Christmas Tree Committee Seeks Bright Idea

By Nancy K. Crevier

Diana Johnson and Janet Woycik of the Ram Pasture Christmas Tree Lighting Committee are looking for a bright idea.

“We need a good suggestion on how to best light our luminarias that surround Hawley Pond and line Elm Drive,” said Ms Johnson.

Every year the committee places hundreds of sand-filled, cardboard luminarias to light the way to the Christmas tree in Ram Pasture when darkness falls on the eve of the tree lighting, which this year takes place at 7 pm, Friday, November 30. The luminarias are usually lit by wax candles. (Other festivities begin at 6:30 pm that evening, as they do every year.)

“[The candles] are beautiful, but we are concerned about safety, and in past years have been asked to find a better way to light them,” Ms Johnson said. Two years ago, the committee tried battery operated candles — “We even tried putting two in a bag,” said Ms Johnson — but they cast only a wan light.

“We are hoping that someone can tell us a better way to light the luminarias, without using candles,” she said.

The cost for the alternative must be in the same ballpark as the current wax candles, she added. “We spend about 59 cents for each candle,” Ms Johnson said.

Ms Johnson and Ms Woycik urge anyone with a brilliant plan to contact them at dianajohnson5418@yahoo.com, as soon as possible. Please include the best way for them to get in touch, should the idea be one that lights them up.