From the New Rochelle 325th Anniversary Committee:
As the holidays approach, colorful banners bearing New Rochelle’s anniversary logo design will begin flying from the city’s lampposts down North Avenue and throughout the city in anticipation of the city’s 325th anniversary in 2013. Residents, businesses, and organizations now have a chance to personalize these banners to show their support for the city. The 325th Anniversary Committee announced that orders are being accepted for the sturdy vinyl banners, which will be custom imprinted and will remain on display for the entire year.
The banners are available for a donation of $325 each or five for $1,000. And, for a limited time, individual banners will be offered at a special “early bird” discount rate of $250 each for orders received before Monday, Oct. 29. Orders placed before that date will insure installation in time for the annual Thanksgiving Day Parade on Saturday, Nov. 17.
Order forms are available online from the city’s Web site—www.newrochelleny.com/325—or by calling 914-654-2159 or emailing 325@newrochelleny.com. Personalized inscriptions are limited to three lines of up to 15 characters each, with each space between words also counted as a character. Payment is accepted in the form of check or money order only, made payable to City of New Rochelle, 325thAnniversary and mailed to 325th Anniversary, New Rochelle City Hall, 515 North Ave., New Rochelle, NY 10801. For more information call 914-654-2159 or email 325@newrochelleny.com.
“We’re very excited about the banner project, because it gives everybody a chance to participate and show their support,” says Marianne Sussman, former councilwoman and chair of the 325th Anniversary Committee. “We wanted something tangible that would convey civic pride and celebration, and we think these banners will do just that.”
Sussman points out that the banners offer businesses and civic organizations a great advertising opportunity, with over 20,000 vehicles traveling daily on North Avenue alone. And Sussman notes, in addition to demonstrating civic pride, the banners provide a way to honor a friend or family member or memorialize a loved one.
The 325th Anniversary Committee was established last spring to help New Rochelle celebrate the 325th anniversary of its founding throughout 2013. The year-long celebration, which will include a variety of events, is planned to honor all—from the Huguenots seeking religious freedom through the "tides" of immigration over the centuries—whose rich traditions and cultures have contributed to New Rochelle’s rise as a dynamic and vital suburban city. The 325th Anniversary committee is being chaired by Sussman with Barbara Davis and Bille Tucker serving as Vice Chairs and Bennie Giles as Treasurer. Members include Patricia Carter, Paul Costiglio, Kathy Gilwit, Charlene Goldberg, Theresa Kump Leghorn, Michelle Oliveros, Sheila Sarkar, Angela Derecas Taylor and Judith Weber. For more information on the 325th Anniversary Committee or to volunteer call 654-2159 or email 325@newrochelleny.com.
The proposed events timeline for 2012/2013 is as follows:
2012
NOVEMBER
1st Banner Installation Begins
17th Thanksgiving Parade with 325th Themed Float
DECEMBER
31st Flag Raising at New Rochelle City Hall
BID Family Day at New Roc City with Anniversary Theme
2013
JANUARY
1-31st Rotunda Gallery at City Hall: Timeline Exhibit
1-31st New Rochelle Public Library: Normal Rockwell Magazine Covers Exhibit
APRIL
28th Concert: "New Rochelle Songwriters and Singers"
JUNE
6th Gala at Glen Island Harbor Club
8th Davenport Park- Family Kite Day and Viewing of Mayor's Cup Sail Race
9th Fatte Calfe Ceremony
NOVEMBER
Thanksgiving Parade 50th Anniversary
"Homecoming Showcase" Concert
DECEMBER
31st Retiring of flag—End of year celebration
