RANGELEY — Approximately 120 people attended the 25th annual Lighting of the Rangeley Giving Tree on Nov. 24.
Carmen Glidden, president of the Rangeley Giving Tree, welcomed the crowd. Valerie Roy-Lessard sang the National Anthem, while the American Legion of Rangeley Post 120 Color Guards Harold Spiller and Ralph White stood at attention. Warm congratulations went out to both guards for having stood at the lighting for 25 years.
The Christmas season was officially opened when Rev. Judson Pealer gave the Invocation. As part of the 25th anniversary there was a ‘Calling All Angels’ roll call, when Glidden called the names of all the past Giving Tree Angels, having them step forward if they were in the crowd.
She then introduced Timothy Kane, who informed the crowd of a senseless act of vandalism that took place on Friday night, resulting in all the lights on the Giving Tree being cut. He thanked the Rangeley police chief, fire chief and fire volunteers who pulled off a miracle of their own earlier that day by getting new lights on the tree in plenty of time for the ceremony.
A highlight of the evening was when Sen. Thomas Saviello and Rep. Jarrod Crockett presented the town manager of Rangeley and the Giving Tree of Rangeley president with a certificate of recognition from the State House for 25 years of work helping the community. During the presentation, Glidden was visibly moved to tears by such an unexpected honor.
The celebration continued with a brief speech from Jennifer Farmer of the Rangeley Lakes Region school board and a musical performance by the Rangeley Lakes Region School Chorus under the direction of Erin Smith.
Finally, Santa and his elf Barrett Quimby were introduced to the crowd and this year’s Giving Tree Angel Bristol Quimby then proceeded to touch the tree, magically lighting it. Local favorites Tom Danforth (a.k.a. Tom Ball) and Joe Montimurro continued the musical portion of the program singing holiday favorites and leading the crowd in a sing-along. Afterwards, Santa led the crowd to the “Congo Barn” and children got to talk with Santa, share hot cocoa, cake and cookies.
If you know of someone in need or would like to donate your time, monetary gifts, new toys or warm clothing, contact Carmen Glidden at 864-3807, email rangeleygivingtree@gmail.com or write to The Rangeley Giving Tree, PO Box 222, Rangeley, ME 04970. Drop off locations for gifts are at the Rangeley Lakes Chamber of Commerce and the Camden National Bank Rangeley location.
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