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Date: 8/6/2015
WILBRAHAM – Seven commemorative benches dedicated to the 2013 celebration of the town’s 250th anniversary have been installed at the center of town from the Wilbraham United Church to Bruuer Pond.
Kevin Moriarty, co-chair of the anniversary committee, said the seven benches were funded with the remaining money the committee raised – approximately $8,000 for the benches and two large ornate planters that are planned to be placed at the entrance of Bruuer Pond.
The planters were donated in support of the restoration work to the Bruuer Pond area completed by the Department of Public Works under the civil engineering direction of Assistant Town Engineer Tonya Basch, who was also dedicated to raising funds, according to the town’s website.
Moriarty said fundraising began in 2011 and the committee sold items such as calendars and T-shirts.
“We wanted to give back to the community,” Moriarty said.
He added that the benches offer townspeople a nice place to sit during walks and to enjoy the center of Wilbraham.
Each bench is adorned with a 250th anniversary logo and a plaque to designate it as a gift to the town from the committee.
The benches are located at the Wilbraham Public Library, Gazebo Park, across the street from Miles Morgan, at John Sevey Park at Bruuer Pond, and at Wilbraham United Church.
Selectman Robert Russell said the benches are a “nice reminder of the town’s history,” which was due to the planning and fundraising efforts of the 250th Anniversary Committee.
Moriarty said the anniversary committee also fundraised to create the next volume in a series of books about the town’s history.
The book – “Preservation of Wilbraham History and Culture: Continuing the Story in Print: Volume IV-1963-2013” – was originally expected to be completed by the spring.
However, Moriarty said the book is now anticipated to be released sometime in September, after Labor Day. All of the revenue from the book will benefit the Wilbraham Public Library.
Patti Diotalevi, co-chair of the 250th Anniversary Committee, and Basch did not return requests for comment as of press time.