Mayor announces Bright Nights Trip for Seniors on Dec. 18
Date: 12/3/2008
By Debbie Gardner
PRIME Editor
CHICOPEE This holiday season will be a little brighter this year for Chicopee's senior citizens, thanks to the efforts of one local woman.
Last Wednesday, Mayor Michael Bissonnette announced that, thanks to Barbara Atherton, the city will host its first-ever free Bright Nights trip for seniors on Dec. 18.
During the announcement, Bissonnette said Atherton not only proposed the event to him but also personally contacted over 40 local businesses for contributions to ensure her idea became a reality.
"We certainly appreciate her efforts, and are looking forward to it," Bissonnette said. "This is hopefully going to become an annual event."
The Dec. 18 tour will include a pasta supper at the Chicopee Knights of Columbus at 3 p.m. followed by a 4. p.m. bus trip to view the Bright Nights display in Forest Park. Coffee and cake at the K of C following the return trip will top off the evening.
The event is free for seniors who reside in Chicopee, thanks to the generosity of local businesses, citizens and the Mayor's Office. Interested seniors should call 594-1500 to reserve a seat. Space is limited, and reservations will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis until the four sponsored buses are filled.
They need a little Christmas Atherton, who moved to the Fairview senior housing complex two years ago, said she realized during last year's holiday season just how sad many of her fellow residents became at this time of year.
"The were so depressed; many had nothing to look forward to," Atherton told
The Chicopee Herald.
Last December, she approached Bissonnette at the annual senior holiday meal at the Fairview Knights of Columbus Hall and proposed the idea of a free Bright Nights tour for the city's seniors.
"I wanted to give them something to look forward to," Atherton said.
She said word of this year's trip spread before the official announcement, and she's had seniors stopping her in the grocery store to thank her for creating the event.
"It's done exactly what I wanted it to do, and the trip hasn't even happened yet!" Atherton said.
Businesses happy to help According to Bissonnette, it was a combination of the contributions that brought Atherton's idea to fruition.
"I challenged the Board of Aldermen to raise enough money to split a bus with me, and they did it," Bissonnette said.
He also publically acknowledged the contributions made by Chicopee Savings Bank, Teddy Bear Pools and Spas, Bay State Gas, the Chicopee Chamber of Commerce, Holyoke Catholic High School, the Spirit of Springfield and the Knights of Columbus in support of the event.
Knights of Columbus Grand Knight Paul Tanguay told The Herald his organization was happy the K of C hall was free on Dec. 18, allowing them to host the dinner and dessert portions of the event.
"We're glad to do anything to help the senior citizens," he said.
Sheila Doiron, director of communications and community relations for Bay State Gas, said that her company was very pleased to participate in a community event such as this for the city's seniors.
"Many of them have been customers of Bay State Gas for many years, some for nearly a century," she said.
In addition, Peter Pan Bus Lines, the Chicopee Comprehensive High School Honor Society students, the Career and Technical Education Culinary Arts Program, Derosia and Sons Tree Service and citizens Cameron Martin, Deanna Rousseau, Victoria Celetti, Zach Bono and Kristen Pasterczyk also made contributions to the Bright Nights Trip for Senior Citizens.
Bissonnette said there is still time to add more buses to this year's trip if other businesses and individuals would like to help sponsor the event. To make a contribution, contact the mayor's office at 594-1509.
