Sunbury Mayor Joseph St. John speaks outside at an open house for the newly renovated Municipal Building on Sept. 26.
Gary Budzak | The Gazette
SUNBURY — The city’s newly renovated Municipal Building at 9 E. Granville St. had an open house on Sept. 26.
Mayor Joseph St. John spoke before a couple dozen people at the building’s entrance at the event. He said the renovations were a testament to city staff and have opened a new chapter in efficiency for residents.
Somehow, the building remained open during the renovations, with staff working underground and some operations shifted elsewhere. They moved back “upstairs” to ground level on Aug. 26, the city posted on Facebook.
“We are in the home stretch of the building renovations, and we are so grateful for our residents and their patience during this time,” the city posted on Facebook a few months ago. “Administrative Staff will work remotely on Friday, July 5, 2024, while crews install new electric panels. Staff will be available by email and phone.”
Among the visible outward changes, the unserviceable flag drop box was moved to the rear of the building so residents can drive-up and drop off their unserviceable flags. They’ll be collected and disposed of properly by the Sunbury VFW Post 8736, the city said on Facebook.
In other news, the City’s Events and Commemorations Committee met on Sept. 19, where it heard from Sunbury/Big Walnut Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Nancy Crawford.
Crawford said the horses that normally take Santa and Mrs. Claus around in a carriage during Sunbury’s annual Christmas on the Square event are no longer available and was seeking an alternative.
Committee members said they appreciated knowing in advance about some of the things happening for Christmas on the Square such as strolling carolers, and that there was still time to get things lined up.
Speaking of carolers, “the chamber is looking for Christmas Carolers for this year’s Christmas on the Square,” they posted earlier this month on Facebook. “If you are interested, please reach out to us as we are looking to put together a troupe and entertain visitors at this year’s event. It is not necessary to be a professional, we want folks who love to sing Christmas songs! Contact info: [email protected] or 740-965-2860.”
A committee member quipped that Christmas crooner Mariah Carey probably won’t be available.
The committee consists of councilmembers Damin Cappel, Cindi Cooper and Molly Drayer. Among those attending was City Administrator Daryl Hennessy. Meetings are held on the third floor (Council Chambers) of the Town Hall, 51 E. Cherry St., Sunbury.
Assistant Editor Gary Budzak photographs and reports on stories in eastern Delaware County and surrounding areas. He can be reached at 740-413-0906.
