By Theresa Knapp

The fundraising for this year’s Medway Christmas Parade has started off with a miraculous gift.

“We have just received the largest donation in the 30 years of our parade from Medway resident Jean Blethen-Coady in the amount of $4,000,” said parade Chairperson Richard Parrella.  

In a letter to the committee in September, which included the check, Richard Blethen said the fireworks are something his mother has enjoyed for many years. 

By making this donation, “She has the joy of knowing that she is supporting an event that has always brought a smile to her face and sometimes a tear to her eye. She is very happy that she is giving back to a community that she lived in for many years.”

In that letter, he shared a story of the importance of the fireworks to his mother. 

Since 2006, [my Mom] has always enjoyed the fireworks in Medway at Choate Park. She moved into an apartment on Slocumb Place and was surprised one night by the fireworks she saw from her back porch; she quickly walked down to observe to her delight. She was able to get a front row seat on one of the benches at the pond, which was occupied by another woman. When the fireworks ended, she had a tear in her eye, which the other woman saw and asked my Mom if she was okay. My Mom replied that for the last 22 years she and her twin sister Joan had always got together for the Fourth of July Fireworks in Franklin. Joan had passed in 2005 so this was Mom’s first year without Joan and the fireworks reminded her of her twin sister. 

Mrs. Blethen-Coady shared the same sentiment with Medway & Millis News. 

“I wanted to do something special at this point in my life. This event has always meant so much to me so I thought this was a great way to thank Medway for all the joy they’ve given me over the years.” 

When asked what she loves about the Medway Christmas parade, she said, “That’s easy: Everything! The people, the firetrucks, the sirens, the floats, the kids with their glow things, and of course the fireworks are my favorite, as they bring my sister close to me again for a moment.”

Parade Chairperson Parrella says that, as of press time, they are still waiting to learn the total cost of this year's event but, due to increased costs across the board, they expect it could be more than the $12,000 it has been in the past. 

Parrella says no town funds are used for this event. The parade is fully funded by private donations from local business and residents, which is why Mrs. Blethen-Coady’s donation is greatly appreciated. 

“This is the largest single contribution we’ve e ver received,” said Parrella, “I think this is really what Christmas is all about