Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — It will be “Cherry Blossoms Under the Moonlight” for the 2021 City of Bright Nights Ball on Saturday, Nov. 13, when the event returns to MGM Springfield for the third time.

This morning at MGM Springfield, Spirit of Springfield President Judy Matt joined Shawn Pace, site manager for Eastman’s Springfield plant; Mayor Domenic Sarno; Chris Kelley, president and chief operating officer of MGM Springfield; Dennis Duquette, president of the MassMutual Foundation and head of Community Responsibility for MassMutual; sponsors; committee members; and members of the Spirit of Springfield board of directors to announce Shawn Pace as the gala’s chair and Eastman as the sponsor.

“We believe that supporting the Spirit of Springfield’s efforts to bring the community together in celebration, especially during these difficult times, is important,” said Pace, Eastman Indian Orchard site manager. “In addition to our other community contributions, we are proud to serve as sponsor of the 2021 City of Bright Nights Ball.”

Additional support for the City of Bright Nights Ball is provided by MassMutual, which was the lead sponsor of the 2019 gala and will serve as this year’s Chairman’s Reception Sponsor. Golden Circle Sponsors include American Medical Response, Baystate Health, the Colvest Group, Comcast, Country Bank, FR Investment Group, Gleason Johndrow Landscaping, Health New England, MGM Springfield, MP CPAs, New England Business Machine, Sheraton Springfield, and the Springfield Business Improvement District.

“We are gratified by the response from our sponsors and supporters who are happy that this unique event will happen again,” Matt said. “As with Bright Nights itself going forward last year, there is a feeling that people need a time like this, to come together safely and celebrate all that is good in Springfield and to continue to support the smiles that Bright Nights has generated. We are grateful for Eastman’s ongoing commitment to our community and the new relationship we are building with this international company.”

The décor and dinner will be themed with cherry blossoms. Andrew Jensen from JX2 Productions and Dan Stezko with his team at Flowers, Flowers! have been hard at work designing the look in flowing pinks and flowers. The culinary team at MGM Springfield, led by Executive Chef Chris Smigel, will serve a dinner featuring braised short ribs, pan-seared diver scallops, seared trumpet mushroom ‘scallops,’ and a dessert complete with a touch of cherry cotton candy.

For information about being a sponsor of the City of Bright Nights Ball or purchasing tickets, contact the Spirit of Springfield at (413) 733-3800 or [email protected].

Daily News

NATICK — Barr & Barr, a national construction-management firm, announced the appointment of Michael Moran as the new executive vice president and director of Operations for the New England Region.

Moran brings more than 30 years of experience in executive leadership, construction, real-estate development, and operations from multiple industries to Barr & Barr. He began his career after graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy and was commissioned in the Civil Engineer Corps (Seabees) of the U.S. Navy. He has worked in recreation, hospitality, health and wellness, and healthcare, where he last served as president and chief administrative officer of Baystate Health’s Eastern Region.

Stephen Killian, the current director of Operations of the New England Office for more than 18 years, strategically grew the company within the New England Region. He will be staying on to assist Moran in the transition, and will focus on key projects in the region.

Killian has personally known Moran for 18 years and assures clients and colleagues that Moran personifies the Barr & Barr core values of honesty, integrity, accountability, and passion. Moran is well-known as a leader, team builder, problem solver, strategist, and improvement specialist. From his past roles, he brings an owner’s perspective, as well as a future-focused vision, to the company.

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Travelers heading to see relatives for the holidays between Maryland and New York City, or to do some sightseeing north or south, can now find Peter Pan Express service from Greenbelt, Md. to New York City in both directions.

This new Express service will give travelers a sigh of relief since the same route was abandoned by two other bus companies. As travelers get rolling again during the pandemic, Peter Pan offers safe and sanitized rides according to CDC protocols and contact-free boarding to key destinations. This could be a big deal for those who have stayed home because of the pandemic.

This service includes other stops along the way, running through Washington D.C.; Silver Spring, Baltimore, and Greenbelt, Md.; and New York City.

Tickets must be purchased in advance via the free Peter Pan mobile app at www.peterpanbus.com/app or online at www.peterpanbus.com. Information for the Greenbelt Metro Station can be found at www.peterpanbus.com/locations/maryland/greenbelt.

Peter Pan offers guaranteed reserved seating, mobile boarding instead of paper tickets, free onboard WiFi, multi-pass options for frequent travelers (www.peterpanbus.com/multipass), and 15% senior discounts (call 800-237-8747, ext. 1022).

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Throughout the month of August, Freedom Credit Union collected cash donations at all its branches throughout Western Mass. to benefit Unify Against Bullying, raising a total of $955.49 in support of the group’s mission to bring an end to bullying through the celebration of true diversity. The Springfield-based nonprofit organization provides grants to those who are in the best position to make a difference — children, parents, teachers, and administrators.

“Great strides have been made to shine a light on the problem of bullying, which affects children of every shape, size, age, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or physical ability,” Freedom Credit Union President Glenn Welch said. “We are proud that our members and staff came together to support the important work being done by Unify Against Bullying to understand and eradicate the stigmas surrounding differences that fuel the majority of bullying.”

Unify Against Bullying works to provide grant funding for schools and other programs where individuals are on the frontlines of potential bullying every day. By providing added resources, they hope to promote awareness and acceptance, show children that the days of ignoring or tolerating bullying are over, promote the celebration of differences, and come together as one community.

Debra Mainolfi, Freedom’s West Springfield branch manager, is a member of the board of directors for Unify Against Bullying.

Freedom’s September Month of Giving Campaign focuses on awareness and research for Alzheimer’s disease. Cash donations are being collected at all branches through Sept. 30 benefit the Alzheimer’s Assoc. Walk to End Alzheimer’s.