Welcome to Easthampton

 
“WELCOME TO EASTHAMPTON” - For the last 17 years you have seen the signs every time you drive into the city.

Several civic organizations, including the Chamber of Commerce and the City, collaborated in 1999 to install four welcome signs at the “gateways” to the city to show everyone our pride for the place we live, work and play in. "A first impression is a lasting impression" and the first visible landmark at the entrances to our town should make that statement about who we are.

Years of New England seasons can take a serious toll on any structure, and while the signs are still standing, they seriously could use some TLC. I hope with your help, we can bring the signs back to life.

The signs were initially designed and created by Sherid Adams (formally with Sign Grafx), per a contract with the Chamber of Commerce. Sherid is still in the sign business (currently Adams Signs) and has always taken great pride in these signs. He has provided me with a quote to restore the signs to like new status at a fair price.

Many groups have thought about raising money for this venture and while the Chamber is the "owner" of them, it is not currently an item in their capital budget. Other civic groups have thought about fundraising for the restoration of these signs, but it was not a project they could take on at this time. As a past Chamber Board Member, President and a citizen, I believe there are enough the folks that love this City and want it to make a great first impression when people come down Mountain Road, turn off Route 5, or enter either end of Route 10.

I plan to ask local businesses to contribute to the restoration of the signs, but I know there are people in this great community that would be willing to chip in buck or maybe hundred.

So here we are, just a guy asking anyone that would like to help with this little project that will be seen by thousands of people every day. I do not plan to place a sign next to it with every business and individual that donated, but you will know when you drive by that you helped make the signs look great, and show our civic pride to those that pass them. Thank you in advance for your generous donation.

TO BE CLEAR - I am Patrick Brough, a local citizen of Easthampton. I hope to raise the money to refurbish and add solar lighting to the four gateways signs in Easthampton. The money that is raised will be presented to the Chamber of Commerce, who will hire Adams Signs to refurbish the signs. If you do not want to use Gofundme, you can drop off a check made payable to "The Greater Easthampton Chamber" to the Chamber office at 33 Union Street, or at Finck & Perras Insurance at 6 Campus Lane.