City prepares for another Bright Nights trip for seniors

Date: 11/16/2010

Nov. 17, 2010

By G. Michael Dobbs

Managing Editor

CHICOPEE -- What started as an idea from Chicopee resident Barbara Atherton has become a holiday tradition.

Atherton joined Mayor Michael Bissonnette and Spirit of Springfield President Judith Matt in announcing the third annual Bright Nights for Seniors trip.

Bissonnette noted the free trip to the holiday lights display in Springfield's Forest Park and dinner, provided to hundreds of seniors, is made possible by the donations made by businesses such as PeoplesBank and King Ward Trailways and organizations such as the Knights of Columbus, Council 69 and the Valley Opportunity Council.

Atherton, who suggested a bus trip to Bright Nights for the city's seniors, called the event, "a spectacular evening for the seniors."

This year, Bissonnette said he anticipates there will be 12 buses with 600 seniors going to see "one of the country's premiere Christmas displays."

He added, "I always get more thank you's from Chicopee [for the trip] than anything else."

Matt said that Chicopee "sets the standard for seniors" for Bright Night trips.

New this year for the light display is the spinner game piece from the "The Game of Life." The game is celebrating its 50th anniversary and was developed in Springfield for the former Milton Bradley Company now Hasbro Games.

Matt also said the displays were starting to be renovated with conventional light bulbs being replaced by brighter LED bulbs.

She hopes that another 250,000 to 300,000 people attend the event.

"It happens in Springfield, but it belongs to the region," she said.

The trip is underwritten completely by private donations, which are still being accepted.

Beginning Nov. 15, seniors over the age of 60 are invited to call the mayor's office at 594-1500 to make their reservation. The reservations are made on a first-come, first served basis, as space is limited.