Home About Us Our Purpose Products R&D Employment COVID-19 Response Milford Luminaries Honoring those who light the way for our community MEET OUR 2019 MILFORD LUMINARIES Alene Candles has named four community leaders as Milford Luminaries for its inaugural program, donating $4,000 to organizations designated by the recipients. Launched in September by Alene Candles, the Milford Luminaries program honors local leaders for their outstanding contributions to the community, while providing additional resources to area nonprofits. After reviewing more than 20 compelling nominations, Alene Candles selected four Milford Luminaries and made $1,000 donations to: Beaver Brook Association on behalf of Celeste Philbrick Barr; Opportunity Networks on behalf of Rocky Morelli; the Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley on behalf of Alan Woolfson; and SHARE Outreach on behalf of Frank Xydias, M.Ed. “We were overwhelmed by the tremendous nominations we received for the inaugural Milford Luminaries program. It reinforced to us that it’s truly the people who live and work in Milford who make the community great,” said Rod Harl, President of Alene Candles. “We are proud to recognize the contributions of these four outstanding individuals by making donations to nonprofit organizations that are close to their hearts.” Rod Harl, President of Alene Candles (right), presents a donation to Opportunity Networks Board President James Stratton (left) on behalf of Milford Luminary recipient Rocky Morelli (center). ROCKY MORELLI Rocky Morelli, Executive Director of Opportunity Networks in Amherst and Nashua, has worked hard to ensure that those living with disabilities have the support and opportunities necessary to pursue the highest quality of life possible. Through his efforts, the organization has changed drastically over the past 30 years, starting as a troubled day rehabilitation program in 1987. After years of hard work, Morelli created a dynamic, community-based organization. Because of his reputation for success, Souhegan Valley Resources of Amherst requested to merge with his organization, evolving into what is now known as Opportunity Networks, which assists more than 140 individuals in the community. Morelli’s passion for helping others only increased with his own diagnosis of multiple sclerosis in 1988. He used his personal struggles overcoming major disability-related challenges to enhance his ability to understand the issues experienced by those he supports through his work. To show appreciation for all that Morelli has done for the community, Alene Candles donated $1,000 to Opportunity Networks. “I’m very proud of the successes that those involved with our programs have achieved,” Morelli said. “We are so fortunate to be in a community with caring companies, like Alene Candles. Alene has always supported our efforts to promote a diverse workforce, and now they are taking that one step further by shining a light on the great programs and people at Opportunity Networks. Alene’s donation will help us continue providing top-notch programs for all of the individuals we serve.” CELESTE PHILBRICK BARR Celeste Philbrick Barr, Education & Community Affairs Director at Beaver Brook Association, has been an instrumental pioneer in promoting local conservation and recycling efforts in Milford and throughout the region. She advises the Milford Transfer Station on best practices and has served on the Town Recycling Committee, the Milford Conservation Commission and the Souhegan River Local Advisory Committee, working to protect local land and the environment. Barr’s contagious enthusiasm and passion helps others get excited to learn more about nature and conservation. Born and raised in Milford, Barr works hard to educate her fellow community members, adults and children alike. Community members also look forward to her family’s annual Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot, where family, friends and neighbors are welcomed for a morning run or walk, followed by a potluck at Barr’s home. In honor of Barr’s countless contributions to the community, Alene Candles donated $1,000 to Beaver Brook Association. Rod Harl, President of Alene Candles (right), presents a donation to the Beaver Brook Association on behalf of Milford Luminary recipient Celeste Philbrick Barr (second from right). Becky Kellner (left) and Gail Basiliere (second from left) from Beaver Brook’s Education Department accept the donation. Rod Harl, President of Alene Candles (right), presents a donation to the Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley Executive Director Mike Goodwin (left) and Resource Development Director Cory Sullivan (second from left) on behalf of Milford Luminary recipient Alan Woolfson (second from right). ALAN WOOLFSON Alan Woolfson has been a pillar in the community ever since he moved to Milford in 1988, making his mark with several different roles. He has served on the Milford Improvement Team’s board for more than 18 years, including 15 as president, working to promote, revitalize and enhance downtown Milford. Through this organization, Woolfson co-chaired the Annual Pumpkin Festival, working with 40 Milford-area nonprofits and civic groups to participate, fundraise and organize a “Battle of the Bands” for local teens as part of the event. Woolfson was also on the board of the Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley for 14 years, serving as board president for two years, and helping with the organization’s capital campaign to raise more than $2 million for a new gym and teen center expansion. Even with his other commitments, Woolfson still found time to coach soccer with the Milford Community Athletic Association. To thank Woolfson for his work in the community, Alene Candles donated $1,000 to the Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley, which serves more than 1,000 local students each year. FRANK XYDIAS Frank Xydias, M.Ed., has been a celebrated science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) champion in the region for nearly 20 years, blazing a trail for work-based learning as the Pre-Engineering Career and Technical Education teacher at Milford High School & Applied Technology Center. His positive attitude is inspiring and provides a supportive platform for students to approach real-world problems with innovative solutions. Using his experience as an adjunct professor at Manchester Community College, Xydias recently created the region’s first Manufacturing Exploration and Externship program, connecting students with local manufacturers through the workforce development program. The groundbreaking program not only provides students with valuable, paid experiences, it is helping to address the region’s workforce needs. Many of Xydias’s past students are now successful engineers, and credit him for encouraging their interest and building their confidence. To recognize Xydias’s numerous contributions to the students of Milford, Alene Candles donated $1,000 to SHARE Outreach, a central point of assistance for those needing help in the community. Rod Harl, President of Alene Candles (left), presents a donation to SHARE Outreach Board Member Anne Dodd (center) on behalf of Milford Luminary recipient Frank Xydias, M.Ed. (right). Headquarters & Manufacturing Plant 51 Scarborough Lane Milford, New Hampshire 03055 P 603.673.5050 F 603.673.6544 Midwest Manufacturing Plant 8860 Smith's Mill Road, Suite 100 New Albany, Ohio 43054 P 614.933.4005 F 614.933.4064 Showroom & Business Development 263 Ninth Avenue, Suite 1B New York, New York 10001 P 212.255.4363 F 208.439.9993 © 2021 All Rights Reserved | Alene Candles | Privacy Policy