Hello, everyone! Northampton is alive with the start of our summer season.

We just celebrated a magnificently patriotic Memorial Day remembrance service at Memorial Park, 14th Street and Washington Avenue; our municipal swimming pool is open; the monarch way station garden is ready to be planted in Canal Street Park near the gazebo; and our parks and recreation centers never looked better. I see plenty of outdoor activity already, with baseball, softball, bicycling and other activities in full swing. Get out there, everyone, and join in the fun.

As for the Memorial Day service, the red, white and blue was everywhere to be seen on a picture-perfect day. On what is considered to be a somber day of remembrance for the deceased servicemen and women, I was most enthused by the presence of my fellow neighbors and community members showing their love and respect for our deceased military personnel.

In my mayor’s address, I observed that the nearly 300 Hometown Heroes banners and the multitude of bricks at the Memorial Park all serve as silent sentinels, a reminder of the service and sacrifice we celebrate today. Every day is a memorial day here in the borough.

Switching gears, if you have the good fortune to walk or bike the Canal Street Park trail, you’ll see the start of our first monarch butterfly way station garden. The site is located just north of the gazebo and covers an area of 12-by-20 feet.

The garden will provide both bushes and flowers, which serve as food and nectar for the transition from caterpillar to monarch butterfly. The initial garden is being donated by the Rev. Jerry Mraz in memory of his late family members.

This garden is just the beginning. I picture other, similar sites along the Canal Street Park trail. My goal is to make Northampton’s portion of the 165-mile D&L Trail the most picturesque 1.4 miles along the trail. These gardens will go a long way to making that a reality, as well as enhancing everyone’s visit to the park.

At 90 years old and still as passionate as ever about this project, Mraz still looks to expand his gardening volunteers. If you are interested in spending some time helping plant and maintain these gardens along the trail, call Mraz at 610-442-8156. You’ll be glad you did.

The most current wave of Hometown Heroes applications was processed in the timeliest manner. Unfortunately, given all of the requests for these banners across the eastern seaboard, our usual turnaround time has been pushed to five to six weeks. When the banners do arrive, we will get them up on the light poles as soon as physically possible.

My humble apologies for the delay, as I did fully map out my plans to have them all up by Memorial Day.

Now, after consideration, even though I did make a last call for the banners April 28, I really don’t want to see anyone denied the opportunity to be a part of this initiative. I am opening up the application process again, effective immediately.

Just as before, you can apply for a banner at borough hall. The cost is $250. Since we have close to 300 banners already on streets, your initial request for a location may not be available; however, it will be honored as best as I can.

I’m happy to continue this project and look forward to more recognition and homage paid to our fine Northampton residents who have served us so well.

I wish everyone a safe and enjoyable start to our summer as I look forward to seeing you out and about. Continue to follow me for weekly updates by simply searching Mayor Tony - Northampton, PA, on Google. I am the first entry that you’ll see.

As always, when you see me out and about, feel free to stop and chat. I really enjoy getting to know more of you, as my friends and neighbors, each and every day.

Take care, my friends!