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Madison committee outlines yearlong 'Madison 200' celebration and fundraising plans
Summary
Roz Kama, chair of the Madison 200/America 250 committee, told the Board of Selectmen the yearlong 'From Before to Beyond' calendar will include a Flag Day commemoration, a Rising Strawberry Moon festival and district‑level events; donations will be handled through the Madison Foundation and volunteers are being recruited.
Roz Kama, chair of the Madison 200/America 250 committee, presented a yearlong program of community events the group plans to stage in 2026.
"I am Ros Kama, chair of Madison 200," she told the board, saying the committee's theme is "From Before to Beyond" and that the committee is working with local nonprofits to co‑brand events. She described three logos, a co‑branding approach with the Connecticut 250 effort, and a slate of signature events including a Flag Day commemoration at Lee Academy on June 13 and a Rising Strawberry Moon festival on June 27.
The committee outlined plans for a strawberry shortcake bakeoff, a local‑talent showcase, a town mural competition and neighborhood "district discoveries" intended to draw participation from Madison's 13 districts. Kama said committee volunteers are coordinating with the historical society, the cultural arts council and local nonprofits to spread events across the town and involve schools and youth groups.
On finance and logistics, Kama said the Madison Foundation will receive donations and that all event expenses will be paid through the town. "All receipts of money will go through the foundation; all expenses will be paid out through the town," she said. The committee plans a postcard mailing to every Madison household to promote the calendar and will publish details and a donation QR code on madison1826.com.
Kama also described an approach to merchandise and small‑business partnerships: a local vendor, Tao of Madison, will handle one‑off sales of hats and shirts and remit proceeds to the foundation. "We don't have to stock or create — they will run promotions and forward proceeds," she said.
Board members praised the presentation and urged an early communications push. The board asked the committee to return with an update in January after sponsorships and major dates are locked in. No formal vote was required; the board publicly thanked the committee for its work and encouraged residents to volunteer.
