New Sign "Welcomes You!" to Middlefield

Former Middlefield Lions Club president Summer Lerch wanted to leave something behind to mark a great year.

On Wednesday, Lerch got her wish when the club installed a new sign that welcomes travelers on Route 66 to Middlefield.

"It was a great year, I loved being Lions Club president," said Lerch, whose presidency ended on July 1. "We had a fabulous year, we grew our membership. All of our fundraisers were supported by the wonderful people of Middlefield."

The 6-foot high wood sign was carved and painted by New England Sign Carvers of Middlefield. On Wednesday, co-owner Steve Sutton and employee Matt Hryniewicz installed the sign with help from the town's highway department.

The sign includes the message "Middlefield Welcomes You!" as well as an image of the town seal, which was created by longtime resident Donald Ginter.

"Everything about the sign is homegrown," Lerch said.

Lions Club members Kevin Boyle and Robert and Christine Laptik, each of whom had a role in the project, were on hand to see the sign installed.

Lerch said the club plans to install several more signs around town, including a sign of similar size to welcome travelers coming from Middletown.

While fundraising events such as the and the Durham Fair help to raise money for the signs, the club also welcomes civic organizations interested in sponsoring a sign.

For more information contact Summer Lerch at 203-980-9663.