Coatesville Rotary members step up to help revive event
Sack races were just one of the fun activities run during the return of Modena Community Day, organized by local residents and Rotary members. It had been a decade since the last time the event was held, but now borough officials hope run it yearly again.
MODENA – Even though a decade had passed since last being held, Modena Community Day returned, better than ever, say organizers of the event.
On August 25, the borough celebrated its first Community Day in ten years — after a lot of work by borough officials, residents, a local church congregation and members of the Coatesville Rotary Club. Borough Administrator Wayne ‘Ted’ Reed, and a past president of the Rotary Club of Coatesville (2000 – 2001), helped to organize and revise the event and gathered Rotarian volunteers to help manage some of the event activities.
Earlier this year, Reed organized a team of community volunteers that included new council members Kate Kopitsky and Steve Juhas to discuss the need to have a fun outdoor event for children and families. The organizers decided to revisit the Modena Community Day Celebration event, and contacted Rev. Michelle Foster, Pastor of the Modena Church, to ask her to assist them. Rev. Foster contacted several members of her congregation, and the organizers conducted its meetings at her church.
Betty and Jim Corle, life-long borough residents, helped at Modena Community Day.
Reed said that he, along with many community supporters, want to make Modena Community Day an annual event and celebration.
And the return of the event looks to have been a big success.
Modena Community Day was well attended by families and children of all ages, and offered music and old-fashioned activities with a fun, contemporary twist. Life-long borough residents husband and wife team Jim and Betty Corle, who also helped to organize the event, greeted visitors and managed the raffle and treat tables.
From left, Modena resident Buddy Rhodes, Modena Borough Administrator and current Rotary of Coatesville member Ted Reed, and Chairman of the Chester County Commissioners Terrence Farrell enjoy the festivities.
Chester County Commissioner Chairman Terrence Ferrell visited the event, and Renée C. Fairconeture, former member of the Borough Council and current member of the Rotary Club of Coatesville, volunteered to help judge the potato sack races and pie eating contest. The event also featured Clifford the Big Red Dog, a moon bounce, face painting, pony rides, and other fun summer activities. Raffles, barbequed food, baked goods, and other delectable treats were available along with local organizations and vendors who offered free promotional giveaways and information about their agencies.
The Modena Fire Company, along with ACG Chemicals Americas, Inc., Arcelormittal, Brandywine Hospital, Coatesville Savings Bank, Citadel Federal Credit Union, Coatesville Scrap Iron and Metal Company, Sealed Air Corporation, Van Horn, Metz and Company, Inc., Veteran Construction and Utility Services, Inc., and Mary and Becky Woodward were major financial sponsors of the event.
