WESTFIELD-Countless city residents have been working behind the scenes for almost two years to ensure that the city’s 350th birthday celebration in 2019 is a smashing success.
“As the president of the Westfield 350 planning committee, I am both inspired and deeply appreciative of the effort and dedication volunteer citizens are committing to help plan the 2019 celebration,” said Harry Rock.
Kathleen Palmer, seen with Harry Rock, president of the Friends of the Westfield 350th, poses with her manuscript “Time in Westfield” for the city’s 350th celebration. (Submitted photo)
Several fundraisers and special events have already taken place in recent months to generate excitement about the 350th birthday and just recently, the official Westfield 350 Song & Music Video was released.
“Jon Berman wrote and produced an amazing song on the history and inspired future of Westfield,” said Rock noting the song and video are posted at westfield350.org. “The song link which resides on the Westfield 350 website is part of a very interesting video created by Westfield 350 board member Ken Stomski who has blended in an outstanding slide show of historic photos courtesy of the Westfield Athenaeum, providing an opportunity to reflect on our exciting future as a city.”
Rock added that “legacy gifts” including the song and video are immeasurable assets for the city’s celebration.
“There is a growing sense of excitement, energy and enthusiasm for what is coming as we mark our 350th birthday as a community in 2019, and people are realizing the importance of leaving behind legacy gifts to the city that will be enjoyed for generations to come,” said Rock.
Among the legacy gifts is an original musical titled Time in Westfield by playwright Kathleen Palmer, with music by Marion Dunk. Production dates are set for May 10-11, 16-17 at 7:30 p.m. with a matinee at 2 p.m. on May 18. Shelley Haber will serve as producer and Gwen Newton Denton is overseeing costumes.
The production, led by members of the Westfield Theatre Group, is being offered by the Westfield Woman’s Club as its contribution to Westfield’s 350th. The theatre group is a department of the Westfield Woman’s Club.
“As the title implies, it is a trip back in time but how this all happens is a secret for now,” said Palmer. “Featuring historic pictures, the show will cover some highlights of our last 350 years in an entertaining, light-hearted way which is suitable for all ages.”
Palmer noted that although the play is fiction, the information is as close to accurate as she could make it after months of research.
“Every attempt has been made to keep it interesting but mostly fun,” said Palmer. “We mainly hope that the audience will enjoy our sense of humor and history.”
As for the cast, there is room for 40 people of all abilities, and Palmer hopes to attract community members to take part in a variety of roles – from singing and speaking, to non singing and non speaking.
“So if someone just wants to stand on stage, we have a place for them,” said Palmer, noting auditions will likely take place in January.
Westfield State University art professor Pat Conant has also been researching the city’s history for months in anticipation of a mural project that is currently planned at 16 feet in length and 3 feet in height.
“The mural subject matter will involve images from Westfield’s early history to its current day development,” said Conant. “Images from the collection of the Westfield Athenaeum and other sources will be used in the design, which will begin from the early history and culminate in current views of the city.”
Conant added that the medium to be used will be a metal photo material which she has used in a mural in the Westfield Courthouse. The 350 celebration mural is currently planned to be installed on the second floor of City Hall near the Council Chambers, according to Conant.
Another unique project underway is the “Tree-mendous Tree Project,” which encourages city residents to consider nominating a special tree one admires and treasures in Westfield. The Westfield 350 Special Projects Committee will review submissions in several categories, ranging from historic, beauty and personal story, to youth under age 12 and teen.
“The Special Projects Committee is working hard to mark the 350th anniversary and telling the story of 2019 Westfield as best we can,” said Peter Miller, director, Westfield Community Development. “Both the time capsule project and the Tree-mendous initiative, along with our planned Westfield Family Photo project, are aimed toward telling the story of today, by sharing what the public feels is important.”
Miller noted that the committee has received a few submissions for the Tree-mendous project to date. A submission application is available at westfield350.org/treeproject or by visiting the Mayor’s Office at City Hall. The deadline for submissions is Dec. 15.
“The Tree-mendous project holds historic or sentimental meaning to an individual, or it’s unique for its prominent location,” said Miller, adding, “We are looking for submissions recognizing that trees play an important role in how our memories of Westfield are shaped.”
Also nearing a publication date is the 240-page book on the city’s history by Wayne Phaneuf and Joe Carvalho, according to Rock.
“These individuals are just an example of those creating amazing educational and historical gifts for the citizens of the city,” said Rock. “These are some of the finest individuals I have ever worked with and I am indebted to them for what they are doing for our city.”
