Photo by Ray Pioggia
Lester with a few of his close friends!
On Wednesday, August 16, Lester Smith was surprised by a 90th birthday party at the Suffield Senior Center with approximately 150 town people attending. Lester was actually surprised!
Below are several pictures which epitomize the joyous occasion. There were tributes given by Lauren Life, who thanked Lester for his contributions to the Observer and announced a Writing Contest in Lester’s honor outlined on page 22; Kendra Wiesel, Melissa Mack’s representative, who, on behalf of Melissa, explained why Lester is a “Town Treasure;” State Representative Tami Zawistowski, who presented a Proclamation to Lester; Jackie Hemond, who announced a Photography Contest to be held for Lester by Kent Memorial Library; and Kerry White’s granddaughter, Bethany Richardson-White, who, inspired by Lester, wrote a newspaper for her fifth grade classroom.
In addition, there was a homemade pie given to the person who guessed the number of articles and photos submissions that Lester has contributed to the Observer since the beginning (May, 1999). Juliana Balsamo guessed 3,006 and the winning number was 3,102. Congratulations Julie!
Photo by Ray Pioggia
Lester with Party Planners – Kerry White, Ginny Bromage, Ann Kannen and Lauren Life (all dressed in Lester outfits).
Photo by Ray Pioggia
Photo by Ray Pioggia “Conductor hat” cake (donated by Highland Park Market), flowers (donated by Suffield Garden Club) and Rick Stromoski’s caricature of Lester.
Photo by Ray Pioggia
Mary Ann Zak and Lester.
Photo by Ray Pioggia
Lester and his son, Peter.
Photo by Katherine Lee
Juliana Balsamo – Prize Winner