Welcome Party greets new residents

Annual Milford Enhancement Committee gathering is June 26 MILFORD — This year’s edition of the Milford Enhancement Committee’s annual Welcome Party will be held on Saturday afternoon, June 26, at the home of Jean and Tom Hoff, in Milford. The largest host committee in the seven year history of the Welcome Party was announced Tuesday. The Welcome Party is the MEC’s major community fundraiser each year, hosted by local residents to welcome new residents to the community and welcome back seasonal residents. Barbara J. Buchanan, one of Pike County’s best known community leaders, said “For seven years, the Welcome Party has been a chance for people interested in getting involved in the community to meet longtime volunteers with various community organizations. It not only raises much-needed funds for the MEC’s important work, but it has helped introduce new volunteers and supporters to many other community groups. I always look forward to meeting people at the Welcome Party who represent such a great new energy and commitment to our town.” The theme this year is “Finding Common Ground”, a reference to the unifying effect of the MEC’s work, which has enjoyed exceptionally broad support, with more than 1,000 individual donors, including from every municipality in Pike County. The theme also references the importance of the community working together even as important issues are under debate. “We are a fast-growing county, becoming increasingly diverse, with a diversity of opinions and ideas about the kind of community we want to be. The MEC has sought to bridge those differences by supporting improvements in Milford’s public spaces, which accrue to the benefit of everyone who lives, works or visits Milford. It is a wonderful, open and welcoming group” said Elizabeth Geitz a member of the Host Committee from Shohola Township. With more than 80 members, along with the presenting sponsor Pike County Light & Power Co., the exceptionally large host committee represents a broad cross-section of full-time and seasonal Pike County residents, native-born and newcomers, businesses and others who support the effort to enhance the historic village of Milford that serves as the Pike County seat. Live music, and great food and drink are “This year’s large host committee demonstrates the community’s continued commitment to making Milford and the surrounding area a better place to live, work or visit” noted Dick Snyder, the chairman of the Milford Enhancement Committee (MEC), a project of the Historic Preservation Trust of Pike County. “Now our focus is on selling tickets, especially to those newer to the community who might be interested in meeting others who support community endeavors.” About the Milford Enhancement Committee Founded in 1997, the Milford Enhancement Committee (MEC) is comprised of volunteers who work to make the Pike Couty seat a better place to live, work, visit and do business. The results are seen in new sidewalks, curbing, landscaping and historic-style pedestrian lighting throughout much of Milford’s commercial district. The MEC’s work has been funded by more than 1,000 individuals in the greater Pike County area as well as state and local grants. No local tax dollars are spent on MEC’s work. The Historic Preservation Trust of Pike County is the MEC’s 501 (c) (3) fiscal sponsor; contributions are tax-deductible.

If you go
The Welcome Party features great food and drink, an auction, live music and a friendly casual atmosphere in which to meet new friends and old. It will be offered as an outdoor tented event, held in the garden at the home of Jean and Tom Hoff, at 108 West Ann Street, in Milford, on Saturday afternoon, June 26, from 3 to 7 p.m.
Tickets are $50 per person and available by contacting Debbie Beck at 570-296-0409 pdbeck@ptd.net or may be purchased online at www.milfordpa.us.