Palmerton’s 2018 Miss Poppy, Mascot chosen
Cali Smale, 6, Miss Poppy 2018, and Ben Jahelka, 7, the Palmerton American Legion Mascot, stand in front of the Veterans Memorial at the entrance to the Palmerton Memorial Pool. They are shown with Ben’s grandfather Victor Jahelka, adjutant for the Palmerton Legion Post 269. MARY TOBIA/SPECIAL TO THE TIMES NEWS
Cali Smale, 6, has been named Miss Poppy 2018, and Ben Jahelka, 7, has been named Palmerton American Legion Mascot.
Cali was chosen for Miss Poppy through her Daisy Troop 3305 of Palmerton.
“I am proud to be Missy Poppy for our town and to honor the veterans,” Cali said.
Ben was chosen as the 2018 Mascot because Victor Jahelka, his “pops,” is a veteran.
The children will each carry a wreath during the Memorial Day parade.
One will be placed at the memorial in the borough park and the other will be placed at the memorial near the borough hall on Delaware Avenue.
Cali and Ben will be selling poppies after the parade and during the ceremonies following.
Money from the proceeds of the sales will go to the Palmerton American Legion and the Palmerton Veterans of Foreign Wars to be used for scholarships and the upkeep of the Veterans Memorial.
Cali is the daughter of Jodi and Josh Smale, and Ben is the son of Nicole and Chris Jahelka, all of Palmerton.
