News Archives
Christmas Tree at Glenwood Circle Illuminated ...for 22nd consecutive year!Atwater Park neighbors, along with Santa Clause, gathered at Glenwood Circle on December 4th to light the Atwater Park Christmas Tree. This year marks the 22nd year in a row that the tree has been part of the holiday celebration in the neighborhood. Following music and caroling, Santa, who arrived via a Springfield Fire Department truck, lit the tree and greeted the neighborhood families with good cheer. Following the tree lighting, there was ice cream and cake at Russ' Circle Luncheonette.
Mr. and Mrs. Alex deVillier and family will be welcoming us into their gracious home at 125 Atwater Road as our hosts for this year's Holiday Cheer Party. Don't miss the opportunity to share in the joys of the season with your neighbors over canapes and cocktails. And, don't worry, Greg's famous egg nog will be there!
Suggested donation for this year's party is $10 for non-dues paying APCA members and $5 for those who have paid this year's membership dues. We would also like to provide some holiday cheer to a local charity, and so we ask that you consider bringing a new, unwrapped toy so that we might brighten the holiday for children staying at the Ronald McDonald House on Chapin Terrace.
Kindly RSVP to Kelli at 781-3772 bu December 15th if you plan to attend the party.
Holiday Gift Donations for Ronald McDonald House
We would like to provide some holiday spirit to a local charity, and so the Atwater Park Civic Association is collecting new, unwrapped toys for children staying at the Ronald McDonald House on Chapin Terrace. Please drop off your toys in the donation box at 247 Atwater Road anytime up until December 19th. The toys will then be wrapped and delivered to the Ronald McDonald House on December 22nd. Thank you for your kind support of this holiday effort.
Landscape Improvements at Entry Pillars Completed
On October 15, 2011 new landscaping was planted at the entry pillars on upper and lower Springfield Street. The new plantings will greatly enhance the visual look of the greenspace areas, and will provide the opportunity for seasonal displays of flowers and color. Thanks to everyone who helped make this effort a success, including students from Sabis International Charter School in Springfield, who participated as part of the Arbor Allies Initiative at the school.
Atwater Park Annual End of Summer Picnic -
Saturday, September 10, 2011, starting at 1 PM
Please join us at 1 P.M. on Saturday, September 10th at the Friderici’s home, located at 163 Atwater Road. We’ll celebrate the end of summer, and the beginning of our 2012 fundraising campaign as well as the APCA’s achievements of the past year. The picnic will feature the usual fare, including burgers, hot dogs and all the fixins'. Come join your neighbors in the celebration, and share in this community event that has been a favorite for many years. Bring a lawn chair, and your appetite to the picnic, and plan to spend a few hours with your old friends, and maybe make some new ones along the way.
10th Anniversary Remembrance of 9-11-2001
Sunday, September 11, 2011 - 7:00 PM
The Atwater Park Community is asked to join together and demonstrate our continued remembrance of the events of September 11, 2011, by joining your neighbors in a neighborhood-wide candlelight display on the 11th of September. It is requested that each family light and display a commemorative candle, which was donated by Yankee Candle Company, so we can appropriately mark this occasion. The candles will be distributed to each household prior the the ceremony. Please light your candle at 7:00 PM and display on your front porch, or guarded window, as a remembrance for all those that lost their lives on that tragic day ten years ago.
Also, two colorful banners commemorating the 9-11 events will be placed near each set of pillars, in an effort to raise awareness of the 10th Anniversary commemoration. The graphic illustration shown above will be reproduced on these banners, which will be hung in locations that can be viewed by neighbors and passing traffic. A new American Flag, which was flown over the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., has also been donated by Congressman Richard Neal, and it will be hanging on the flagpole near the Glenwood Circle pillars.
It is hoped that all of our neighbors participate in this effort if possible, and that you will help commemorate a day that changed all of our lives, forever. Please join as a community on this day, and show all that “WE WILL NEVER FORGET”
Atwater Park Movie Nights - Summer 2011
Come enjoy a family movie under the stars. Join your neighbors on Thursday evenings in August for some entertainment and refreshments. Bring your own chair, blanket and snacks to the show. Free admission for everyone. The more, the merrier. Movies start at 8:45 PM at 63 Atwater Terrace.
