OCEAN COUNTY – As meetings of the Ocean County Board of Commissioners go, the one most favored by its members – as well as the public – is the one connected to the annual tree lighting ceremony that takes place immediately afterwards.
Commissioner Director John P. Kelly was particularly happy and proud this year because his five grandchildren would be present to push the magic button that illuminated the tree located at the side of the administration building.
Kelly’s grandchildren Cecillia Grace Kelly, Juliana Faith Kelly, Sullivan Perry Martin, Evelyn Elizabeth Kelly and William C. Kelly collectively pushed that button which lit up the rainy sky that night.
Sandra Lazzaro, who serves as division director of Business Development and Tourism for Ocean County, however, maintains security of that magic button and carefully places it in a hidden vault until it is brought out the next year. “We’ve had the button for years. It is a long time tradition and very unique,” she said with a smile. She wouldn’t say how the County acquired the button only that it was delivered many, many years ago from somewhere way up north.
“We had 40 kids come out last year and we have 70 this year,” she said.
Kelly noted at the Board meeting and again during the tree lighting ceremony that “our Christmas tree is a 28-foot-tall Norway spruce decorated with 6,000 energy efficient LED bulbs. The lighting of the tree is coordinated by the elves who work in the Building and Grounds Department.”
The official was joined by fellow Commissioners Virginia E. Haines, Joseph H. Vicari, Gary Quinn and Barbara Jo Crea. Also present were Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer, County Surrogate Jeffrey W. Moran and Sheriff Michael G. Mastronardy.
This year’s holiday medley was performed by the Pine Beach Elementary School Chorus. Principal Tricia Tutzauer, Supervisor of Instruction Catherine Mellon, Musical Director Stephanie Higham and Assistant Superintendent Cara Di Meo came out to watch and listen to the chorus made up of students sporting shiny red and green elf hats and attire and sang several holiday favorites.
The invocation was provided by Reverend James Occhipinti. Kelly said he has been friends with the reverend for 50 years.
After the tree was lit, everyone was invited inside the administration building for cookies and juice. Kelly thanked the Department of Buildings and Grounds and the Department of Business Development and tourism the Ocean County Vocational Technical School Culinary students who made the holiday cookies and extended a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Joyous Kwanzaa to all.
