MONROE, Conn. — Christmas carols filled the air, Frosty the Snowman arrived via the Stepney Volunteer Fire Company and a new tree affectionately named Sprucy was lit to officially kick off the Christmas holiday season on Stepney Green Saturday night.
The Save Our Stepney (SOS) Task Force organized the 24th Annual Holiday Tree Lighting and dozens of residents of all ages enjoyed choral selections from Mike Pellegrino and Just Voices, Bev Doyle’s reading of “T’was The Night Before Christmas” and guitar-playing skills of brothers Jeremiah and Caleb Purdy.
The guitarists played a variety of songs including “Frosty the Snowman” for the event’s annual star who came back again this year, thanks to Stepney Deputy Fire Chief Mike Dunn.
The Purdys’ uncle, The Rev. Matt Samuelson, pastor at Stepney Baptist Church, spoke and welcomed guests to the church on Sundays, as well as following the lighting for some Christmas caroling.
Holiday greetings were provided by SOS President Kathie Loehr. Emcee Joel Leneker (former SOS president) introduced speakers and performers.
“This is the official beginning of Christmas,” SOS member Millie Derle said.
First Selectman Terry Rooney spoke about the reason for the season. “It’s about taking care of your neighbor, it’s about looking next to you and realizing it isn’t only about yourselves,” Rooney said.
Speaking of looking out for others, the Grinch — known for stealing Christmas before his heart grows and he gives it back — was on hand to greet attendees for the second year.
“Everyone loves the Grinch so much that we have to keep the tradition going,” said the Grinch (aka SOS member Mary Orsillo).
Veronica and Dennis (Frosty) Condon provided entertainment. Several guests posed with Frosty for photos.
Scouting America Troop 26 set up luminaries and Troop 62 made doughnuts on site and served them along with hot cider. Troop 62 Assistant Scoutmaster Oswell Menezes noted that this is an important event for the troop to contribute to the community. The troop includes seniors Ethen Menezers, Rob Butler and Chris Butler.
Of the tree lighting and the troop’s involvement, Hriday Kiran, senior patrol leader of Troop 62, said, “it’s my favorite thing all year. I look forward to it.”
This year the old tree became unhealthy and had to be replaced. TLC Wholesale Nursery donated a spruce tree that takes on the role going forward.
A tree naming contest was held prior to the event and Henry Carlins was the winner with the name Sprucy. His family won a prize tree set up in the gazebo as a festive backdrop for the speakers and performers. The tree was donated by Benedicts Agway and transported by Kyle Roller and Kate Chase.
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