Please come have some fun on August 4th, 11th, 18th and 25th.
Atwater Park to Aid Tornado Relief Efforts - June 2011
Why don't you consider participating in the Atwater Park Neighborhood Tornado Relief effort. Over the next two months, we will be collecting non-perishable food items, personal hygiene products, new children's clothes, baby items, diapers and other items that will be distributed to Springfield families impacted by the storm. Please check the pillars for the location of drop-off locations. We will be delivering the items to a relief center on a weekly basis, so please keep these families in your thoughts, and be generous with you donations.
Premier Swing Ensemble Concert, June 16, 2011
We're pleased to announce that the Premier Swing Ensemble will be performing, free of charge in Atwater Park, on Thursday, June 16th from 6:30 - 8:00. The concert will be held on the front lawn of Anne and Daryl deVillier, 120 Atwater Terrace. Please bring your own lawn chair or blanket to the show, and plan to have a great time listing to some great band music and vocals.
Spring Clean-Up
Saturday, April 16th
12:00 PM Noon at Glenwood Circle Pillars
Please plan to join your neighbors in this annual event. Any help that you can provide will go a long way in making quick work of the clean-up of the neighborhood greenspaces. Spend an hour, or longer if you can, to help make the clean-up a success. Bring your friends, family and gardening tools to the Glenwood Circle pillars, and we will find a task for you to do. Rakes, shovels, leaf bags and gloves are the helpful tools, but you are the most important part of this day. Please come and help beautify Atwater Park.December 1, 2010
Holiday Party - Sunday, December 19th
Mark your calendar and save this date so that you can join in the fun and festivities of the Annual Holiday Party. Hosted by Diane Boucher and Howard Stanton, 39 Atwater Place, the party will be held from 6:00 - 8:00 PM. A suggested donation of $10 for non-members of the Atwater Park Civic Association is requested.
Due to limited parking on Atwater Place, please park you car on Green Lane, which is adjacent to Atwater Place.
This year, 2011, marks Springfield’s 375th Anniversary Celebration.
There are a variety of events that are taking place throughout the year, and it is hoped that Atwater Park neighbors participate in as many of the festivities as possible. It is the goal of the organizers of the year-long celebration to get the entire community involved with events and collaborations.
The City of Springfield has designated the Spirit of Springfield as the organizer. They have already reached out to numerous organizations and hope to get more involved. Visit www.springfield375.org for the latest information on the celebration.
Winter Driving Headaches Almost Over
March 1, 2011
It has been a winter to remember, but it's almost over. Driving was a challenge anywhere in the area, but Atwater Park streets, narrow to begin with, in many cases were nerely impossible to navigate. But, that should be a distant memory, as warmer temperatures take hold, and our Atwater Park Spring Activities roll into high gear.
November 22, 2010
Holiday Tree Lighting - Sunday, December 5th
Glenwood Circle
Join your Atwater Park neighbors and friends at this annual event, which features a visit by Santa Claus. Music, fun and hot-chocolate following the tree lighting will user in the holiday season in Atwater Park. The fun begins at 6:00 PM.
hr /October 20, 2010
Halloween 2010 - News and Safety Tips
Once again this year, we hope to have a safe and enjoyable Halloween celebration in the Atwater neighborhood. In order to ensure that things go smoothly and that the revelers' safety is ensured, there will be a police patrol traveling throughout all parts of the neighborhood throughout the evening, reminding everyone of staying safe while out trick or treating.
PLEASE FOLLOW THESE TIPS FOR A SAFE HALLOWEEN SEASON
• On Halloween evening, October 31st, please conclude your treat giving at 8:00 pm.
• A Springfield Police Special Detail Officer has been asked to patrol the neighborhood on Halloween evening, Sunday, October 31st from 4:30 - 9:00 PM
• Travel with your children during any Trick-or-Treating house visits.
• Keep a porch light on during treating hours and clear debris and tools from your yards.
• Drive safely if traveling in an automobile; keep your emergency flashers on at all times.
