What's Happening at TowerSquare - March 2008

Springfield Steps Up with Student Photography Exhibit

In an initiative sponsored by Step Up Springfield, sixteen Springfield public schools handed out cameras to at least one student per school, instructing them to take photos of their schoolmates. The result?...hundreds of beautiful images of Springfield's children.

Those images of smiling faces, depicting the great spirit and wonderful potential of these children, will be on display at Tower Square from March 3 - 17 just across from Izabella Christine on street level.

Step Up Springfield (SUS) is a community mobilization campaign designed to bring kids to proficiency in academics and character development.

SUS is a local non-profit organization working to mobilize and organize the community in partnership with the Springfield School Department.

"We believe, with our help, all children can achieve success in school and in life," commented SUS Executive Director Tim Allen. "We believe that Springfield's kids can succeed, and we are trying to mobilize and organize the community to insure that success."

To find out how you can help contact Step Up Springfield at 413.693.0207, visit their website www.stepupspringfield.org or email stepupspringfield@uwpv.org.

Edwards Books Preparing to Move Downstairs

After nine years of claiming the top spot at the escalator, Edwards Books is now planning a big move downstairs! This spring, Edwards will be setting up shop in the former UPS Store location, a spot that's more visible and more convenient.

Owner Janet Edwards is looking forward to the move, "We are happy to be moving back downstairs to join the mainstream of foot traffic in the retail area."

Edwards Books has been part of the retail landscape at Tower Square for 26 years. When they first opened their doors here in 1982, they were located on street level in the current Champions location.

As the retail climate has changed over the years, so have the traffic patterns, something Edwards took into consideration before making the decision to move. "We are pleased that the new location will make it easier for our regular patrons as well as new customer to visit us."

Edwards Books, a locally owned and operated store, is known for offering incredible customer service, including expert advice on book selections in any category as well as special ordering. It is that type of service that keeps Edwards' customers coming back for more!

"We are so grateful to those who have supported us over the years. In a difficult retail environment these people continue to buy local, be local and support the local economy, and that is crucial to our survival," added Edwards.

To celebrate the planned move, Edwards Books is launching a Pre-Move Sale from March 1 - 15. See their coupon inside for details.

To place your special book orders or for some expert advice you can contact Edwards Books at (413) 736-6844 or info@edwardsbooks.com.

Black History Comes Alive at Tower Square

Last month's Black History Celebration brought the sights, sounds and smells of African American culture to Tower Square!

The weeks worth of events opened with comments from Darryl Moss, Mayoral Aide to Mayor Dominic Sarno, followed by a fashion show featuring the creations of Diane Evans. Evans is the owner of Something to Talk About located on street level. A cooking demonstration by chef Oulematou Jordan was enhanced by commentary from LuJuana Hood, Executive Director of the Pan African Historical Museum. The week wrapped up with a performance by the students at D.R.E.A.M. Studios. Directed by Benjamin Smith, the students brought energy to the Citywalk Cafes with their talent in dance and song.

Diane Evans' fashion designs were a huge hit
at the Something to Talk About fashion show in Center Court last month.

Food Court patrons enjoyed a wonderful performance
by the D.R.E.A.M. Studios Dancers during the Black History Celebration last month.

Falcons Hockey Clinic a Hit for the Kids!

"It's great fun for the kids during school vacation," one parent was heard saying at the Springfield Falcons Hockey Clinic sponsored by the Pioneer Valley United Way, Springfield Falcons and Tower Square last month.

Approximately 125 kids and their families turned out for the three hour event held in the Tower Square meeting room, which featured interactive hockey stations, where the kids could play and learn some hockey skills with eight members of the Falcons team. Each child received a free team poster and entry into a free raffle. The afternoon ended with an autograph session with the players.

These children were among many who enjoyed the opportunity to learn some hockey basics
from the Falcons themselves at last month's family event at Tower Square.

National Nutrition Month Walk to End with Health Fair in Center Court

Grab your walking shoes and your appetite and mark your calendar! The 3rd Annual Community Walk to Celebrate National Nutrition Month, sponsored by Tapestry Health Springfield North WIC, is scheduled for Thursday, March 27 from 10am - noon!

The walk will kick off at 10am at Northgate Plaza at 1985 Main Street, proceed to City Hall for a news conference, then off to Center Court here at Tower Square for a nutritional health fair and some fun!

"We started this walk three years ago to help raise community awareness of the importance of good nutrition and physical activity, especially among our region's children," commented event organizer Kim Tuepker.

This year's theme is Kids in the Kitchen. To correspond with the theme, the health fair portion of the event here at Tower Square will feature interactive food demonstrations for the kids, kitchen related give-aways (i.e. cookbooks, measuring cups, etc...). There will also be free t-shirts, balloons, food samples and even a magic show. The public is encouraged to attend.