A Heritage of the Past and Celebration of Our Wonderful Community

I love celebrations! Personal, professional or the ones that I involve myself with through community organizations...like Pride in Manchester Week or the Manchester Arts Commission!

What a wonderful testament it is to the town of Manchester to have so many long-serving volunteers and annual events that provide opportunities for towns-folk to serve, participate – and celebrate!

Pride in Manchester is just about over! The Concert in the Park went off, with a little wet hitch, but we had a blast! The Senior Dance was just a delight, with seniors and "juniors" dancing the night away! And Imagine Main Street, last night . . . . wow, what an explosion of fun, eye-inspiring art, great music, wonderful food, and so much to see and do!

So, we look forward to Saturday's Heritage Day! Starting off at Cheney Hall we'll hear from former Senator Mary Ann Handley, honor our Hometown Heroes, fly the colors and hear the National Anthem sung by the Bennet Singers! Then off people will go to visit historic sites, activity locations, fiddling in Center Park, and later that evening, the Manchester Symphony Orchestra and Chorale at MCC.

During the day, don't forget to use the SHARE Shuttle, which takes off from Cheney Hall at 11 a.m. and drives you from location to location, to spare you from worrying about wear to park and how much the gas is costing! Pick up a route map at Cheney Hall, Manchester History Center, Lutz Children's Museum, the Fire Museum or the Cheney Library.

Take a tour of Cheney Hall by Little Theatre of Manchester volunteers, grab a bottle of water and get a massage to relax you during the day! And see the wonderful art exhibit in the great Hall and down in the Silk Room!

A walk on the Great Lawn, with inspiring stories by Susan Barlow and Tom Ferguson will also be held, and so much more!

You can read more about the full day of activities on the Town's website at townofmanchester.org/prideandheritage!

It's all planned and conducted by volunteers, and supported by amazing sponsors like the SBM Charitable Foundation, First Niagara Bank, Tierney Funeral Home, Lydall Inc., Allied Printing, the Journal Inquirer, and many small businesses who inspire and support us.

So, celebrate with us. Join us next year on the planning committees. Volunteer for the town you love and you'll get back so many heart-felt rewards!

I know I do.