakes and breakfast. This is our community coming together, thousands of people sitting at a common breakfast table on Main Street, Springfield. It is Main Street, USA. So many volunteers, so many visitors to Springfield, safely enjoying breakfast, it is a testament to the city's future and the spirit that is Springfield and Hampden County."

The World's Largest Pancake Breakfast, sponsored for the fifth year by MGM Springfield, will be held Saturday, May 13 from 8AM to 11AM in the middle of Main Street in Downtown Springfield. It is supported by area businesses that donate all the products that are served and the paper products they are served on.

For more information about the World's Largest Pancake Breakfast, visit spiritofspringfield.org.

Union Station Grand Reopening

Plans are well underway for the Grand Reopening of Springfield's Union Station with Honorary Co-Chairs Congressman Richard Neal and Mayor Domenic Sarno. Festivities will include a black-tie gala on Saturday, June 24, Open House on Sunday, June 25 and a Ribbon Cutting on Monday, June 26.

The gala will include a cocktail reception, elaborate dinner stations and dancing to the music of Time Square. Tickets are $200 per person with tables for 12 guests at $2,400. To purchase tickets or to inquire about sponsorship opportunities, contact [email protected].

The Spirit of Springfield is honored to be a part of the historic rebirth of Springfield's Union Station.

Showcase Your Business or Organization at Pancake Breakfast

United Personnel, McDonald's, Metro PCS and SnapChef are just some of the businesses that have registered to be exhibitors at the World's Largest Pancake Breakfast. They will be meeting one-on-one with potential customers. They will be showcasing their products and services. They will be showing their support for the community.

Fees are just $25 for community service organizations and start at $500 for businesses. To register, visit spiritofspringfield.org or email your questions to [email protected].

Tee Time Set For Golf Classic

With the support of the Spirit of Springfield Golf Classic Committee, this year's tournament has been set for Friday, June 3 at Franconia Golf Course. The scramble-style tournament will begin at 10AM with a shotgun start. Sponsored by Western Mass News, it is a great day for golfers to enjoy Franconia Golf Course on the City of Springfield's finest golf courses while supporting the Spirit of Springfield.

Each golfer will receive a beautiful Spirit of Springfield golf shirt, lunch on the course and dinner under tent. There will be raffles and contests on the course.

At the end of the tournament, area mayor's will have a little competition of their own. They will be putting for the coveted Mayor's Cup that has been won for three consecutive years by Chicopee Mayor Richard Kos.

To register a foursome or be a sponsor, visit spiritofspringfield.org or email [email protected].

Breaking News!

The 215th Army Band of the Massachusetts Army National Guard to perform a free concert on July 4th as a part of Star Spangled Springfield. Festivities will start at 7PM in Riverfront Park.

In This Issue

Sheriff Cocchi Given Pancake Breakfast Honors

Union Station Grand Reopening

Showcase Your Business at World's Largest Pancake Breakfast

Spring is Coming

Breaking News!

Guest Column - Jesse Baker, 180 Fit Gym

Get Involved!

Guest Column

Jesse Baker,

Owner, 180 Fitness

Fitness is constantly evolving. The industry is an ever-changing landscape. New exercise methods inspire enthusiasts to try new things. These new experiences often lead to alternative social networking opportunities.

In the 21st century, health and wellness have become a cultural institution. Images of working out inundate our social media. Television ads relentlessly remind viewers the importance of nutrition. It's hard to deny the impact fitness has on our daily lives.

Much like fitness, Springfield is a changing landscape. New businesses are investing in the city. The arts are becoming a priority to the downtown area. A new culture is being created.

180 Fitness is proud to be a part of Springfield's evolution. Located on the 9th floor, in the MassLive Building, 180 Fitness looks to be the center for health and wellness for the city. Our club offers a wide array of classes and personal training opportunities. Whatever your fitness level, let 180 Fitness be your health resource.

Come join us on May 13th when the Spirit of Springfield presents the World's Largest Pancake Breakfast. My staff and I will be on the promenade of the MassLive Building. We will be hosting some fitness challenges and giving away free one week memberships. After all, nothing speaks more about the need for fitness than 10,000 pancakes.

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GIVING DAY TUESDAY, MAY 2

2017 Calendar of Events!

World's Largest Pancake Breakfast

Saturday, May 13

8AM to 11AM

Main Street