September News from the Spirit of Springfield

Celebrating Springfield's Biggest, Best and Brightest!

This year marks a special anniversary for Springfield’s September 11th Monument. It was dedicated five years ago with an inspiring ceremony in Riverfront Park. It brought members of President George W. Bush’s cabinet, public safety officers from New York and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. It was one of my proudest moments.

We will be hosting an evening event so that more people will be able to attend and see the silouette of the World Trade Center artifact cast the shadow of the Twin Towers on the bronze wall.

Please join us September 11th at 6pm in Riverfront Park.

-- Judy Matt

President

September 11th Remembrance Ceremony

Springfield’s September 11th Remembrance Ceremony was first held in 2002 under the direction of Dennis Leger, Aide to the Springfield Fire Commissioner. It followed the tragic events as they had unfolded in 2001. Names of the first responders who lost their lives on September 11, 2001, were read.

The tradition will continue on September 11, 2024, at 6pm as the fifth anniversary of Springfield’s September 11th monument is marked. During the program, there will be remembrances by Springfield Fire Commissioner B. J. Calvi, Springfield Police Superintendent Larry Akers, Patrick Leonardo, Regional Director for American Medical Response, and Colonel David Halasi-Kun, Wing Commander for the 104th Fighter Wing at Barnes Air National Guard Base. There will be greetings from Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno, State Representative Carlos Gonzalez, Chair of the Massachusetts Joint Committee of Public Safety & Homeland Security, and the invocation by Father Gary Dailey, Chaplin for the Springfield Fire Department. The National Anthem will be performed by Vanessa Ford. Anthony Cignoli, President of A. L. Cignoli Company, will serve as the master of ceremonies and lead the Pledge of Alligiance.

The ceremonial portion of the program will include the roll out of equipment with Springfield Police Department cruisers and motorcycles, Springfield Fire Department engine, and an American Medical Response ambulance. The Springfield Fire Department will toll the fire bell. A wreath will be laid by Commissioner Calvi, Superintendent Akers, Mr. Leonardo, and Colonel Halasi-Kun. The Springfield Police Department will conclude the program with a rifle salute and the playing of taps.

Free parking will be available in the I-91 South Garage, the Springfield Water & Sewer Commission will provide water, and Walmart will distribute flags. Limited seating will be available. Lawn chairs are welcome.

Bright Nights 5K Registration

Runners interested in participating in the Bright Nights 5K Road Race should train for a hilly course and set their alarms for 12am on Monday, September 9th. That is when the starter pistol will be fired for registration at brightnights.org.

The fun run by and through the magical light displays will be held Monday, December 2nd with a rain date of Tuesday, December 3rd. There will be volunteers from Springfield College assisting with registration, and a dedicated group of volunteers on the course.

Registration is $75 and includes a souvenir shirt, post-race soup supper, a ticket to return to Bright Nights at Forest Park in the comfort of a car, and awards for winners in each category. Runners must be at least 14 years old on race day, and be prepared to participate on both days since refunds and substitutes are not allowed.

The Bright Nights 5K Road Race is sponsored by Covestro, Health New England, Siemens, Freedom Credit Union, and M&T Bank.

Bright Nights Ball Announcement

The Armory at MGM Springfield was filled with sponsors and supporters as the Charlie Arment Trucking Company was announced as the City of Bright Nights Ball sponsor. In celebration of the company’s 70th anniversary, the Arment family was announced as the honorary chairs.

The announcement was made by Dr. Robert Johnson, Western New England University President, and the 2023 City of Bright Nights Ball Honorary Chair. Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno proclaimed the day, August 19, 2024, as Charlie Arment Trucking Day.

Will Arment, Charlie Arment Trucking Company President, spoke on behalf of his family about their commitment to the community, and their long-standing relationship with the Spirit of Springfield.

The annual gala celebrating Bright Nights at Forest Park’s 30th season will be held Saturday, November 9th at MGM Springfield. The theme will be “Into the Forest.”

