Verona residents will be seeing a lot more activity if Thomas Dessell has anything to say about it.
The Verona police officer now wears a second hat as the newly elected president of the borough’s Chamber of Commerce. His goal as the new leader is to revamp the organization.
“We’re trying to listen to the needs of the businesses,” Dessell said. “We want more community involvement, and we’re trying to reconnect.”
Part of the revamp is a resurgence of events throughout the year. First up will be the borough’s annual Easter egg hunt at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 19. Children 12 and younger are welcome to participate for free. The hunt will take place at Railroad Park next to the borough building at 736 East Railroad Ave.
After the hunt, participants will get a special visit from the Easter Bunny, who will arrive on a Verona Volunteer Fire Company fire truck.
Next on the books is a U.S. Open block party hosted, in collaboration with the Oakmont Chamber of Commerce, on June 8. The party will feature food trucks, bands and family-friendly activities.
On Aug. 5 the borough will have its first ever National Night Out. Dessell said the event will be hosted at Railroad Park in collaboration with Verner Elementary’s PTO. The event will also serve as a “back to school bash,” Dessell said. Students will be able to take home school supplies.
“We’ve had an outpour of support from businesses, the chamber, the council and the PTO,” Dessell said.
He said more events will pop up throughout the year, and the chamber is workshopping ways to “revamp” Christmas and Halloween activity times.
Back by popular demand, the chamber is also accepting applications for veteran banners.
“There are people on a waiting list already,” Dessell said.
People can contact the chamber to submit a request form and a hard copy photo of the veteran being honored, Dessell said. It’s a $150 fee, and the banners go on light poles along the main roads in town.
For more information about upcoming events, visit the chamber’s website.
