Lebanon PA

“I feel like we’re on the verge of something really good here,” boasts Mayor Sherry Capello. “We’ve had steady and consistent investment since I became mayor in 2010. Not including any city projects, we’ve had almost $261 million invested in construction improvement projects between 2010 and 2023. We’ve acquired over $77 million in grants to improve police, fire, and public works operations, enhance our parks, make environmental improvements, and foster economic development. We’ve had a lot of activity over the last 15 years, but we still have a ways to go.” A TAPESTRY OF HISTORY, CULTURE, AND CULINARY DELIGHTS With its rich history dating back to its settlement in 1720, Lebanon has a unique and diverse cultural heritage. Notably, Lebanon is renowned for originating Lebanon Bologna, a tradition dating back to the 1700s when German immigrants, part of the Pennsylvania Dutch community, brought their sausage-making skills to the region. Over the years, this culinary art has evolved into a local, regional, and even nationwide phenomenon, with Seltzer’s Smokehouse Meats having its roots in Lebanon, along with Godshall’s Quality Meats which make bologna and other products. “We feel that that strengthens us,” Capello conveys. “Not only were we a steel town, but we’re a bologna- making town as well. We feel that the tradition of making bologna, figuring out a way to preserve it, and still have it hundreds of years later, just really strengthens our local identity of being hard-working and resourceful.” Lebanon has also become synonymous with other culinary delights, such as opera fudge—a sweet treat that originated as a snack for opera-goers and evolved into a popular local delicacy. Capello describes, “It’s just a creamy sweet center dipped in dark chocolate. Three local businesses sell them.”These include home-based candy makers Van Winkle, a family business established 70 years ago, Wertz Candies, who are also known for their homemade caramel corn, and Smith’s Candy, a third- 3 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 5, ISSUE 03 LEBANON, PA