LAKEHURST – Residents, public officials and a few visitors came out to watch the borough tree lighting brighten up the sky – as well as the hearts of children and adults recently.
The annual event held in front of the Borough’s Community Center drew a nice crowd and Mayor Harry Robbins introduced this year’s Citizen of the Year Councilman Jim Davis who would go on to push the magic button to light up the tree at the appointed moment.
“Jimmy isn’t getting the citizen of the year for all the years that he has done on the council dais, that is a whole other story,” Mayor Robbins remarked. “Jimmy is getting citizen of the year for what he’s done outside of the governing body. The car show (during the 4th of July weekend) that he works so hard on every year. The memorial walk at the lake that he has done for us. These are just a couple of the many things he has done for us. Jimmy, we always appreciate you. God bless you, my friend.”
While the microphone may have malfunctioned, the mayor joked, “you’ll hear my voice, I’m a loudmouth, my family has told me that many times. This is our annual Christmas Tree ceremony and I’d like to thank everyone for coming out. It’s a little chilly but not bad for December. We’re going to start with a prayer from Pastor (Owen) Alston.”
“Thank you, Mayor, I want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy Holiday,” the pastor noted asking for a perfect holiday, “for children to enjoy themselves and that they have a wonderful time with their families and that we come together and love one another.”
“Pastor, I have a certificate of appreciation here for you,” the mayor noted. “The pastor has been here many years for us, every tree lighting and it is so appreciated.”
“We’re all going to count backwards from 10,” Davis called out before he pushed the button to light up the tree. Everyone counted out with him and the tree was officially lit. While the countdown was going on, the sounds of fire truck sirens were heard.
The red fire engine headed toward 207 Center Street, the address of the Community Center. That could only mean one thing. No, not a fire, but a special visitor was on his way. A visitor who traveled all the way from the North Pole but who needed a ride to this location to meet all the good little girls and boys of Lakehurst.
Santa Claus arrived and exited the big red truck using an illuminated cane as he walked toward the brightly lit tree waving to those assembled outside. He stopped to greet a small boy and then proceeded to enter the community center.
There was a big Christmas Tree and fireplace set up near the stage. Children lined up with excitement for their turn to have a chat with Santa about their wish list.
Mayor Robbins unbuttoned his flannel jacket to reveal his fancy Santa shirt. He was joined by most of the town council, Council President Steven Oglesby, Councilwoman Patricia Hodges, Councilman Brian DiMeo and Councilwoman Bernadette Dugan.
Councilman Davis received another honor thanking him for his borough service later in the week during the last council meeting of 2024. He chose not to run for re-election last fall and his many years of service were noted during his last meeting.
Borough Clerk Maryanne Capasso and Deputy Clerk Amy Lowe were among those who made sure that all the Swiss Miss hot chocolate cups were ready to be served up and per tradition, a table near the kitchen area was filled with Christmas cookies decorated in holiday fashion.
One adult attendee was draped in a green Santa sweater and ho, ho, ho pants for the occasion proving adults could be just as excited about the season as children. Conversations over cookies and hot chocolate kept the event going for a while and Santa concluded chatting with all the children present and caught another ride with the borough fire department to return to his sleigh and fly back to the North Pole.
