MEMORIAL DAY TRIBUTE TO VETERANS

What a beautiful day and outstanding parade this year in Lebanon. We had more participants in the parade than ever before and the crowd that came out to pay tribute to our Veterans was enormous. We were honored to have many of our veterans participate in the parade, either by riding on the float, joining us for the program, or sharing their thoughts from the podium during the program. A special “thank you” to Ken Gardner and the members of Legion Post #180 who helped to coordinate the parade with my office. This year we had two special guest speakers, the first being U.S. Representative Joe Courtney and Lt. Mark Panniccone who just transferred into State Police Troop K in Colchester as their new Commanding Officer. Thank you to both speakers for sharing their thoughts and insights on serving our country with our community.

It is my pleasure to announce that long-time Lebanon resident Marjorie Jahoda was named Lebanon's 2010 Citizen of the Year. Marge taught at the Lebanon Elementary School for many years and was very active in our community with many volunteer organizations including the Lebanon Historical Society and the First Congregational Church. Congratulations to Marge – well deserved!

PUBLIC PARKING ON GREEN

The new public parking lot located between the Community Center and Lebanon Historical Society Museum and Visitor's Center is open and ready to be used! Grass is growing and the flowers and trees are just beautiful in our newly created parking area designed to provide convenient and safe parking for visitors to the center of town and Lebanon Green. Much appreciation to Coit Excavating of Bozrah for the excellent work they have done to bring this project in on budget and on time. The landscaping was done by TNT Landscaping of Lebanon and what a great job they did. All of this was made possible by a Small Town Economic Assistance Program Grant that funded 100% of the project. I would like to send special thanks to the members of the Parking Lot Building Committee for their years of dedication to seeing the project completed. They include Chairman Lynn Russo, Alicia Wayland, Beverly Duntz, Art Wallace, David Fields, and I as well as former member Phil McClellan. I urge all visitors to the town center to start utilizing this beautiful new facility where parking is safe and secure and less congested than at the Trumbull Library.

HUGH ADAMS MEMORIAL

Over fifty invited guests, friends and family of Hugh Trumbull Adams attended a Memorial Service and Dedication in his honor on Saturday, June 12^th. The day began with a Memorial Service at the First Congregational Church, followed by an unveiling of a plaque on the Lebanon Green describing Hugh Adam's contributions to our community. Guests attended a luncheon at the Community Center where they shared memories of Mr. Adams.

Thank you to the committee who organized this event including Alicia Wayland, Rev. Sharon Ledbetter, Ed Tollmann, Gwen Cross, Linda Slate, Tracey Kelly, Jennifer Blevins, Russ Blakeslee, and Glenn Pianka. A beautiful new portrait of Mr. Adams will be displayed in the Town Hall, upstairs hallway.

SUMMER EVENTS IN LEBANON

Lots going on in town this summer. Make a note and plan on attending and supporting the following community events:

• Summer Dance Fest, Saturday, July 10 – Music, Entertainment, Food and Fireworks
• Lebanon Lions Country Fair, August 6, 7, 8 –Lions Fairgrounds - Mack Road
• Swim Lessions – sign up at the Rec Department
• Open Swim – 12:30 – 2:00 weekdays and available for rent for private parties
• Zumba Fitness Class – sign up at the Rec Department
• Vintage Baseball Game – August 21 – time TBD – check with Rec Department

Wishing everyone a pleasant and safe summer. See you at the Fair!

Joyce Okonuk

First Selectman