Valley Photo Center Celebrating 10th Anniversary
Valley Photo Center founder Keith Sikes (right), is pictured here being
interviewed at the gallery in its original location on street level ten years ago.
It may be hard to believe that just ten years ago this month the first Valley Photo Center (VPC) exhibit graced the walls of what is now the current Nuvo Bank space on street level. Now a decade later, the incredible work of regional photographers continues to be available for public enjoyment here at Tower Square in their current location upstairs adjacent to the food court where they moved to make way for the bank in 2006.
In celebration of their tenth anniversary the VPC is honoring the founder of the center, Keith Sikes, whose vision and dedication launched the VPC, a non profit organization dedicated to promoting the photographic arts. In recognition of Keith's vision and hard work, he will be receiving the Valley Photo Center Distinguished Service Award during a special public reception on Friday, May 14 from 6 8pm at the VPC.
Also in honor of their decade anniversary, the VPC will be featuring a special open submission photography show entitled Life in the Valley, which will be on display from May 11 June 11. Gallery hours are Tuesday Friday 11am 2pm.
Plans Underway for Farmers Market Coming in June
You can feel it in the air! It's almost time once again for the sights and smells of locally grown flowers, plants, baked goods and more across the street at Tower Square Park, as plans are underway for the upcoming Downtown Farmers Market.
This year the market will be open on FRIDAYS from 11am 2pm from June thru September. Although organizers are considering possibly extending the market through October this year if there is enough interest from the vendors to be determined later in the season.
All of your favorite vendors from last year will be returning along with a few new vendors including a new produce vendor and a new baker.
Stay tuned to next month's edition of Tower Talk for the list of vendors and what's in season, as well as the return of The Buzz from Belle Rita comments from Farmers Market Manager Belle Rita Novak.
Last year's Farmers Market vendors will be joined by new vendors this season
across the street at Tower Square Park beginning in June.
Tower Square Security Officer Named Howdy Award Finalist
If you've ever entered Tower Square through the C garage level elevator lobby then you have no doubt been greeted with a warm smile and friendly hello from Tower Square's own Dennis Warner.
The Tower Square Access Control Officer takes his responsibilities seriously, and makes it a point to get to know Tower Square's tenants and visistors.knowing most of them by name. He also works as a Security officer at the TDBank building across the street on the weekends. So Dennis is well known by the downtown community.
Dennis' warm personality and genuine kindness has caught the attention of more than one Tower Square tenant and patron. For the third year in a row he has been nominated for the Greater Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau's Howdy Awards, which recognize employees who show hospitality excellence. Dennis was recently named a finalist for 2010.
The Howdy Award winners for this year will be announced on May 17 during a special dinner in their honor at 7pm at Chez Josef. The public is invited to attend the event. Tickets are $65 per person or $625 for a table of ten. If you are interested in purchasing tickets, please contact Lee Chambers at the GSCVB at 413. 755.1345.
Laughter Was the Best Medicine for Administrative Professionals
Comedian Kelly MacFarland whimsically demonstrates the
art of eating a cupcake, while performing for a full house
at last month's Adminstrative Professionals Day Luncheon.
More than 100 office workers from across downtown Springfield went back to their offices with a smile on their faces and a giggle on their lips after last month's sold-out Administrative Professionals Day Luncheon held in the Tower Square meeting room.
Laughter and good food were the order of the day as luncheon attendees were entertained by comedian Kelly MacFarland, (also known simply as Kelly Mac, formerly of NBC's reality show The Biggest Loser). MacFarland had the audience in stitches as she regaled them with humorous antecdotes about her love of cupcakes, taking up the sport of running and her torturous stint on The Biggest Loser, to name a few.
A delicious luncheon featuring chicken cordon bleu (and cupcakes!), was catered by Chef Scott Sarrasin of the Colony Club.
The Administrative Professionals Day Luncheon is produced each year by the CBRE/Tower Square management office as an opportunity to recognize those who work hard to keep local businesses running smoothly.
