Chicopee to offer Bright Nights for Seniors Dec. 3 and 4

Date: 11/7/2014

CHICOPEE – Mayor Richard Kos announced on Nov. 3 the city, through the help of area businesses, would once again offer its Bright Nights for Seniors program this year.

Kos explained the event, which gives local seniors the opportunity to see the area’s largest holiday lighting display via King Ward bus, will take place on two dates this year – Dec. 3 and 4, serving 300 seniors each day.

The program will begin at the Castle of Knights, 460 Granby Road, with a spaghetti supper, followed by a trip through a winter wonderland at Forest Park in Springfield that includes a ride through Seuss Land, the Garden of Peace, North Pole Village, Never Never Land, Toy Land and more. The evening ends back at the Castle of Knights with coffee and Christmas carols.

“As you know, that week is also when we do our Christmas tree lighting on Friday, Dec. 5, so this is really the kickoff of Christmas in Chicopee,” Kos said.

The mayor was sure to thank this year’s sponsors for the event – Chicopee Savings Bank, which will provide funding for the Dec. 3 trip, and Polish National Credit Union, making the Dec. 4 trip possible.

“This couldn’t be done without a lot of financial support. Transporting and feeding 600 seniors on two nights is an event that has a price and we are very fortunate that we have two groups that have stepped forward,” he said.

Kos also tipped his cap to King Ward Coach Lines for their support of the program.

“Realize that what we have here is a great opportunity for our prominent businesses to help our seniors to enjoy a special night out, and at the same time it’s an opportunity for our seniors to really thank our more prominent businesses in the community that do so much,” he said.

He welcomed Judy Matt, president of the Spirit of Springfield, which sponsors Bright Nights, pointing out that in addition to the Forest Park display, helped the city of Chicopee acquire the pieces for its own holiday lighting 15 years ago during his previous term as mayor.

Matt said Bright Nights surpassed 3 million visitors last year, noting involvement of surrounding communities like Chicopee made the work “even more rewarding.”

She credited resident Barbara Atherton with spearheading the event for seven years.

“It’s because of her diligence [and] her enthusiasm [that this is possible]. She’s become a great friend,” Matt said. “I think what’s best about [Bright Nights for Seniors] is you see so many smiling faces.”

Holly Chaffee, CEO of Porchlight VNA/Homecare, which recently merged with Chicopee VNA, called the program “a wonderful community event to get seniors out of their home and get rid of that isolated feeling over the holidays,” pointing out many participants’ spouses have passed away.

“This is a festive activity where they can socialize with other seniors in a similar situation and enjoy the holidays,” she said.