What's Happening at Tower Square  - May 2008 

Mark Wednesdays on your calendar beginning next month, because you will want to make visiting the Farmers Market at Tower Square Park part of your summer routine! 

Featuring both farmers and a variety of retail & food vendors, the Farmers Market this year will be held on Wednesday instead of Friday from 10am 3pm.  The market, which runs from June - September, has grown in popularity, especially for the lunchtime crowd.

Most notable at lunch time are the CityBlock Concerts every Wednesday from noon 1:30pm, showcasing a variety of some of the region's most popular bands.

As an added feature to this year's Farmers Market Sangha Farm, in conjunction with the Springfield Business Improvement District, is offering a CSA (Consumer Supported Agriculture) pre-order & pick-up program. A CSA program is an agreement between the farmer and consumer, whereby consumers purchase a 'share' in the farm in the preseason and in return the farm provides the shareholder with weekly fresh produce grown throughout the season.

The cost for a full share is $427 for the season, designed to feed a family of 3 or more. A half share is $249 for the season, designed for 1-2 people.

For those who would like to participate in this program Sangha Farm will offer special pick-up for the weekly shares at the Wednesday Farmers Market at Tower Square Park.  (In addition, the SBID is working to finalize an after work pick up location at the Happy Hour Shows from 4 -7pm in the Market Place.) The deadline to sign on for the CSA program is May 15th.

If you would like more information regarding the CSA program or would like to place an order please visit www.sanghafarm.com or contact Sarah@SpringfieldDowntown.com.

The market is still open to interested vendors.  For more information on participating as a vendor contact the Tower Square management office at (413) 733-2171. 

The Farmers Market at Tower Square Park is sponsored by the Springfield Business Improvement District and Tower Square.

Administrative Professionals Get a Boost from DiGrigoli!

With music pumping, hands clapping and energy flowing, motivational speaker Paul DiGrigoli, had the attendees of the annual Tower Square Administrative Professionals Day Luncheon on their feet with enthusiasm last month in the Meeting Room!

Approximately one hundred administrative professionals from downtown Springfield celebrated their day of recognition with an hour-and-a-half break from their regular work routine.  While enjoying a delicious lunch of chicken parmigana prepared by Villa Pizza, the attendees learned how their appearance can affect their attitude as well as the attitude of others. 

Presenting his lively motivational presentation entitled "The Power Behind Your Appearance", DiGrigoli, owner and president of DiGrigoli Salons, Inc., DiGrigoli School of Cosmetology and DiGrigoli Advanced Academy, spoke about the latest trends in cosmetics and hair care, and the relevance of maintaining a positive attitude. 

To add to the afternoon's excitement, two lucky audience members were chosen for make-overs by DiGrigoli Salon associates, and had the chance to walk the stage to show off their new look at the end of the show.  Over a dozen raffle prizes were handed out courtesy of Tower Square's merchants and DiGrigoli Salons. 

The Administrative Professionals Day luncheon is sponsored annually by the Tower Square management office.  Interested in attending next year?  Watch for registration information next March in the newsletter or on line at www.VisitTowerSquare.com...as this event sells out quickly! 

Girlfriends' Getaways A Big Hit!

Book Yours Thru Emerald City Travel!

Golf trips and fishing and camping excursions for the guys are nothing new, but now it's the ladies' turn! 

According to travel experts girlfriends' getaways are the latest travel trend, as more and more women are opting to leave the menfolk and children at home, to enjoy a niche vacation with their gal pals.

Women are teaming up with their friends to enjoy a varied range of vacations from spa trips to ski vacations to knitting outings!

The latest trends show that more and more time-pressed career women in their 30's and 40's are taking girlfriends' getaways.  But not everybody goes with friends, many women opt for solo trips, seeking time to decompress and regain balance. 

Women are also planning multigenerational travel where Baby Boomers travel with their daughters or mothers.

This phenomenon represents a cultural shift, so say the experts.  According to travel studies, thirty-years ago women typically didn't vacation without their families.  Traditionally, women planned family vacations, and were the ones to make sure everyone else was happy and entertained.

Now more women are saying, "It's my turn!".and the travel industry is responding with vacation packages created with women in mind.

Some travel for women include:

• Special Interest:  Niche trips focusing on wine-tasting, running,  or even knitting trips to sheep farms and yarn shops in places like Scotland and London, can be geared to your individual interests.

• Learning Trips:  If you are a woman who likes to broaden her mind in a specific area, you might enjoy learning to prepare authentic Moroccan cuisine, or painting with local artisans in Costa Rica.

• Pampering:  One of the most popular types of travel among women is the pampering escape to a spa or resort or a cruise.

• Adventure:  From scuba diving in the Mediterranean to horseback riding at Yellowstone to sightseeing in Greece, the travel experts say women of all ages enjoy the adventure trips.

• Big Cities:  Shopping, museums, dining, shows...what more can you ask for?  New York, Las Vegas, San Francisco have it all!

