It was a very chilly 19 degrees on November 25, 2023, for the 36th Lighting of the Giving Tree in Town Park. The weather may have been cold, but it couldn’t change how warm and pleasant the evening was, for the seventy-five plus spectators, that came to see the tree come to life in a beautiful display of color.
The event was officiated by Carmen Glidden and Gisele Haines, the President and Vice President of the Giving Tree of Rangeley. The Invocation to open the Christmas season was given by Pastor Scott Wilson of the Rangeley Baptist Church. This year, Thad Zmistowski returned to the ceremony and in his marvelous voice sang Oh Holy Night with one verse in English and one in French, to honor Carmen and I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day. As usual, music for the sing-along of Christmas songs, was led by Coach Tom Danforth, with Peggy and Juno Knox. The crowd joined in singing Jingle Bells and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (two versions the original and silly).
The crowd welcomed Santa by singing Santa Claus is Coming to Town as he arrived on the Rangeley fire truck with his Christmas Elf, Hazen Lemoine and our 2023 Giving Tree Angel, Clara Gurney. As is customary, the Angel used her magic finger and the Giving Tree came to life. This year in a display of new colored lights and the refurbished twinkling star proudly sitting atop the tree. As an added bonus the evening sky was exhibiting a nearly full moon! Following the lighting of the tree guest speakers included, community leader, Barry Libby and the Secretary of the Oquossoc ATV Club, Jeffrey Beaudoin. Barry pointed out that Carmen Glidden has been the President of this wonderful organization for more than half of the 36 years it has been in existence.
For the fourth 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 a truck bed full of toys, games and warm clothing. The Giving Tree is very grateful for their efforts, in working with us for the children and seniors in our area.
The ceremony ended with Coach Danforth having the crowd give three cheers to honor Carmen Glidden, before the final song We Wish You a Merry Christmas was sung.
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 Firefighters that helped us with the ceremony and to get our tree ready this year. A special thank you to the Rangeley Parks and Recreation department for going above and beyond to ready the tree this year. And finally, a shout out to Rudy Davis for providing 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
Here’s Wishing You all a Merry Christmas and a Joyous 2024!
