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.” 

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.” 

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.