The town of Laurel has announced a new initiative to honor local veterans with “Hometown Hero” banners. This program, which received approval from the Mayor and Council earlier this year, will allow residents and organizations to purchase personalized banners to honor veterans in their community.
According to Town Manager Jamie Smith, the banners will cost approximately $150 each. Public Works Director James Foskey has been instrumental in coordinating with the company that provides the town’s existing banners, ensuring that the new designs will fit seamlessly with current infrastructure.
“I’ll be promoting this program in the newspaper, on our website, and through Facebook so people can start placing orders early in the New Year,” Smith said. “We need a minimum of 20 banners to place the first order, and we aim to have them displayed by spring. They’ll remain up until it’s time to install the Christmas banners.”
Residents and organizations can purchase these banners to honor a veteran of their choice. The initiative has received positive feedback from the council, with members expressing enthusiasm for the program’s potential to bring the community together and celebrate its heroes.
Additionally, the council discussed the possibility of creating “Bulldog” banners to represent the local school. While specific plans and pricing for these banners are still in development, the idea has garnered interest. “We’ve had suggestions from the school to put up banners featuring the Bulldog mascot, similar to what we have on the town’s water towers,” Smith said.
In other news, the council approved the appointment of Mary Lewis to the Board of Adjustment. Lewis, who has extensive experience in zoning and building regulations through her work with the town of Ocean City, meets the state’s qualifications for the role. “Her background and the write-up she submitted were impressive,” according to Mayor John Shwed. The motion to approve her appointment passed unanimously.
The council also announced changes to upcoming meeting dates due to holidays. The Jan. 20 meeting has been rescheduled to Jan. 21, and the Feb. 17 meeting will now take place on Feb. 18. Regularly scheduled meetings will continue as planned, with adjustments communicated as needed.
Mayor John Shwed highlighted several positive developments in the town. “The zipline ride at Tidewater Park has been a hit with families, and the recently opened brew truck is proving popular. New homes on Central Avenue are nearing completion, and renovations to key buildings, including the former Globe and Rigby Hotel structures, are progressing well,” he said.
Shwed said a wreath-laying ceremony at Odd Fellows Cemetery recently brought together community members to honor fallen veterans. The event featured participation from local and county officials, including newcomer, Sussex County Councilman Matt Lloyd, who pledged his support to the town and its events. “I’m here to represent Laurel and am happy to assist in any way I can,” Lloyd said.
Lloyd who attended the Dec. 16, meeting, said he hopes to be available to support any community events in the town. “I live near the Laurel Airport, I am honored to represent the west side of the First District for the Sussex County Council. As your council representative, I am dedicated to serving our community and ensuring our voices are heard,” he told the council.
He went on to say he hopes to attend future council meetings and requests to be notified if he can support the town in any way.
“If you’re hosting future events and need a speaker, a keynote guest, or simply someone to hold a flag or door, I’m your person. It doesn’t matter the task—I’ll be there. Thank you for the opportunity to serve. Let’s work together to make Laurel and our district thrive,” he said,
The mayor closed the meeting by expressing gratitude to town staff, police, and residents for their contributions to the community’s progress. “We’ve had a lot of great things happening, and it’s exciting to see the town moving forward,” he said.