Don Lowe First Selectman Column 05/26/25
The Memorial Day Parade and ceremony, on a dry and pleasant Sunday, proved a fine day for Sherman. The parade had all types of participants from classic cars, tractors, Cub Scouts, Historical Society members, FISH representatives, and, of course, a marching band with many spectators lined along the streets to wave as it all rolled by. At the ceremony, our Grand Marshal, John Cilio, offered some very well placed words and our keynote speaker, Senior Master Sgt. Todd Lobraico (retired U.S. Air Force) spoke one of the finest and most moving Memorial Day keynote speeches I have ever heard.
Sending a big thank you to Rich Lenihan and Donna Pepe for organizing the classic cars. Also thanks to Jed Orosz for, once again, gracing us with a fine version of “Taps.” Our singers, Felicia Michael and Al Burgasser, belted stirring renditions of “The Star Spangled Banner” and “America the Beautiful” and then they joined voices for a rousing “God Bless America.” Big thanks to Dan Havens and Evan White for the cannon fire. Reverend Carpenter delivered thoughtful words and prayers to offer the ceremony a spiritual lift. The Veterans and the Scouts were perfectly on point for their part of ceremony and much thanks for all of their help in set up, too. The hotdogs were a major hit again and thank you John and Masumi for providing that again. Throughout the ceremony a huge red tail hawk performed a fly-over of Veterans Field which ended when the cannons went off. I think it may have flown to the other side of the state…
Sunday was a spectacular commemoration to those who fought and died for our country. The day also served as a gathering point for Sherman citizens and showed, yet again, the marvelous fabric of this splendid community. One of the parts of the ceremony is a reading of the list of Sherman veterans who have died in the recent years. During the reading, Sgt. Daniel Coyle (U.S. Army) did not have his name read with the others. It was an honest mistake as he was on the list, but it was accidently not spoken. Fortunately, someone realized it and we went back and acknowledged Daniel Coyle for his self-less service to our country. Daniel’s parents were in attendance, as were the loved ones of many of the names called, and I’m grateful that we addressed the situation and that I was able to see Mr. and Mrs. Coyle afterwards. They were very kind.
The Senior Community Center building committee, our group committed to bringing the possibility of a new Community Senior Center to Sherman, has been making some good progress. Our committee’s goal is to complete a full-fledged presentation that we can offer at community forums for people to understand what this building looks like, where it will be located, how much it will cost, and why it is needed. All of this will be part of the education and outreach for a future referendum on this project. In the coming weeks, more information will be coming on this project.
The Town of Sherman is currently looking to fill the Land Use Enforcement Officers position. If you know someone who is interested in this type of work, please reach out.
We have all come to learn that Mike Luzi is stepping back from the IGA and that it will be under new ownership. I write this sadly as Mike is a friend to many (to me as well) and has been a vital community person. Mike has helped benevolently, often on his own dollar, with countless community efforts and we will miss him greatly. Sherman wishes you the very best, Mike!
