Remembering family: for all to see

The Pedrantis celebrate local ties Milford — In a day and age where the definition of family is as ambiguous as the people that define it, the Pedranti Family cherishes their family, its dynamic and the last thirty-eight years they have spent in Pike County. “The Pedranti Family” is what the plaque temporarily affixed to the pedestrian light in front of the Wachovia Bank on Broad Street in Milford reads. As a part of their civic duty to help support the ongoing efforts of the Milford Enhancement Committee’s work, Jim and his son Richard felt that by sponsoring a light, they could help enhance the town, as well as commemorate their family. “I have been here since 1970 and I have seen so many things change, yet remain the same,” said Jim Pedranti, the head patriarch in the Pedranti Family. “It’s almost an oxymoron - Milford itself is the same village it was 35 years ago, but today there are different movers and shakers, the town is more progressive than it used to be and the school systems have greatly improved. And the one thing that hasn’t changed is the fact that it’s still a great place to raise a family.” Jim has spent a majority of his years in Milford as a vice president at Sparkomatic, which is now Altec Lansing. Over the course of his thirty five years with the company, he watched the consumer electronic conglomerate grow, as well as the community that surrounds it. In 2005, he retired from Altec and was gifted a website from his daughter and daughter-in-law as a retirement present - pedranticonsulting.com. With no real intentions to do much consulting, he was suddenly being approached by various companies to set up their sales organizations for different products. This year is the first year that he has had a little more time to himself since his “retirement” but still remains active in the community, especially with the Milford Enhancement Committee. Jim raised his children here in Pike County where they too watched a growing community blossom. His children have grown, but the essence of the community, its values and ideals have left a mark in their hearts, especially Richard, his son. Richard, much like his father, planted his roots here as well. He now lives in Milford with Gretchen Roede, his wife, and practices his craft, architecture, not only Milford, but also in Philadelphia and New York. “Being an LEED certified architect, I appreciate the work of the Milford Enhancement Committee,” mentioned Richard Pedranti, co-sponsor of the light. “I wanted to support their efforts for improving the outdoor spaces in town, which further enhance the quality of life here. Their progressive attitude and commitment to the preservation of the town is very appealing and it makes the area a better place to live and work.” Although the plaque rests on the pedestrian light in front of Wachovia Bank, that is not its permanent location. Currently the Milford Enhancement Committee is working on phase six, but it still has many more to complete, including the final destination for the Pedranti’s light. The family would like to sponsor the light in front of the jailhouse at High and Broad St.’s in Milford because architecturally, it is the center of the town and it just so happens to be one of their favorite buildings. But until that phase is complete, the plaque will find its home in front of Wachovia Bank. If you, too, would like to commemorate someone special, a moment that is forever ingrained in your mind or a feeling you never want to go away, you can sponsor a pedestrian light or bench in the town of Milford by calling 570-296-6249 or by e-mailing paula@sql.ms, which will help the Milford Enhancement Committee continue its quest to further spruce up the county seat.