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2004 Planning AwardsNorthampton 350th Anniversary Committee The City is impressed and delighted by the dedication of time and energy of the 350th Anniversary Executive Committee. The Committee presided over all aspects of the 350th Anniversary, a task delegated to the Historic Commission 50 years ago. Not only did the Committee produce events that would involve and engage every one of Northampton’s nearly 30,000 resident, but they also gave the publishing rights of six new books to the Historic Commission. The committee expended much time and effort to providing a variety of cultural and social events that appealed to virtually every citizen in Northampton. These activities ranged from organizing conservation hikes and bicycle tours of the city’s great trees to developing performance arts pieces for the Anniversary year. The committee also sponsored a series of lunchtime readings in a downtown park of journal and diary entries spanning the full 350 years of our city’s history. This small list of accomplishments does not even come close to illustrating how much of an inspiration the committee’s work has been to the City. First Churches Working in cooperation with First Churches has resulted in much satisfaction for the City. Although large private contributions were made towards landscaping restorations that bore much of the brunt of the cost for the city, First Churches agreed on a boundary line that would grant the public access to the greater part of the front yard. The landscaping restorations pay tribute to the architectural style of the church at the time of its establishment in 1878. These changes include the restoration of the wrought iron fence and the addition of elm trees in front of the church. Not only do these changes bring a sense of the past, the addition of lights and a walkway benefit the citizens of Northampton. First Churches carries the tradition of the meeting house first established in Northampton in 1878 both architecturally and through the role they take in the community. Over 1200 citizens enter the doors of the church a week as the building serves as an active meeting house for over 35 civic organizations a week. The church is also one of the ten buildings to host First Night, a fundraiser that supports the Center for the Arts. On any occasion, one might attend a concert held in the sanctuary. Fran Volkman As a City Counselor, Fran Volkman has contributed a great deal of time and energy to our community over the past years. Not only has she served the City as a City Counselor, but she has also played key roles in the City’s development as a partner with the planning board and chairman of the housing partnership. She also spent a lot of time working with the Smith/ Northampton affordability program. Valley Community Development Corporation The City of Northampton is proud to have the Valley Community Development Corporation as an active part of the community. The product of their energies has resulted in many great projects… This year, one of their focuses was providing the first large scale new rental affordable units. Jordi Herold Jordi Herold has made a mark on the community by putting his energy into saving the historic Pratt House from demolition and moving it. The house, designed my architect, William Fenno Pratt and built in 1859, was slated for demolition until Jordi Herold stepped forward to fund both the move and the lot on Dewey Court. Hundreds of citizens were able to watch the historic event take place as the house was moved across town. As the founder of “The Horse” in 1979, Mr. Herold has been contributing to the city of Northampton for many years. As one of the first music venues in the area, “The Iron Horse” has helped bring to life downtown Northampton. With all his contributions, Jordi Herold truly has made a lasting impression on the city of Northampton.