The Hamden ARC Introduces 2017 Holiday Ornament

From the Town of Hamden:

HAMDEN, CT - The Hamden Arts, Recreation & Culture Department (ARC) is happy to introduce its official
2016 holiday ornament. This year's selection features the Freedom Park, located across the
street from Hamden’s Memorial Town Hall at the intersection of Whitney and Dixwell Avenues.

A ceremony on January 28, 1973, featured the dedication of the state’s first “Freedom Tree,” a living tribute to American servicemen. It honored all Vietnam Prisoners of War (POW) and soldiers Missing in Action (MIA). This symbolic tree is adorned with a bronze plaque which states: “This Freedom Tree - with the vision of universal freedom for all mankind - is dedicated by the citizens of Hamden to all prisoners of war and men missing in action”.

The Junior Woman’s Club of Hamden, Inc., under the auspices of VIVA (Voices in Vital
America), spearheaded this event, assisted by Robert Dietter of Dietter’s Garden Center who
donated the tree.

The 2016 pewter ornaments, printed on both sides, are $10 each, and come with a brief narrative about the Park. They were designed by Karl Widman, under the direction of ARC Supervisor Laura Luzzi.

Also available are ornaments from recent years: Hamden Rotary Pavilion/Town Center Park
(2015), Ghost Parking Lot (2014); Hamden Miller Memorial Library (2013); Hamden Police
Department (2012) and Hamden Volunteer Fire Department (2011); and Hamden Middle
School (2010). Each is being sold for $10.

Ornaments from earlier years are also available at a reduced rate of $5 each while supplies
last. They include: Thornton Wilder House (1997); Margaret L. Keefe School (2002), Spring
Glen School (2003); Farmington Canal Greenway (2007); and Whitneyville Church (2008).
All ornaments are sold on a first-come, first-served basis.

To reserve an ornament call 203-287-2579 or visit the Hamden Recreation Department, 2750 Dixwell Avenue.

Image via Pixabay