TRICK OR TREATERS
Carry a flashlight
Walk, don’t run.
Stay on Sidewalks.
Obey traffic signals and stop signs.
Stay in familiar neighborhoods.
Don’t cut across yards or driveways.
Wear a watch you can read in the dark.
Make sure costumes don’t drag on the ground.
Shoes should fit (even if they don’t go with your costume).
Avoid wearing masks while walking from house to house.
Carry only flexible knives, swords or other props.
If no sidewalks, walk on the left side of the road facing traffic.
Wear clothing with reflective markings or tape.
Approach only houses that are lit.
Stay with your parents or an adult.
PARENTS
Make your child eat dinner before setting out.
Children should carry quarters so they can call home.
Ideally, young children of any age should be accompanied by an adult.
If your children go on their own, be sure they wear a watch, preferably one that can be read in the dark.
If you buy a costume, look for one made of flame-retardant material.
Older children should know where to reach you and when to be home.
You should know where they’re going.
Although tampering is rare, tell children to bring the candy home to be inspected before consuming anything.
Look at the wrapping carefully and toss out anything that looks suspect. Summer Kick-Off Party
June 18, 2010
STARTS @ 6:00 PM
on Green Lane, hosted by the Haddad Family
Let's celebrate the end of the school year, and the beginning of summer fun, with an informal get together and cookout. Nothing to fancy, but just a way to get everyone ready for the summer season. The Summer Kick-Off is being held at the Haddad residence, on Green Lane, starting at 6:00 PM. The menu is all set: BBQ Hotdogs, Chips, Dips, Cookies and plenty of cold drinks. Please plan to join your neighbors and friends for this little 'summer kick-off' party. Come out and have some fun!
2010 Spring Clean-Up Held
April 17, 2010
- Join your neighbors in the annual Spring Clean-up the neighborhood, including the greenspaces at the entry pillars, Silver Street Triangle, Cunningham Fountain and other locations in Atwater Park. Please plan to attend this event, even if it is just to bring some 'moral support' for the project participants. There will be food and music following the event at the entry pillars, near Glenwood Circle. Please bring your gloves, rakes, trash bags, composting bags and your enthusiasm to this clean-up, which is a great way to welcome Spring the the neighborhood. Meet at entry pillars at Glenwood Circle to grab a 'clean-up assignment'.
March 23, 2010
Committee Planning Meeting
- On March 23rd there was a one hour meeting of all of the 'Committee Chairs', to introduce each memmver and to outline activities that could be proposed for 2010. As always, if you know of someone who missed the opportunity to attend the any meeting, and who wants to participate on ANY level, be sure to have them contact any member of the APCA Steering Committee or send an email to info@atwaterpark.org
Atwater Park Civic Association Annual Meeting Held
- The 2010 Annual Meeting of the Atwater Park Civic Association was held on Wednesday, March 3rd at 7:00 PM. The meeting, which over 30 neighbors attended, took place in the Cafe/Community Room at Baystate Medical Center, 3300 Main Street, Springfield. The meeting featured a slide presentation by the Atwater Park Civic Association Steering Committee, who outlined the goals for APCA and its vision of keeping the 'neighbor in the Atwater Park Neighborhood'.
December 26, 2009
Assisting Baystate Children's Hospital for the Holidays... how you helped.
- Once again we had an opportunity to extend our generosity to the children at Baystate Children's Hospital. Listed below is the wish list for the "ongoing needs" of the kids in the Children's Hospital. The inpatient kid's holiday carnival with Santa was held on December 15th at 6 PM. The toys were delivered to Children's Hospital for Christmas Day. We thank all Atwater Neighbors who contributed to this annual effort.
November 30, 2009
Thanks to all for making our Annual Thanksgiving Food Drive a great success!
We totally filled the 8 foot bed of an F-150 Pickup Truck. The food was delivered on Monday by Joyce Alonge. As luck would have it, Radio Station Rock 102 was holding their annual Mayflower Marathon Food Drive for the Open Pantry at the Basketball Hall of Fame. This made it so much easier because there was a swarm of volunteers who made quick work of emptying the truck. No need to haul all those packages up the stairs to the Open Pantry site!
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