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FLORENCE: Rain unable to dampen spirits at tree lighting

Residents young and old gathered outside in front of the Municipal Complex to continue the yearly tradition of lighting the Christmas Tree despite the rain last Friday evening.

by Amy Batista, Special Writer
FLORENCE — Residents young and old gathered outside in front of the Municipal Complex to continue the yearly tradition of lighting the Christmas Tree despite the rain last Friday evening.
   Mayor Craig Wilkie gathered with his two daughters and Mr. and Mrs. Claus in front of the Christmas as the crowd gathered including the local seniors who were able to pull right up front in their bus and got a front row view of the event. Several council members were also present.
   ”I need everyone to say ‘Merry Christmas’ to get this tree lit,” said Mayor Wilkie as he pressed the button to lit the tree.
   Mayor Wilkie thanked the township employees, Florence Township High School Marching Band, and the Florence Township Fire Department.
   The event is organized by the township employees. Children had an opportunity to say hello to Mrs. Claus and sit on Santa’s lap. Before leaving, they selected a baked cookie either in a shape of and decorated like Santa Claus, a Christmas Tree or a Snowman and a holiday balloon.
   ”I think it’s something that the township employees and the townspeople look forward to every year,” said Nancy Erlston, administrative secretary and land use clerk.
   ”We usually we have a little parade and Santa comes on the fire truck down Broad Street and the band marches,” said Sandy Blacker, township CFO.
   The turnout for the event was lower than usual. Around 70 kids participate compared to the usual 100, officials said.
   ”This year the weather dampened it,” Ms. Blacker said.
   Gino James, a senior maintenance repairman at the Public Works Department, was in-charge of decorating the complex, which he started doing the second week of November and came in early to work around 4 a.m. to begin the annual set up.
   ”I’ve been doing it for 30 years,” said Mr. James. “My favorite part is watching the kids when they come to see them when light are lit up.”
   There were 2,400 lights on the tree this year and he tries to add a new piece every year if funds are available.
   ”He never put so many lights on a tree,” Mayor Wilkie said as he thanked Mr. James. “That special touch that you always do. I appreciate it.”
   The tree will look different this year and it is decorated in color.
   There is also a wreath hanging inside the entrance of the municipal building in which Mr. James likes to hide a different treasure each year for people to find. This year it is Tiny Tim. See if you can find where he is hidden.
   His sister-in-law, Linda Cochran, of Florence, and his wife Judy, admired his decorations which were lit up in front of the complex ranging from lighted rocking horses, candy cane, snowman, ornaments, reindeer, polar bears, and decorated trees and bushes with colored lights and more.
   ”It was nicely done,” said Ms. Cochran. “Santa Claus is always my favorite.”
   Mayor Wilkie was “grateful” for everyone who was able to attend the event.
   ”It was a wonderful night,” Mayor Wilkie said. “I was grateful for everyone for coming out.”
   Mayor Wilkie also expressed a “deep appreciation for all the township employees for going above and beyond” to make the lighting possible.