LETTER: Is This The Demise Of The Special Events Committee?

To the Editor:

I would like to take a moment to thank the Town of Orange and Jim Zeoli for allowing me the opportunity to be an appointed member of the Orange Special Events Committee. While on this committee, I have had the pleasure of working with many wonderful people, all of which worked tirelessly in making 12 successful, free events for our town.

Now that my four year term has come to an end, I walk away proud of our accomplishments, and though our small group of seven could only do so much, I think we had a successful run. 

I’m saddened however, to see the possible demise of this wonderful committee, due to the lack of new volunteers to fill the empty positions. In addition, the Board of Finance has taken away the allotted amount of money the town has always given the committee each year.

Though I realize the economy is still struggling, and budget cuts are always inevitable, any committee would have a terrible time throwing one successful event, let alone 12 on donations from local businesses alone.

I know many townspeople are going to be disappointed that these wonderful events may no longer be a part of our town, but because of the lack of support financially, as well as, volunteer support, events like the: Drive In Movie, the Elementary School Orchestra Showcase, Summer Concerts, Flag Day, Pumpkin Palooza, Veteran’s Day and the Holiday Tree Lighting will be a memory.

It’s always been such a pleasure to drive down the road and enjoy a spectacular concert and firework display and actually get home at a reasonable hour.  Something that is difficult to do when you have to fight the traffic to view the New Haven or West Haven Fireworks. 

I understand that the reaction of the townspeople might not be a positive one when it is realized that these events may no longer happen; however these events don’t run themselves, and without volunteers and financing, it would be impossible to transpire.

Respectfully,
Tracie McDermott