Lebanon American Day in Danbury

Mayor Mark Boughton and James Jowdy Sr., former Lebanon American Club President DANBURY, 06/17/09 - This year, Lebanon American Day was celebrated with several events throughout the city.

At 12:30 p.m., Mayor Mark Boughton, Common Council members, other dignitaries and community members gathered at City Hall for a flag-raising ceremony, where past presidents of the men's and women's clubs were honored and recognized for their involvement with civic and cultural activities in the Danbury area.

Waterbury Mayor Michael Jarjura also attended the ceremony. "Today I brought my dad who is 88 years old to celebrate the history of the Lebanese culture in Danbury," said Jarjura.

The civic ceremony concluded with the unveiling of an artist's rendering of the Lebanon American Heritage Monument by Lebanese American public officials, Town Clerk Lori Kaback and City Treasurer Dan Jowdy. The monument is scheduled to be dedicated at City Hall next May."Throughout the years, the Lebanon-American Club has been a pillar of the Arabic Community in Danbury. That is why we chose a monument that is very similar to a pillar," explained Jowdy, adding, "It will be dedicated to our ancestors who have settled here in Danbury."The flag-raising was followed by a luncheon at the Lebanon-American Club, at its current home on West Street.

Joe Walkovich and Laurice Saffi, former Lebanon American Club Auxiliary President and member since 1940 At 6:00 p.m., The Amber Room Colonnade became the stage for the 36th Annual Scholarship Awards Dinner. The Lebanon-American Club has awarded thousands of dollars to bright young high school students, and this year, six students who are sons or daughters of club members were honored: Andrew David, Jeffrey Goncalves, Rayan Hage, Suzanne Najam and Christopher Pristouris from Danbury High School, and Jeffrey Buzaid from the Canterbury School in New Milford.

From left - Former Lebanon American Club Auxiliary Presidents Marie Nahom, Beverley Ackell, Josephine Nassif, and Laila Shaker M.C. and Lebanon American Club President Joe Walkovich, Waterbury Mayor Michael Jarjura, Danbury Mayor Mark Boughton, President of The Arab American Institute Dr. James Zogby, and Joseph Jarjura Taffy Jowdy, the recipient of the Ellis Island Medal of Honor and Distinguished Service Award from the Lebanon American Club