Check out this past week’s biggest stories in Palmyra.
Longtime resident John Gural helping Palmyra grow even farther into the future
John Gural is the type of guy who has the Borough of Palmyra running through his blood. The 57-year-old has been the borough administrator since July 2011 has served his town in a number of ways. Gural was a Borough Council member for eight years, prior to taking over as administrator, but was also mayor for eight years as well. When added up, Gural has totaled 23 years of service to the town he calls home. “I have been in Palmyra for mostly my whole life,” Gural said. “I spent a short time in Mt. Laurel at one point, but I currently live in the house I was grown up in and raised my children here too.”
The Rev. Wesley Allen, leading Central Baptist Church of Palmyra into the future
Growing up, Wesley Allen had never been to Palmyra, nor had he ever been over the Tacony Palmyra Bridge. The 44-year-old Oreland, Pa., native first crossed the bridge for his interview with Central Baptist Church, a place he still serves today as lead pastor. Allen is in his 14th year with Central Baptist Church. His faith experience came to him during his final two years at Lancaster Mennonite High School, before he continued stretching toward pastoral ministry as his future. “Following my graduation, I ended up at Eastern University where I stayed for four years,” Allen said. “I later studied a year at Westminster Seminary, before finishing my studies at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in Massachusetts.”
Jim May, former Councilman and icon of Palmyra, passed away on Sept. 10
Jim May, the most beloved husband of Annamarie May; together they had just celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary in Cape Cod, died suddenly on Sunday, Sept. 10, 2017. He also is survived by their children, Victoria and James, and grandchildren, Thomas, Rachel, Winifred, Spencer and Lionel. Mr. May was born Aug. 10, 1937. He grew up in Maple Shade, New Jersey, graduated from Moorestown High School, then Rutgers University with a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Chemistry.
Military Service Medals to be awarded on Nov. 11
The Military Service Medal for Honorable Service will once again be awarded to all Palmyra residents who served in the Military who have yet to receive one. The ceremony is scheduled for Veterans Day on Saturday, Nov. 11th at 11:00 a.m. and will be held at the Palmyra War Memorial, located on Cinnaminson & Parry Aves. The War Memorial Committee will host the event and award the medals. To request your Military Service Medal please call Marie at Palmyra Borough Hall at (856) 829–6100 or email mnagle@boroughofpalmyra.com.
