Florence Bank is Excited to Support West Springfield’s 250th Celebration with Sponsorships

The city of West Springfield is celebrating its 250th anniversary this year with multiple grand festivities, and Florence Bank is excited to sponsor four of the events. 

Our $4,000 donation to the West Springfield 250th Celebration specifically offers support for three 5K races, happening in March, July and November; a 250th Block Party on June 22 and 23, when Elm and Central streets will be closed for activities from dancing to vendors and food trucks; family photo sessions at historic town locations; and a golf tournament in July.

Nikki Gleason, vice president / branch manager in West Springfield, said in addition to the financial support, a team of bank staff will help man some of the events in town. She also noted they are particularly excited to be part of the family photo event on May 11 with photographer Branden Brus, who will capture portraits of interested families who sign up for sessions at a historic town location to be determined.

“I’ve worked in West Springfield for 13 years, the last five with Florence Bank at our West Springfield branch, and I believe in the town and in the way it is celebrating this important anniversary,” Nikki says. “This is such a diverse community. It’s very unique, and I’m pleased that the bank is involved in celebrations that will bring everyone together. It’s a great fit for Florence Bank because supporting community events that bring people together is really important to us.” 

Also part of the 250th events in West Springfield in 2024 are a birthday celebration in Clark Field on Feb. 23, the same day West Springfield was incorporated in 1774; a black-tie ball in May; various ongoing public art projects; and a Bright Nights display next winter.

Carly Camossi, chief of operations for West Springfield and co-chair of the anniversary committee, said planning for the 250th anniversary began in August 2022, and as events were developed, over 100 business sponsors have committed to help. At a kick-off event earlier this year—a mayoral ball—over 400 area residents attended, which Carly also found affirming. 

“It’s amazing to me how many people want to participate,” says Carly, who grew up in West Springfield and values the close community ties. “Everyone is incredibly generous and feels that community spirit. It’s very humbling.”

Carly collaborates closely on the anniversary event planning and execution with her committee co-chair, Sarah Calabrese-Dunphy, who also serves as resource development director for the West Springfield Boys & Girls Club and president of the Rotary Club of West Springfield. 

“As a lifelong West Springfield resident, I am excited to be part of such an important historical event,” Sarah says. “This milestone celebration will mark 250 years of community, growth and progress in our town. We want to showcase the unique character and spirit of our town.”

Sarah adds that the 250th Celebration Committee recognizes the importance of community and the role organizations like the Boys & Girls Club play in fostering a strong sense of togetherness. “We hope that by including many different civic organizations in West Springfield’s 250th Celebration events, we can show our gratitude for all they do to support our town,” she says.

Since 2007, Florence Bank has had a presence in West Springfield, which was enhanced five years ago, when the current full-service branch opened at 1010 Union St. Nikki was impressed by the bank’s official welcome to West Springfield—a Dribble Parade that saw dozens of children and community members parading from the Boys & Girls Club to the new branch; most everyone was dribbling a Florence Bank-branded basketball.

“It was a cool concept that we created and brought to the community,” Nikki says. “That was a special grand opening and a great way to enter the community.”

Nikki heard about West Springfield’s anniversary plans in June 2023 and wasted no time getting the bank involved; in addition to offering financial support, a team of bank volunteers will help staff some of the year’s events.

“I’ve worked in West Springfield for 13 years, five with Florence Bank in its West Springfield branch, and I believe in the town and in the way it is celebrating this important anniversary,” she says. “This is such a diverse community. It’s very unique, and I’m pleased that the bank is involved in celebrations that will bring everyone together. It feels like a good fit for Florence Bank because we’re good neighbors.”

Sarah agrees, saying, “Florence Bank has shown a commitment to the well-being of our town that goes beyond just providing financial services. Through sponsorships, donations, and volunteerism, Florence Bank has helped improve the lives of our local kids, families and the community as a whole.”

To learn more about West Springfield’s 250th, visit Westside250.com.

To volunteer or offer an idea, email Celebrate250@tows.org.

“It’s a great way to participate in your community and get to know other folks who want to participate as well,” Carly says, adding, “We’re really excited. I appreciate that I get to put together these events for our residents. I love it.”