Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm
Reporter – News Analyst
September 19, 2019
The City of Fernandina Beach officially proclaimed the week of September 17-23, 2019 as Constitution Week in commemoration of America’s most important document. Mayor John Miller read the proclamation and delivered it to Rebecca Mayle, Vice Regent of the Amelia Island Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution at the September 17, 2019 Regular Meeting of the City Commission.
In reading the proclamation Mayor Miller noted that September 17, 2019 marked the 232nd anniversary of the drafting of the United States Constitution. He added that the Constitution is structurally predicated on governance by “We the People”, making citizens’ understanding of the Constitution and its framework an essential element of the future of our country and the civic health of its populace.
On behalf of her organization Mayle thanked the City for issuing the proclamation. She encouraged citizens to look at the Constitution this week and go beyond the Preamble to read the Articles and Amendments to derive a better understanding of “what the Constitution says — and what it doesn’t say.”
Mayor Miller read a second proclamation declaring October 6 – October 13, 2019 as Les DeMerle Amelia Island Jazz Festival Week. Founder/Artistic Director/Board of Directors President Les DeMerle and Board of Directors Vice President Bonnie Eisele accepted the proclamation and were accompanied by Board of Directors Secretary Suzanne McLeod.
Miller cited the many benefits to the community of this annual event now in its 16th year which includes events for everyone ranging from children in schools to senior citizens in assisted living in addition to jazz aficionados. This year in an effort to reach as many concert goers as possible, the Amelia Island Jazz Festival is offering a wide range of concert venues including Amelia Park, Fernandina Beach Golf Club, Story & Song Bookstore Bistro, The Lakeside, Sandbar & Kitchen and Sliders Seaside Grill.
In accepting the proclamation, Les DeMerle thanked Miller and the City as well as all the volunteers and Festival Board members. He said that included among this year’s jazz artists are Grammy Award-winning headlining performers including trombonist Delfeayo Marsalis, trumpet player Jamil Sharif, the Latin group Trio Caliente, the University of North Florida 21-piece Jazz Ensemble 2 directed by Dennis Marks, the Spare Rib Six Dixieland Band and the Les DeMerle Band featuring Bonnie Eisele. DeMerle added that the Amelia Island Jazz Festival has been endorsed by jazz icons Wynton Marsalis, Tony Bennett, David Sanborn and Ramsey Lewis.
For more information on the upcoming festival and ways to support local jazz, visit https://www.ameliaislandjazzfestival.com .