The 35th Lighting of the Giving Tree of Rangeley

It was a beautiful evening on November 26, 2022, for the 35th Lighting of the Giving Tree in Town Park. The weather was the warmest it has been in many years, making for a pleasant evening, for the fifty plus spectators during the ceremony.

As is tradition, the event was officiated by Carmen Glidden, President of the Giving Tree and this year with the Vice President, Gisele Haines. The Invocation to open the Christmas season was given by Father Thom Rock of the Church of the Good Shepherd. Guest speakers included, community leader, Leeanna Wilbur and the Secretary of the Oquossoc ATV Club, Jeffrey Beaudoin. The music for a lively sing-along of six Christmas songs, was led by Coach Tom Danforth, Peggy Knox, Juno Knox and Joe Montimurro.

Arriving by fire truck was Santa Claus with his Christmas Elf, Brantley McLucas and our 2022 Giving Tree Angel, Lillianna Hjelmstad. After the speakers concluded, the Angel used her magic finger and the Giving Tree came to life in a display of colored lights.

For the third year in a row, the Oquossoc ATV Club collected toys and donations throughout their membership. Jeff Beaudoin presented Carmen Glidden with a check for one thousand dollars and after the ceremony a few bags of toys. The Giving Tree is very grateful for their efforts, in working with us for the children and seniors in our area.

The Giving Tree of Rangeley would like to thank all the ceremony participants, donors and volunteers that made this celebration a wonderful way to kick off the Christmas season. In addition, we thank all the members of the Town Office, Police, Fire and Public Works Departments. Together with all the Firemen that helped us with the ceremony and to get our tree ready this year. A special thank you to the Rangeley Fire Department’s Ladies Auxiliary for donating our new lights for the tree this year. And finally, a shout out to Rudy Davis for supplying the sound system and Tami McGarvey for taking photos year after year!

If you would like to help us, support our community, donation can be sent to The Giving Tree of Rangeley at P.O. Box 222 Rangeley, ME 04970-0222

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Joyous 2023!