Spirit of Springfield honors many on its 20th anniversary
Date: 4/6/2010
April 7, 2010.By G. Michael Dobbs
Managing Editor
SPRINGFGIELD -- WWLP General Manager William Pepin admitted on Wednesday at the 20th anniversary celebration for Spirit of Springfield (SOS) that when SOS President Judith Matt first pitched the idea of Bright Nights, he was incredulous.
"The more we heard, the more we realized this was going to be huge," he said.
Pepin attended the anniversary event along with SOS staff, friends and supporters of SOS at the Sheraton Hotel.
The SOS presents Bright Nights, the World's Largest Pancake Breakfast, the Fourth of July fireworks, the Parade of the Big Balloons and other events.
"It's quite an accomplishment and I guarantee you it wouldn't have happened without Judy and her staff," Pepin added.
Anthony Cignoli, president of A.L. Cignoli Company said over the past 20 years the SOS events have generated $111 million for the region.
"It's astonishing," Cignoli said. He added. "Judy's tenacity has brought us to this moment."
Matt, with the assistance of Bax and O'Brien from Rock 102, recognized a number of people in what she terms "a cavalcade of stars" people who have helped SOS survive.
The awardees included:
• William Pepin, WWLP-22News vice president and general manager -- first board chair serving from 1989 to 2004.
• Thomas A. Burke, III, vice president of Burke Beverage (retired) -- SOS director from 1989 to 2001 and presented the Spirit of Springfield with the corporate donation for the Coors Taste of Springfield in 1990 and for many years to follow.
• Audrey Geisel, wife of the late Theodor Geisel (Dr. Seuss) -- granted permission to construct Springfield's own 75-foot inflatable Cat in the Hat balloon for the Parade of the Big Balloons for which she was the first to serve as its parade marshall and approved the plans for Bright Nights' Seuss Land.
• Peter L. Picknelly Sr., Peter Pan Bus Lines chairman (posthumously) -- SOS director and chair.
• Patrick J. Sullivan, executive director, Springfield Department of Parks, Buildings and Recreation Management -- brought the idea of Bright Nights to the SOS.
• Design & Advertising Associates, Partners Jean Jenks and Florence DeRose (retired) -- created hundreds of logos and provided graphic design services at the SOS's inception and for many years, and most recently, Jenks came out of retirement to add the 15th season element to the Bright Nights logo.
• John Catenaci, creative director, Christmas Designers (originally with Carpenter Decorating) -- "Bright Nights designer who masterfully designed a lighting show that intertwined creative holiday lighting with Springfield's rich history."
• Leslie Bercume, manager of advertising and graphic design, Health New England -- created award-winning art for the City of Bright Nights Ball invitation (International Festival & Events Association and the Ad Club of Western Massachusetts) and for Bright Nights.
• Diane Rodriguez, music teacher, Springfield School Department -- wrote and directed "Pancake Song," "Millennium Song" and Chorus, Seuss Singers, and "Light the Lights" for the Bright Nights 15th Season Holiday Music Collection.
• Peg Boxold, owner, Elegant Affairs -- often serves as an extension of the Spirit of Springfield staff most especially during events such as the former Taste of Springfield and Star Spangled Springfield.
• State Sen. Gale Candaras -- "lobbied her colleagues on the Western Massachusetts legislative delegation to lend their support and influence to secure state funding in 2006, 2007 and 2008."
• Anthony Cignoli, president, A. L. Cignoli Company -- "Offers insight, advice and knowledge of the political climate."
• Barbara Campanella, vice president of marketing & external affairs, Western New England College -- "cued the cannons at the Star Spangled Springfield, lined-up bands for the Parade of the Big Balloons, coordinated student hosts for the City of Bright Nights Ball and offers her marketing talents whenever asked."
• Peter Lappin, former Massachusetts State Representative -- "chairman of the World's Largest Pancake Breakfast for many, many years reporting for duty as early as 2 a.m., helps with the line of march for the Parade of the Big Balloons, volunteers for Bright Nights Military Night and more."
• Springfield Fire Department under the leadership of Commissioner Gary Casanelli -- lends support for array of events including interactive displays at the World's Largest Pancake Breakfast, filling water barrels for Hoop It Up, Star Spangled Springfield fire watch and more.
• Alan Scrivner -- "Accountant extraordinaire leading the SOS through some difficult times with his sage advice."
• Kathy Selvia, president, New England Promotional Marketing -- "A friend to the organization with the tremendous support and service, quality products and great pricing for nearly every event."
• Frank Sunny, store manager, Taylor Rental Party Plus -- "Providers of tents, tables, chairs and outstanding service for the World's Largest Pancake Breakfast for more years than the Spirit of Springfield has been around."
• Joseph Superneau, executive director, Springfield Water and Sewer Commission -- serves as the chair of the SOS Golf Classic, provides lighting for the Bright Nights 5K Road Race and more.
• C and W Realty, partners J. Michael Wallace and Fran Cataldo Jr. -- "hosted the SOS rent-free before its incorporation and ever since. Wallace also served on the board and chaired Springfield's Hot Air Balloon Classic."
• Tower Square, Fred Christensen, general manager -- commits thousands of dollars annually in support of two events in downtown Springfield, Star Spangled Springfield and the Tower Square Parade of the Big Balloons.
• Massachusetts National Guard -- "Civilian soldiers support the World's Largest Pancake Breakfast, Star Spangled Springfield, Parade of the Big Balloons, Bright Nights 5K Road Race and more."
• Hasbro Games -- "The first to commit their support for Bright Nights and have continued to sponsor Toy Land every season since. The company is represented by George Burtch, vice president of global integration, and Buzzy Ernst, human resources director."
