Submitted by Janice R. Piccolo, Director of Community Services, Borough of Chatham
Once again, Wreaths Across Main Street was executed by Investors Bank’s funding to provide 116 fresh balsam wreaths for Chatham’s Historic district. Wreaths were hung on lamp posts along Main Street thanks to Investors Bank. Pictured are Personal Banker Alexandra McTernan, and Carlos Tobon from Chatham Borough Department of Public Works.
Tom Salvas joined the Town & Country Garden Club and member Sandy Salvas (Tom’s wife) to ready Chatham Borough’s gazebo tree for the Tree Lighting event on December 1st.
Over 600 girls in Chatham are Girl Scouts. They participate in community events like adding wishes to the Borough gazebo tree as well as the 9/11 Memorial, Borough Spring Clean, and 4th of July Parade. This year Troop members Margaret Gryta, Kaitlyn Moy, Samantha Wagner, Lily Welz from Brownie Troop 96632, assisted other girl scouts, their families, and community members to add a wish for the world to the tree. Pictured here are Francesca Gryta and Lydia Hamilton.
Two of our favorite youth wishes this year were, “Hug more people!” and “Spread joy!” Those participating in the event were asked to bring a small toy to be given to the EMS and Emergency Room staff at Goryeb Children’s Hospital where they will be used to comfort kids as they are evaluated for and receive medical treatment. Troop 96054 will deliver the amazing donations (4 very full moving boxes) on behalf of Chatham Girl Scouts.
In a tradition that has spanned decades, and in 2018, Jeff Davis and his family celebrate their Chatham pride by funding festive holiday decor. Pictured are Jeff Zalis, Amanda Davis Zalis, their sons Donovan and J.D., and Debbie and Jeff Davis.
Members of the Town & Country Garden Club prepare to decorate the holiday planters along Main Street. Left to right: Virginia Hofler, Mary Keselica, Sandy Salvas, Peggy Wilson, Barbara Witmore, Nancy Nubel, Mary K. Joyce and Marta McDowell (not pictured). A seasonal Pretty Planter Project by the club, annually.
Chatham Rotary Club President Matt Wagner and Rotary members Ellen Eppie and Janet Storti offered hot apple cider and fundraising sales of ornaments and luminaria kits while the crowd waited for Santa’s arrival.
Chatham Borough PBA Local 226 delivered festive glow sticks to the crowd under their annual support. Lieutenant Ralph Colatrella cheerfully greets the youngsters at the Tree Lighting under Community Police Outreach efforts.
Chatham Hills Subacute Care Program Director Cathy provided ornament kits to children at the holiday tree lighting.
Debby Hennessy and Pamela Fairly volunteered to represent Turpin Realtors by offering treats to those waiting for Santa to arrive.
Community is important to Turpin Realtors; Wishing everyone a Happy and Healthy Holiday and New Year, noted Realtor Bobbie Veeder.
The crowd was entertained by songs from the 3rd grade chorus, comprised of 125 students from all three elementary schools, under the direction of Veronica Maldonado and Tracy Roskam, followed by a performance from Dance Innovation, donning their “ugly sweaters”, directed by Sue McCutcheon Couttes.
Mr. and Mrs. Claus (aka Brian Ness ad Noreen Ryan of Turpin Realtors) greet children at the gazebo after lighting the holiday tree on Firehouse Plaza, at the gazebo in Reasoner Park, on December 1st.
Adding to the holiday downtown dressing to make Main Street a festive environment for shoppers, diners and visitors to Chatham, High School art students Christine Purschke, Naomi Boyd and Cleo Bley (not pictured) painted vacant storefront windows with winter themes, under the guidance of Art Director Eric Hrera and Art Teacher Kiera Spadaro.
