By Marna Persechini

Laughter, music, carols, jingle bells, and "ho, ho, ho's" echoed over Adams Park in Roslindale Village on November 27, the Saturday after Thanksgiving. On a nearly perfect crisp late fall afternoon, children of all ages (from babies to 103, "with their eyes all aglow") gathered in Adams Park to celebrate the 20th annual Roslindale Village Main Street ("RVMS") holiday tree lighting ceremony and visit with Santa Claus.

The Gerry Barrett Brass Ensemble started the festivities by playing familiar Christmas Carols as celebrants began to drift into the Park around 2:45 p.m. The band continued to perform off and on, between other events, during the afternoon. Master of ceremonies, Glenn Williams of the RVMS Board of Directors and Charlie McCarthy, its president, welcomed everyone with greetings from RVMS, the event's sponsor.

Next on the agenda was Mayor Tom Menino who said how excited he was to be in Roslindale on such a happy occasion. His Honor wished everyone a very merry holiday season. City Councilors, Rob Consalvo and Maura Hennigan also added their best wishes.

Monsignor Francis H. Kelley from Sacred Heart Church delivered a blessing and also wished everyone a merry holiday. Mayor Menino then led the countdown for the actual lighting of the tree. Right on cue, it glowed with beautiful bright lights. Representative Jeffery Sanchez and City Councilor Steve Murphy were spotted in the crowd, observing and enjoying the event.

Arts and crafts tables, sponsored by It's All About Arts, were very busy, as literally hundreds of children flocked around the tables to make their own decorations to hang on the Village tree. By the end of the afternoon, the tree was brightly festooned with handmade chains, snowflakes and cards of every size and shape. Staffing the crafts tables were volunteers Nancy Chasse of the RVMS Promotions Committee, Beverly Peters, and Della White. They managed to satisfy the youngsters' quest for creative expression.

While selections of Christmas carols, sung by the Sacred Heart Youth Choir, filled the air, everyone enjoyed complimentary hot chocolate, once again provided by Boston Elks Lodge #10, and treats donated by Roslindale's great bakeries: Boschetto; Diane's; and Dunkin' Donuts. Judie Leon of the Roslindale Board of Trade, and Kay Carey of Roslindale served sweets to the children and adults who somehow were still hungry even on a day so close to that festival of food, Thanksgiving.

Meanwhile, Sarah Churchill-Silberman of the RVMS Board was handing out goodie bags provided by Boston Main Streets. The giveaways encouraged residents to shop in the local neighborhoods.

Cathy Slade and the Rossie Reps also were present. As usual, they could be found pitching in wherever they were needed. They helped with the crafts tables, and assisted in serving the food. Two of them, Jeff Noel and Wilnord Romain, were Santa's elves. The other Reps who donated their time were Fhaedra Andre, Mia Burrowes, Cassandra Curran, Jennifer Eliassaint, Nicky McGuffie, Anne and Julie Romain, and Marcaine and Martin Simon.

Setting up a tent, WROR Radio 105.7 ran contests, promotional events, and giveaways throughout the. afternoon. Other volunteers included a gentleman by the name of Jack (no one ever got his last name) who just showed up and started helping to set up tables. Throughout the event, Jack was available wherever he was needed.

Marna Persechini was Santa's main elf for the 20th straight year. No one can ever speak of volunteers for Roslindale events without mentioning Tom Donahue, who plans and organizes not just the holiday tree lighting, but also many more events throughout the year. He calls people, coordinates performers and vendors, rounds up volunteers and is generally responsible for the success of special events like this one.

Children began lining up to see Santa well before the tree was lit and continued to do so during all the ongoing activities. The line stretched down the walkway in Adams Park and out onto Poplar Street, almost to the gate at the first entrance on the corner of South and Poplar Streets.

Everyone was anxious to see Santa, even Mayor Menino, who was keeping a watchful eye out for his arrival because Mr. Claus was late. After many tense moments, Santa finally arrived and was greeted by cheers and applause from the waiting crowd. Arriving on a fire truck, his customary means of transport to the Village, Santa explained that a fire had delayed his departure.

Youngsters carrying their lists, and some even bringing presents for Mr. Claus, were escorted to meet him by the elves. After being asked if they had been naughty or nice all year, they whispered in Santa's ear what they wished to find under their tree on Christmas morning. As each tot was handed a candy cane, furnished by the City of Boston's Office for Neighborhood Services, parents were busy taking photos of their smiling youngsters on Santa's lap.

According to all the children, including those among the adults who become children at this time of year, the afternoon was a wonderful success. It was thoroughly enjoyed by all.

RVMS thanks the following contributors to the event: City of Boston, Thomas M. Menino, Mayor; Boston Main Streets; Office of An Special Events, and Tourism; Office of Neighborhood Services; Boston Public Works Department; Boston Parks and Recreation Department; Boston Fire Department, Engine 53 and Ladder 16; Boston Police Department, Area E; Boston Elks Lodge #10; Healthy Roslindale Coalition and its Rossie Reps Youth Council; Sacred Heart Youth Choir; Gerry Barrett Brass Ensemble; Boschetto's Bakery; Dunkin' Donuts, Roslindale; Diane's Bakery; Vozella Landscaping; It's All About Arts; Roslindale Village Main Street Promotions Committee; WROR 105.7; and any and all the volunteers who may have been missed or overlooked. It takes a real community effort to run an event like this and it couldn't be done without the help of so many people in the local area.

The 20th Annual Holiday Tree Lighting was a memorable event and provided participants with a heartwarming way to join in the spirit of the Season!