Alan is a graduate of the class of 1962 and is married to his classmate and “high school sweetheart”, Valery Haven . Both have resided here all their lives (Valery from North Springfield). After high school, Alan received a degree in floraculture from the Stockbridge School of Agriculture at the University of MA, Amherst Campus and returned to Springfield to work for his parents at Woodbury Florist. His parents had purchased the Mays Flower Shop which was located in Goulds Mills in 1946. A branch of the business was later located on Main Sstreet, under Lawrence & Wheeler and then moved to a storefront in the old Polidor Block at 54 Main Street (now the parking lot beside the old First National Bank building). Alan purchased the business from his parents who continued to work with him and then built the new store on River Street in 1972.
Both Alan and Valery were longtime business owners in the community. Valery owned and operated Plaza Styling Salon for many years and both have always been active members of the community. Alan has always been generous in sharing his talents and putting his “green thumb” to good use around town. A familiar spring-time sight is to see Alan planting annuals anywhere that he can find a “green space” in town.
Over the years, Alan has been an active member of Springfield Chamber and is a member of the Springfield Elks Club. Since retiring a few years ago, Alan continues to keep busy and is a very active board member of Springfield On The Move, a member of the Parking Study Committee, Downtown Façade Improvements Committee and helps to maintain the downtown “green areas” including the Comtu Falls mini-park at the head of Main Street. Alan was named the “Citizen of the Year” in 2002 by the Springfield Chamber of Commerce.
Alan and Valery have two children, Michelle (Oakes) lives in the Burlington area and Scott lives in Madeira Beach, FL.
Alan is very modest man and plays down all that he has done for Springfield. He says he got a great start with his Springfield High School Business Education which included co-op experience working in First National Stores as well as working for his parents in an internship program for academic credit. This is similar to some of today’s programs through the River Valley Technical Center. He says “Through this experience, I was well prepared for the business world”.
Alan will be introduced and honored at the annual SHSAA banquet at the Springfield Elks Club on Friday, June 14th and will ride in the parade on Saturday June 15th. beginning at 10:30 a.m. For banquet reservations call 886-8085.
Written by Marie Gelineau
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