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> EVENTS > What's Happening! > 2007 News > June 2007
June 2007
|  | | | Christine Yousif, owner of Izabella Christine Unique Jewelry and Accessories, has plans to continue to expand her inventory to eventually include the latest trend in clothing. |
New Store Will Continue to Expand Inventory
You can't miss the purple-pink walls and antique-ish gold frames hanging on those walls as you walk by Izabella Christine Unique Jewelry and Accessories located on street level. The fun colors and hip look of the store invite you to take a peek inside.
Once inside ladies are drawn to the fashionable costume jewelry, belts, and headband scarves. Some of the jewelry is handcrafted and designed by the store's owner Christine Yousif, who is pleased to have opened her store at Tower Square last month.
"I enjoyed designing the look of the store, which continues to evolve," explained Yousif. "It's kind of like my own little fashion show runway."
So far sales at the new store have been very good. According to Yousif sales are about 50% ahead of where she thought they would be prior to opening in May.
To make sure that there is something for everyone, Izabella Christine is not just a store for the ladies. In time for Fathers Day, Yousif plans on having men's ties, cuff links and belts. "My hope is to be able to accessorize men and women with the latest trends and boost their self image," Yousif commented.
In the future Yousif plans on expanding her inventory to include clothing as well.
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The Simpson's Sofa To Be on Display in Center Court
If you've ever watched the off-beat antics of Homer or Bart or any of the other members of the Simpson's family, you may soon recognize their likenesses in Center Court.
The Mayor's office asked to have the Simpson's Sofa displayed in Center Court as part of the 20th Century Fox promotion of The Simpson's new movie. In case you are unfamiliar.the cartoon, which takes place in a fictional town called Springfield, is about to find its true location on the map.
Promoters have launched a nationwide contest among the many towns and cities named Springfield, to designate one as the Simpson's hometown. The winning city will be the site of the movie premiere, which is due to hit the box office on July 26th.
Our city of Springfield is one of 16 cities nationwide vying for the title and the national attention that comes with it. To compete, the Mayor's office is working with other city leaders to produce a 3 5 minute video about our Springfield. The winning city will be notified on June 23rd. |
Farmers Market & CityBlock Concerts Kick Off June 1st!
It's time to push away from your desk, take a break from the florescent lights and head over to the Farmers Market at Tower Square Park for some mid-day sunshine and entertainment! The Farmers Market across the street officially begins Friday, June 1st. From now through September, local farmers and vendors will be at Tower Square Park every Friday from 10am 3pm.
Vendors attending the market this year include Hickory Dell Farm, Stony Creek Farm, Rudy's Greenhouse, Green Acres Fruit Farm, and Something to Talk About. The market is expected to grow as the season progresses.
The highlight of the market is the series of free CityBlock Lunchtime Concerts held at the park every Friday at noon, featuring popular local bands including the 80's dance band Alibi, which is scheduled to kick off the concert season on June 1. (See June's concert schedule inside.)
There are also plans underway for special community day events at the Farmers Market throughout the four month season. Watch for more information as the season gets underway.
The Farmers Market at Tower Square Park and the CityBlock Lunchtime Concerts are a joint venture of the Springfield Business Improvement District and Tower Square.
Tower Square Park is located across the street at the corner of Main and Bridge Streets. |
See the Work of Artist Elizabeth Garrett-Leak at PAHMUSA
Elizabeth Garrette-Leak ArtworkThe inspiring artwork of Elizabeth Garrett-Leak is on display at the Pan African Historical Museum USA (PAHMUSA) through June 14th. Garrett-Leak, a native of Tennessee, has her artistic roots embedded in the "spiritual South". As one of many African-American women raised during the Civil Rights era, heritage and fairness as well as her Christian values, are reflected in her work.
Garrett-Leak describes her signature style as "pure and simple emotion colored with eclectic flavor." She prefers to work exclusively in oils. Each creation begins from a thought, dream or real life imagery. Her paintings have been exhibited by the Springfield Art League, Monson Arts Council, Mason Square Art & Jazz Festival and The Brianna Fund annual charitable event.
The Elizabeth Garrett-Leak art exhibit will remain on display at PAHMUSA through June 14th. PAHMUSA is located on the mezzanine level. |
Humanitarian Project at Gus & Paul's on the Way to Goal
|  | | | Pam Ayotte poses next to one of the humanitarian aid donation drop boxes at Gus & Paul's. She has already mailed out several shipments of donated items to Westover Air Base marines stationed in Africa for them to distribute to the people of that impoverished area. |
When Pam Ayotte, manager of the Tower Square Gus & Paul's, first started promoting the fact that she was collecting donations to send to Africa, where her military son is stationed, she never expected the outpouring she would receive.
Since her story first appeared in the Tower Square newsletter in April, Ayotte's cause has been covered by WWLP TV-22, as well as The Republican and Reminder newspapers to name a few. The publicity has definitely raised the consciousness of local residents, according to Ayotte.
So far Ayotte has received about $4,000 worth of donated items and monetary contributions, and has shipped out more the 600 pounds in care packages.
In April Ayotte began a humanitarian project to assist the Mass 6 Marine Corp Unit from Westover Air Base stationed in Africa, by sending them needed items that they can distribute to the locals of an impoverished region of northern Africa. Military officials have said it's easier for the marines to do their duties, when they can establish friendships with the local people. Providing them with gifts, toys, first aid kits, etc. helps to do just that.
What reports does Ayotte hear from her son, Lance Corporal Stefan Ayotte, regarding the shipments of donated items? "He says the kids just love the items that we have sent so far. The boys loved the balls that we sent in the first shipment. So we made sure to send dolls for the girls in the second shipment," explained Ayotte. First aid kits are also a big hit, says Ayotte.
Ayotte hopes to reach 1,000 pounds worth of shipments by August. A goal she believes is very achievable. If you are interested in making a donation, the humanitarian aid drop boxes are located at Gus & Paul's. |
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