by Terry Curran

The Saturday after Thanksgiving is always the annual Tree Lighting in Adams Park, as Roslindale keeps its place as “first neighborhood in the city” to get set for the holidays, and this year was no exception. As if on cue, snowflakes started to fall just as the clock approached 3:00 p.m. the designated start time of the November 26th event.

In a new spot at the center of the Park this year, the Gerry Barrett Brass Quintet set up between the benches, where they serenaded the crowd with Christmas carols. As they played, Glenn Williams made his way to the stage to welcome all to the 21st Annual Tree Lighting sponsored by Roslindale Village Main Street (“RVMS”). He mentioned that this holiday tradition was started by then City Councilor Tom Menino 21 years ago when he helped to start the RVMS program. Happily both traditions are still going strong in Roslindale.

Glenn invited all the politicians present and the Sacred Heart Youth Choir to join him on stage. Coming forward were Mayor Menino, joined by Councilors Rob Consalvo, Michael Flaherty, and Steve Murphy, along with our area’s State Senator Marian Walsh. State Rep. Angelo Scaccia was seen floating among the crowd. Charlie McCarthy, current President of RVMS, welcomed all to this celebration of Roslindale and the holiday season. He said, “This has been happening for 21 years, and it just keeps getting better. We’ll keep doing everything we can to promote Roslindale as a community and business district to be welcomed, visited and utilized.”

They then all joined the Sacred Heart Youth Choir (which had a strong showing of approximately 30 members) in a medley of Christmas songs starting with “Jingle Bells.” As they sang, the Mayor, in great spirits to kick off the holiday season, grabbed the microphone and made stars of several youth up front. The Choir moved into “Frosty the Snowman” as the City Councilors up back really got into it. They continued on with “Joy to the World,” “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer,” and “Deck the Halls,” ending with “We Wish You a Merry Christmas.” By this point, the crowd surrounding the stage and found throughout the Park, totaled about 400 strong.

Councilor Consalvo came forward to explain the significance of a new small evergreen that had been planted in the traditional place where the holiday tree usually stands. He explained that last month was dedicated to victims of Domestic Violence and that the Healthy Roslindale Coalition had sponsored its annual Candlelight Vigil against such abuse (see story on page 4). The evergreen had been planted as a memorial to those who have lost their lives to domestic violence, and it stands in the hope that it will inspire everyone to work toward eliminating abuse. Consalvo then invited the children to decorate the memorial tree too with their handmade ornaments.

The Mayor then called Msgr. Frank Kelley of Sacred Heart Parish to the stage to help “flip the switch” to get the tree lighting underway. Along with the Mayor and several choir members, he pulled the huge switch, and the giant evergreen behind them was lighted to the “Oohs” and “Aahs” of all assembled.

While the crowd was waiting for Santa’s arrival, they had tasty treats provided by Dunkin Donuts, Diane’s Bakery and Boschetto’s Bakery, washed down by hot chocolate provided by the Boston Lodge of Elks in West Roxbury. I heard whispers from more than one person in the crowd that a fresh butter cookie from Diane’s was something they always looked forward to.

On the opposite side of the Park, the ornament-making was taking place at tables set up by It’s All About Arts and manned by the ever-vigilant Rossie Reps. Several stations allowed the children to make all kinds of ornaments, from colored-in paper ones to button ones. Face painting was also available this year.

As the call announcing “Santa’s on his way” came in to Glenn Williams on stage, Mr. Claus himself appeared on Engine, 53/Ladder 16, originating at the Roslindale Fire Station. Waving, Santa went twice around the Park in the fire-truck before stopping at the Poplar Street gate where he alighted to the delight of children and parents alike. He then made his way to the stage where his “elves” were waiting with candy canes. One by one, the children came forward and told him of their wishes, and I actually saw a parent or two making wishes of his/her own. I don’t know exactly how many children visited with Santa, but the line didn’t end until close to 5:00 p.m.

As if on cue, the snowflakes again started to fall, making it a picture-perfect afternoon in Roslindale Village. Contributors who made the Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration possible were: the City of Boston and Mayor Thomas M. Menino; Boston Main Streets; the Office of Arts, Special Events and Tourism; the Office of Neighborhood Services; Boston Public Works Department; Boston Parks and Recreation; Boston Fire Department; Boston Police Department, Area E; Boston Lodge of Elks #10; Healthy Roslindale Coalition - Rossie Reps Youth Council; Sacred Heart Youth Choir; Gerry Barrett Brass Quintet; Boschetto’s Bakery; Dunkin’ Donuts of Roslindale; Diane’s Bakery; Vozzella Landscaping; It’s All About Arts; and the Roslindale Village Main Street Promotions Committee.

That evening, while visions of Santa undoubtedly danced through the heads of all those who had attended this ever-joyful event, the RVMS Promotions Committee and its elves were already making a list and checking it twice for next year’s celebration. We’re certain that it will be a wonderful one, with or without the picture-perfect snowfall.