Bright Nights Ball Tasting

An esteemed panel of expert tasters put MGM Springfield’s chefs to the test, and they passed with flying colors. They put together another scrumptious menu of appetizers and entrees for the City of Bright Nights Ball.

After tasting, discussing, and tasting again, the menu was selected including appetizers that will be passed during the reception, and the entrees, which will include Kalimotxo Beef Short Ribs, Pecan & Fennel Crusted Haddock, and Achiote Grilled Cauliflower Steak, the vegan option.

The pastry chef is hard at work developing a dessert to match the event’s theme, “Into the Forest.”

Bright Nights Ball Silent Auction

The City of Bright Nights Ball is the Spirit of Springfield’s largest annual fundraiser. It supports the non-profit organizations mission to bring the community together in celebration and underwrites administrative costs associated with events like the World’s Largest Pancake Breakfast, Star Spangled Springfield, free military concerts, and the upcoming September 11th Remembrance Ceremony.

Even those not attending the gala can support the event and the Spirit of Springfield by donating and bidding on silent auction items. There will be trips, tickets, purses, jewelry, gifts, and more, including a swag bag from Wheel of Fortune with a signed photo by Vanna White.

To donate something special to the auction, contact Amy. Register to bid online.

Bright Nights Supper with Santa

It’s magical! It is a one-on-one time with Santa inside the Barney Carriage House in the middle of more than 750,000 lights. It is Bright Nights at Forest Park’s Supper with Santa.

First, guests travel through display after display, from Seuss Land to North Pole Village, arriving at the Victorian-era carriage house. They enjoy a sumptuous dinner, and a delightful experience with Santa. He visits ever table and has a special gift for every child.

Learn more and make reservations at brightnights.org. Dates are limited!

Mattoon Street Arts Festival

The Mattoon Street Arts Festival is near and dear to Spirit of Springfield President Judy Matt. She hosts vendors in her driveway and welcomes friends into her home for some homemade eats and treats.

The festival is free. It hosts more than a hundred artists and vendors from Springfield and beyond. While strolling amongst the hand crafted items, visitors can enjoy live music and culinary delights.

Be sure to say hello when you see Judy at the 51st annual festival taking place September 7th and 8th. Learn more about the longest running arts festival in the Pioneer Valley online.

In this Issue

September 11th

Remembrance Ceremony

Bright Nights 5K Registration

Bright Nights Ball Announcement

Bright Nights Ball Tasting

Bright Nights Ball

Silent Auction

Bright Nights

Supper with Santa

Mattoon Street

Arts Festival

Guest Column

State Representative

Carlos Gonzalez

Bright Nights Loyalty Card

Guest Column

Massachusetts

State Representative

Carlos Gonzalez

“Que viva the Spirit of Springfield”.

My kudos to Judy Matt and the Spirit of Springfield who continues to illuminate our community with vibrant events that bring residents together. Under Judy's inspiring leadership, the organization hosts beloved traditions such as Bright Nights at Forest Park, the World's Largest Pancake Breakfast, and the spectacular July 4th fireworks. Each event fosters a sense of unity, celebrating the essence of Springfield.

As the Chair of the Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security, I am honored to be a part of Springfield's September 11th Remembrance Ceremony to commemorate the lives lost and the brave actions of public safety heroes on that day.

These cherished activities have brought smiles and joy to four generations of families, where kids have grown into parents, and now those parents have become grandparents. All three and four generations come together to celebrate, creating a tapestry of memories that strengthens our community bonds.

In addition to these signature events, the Spirit of Springfield actively supports local initiatives and charities, ensuring that the community's needs are met. Through collaboration and dedication, we create lasting memories and encourage civic pride. Join us in celebrating the remarkable contributions that enrich our lives and strengthen our community, ensuring that the Spirit of Springfield shines bright for years to come!

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

2024

September 11th Remembrance Ceremony

Wednesday, September 11th

6pm

Riverfront Park

Free Parking - I-91 South Garage

City of Bright Nights Ball

Saturday, November 9th

6:30pm - 12midnight

MGM Springfield