Lighting the night in Milan

Editor's note: Randy Rospert, chairman of the Milan beautification commission, addressed the hundreds in attendance for Friday's lighting ceremony in Milan Village Square. Here's an excerpt from his speech: MILAN — Welcome to our fifth annual The Day After Thanksgiving Lighting Ceremony here in the Milan Village Square. Thank you to: • Al Buggele and his family for the idea of beautifying the village square at Christmastime in honor of the dear late Gertie Buggele. It is because of this lovely family we have this wonderful lighting event here in our quaint and historic small town. • The Bobel Family for their generous donation to this evening's treats and entertainment. A big shout-out to Russell Bobel and his band, the Mind Canaries, for entertaining us with their spirited Christmas music and sound system this evening. • Baker on the Square for the delicious sugar cookies and The Coffee Station for their tasty hot chocolate. • Farmer Jones for his antique red Christmas truck and horse carriage rides. This definitely makes this a Hallmark movie event. • The (village's) electrical department, Tyson Metz and Joe Hamilton for their talent in making this lighting ceremony come to light. • Thanks to the Buggele family and those on the beautification committee, including Marsha Scott and Julie Stelzer, who ordered all the lights and garland; Brian Rospert; Trudy Riddle; Mayor Pam Crosby; Carla and Randy Rospert; John and Pat Moran; David and Diane Moyer who helped decorate the gazebo on the village square; Lockwood Park; and the administration building. • To the Milan village workers: Brad Simon; Tim Heim and his young hard-working grandsons; Tyson Metz, Bobby Cumston, Amanda Mesenburg, Joanne Clapp, Julie Stelzer, Brian Rospert, Mayor Pam Crosby and her husband, Brian, who helped after hours this past Wednesday to set up the beautiful nativity scene. • Greg and Ben Cumston, Dave and Diane Moyer, Trudy Riddle and Carla and Randy Rospert who also helped. • A big shout out to the Milan Township Fire Department for bringing Santa from the North Pole to visit all the little children and adults here tonight.