by Noam Bramson | Oct 16, 2012
As previously reported, New Rochelle will celebrate its 325th Anniversary next year with a series of community events and activities, all planned by a volunteer steering committee.
To build awareness and excitement as the anniversary year approaches, colorful banners displaying the official 325th logo will soon be placed on lampposts along North Avenue and other major thoroughfares. The first wave of banners will go up in advance of this year’s Thanksgiving Parade and more will follow in the months ahead. All will continue to be displayed throughout 2013.
The banners serve another critical purpose: they will provide sponsorship opportunities for residents, businesses and organizations and, thereby, help raise funds to support 325th activities. So, if you would like to show your community spirit — and own a little piece of the 325th festivities — this is your chance.
Each banner will feature a personalized inscription of up to three lines of fifteen characters each. Banners can display the name of a family, advertise a business, honor a friend or even memorialize a loved one.
A single banner sponsorship is available for $325. You can also sponsor five banners for $1,000. However, for a limited time, individual banners are being offered at a special “early bird” rate of $250. To take advantage of this opportunity, you must place your order before Monday, October 29th.
You can order your banner using this form. (Note that the form shows an early bird deadline of October 22nd, but that has been extended by one week.)
For more information, please call 914-654-2159 or email 325@newrochelleny.com.
by Noam Bramson | Sep 24, 2012
If you are interested in our community, want to demonstrate some hometown pride, or simply enjoy supporting great volunteer efforts, you won’t want to miss two new books that showcase New Rochelle.
The first is entitled “One Day: Photos of Life in New Rochelle,” and it features photographs taken throughout our city on October 10, 2010 (10-10-10). Spearheaded by New Rochelle resident Karen Hessel with assistance from many volunteer photographers and organizers, the book provides a community portrait that is both sweeping and intimate. You can order a copy at online, find out more about the project, and preview a series of fantastic aerial shots of New Rochelle. And you can read more about the volunteers who made this publication possible in this Journal News account.
The second is a collection of historical postcards of New Rochelle, assembled and annotated by our wonderful City Historian, Barbara Davis. Called simply “New Rochelle,” this is the second book authored by Ms. Davis, and it will be a big hit with local history buffs. You can order a copy online.
These terrific new books are a great way to get ready for the city’s 325th birthday next year, so sincere thanks to Ms. Hessel and Ms. Davis. And be sure to order your copies!
by Noam Bramson | Jul 14, 2012
Next year’s 325th anniversary of the founding of New Rochelle will offer many opportunities to look back on and celebrate our rich history and diverse culture. But the unifying image on anniversary publications — and on banners that will line our streets — will be a forward-looking, contemporary, bold logo designed by New Rochelle resident and artist Deborah Haley.
Deborah’s logo won a design competition sponsored by the New Rochelle Council on the Arts and adjudicated by several prominent local artists. She says she was inspired by the city’s diversity, commitment to the arts, economic growth, and Huguenot history.
For more information, bookmark newrochelleny.com/325 on the City’s website, which will be updated throughout the next year as plans for the anniversary celebration develop.
by Noam Bramson | Jul 9, 2012
Anticipating next year’s celebration of our city’s 325th birthday, the New Rochelle Council on the Arts has sponsored a nationwide “Call for a 325th Anniversary Logo” with an independent panel of judges selecting a winner and two runners-up from the submissions.
This Friday, July 13th at 10:00 am, the winning design will be officially unveiled at our annual Bastille Day ceremony on the steps of City Hall. This event, sponsored by New Rochelle’s Sister City Committee in tribute to our enduring connection with La Rochelle, France, will feature the traditional raising of the French flag and light refreshments. Members of the 325th Anniversary Steering Committee and the Volunteer Center will be on hand to talk about volunteer opportunities associated with next year’s festivities.
This is a public event and all are welcome. So if you are interested in getting involved in the 325th anniversary events, or just curious about the logo, please drop by.
by Noam Bramson | Apr 29, 2012
Next year brings us the opportunity to celebrate the 325th anniversary of the founding of New Rochelle. From 1688 until today, from a small settlement of French Huguenots escaping religious persecution to our dynamic, diverse city — we will have plenty to celebrate.
Former City Council Member Marianne Sussman is leading the volunteer effort to fill 2013 with events that commemorate New Rochelle’s history and culture. Several other prominent members of the community have already signed up for the 325th anniversary committee, but much more help is needed. If you are interested in joining the committee, or if you are a member of a local organization that would like to take part in next year’s festivities, please attend the committee’s kick-off meeting on Wednesday, May 16 at 7:30pm in the Council Chambers at City Hall.
For more information, bookmark newrochelleny.com/325. This page on the City’s website will be updated throughout the next year as plans for the anniversary celebration develop.
Also visit the New Rochelle Council on the Arts for details about their competition to design a logo for the anniversary.
