Tribute to prominent citizen Debbie Smead planned for Sept. 17

JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP — Life-long Jefferson Township resident and community volunteer Deborah Norman Smead passed away unexpectedly in July at the age of 57, and her friends and family, along with community leaders, wish to celebrate her life with a special commemorative event—Debbie’s Day. Coordinated by the Jefferson Arts Committee, the event will be held at the Jefferson Township Gazebo located in the Municipal Complex, 1033 Weldon Road at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 17. The location was chosen because a township gazebo where people could gather for concerts and cultural events was a dream that Smead saw to fruition. Attendees should bring a comfortable lawn chair. Following welcoming remarks and an invocation, Jefferson Township Mayor Russell Felter—who named Smead the 2002 Citizen of the Year—and representatives from several of the community organizations that Debbie was involved in will briefly speak of her and her dedication to the township that she was born in, lived in, raised a family in, and died in. Among those many groups Debbie helped create, participated in, or served on the executive boards for were the Jefferson Community Players, the Jefferson Township Community Band, the Jefferson Township Community Chorus, the Jefferson Township Gazebo Committee, and the Jefferson Arts Committee. Then, following these commentaries, the Community Band and the Community Chorus will each present a special concert performance dedicated to Smead’s memory. A ceremony will follow dedicating a memorial tree, memorial garden, and memorial plaques honoring Smead. Following a benediction and closing comments, refreshments will be served. For information contact Carol at 973-697-3828, and for directions to the Municipal Complex log on to www.jeffersontownship.net Donations are still being accepted by the Jefferson Arts Committee in Deborah Smead’s memory and can be sent to Jack Kelly, 13 Greenwood Drive, Oak Ridge, NJ 07438.