Seniors to enjoy Bright Nights for fifth straight year
Date: 11/7/2012
By G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.comCHICOPEE — For the fifth year, seniors in Chicopee will be able to enjoy the sights of Bright Nights in Forest Park for free, thanks to the generosity of local companies.
Mayor Michael Bissonnette and Spirit of Springfield President Judith Matt made the announcement last week.
There will be a special registration event from 8 to 11 a.m. at the Knights of Columbus Elder Council 69, 460 Granby Road. Bissonnette said that people interested in going to one of the three evening trips, will be able to sign up with their friends and family and pick the day of their choice.
The three trips will take place on Dec. 11, 12 and 13.
Participating seniors will also receive a meal courtesy of the Knights of Columbus and transportation is provided by King Ward. The Bright Night trips are only available for Chicopee residents.
The registration event will also feature free blood pressure screening provided by the Chicopee Visiting Nurse Association.
For those people who cannot attend the registration event, they can sign-up by calling the mayor's office at 594-1500 starting Nov. 14, Bissonnette said.
Barbara Atherton, the Chicopee resident who advocated for the trips, said the program has grown from eight busses the first year to 12 busses last year.
Bissonnette said that, so far the program has been able to accommodate everyone who has wanted to participate.
Atherton said, "People stop in in the summer [to ask me about Bright Nights.] It's a wonderful, wonderful thing."
Bissonnette added, "We get such great feedback [from the trip]."
The mayor added the city's Christmas tree lighting ceremony will be on Dec. 7.
"That week is going to be full of the Christmas spirit ion the city of Chicopee," he said.
