Prepared, Despite the Weather
The Westbrook Tree Lighting parade and event on the Town Green planned for Sunday, Dec. 2 was canceled this year due to adverse weather conditions and public safety concerns. An informal tree lighting was held on Monday evening, Dec. 3.
While the event was canceled, we want to thank the many individuals and organizations who helped plan and prepare for the event. The following agreed to donate food and beverages: Chef Joe Kaluski, Julie’s Cup of Joe, Lighthouse Church, Vista Life Innovations, Colors in the Wind, 640 Massage Therapies, Westbrook Ambulance, Westbrook Emergency Management, Westbrook Scouts, Westbrook Elks, and Westbrook Pizza.
The following groups and individuals were scheduled to perform: Westbrook Congregational Children’s Choir, Bob Hale, Old Lyme Band Tubadores, St. John’s School Choir, Westbrook High School (WHS) Chamber Choir and Sean and Kelley Moore. Essex Savings Bank agreed to sponsor Dave Bradham and his veteran’s horse and carriage with help from WHS Future Business Leaders. Dan Medieros was ready to carve an ice sculpture sponsored by the Elks Club. Jen Capano planned the bonfires and smores. Crafts were prepared with help from PaperCraft Clubhouse.
Other helpers included Oxford Academy, Girl Scout troops 62263 and 67893 with Andrea Jacobs and Liz Miller dressed as reindeer. Christmas spirits Randy and Ann Bell were ready as well. The Westbrook Foundation was selected to light the tree this year in recognition of their outstanding philanthropic activities for the good of the town. Co-chairman Brian O’Connor and his wife Alice lit the tree Dec. 3.
ShopRite, Envirotech, and Bill Cusson provided supplies and services. Barry Clark, Scoutmaster Doug Thomas, Richard Lianos, the Westbrook Boy Scouts, John Riggio and the Public Works crew and the Town Building and Sanitation departments, and fire and public safety helped prepare. This year’s committee thanks them all.
Lew Daniels
Westbrook Tree Lighting Committee