• Eco-Travel:  If you have seen enough of the city, and would prefer to enjoy your time in nature, arrangements can be made for destinations like Aspen, Colorado and Montauk, New York.  Avoid the mega-hotel chains and enjoy the charm of historic inns and solar paneled farmhouses.  Women on these trips enjoy activities like yoga, hiking, surfing, and cross-country skiing.

To help you make your Girlfriends Getaway the best every, contact the travel consultants at Emerald City Travel at (413) 737-4361.

World's Largest Pancake Breakfast Right Outside Our Door!

Get ready to bring your family and your appetite to Main Street on Saturday, May 17^th, to the World's Largest Pancake Breakfast.

Produced by the Spirit of Springfield, this annual family event features a feast of flapjacks and local entertainment. 

This year's honorary chairman is Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno.

Breakfast is served right outside the doors of Tower Square from 8am 11am.  The cost for adults is $3.  Children under 12 years old eat for only $1.  Price includes pancakes and coffee, tea or juice.

A variety of entertainment including dance groups and choirs will be performing at stages on Harrison Avenue and Falcon Way throughout the morning.

For more information, contact the Spirit of Springfield at (413) 733-3800.

Nutrition Health Fair Teaches Healthy Eating

Even the most stubborn carb-lover couldn't help but be enticed by the beautiful and delicious array of fruit and veggies displayed at the Annual Nutrition Health Fair in Center Court a few weeks ago. 

Chefs and culinary students from several local schools were on hand with healthy food samples as well as recipes to encourage tasters to create their own healthy meals at home.  Other local organizations also handed out educational information and products.

Produced by Tapestry Health Springfield North WIC, the event theme this year was "Kids In The Kitchen". 

More than 100 children from SquareOne joined local residents and area organizations, after a Nutrition Day walk to City Hall.  The day's activities were a celebration of National Nutrition Day.

Have you gotten Mom that special something yet?     It's time for the 5th Annual Tower Square Spring ARTS & CRAFTS FAIR   Friday, May 9 11am 2pm   Citywalk Cafes   The biggest and best Tower Square Arts & Crafts Fair Yet! Featuring more than 25 artisans and crafters!   Don't miss it! American Red Cross BLOOD DRIVE   Thursday, May 1 11am 5pm    Meeting Room   GIVE A PINT, GET A PIZZA!   All presenting donors will receive a coupon for an Individual Pizza Courtesy of UNO'S   Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments will have priority. For an appointment call 1-800-448-3543 or online at www.givelife.org Positive ID required.  Happy Mothers Day From HANNOUSH JEWELERS   All Mother & Child Jewelry On SALE   Emerald Jewelry 30% OFF   Offers available at Tower Square location only. Sales end on May 31, 2008 Greetings Cards Extravaganza at EDWARDS BOOKS   Buy One Greetings Card Get the Second one at 50% OFF   Edwards Books is located at the top of the escalator from Center Court.   Only Two More Opportunities this season to attend the   Affliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield's EXECUTIVE POWER NETWORKING   Hosted by Tower Square in the Meeting Room WEDNESDAY,  MAY 28 (The final event for the season is June 25th!)   Featuring Keynote speaker Networking/business Card Exchange Coffee & Pastries by Elegant Affairs   Bring your Business Cards & Get Ready to make Great Connections!   To register contact Diane Swanson at the Chamber at (413) 755-1313.

Get ready Ladies!   The Little Black Dress is returning!   Friday, May 16 10am 3pm        Citywalk Cafes   Colorful Summer Wear Professinal Business Attire Sleek Evening Wear   Dresses   Skirts   Pants   Blouses   The Little Black Dress has something for ladies of ALL SIZES!   Stop by and let Yvonne coordinate an outfit just for you! Something to Talk About...   ...is a Specialty Design Shop that has something for everyone!   Our customers are diverse and unique. Whether you are seeking that one-of-a-kind outfit to wear or to give as a special gift, Something to Talk About has what you are looking for.   WEARABLE ART!   Fabulous Mud Cloth  Beautiful Hand Designer Jewelry Lovely Hand-Painted Scarves & Shawls   Designer Diane Evans has created a gorgeous line of clothing for women who want to make a fashion statement with Wearable Art... whether for work or for play!   Something to Talk About is all about the Beauty of You.   Look for our new Street Level location! Don't Forget Mom on May 11th!    Greetings Cards Flowers Gifts & Candy   Available at CVS   Use your photos to make Mom a personalized DVD with music! at the New CVS State-of-the-Art PHOTO LAB! Get your winter slacks ready for storage and  your summer trousers ready to wear!   CITY CLEANERS Announces their   May Pants SALE!   Have 3 pairs of Pants dry cleaned at Regular Price Get 4th pair of pants Dry Cleaned for FREE   No other discounts apply.  Offer ends May 31, 2008.