By Kathy Converse-Charbonneaux
Orange Chamber of Commerce
Kathy Converse Charbonneau
“Your life is your message to the world. Make sure it’s inspiring.” – Anonymous
This month begins the official kickoff of the 200th anniversary of Orange and what makes it an amazing place to live. In this spirit, the Orange Chamber of Commerce is holding two events to recognize what makes our town so special: the individuals, businesses and nonprofits that call Orange home.
We encourage you to come out on May 28 at 10 a.m. to commemorate the historic day Orange was established as a town. The Bicentennial Committee is holding its Founding Day ceremony at the High Plains Community Center fairgrounds and will have local and state dignitaries speak.
Immediately following, the chamber’s Bicentennial Brick groundbreaking ceremony will pay tribute to three extraordinary citizens we lost this past year whose contributions to our community are immeasurable. They are Walter “Bud” Smith (Orange Hills Country Club), George Chatzopoulos (Chip’s Restaurant) and Walter Bespuda (Orange Country Fair founder, farmer and beloved school bus driver). These exceptional men epitomize the best qualities of true leaders and leave a legacy of making Orange a better place because of them.
I recently met with their family members to discuss the ceremony where Smith, Chatzopoulos and Bespuda will be honored through the presentation of engraved bricks memorializing them in town history. I only wish there was enough space to tell you some of the incredible stories I leaned about the hearts and characters of these men. All were generous philanthropists and supporters of our community with rich backgrounds of service, humility and leadership.
Their families will be at the groundbreaking to say a few words. I encourage you to show them how much our town appreciates their loved ones by attending this heartfelt and touching celebration which will have a few surprises along the way.
What better way to cap off the May 28 ceremonies than a community art project for residents of all ages? The Orange Chamber is partnering with local business Art People and the Jamie Hulley Arts Foundation to celebrate the bicentennial with a collaborative art project for residents. It is a free event where the whole family can create seed mosaics and learn about the history of farming in Orange. Once completed, the mosaics will be assembled into a large, beautiful, moveable installation that will be on display at different locations for the entire community to enjoy throughout the summer.
The community art project starts at 11 a.m. under the High Plains Community Center pavilion, immediately following the brick groundbreaking. Thanks to our premier sponsor, SCG UI for making this possible and providing volunteers to help. SCG UI, The Milford Bank, Otraway Marketing and Promotions, Stillwater Wellness and Community Champions Network are sponsoring butterfly plant-a-shape confetti packets that will be gifted to all participants. The Milford-Orange Times is the official media sponsor. Registration is required. Email director@orangectchamber.com to reserve your spot so you do not miss out.
May 28 through June 10 is Bicentennial Restaurant and Business Week. The Orange Chamber of Commerce and Orange Economic Development Corporation are highlighting restaurants and businesses during this promotion so that residents can take advantage of their “bicentennial specials.” See a full list of participants and their offers at OrangeEDC.com/events_activities.
Kathy Converse Charbonneau is the executive director for the Orange Chamber of Commerce. Contact her at 203-795-3328 or director@orangectchamber.com.