November 19, 2018 – – Chatham, New Jersey – – In celebration of the holiday season, the Chatham Emergency Squad is pleased to present the 15th annual Winter Wonderland / “Snow Village” at its Chatham Borough building, located at 31 North Passaic Street, beginning on Sunday, November 25 and continuing through December 27, 2018.
The impressive display consists of more than 100 Department 56 model houses, cars and figurines with a working ski lift, ice skating rink and more – and a model train running through the center of town. Visitors are invited to come see for themselves and find various hidden treasures among the exhibition during the numerous open houses held at the Squad building.
This year marks the farewell season for Mark Spinner, aka “Spanky” who is retiring from the Emergency Squad at the end of the year. Beginning in 2003, Spanky first arranged a series of model houses and a train display to entertain children throughout Chatham and neighboring communities. Needless to say, it was a big hit and his collection only grew larger through the years, to become what it is today.
A lifelong resident of Chatham, Spanky has served with the Chatham Emergency Squad for 40 years – longer than any other member in the history of the Squad. At the end of the year, he will be retiring and moving out of town. Generously, Spanky has promised to loan his private collection to the Chatham Emergency Squad for at least another year, much to the delight of the Squad and the community. Bryan McGookin, current equipment lieutenant for the Squad, has volunteered to become the new caretaker and maintenance manager of the Snow Village so that Chatham residents of all ages can continue to visit and be entertained by the sights of the season.
“It’s an annual tradition that has delighted, quite literally, a generation of kids in Chatham – and for that we owe much gratitude to Mark for his tireless devotion to this impressive display,” said Craig Alperowitz, public relations manager of the Chatham Emergency Squad. “Thanks to Mark’s generosity, the Snow Village will continue to surprise and excite children of all ages – not just this year, but hopefully for many years to come.”
The Winter Wonderland Snow Village will be open every weekend and select dates from November 25 to December 27, 2018 – the schedule of open houses can be found on the Chatham Emergency Squad website. Special times and group tours can also be arranged by calling Mark Spinner at (201) 572-7920. Entrance is free for all, but a donation to the Squad or a small toy for local charities is also greatly appreciated.
The Chatham Emergency Squad is an all-volunteer organization funded almost exclusively by donations; they provide emergency medical assistance and transport to Chatham Borough and Chatham Township residents and visitors. CES never charges for its services. In 2017 they responded to nearly 1,100 emergency calls and provided free training in CPR to nearly 400 residents, teachers, coaches and emergency personnel.
To learn more, to donate or volunteer, please visit chathamemergencysquad.org.
(above) Mark Spinner, aka “Spanky” is retiring from the Emergency Squad at the end of the year.
