City of Fernandina Beach Proclamations: September 19, 2017

Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm
Reporter – News Analyst
September 21, 2017 10:00 a.m.

 

Constitution Week – September 17-23, 2017

Amelia Island DAR Chapter Regent Lynn Leisy accepts city proclamation from Mayor Robin Lentz.

Lynn Leisy, Regent of the Daughters of the Amelia Island Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution accepted the city proclamation that declared the week of September 17-23, 2017 as “Constitution Week.” The practice of declaring Constitution week nationally was instituted in 1955 following a petition from the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Fernandina Beach Mayor Robin Lentz reminded the audience that September 17, 2017 marked the 230th anniversary of the drafting of the Constitution, “a testament to the stalwart tenacity of Americans throughout history to maintain their liberties, freedoms and inalienable rights.”

Leisy thanked the City for the Proclamation and the importance of honoring the Constitution.

Les DeMerle Amelia Island Jazz Festival Week – October 8-15, 2017

Bonnie Eisele and Les DeMerle listen to Mayor Robin Lentz read city proclamation endorsing the Amelia Island Jazz Festival.

Once again the city has recognized the importance of jazz by declaring a week to celebrate the art form and its prominent local practitioners, Les DeMerle and Bonnie Eisele. In reading the proclamation, Mayor Lentz said, “Each year, Les DeMerle, Bonnie Eisele and countless volunteers, organize and promote the legendary and much celebrated Les DeMerle Amelia Island Jazz Festival. This world-class event highlights the contribution of jazz music within our community. It connects cultures, schools and raises awareness about the art of jazz and has become a renowned special event in our community.”

Les DeMerle thanks city and volunteers as Bonnie Eisele and Mayor Lentz look on.

Les DeMerle accepted the proclamation, thanking the city for its annual support over the past 14 years. He also thanked the community. DeMerle has been working with local schools as part of jazz outreach efforts to youth. He also cited a concert that he and Bonnie Eisele had performed the previous evening at Savannah Grand called Jazz for Seniors. He credited many for the success of the weeklong festival, including his wife Bonnie, his board and the “incredible volunteers.” For more information on this year’s festival and schedule, visit their website http://www.ameliaislandjazzfestival.com.

Suanne ThammEditor’s Note: Suanne Z. Thamm is a native of Chautauqua County, NY, who moved to Fernandina Beach from Alexandria,VA, in 1994. As a long time city resident and city watcher, she provides interesting insight into the many issues that impact our city. We are grateful for Suanne’s many contributions to the Fernandina Observer.