Tercentennial Panel Keeps Logo

Under Wraps For Unveiling In March

By Jan Howard

The Newtown Tercentennial Commission’s Steering Committee on February 4 voted unanimously to adopt an official tercentennial logo created by Curtis Packaging.

The public unveiling of the logo is set for Sunday, March 7, contingent on the availability of the Edmond Town Hall for the unveiling and reception. The design of the official logo is to remain secret until the unveiling.

The town will begin the celebration of its 300th year in January.

Discussion centered around who would do the official unveiling of the logo. A drawing was suggested so that residents could submit their names if interested in taking part in the ceremony.

Invitations to the event would be sent to town officials and flyers regarding the event would be distributed in the schools.

Members of the logo committee, which is chaired by Mae Schmidle, are Sandy Motyka, Joanne Rochman, Frank Gavel, Margareta Kotch, Sue White, Bill Sheluck, and Claudia Coopersmith.

Major events co-chairman Janet Woycik said a ball in January or February would kickoff the tercentennial year. Ms Schmidle will chair the event, which would include live and silent auctions as fundraisers.

Other events being considered for the tercentennial year include a road race, Taste of Newtown, a production by Newtown Players, art auction, and on August 6 a townwide picnic with a ballgame, fireworks, and Newtown bands.

The goal, Ms Woycik said, is to highlight one event a month.

Finance committee Chairman John Trentacosta explained that his committee is moving ahead on incorporation of the committee and nonprofit status. Ms Schmidle is putting together new bylaws under the incorporation.

Fundraising strategies were discussed by committee chair John Martocci. In addition to the live and silent auctions during the ball, another fundraising effort would be needed to fund other events, such as fireworks, which, he noted, would be a major expense.

Mr Martocci said a volunteer is needed to coordinate merchandising activities.

Volunteer coordinator Gordon Williams plans to send another letter to local clubs regarding participation in the tercentennial. He also plans to attend meetings of some organizations to seek their support. Bill Brimmer and Barbara Kasbarian volunteered to help with the presentations.

Education Committee Chairman Brigette Sorensen said she is pursuing a performance by a group, such as the Air Force Band, that would take place in conjunction with traditional Labor Day weekend events. Through the schools, she continues to pursue participation in the tercentennial through a website and fieldtrips for students to town landmarks.

The publications committee is seeking cost estimates from publishers for books and souvenir publications. Also, Mr Brimmer is to check with the Board of Selectmen and the Police Commission in regard to placing tercentennial bumper stickers on town vehicles.

The next meeting of the Steering Committee will be March 3 at 4 pm at the Newtown Savings Bank.