Logo unveiled for 325

Three-hundred twenty-five years after William Penn allegedly announced, "This is where I propose to build my new town," selecting the location for what would become Newtown, the Bucks County community is marking this anniversary by "celebrating your town, my town, Newtown, a great place to live, worship, work, shop and play."
The theme will be carried out through a series of special events that highlight and pay tribute to those who have shaped Newtown for over three and a quarter centuries. The activities will stretch from Independence Day weekend through next summer.
"The 325th slogan phrase live, worship, work, shop and play has its roots in the mottos for Newtown Borough, Newtown Township, Newtown Corporation and Newtown Business and Professional Association," explained Chris Ortwein, executive director of Newtown Corporation, the celebration's organizing entity.
"It was also used in the tag line for the 1984 tri-centennial celebration and it seemed appropriate to piggy back on words that have brought so many people together for so many years."
The 325 logo was designed by Allison Lucerne of Lucerne Illustration and Design. Lucerne was one of twelve artists invited to interpret the town anniversary.
Each artist was given creative license to express the 325 theme in any style that reflected his or her personal vision. The only guidelines were to include "325" and "Newtown." The rest was left up to the artist's perception, imagination, and inspiration. The hope was that a 325 logo would emerge out of the process.
"Several artists chose to create an identity mark for the celebration," explained 325 committee member Patty Lovi, "however, Allison's work incorporated the Newtown N which has been used to brand and market Newtown for the past four years."
That original design was a collaborative effort by two Newtown designers Adrienne DiGiovine and Rosemary Tottoroto.
When asked about her creation, Lucerne explained, "My 325 logo design evolved as I was working on the oil painting for my poster. I was thrilled to be able to use the Newtown logo on my poster because I love its simplicity and it matched the feel of my painting."
Several versions of the logo are available which will be adapted for marketing and merchandising purposes. While event stationary bears the official logo with wings indicating community inception and event dates, a smaller circle logo has been adapted for commemorative pins and embroidered soft goods.
The celebration commences with Newtown's First Fourth on July 5. As a prelude to the anniversary, an artist "Meet and Greet" reception was held on May 5 to unveil the 12 posters which will be used over the course of the event. The Time Capsule, from the Tri-Centennial Anniversary in 1984, will also be unearthed from its location at Pickering Field, and will be presented to the public at the First Fourth parade and opened during the evening awards ceremony.
For more information on Newtown' 325th Anniversary, the schedule of events, artwork and available volunteer opportunities, visit the website www.newtownpa.us, or contact: Christina Ortwein, Newtown Corporation, 215-968-3440.