July News from The Spirit

Celebrating Springfield's Biggest, Best and Brightest

In just two days, the Spirit of Springfield will make it a Star Spangled Springfield in Blunt Park. Starting at 6pm, there will be entertainment and food vendors. At 9:30pm, be sure your radio dial is on Mix 93.1 FM as the fireworks dance to the musical selections.

We are fortunate to have the support of MassMutual, our media partners and many of the City of Springfield Departments for the patriotic party.

Please join us July 4^th in Blunt Park for a Star Spangled Springfield

- Judy Matt
President

Star Spangled Springfield Entertainment

Music will fill the air in Blunt Park as Springfield celebrates Independence Day with a Star Spangled Springfield. At 6pm, Falcetti Music will kick off the evening with performances. They will be followed by Chloe Reed, a young vocalist from Springfield. From 6pm to 8pm, there will be face painters, balloon sculptor, and lots of bubbles.

Headlining the entertainment will be Maxxtone, a Springfield-base band known for their ability to perform an array of contemporary songs. They will take the stage at 7:15pm after a brief speaking program featuring Mayor Domenic Sarno, Dennis Duquette, MassMutual Head of Community Responsibility, Colonel Peter Green, Wing Commander of the 104 ^th Fighter Wing, Spirit of Springfield President Judy Matt, and Lauren Zenzie and Danny New from WWLP-22News' Mass Appeal.

At 9:30pm, all eyes will be on the skies for the world-class pyrotechnic display by Fireworks by Grucci. The shells will burst with color and dance to music broadcast on Mix 93.1FM.

If You Are Going to

Star Spangled Springfield

With the change of venue from Riverfront Park to Blunt Park, visitors will want to be aware of places to watch the fireworks and things of which to take note. This includes:

Suggested viewing and parking locations

* Central High School

* Smead Arena

* Margaret Ells School

* High School of Science and Technology

* Putnam High School

To keep everyone safe, the Springfield Police and Fire Departments ask for cooperation and to be mindful of restrictions:

No Parking

* Blunt Park

* Roosevelt Av enue (and No Stopping)

* Alcohol

* Pets

* Bicycles

* Skateboards

* Roller Blades

* Drones

* Sparklers

* Fireworks

We want everyone to have a safe and happy Star Spangled Springfield.

Springfield's September 11th Monument Update

Funds for Springfield's September 11 ^th Monument continues to grow. The goal of $300,000 is now down to $79,000. Donations have come in varying sizes. MassMutual committed $25,000. The Springfield Thunderbirds and Columbia Gas of Massachusetts each gave $10,000. The Colvest Group donated $5,000 as did Peoples Bank, Charlie Arment Trucking, the Antonacci Foundation, Associated Building Wreckers, Chicopee Bank Charitable Foundation, Freedom Credit Union, Monarch Enterprises, People's United Bank, and St. Pierre-Phaneuf Funeral Chapels. The Stagehands Union IATSE, Local 53 gave $500. David from Springfield donated $100. Margaret from West Springfield sent $50. Dennis from Springfield gave $25. Paul from Longmeadow gave $250.

These are just some of the donations that have been made for a lasting memorial in honor of the first responders who lost their lives in the attacks on September 11, 2001.

Donations can be made on-line at GoFundMe or by sending a check to Spirit of Springfield/September 11^th Monument, 1350 Main Street, Suite 1004, Springfield, MA 01103.

Follow Springfield's September 11^th Monument on Facebook to stay up-to-date on the monument's progress.

Golf Classic a Winner for

Spirit of Springfield

E veryone that played in and supported the Spirit of Springfield Golf Classic was a winner. The fundraiser was held June 1 at Franconia Golf Course. There was a field of 120 golfers, and three putters-Mayor Domenic Sarno, Mayor Richard Kos and Mayor William Sapelli. The three Mayor's putting for bragging rights and the Mayor's Cup. For the first time, it was presented to Mayor Sapelli at Franconia Golf Course and the following day at The Ranch Golf Course.

Check out some of the great photos from the tournament.

BREAKING NEWS

Bright Nights 5K Road Race Registration to open Monday, September 17 at 12am. It is expected to be sold out before the Monday morning staff meeting.

Mark your calendars. Set your alarms!

In This Issue

Star Spangled Springfield Entertainment

If You Are Going to Star Spangled Springfield

Springfield's September 11th Monument Update

Golf Classic a Winner for Spirit of Springfield

Breaking News

Guest Column - Dennis Duquette, MassMutual

Guest Column

Dennis Duquette,

Head of Community Responsibility,

MassMutual

The annual Star Spangled Springfield July 4 ^th celebration is almost here!

With live musical entertainment and magnificent fireworks, this event always provides the community with an enjoyable experience and a chance to celebrate our country's independence with friends, family, and neighbors. This tradition continues to be one of the many events that brings our community together and makes this city and region so great.

MassMutual has always called Springfield home, since our founding here 167 years ago. We have long supported events and organizations that make Springfield a vibrant destination to live, learn, and work. Since 2006, we have been a proud sponsor of Springfield's July 4^th festivities and are excited to once again help bring this world-class celebration to the city. It is a wonderful day to come together and honor our country. We hope to see the local community and families from across the region come out to enjoy this year's festivities.

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Dates for 2018

Star Spangled Springfield

Wednesday, July 4

7pm to 10pm

Blunt Park