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Health & Fitness

375th Kick Off Ceremony Joyful Success

375th Kick Off Event: Recap of January 6th Event plus photos

Just your usual first-of-the-year Board of Aldermen meeting. Not!

During this particular meeting, the City Hall Auditorium was packed with a different kind of audience. Smiling, supportive spectators were abuzz with excitement, there to be a 'part of history' during the Kick Off Ceremony for the City of Milford's 375th Anniversary Celebration year. Mayor Blake and the Board of Aldermen members generously shared a few minutes of this meeting for the recent 375th Kick Off Ceremony.

The Milford Volunteer Ancient Fife and Drum Corp, accompanied by octogenarian and City Historian Richard N. Platt Jr. and retired City Director of Economic and Community Development Director Bob Gregory, led a lively musical march into the room. Mayor Benjamin G. Blake, Honorary Event Chair, eloquently and enthusiastically addressed the room, then turned the room over to 375th Committee Chair Bob Gregory. After a few quick comments, he announced the 'Town Crier' aka his brother David Gregory, who proceeded with several 'proclamations' regarding the 375th and upcoming events scheduled throughout the year.

Milford Arts Council's Executive Director Paige Miglio unveiled the winning choice of the 375th logo competition - a fabulous graphical blend of all-things-Milford designed by local long-time resident Joanne Zuckerman of JoZ Graphic Designs. The logo screening committee was so impressed with the youngest entrant, 15 year old Jonathan Law High School student Madisyn Rauscher, that her design was also chosen as the 'student' representative logo. Both logos will be used in various promotions, collateral, and souvenir items throughout the year.

Former school principal Delores Hannon entertained with vocals and a solo guitar rendering of the Milford song, written 25 years ago by students and their teachers. The audience joined in - joyfully clapping along. There are plans for children's groups to perform the song at other events.

Upcoming events span categories including musical, historical, educational and more. On February 12th a re-enactment of the original purchase will take place; there will be a Gala on Saturday, March 29th at Lauralton Hall; other plans include a time-capsule, 'Milford's Got Talent,' competition, and of course the official 'Celebration Week' from Monday, June 9th to Sunday, June 15th. Events planned during this week include a parade in Downtown Milford, fireworks on the harbor, scavenger hunts, tours and special exhibits by the Milford Historical Society. Other special events being considered are: Diversity Day, environmentalism, ancient music, and perhaps even a battle of the bands. Another significant event being coordinated by the Milford Historical Society is the Founding Families Day July 19-20 - an event that will attract many visitors from throughout Connecticut and other states.

Local organizations are invited to forge an alliance with the 375th Anniversary Celebration and 'co-brand' their own events. For more information email info@milfordct375.org. All are also invited to visit the website often for information and updates www.milfordct375.org - designed by Jamie Rude of Humanitects, visit and LIKE the Facebook page at Milfordct375, connect on Twitter at @MilfordCT375, and of course continue to visit and read the Milford 375th News Blog here on the Milford Patch.


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