The 33rdd Annual Tree of Lights is set to light up the Village Green this holiday season on Saturday, December 2nd, 2023 at 5:30 p.m..
You can be part of the celebration by placing a red light on our tree in honor of or white in memoriam of a person, family, friends, and others.
The names of honorees and remembrances will be posted on the illuminated display on the Village Green in time for the ceremony for those dedications received by November 30th. The display and our website will be continually updated throughout the holiday season. The dedications can be seen below.
To place a light on the tree, please complete the printed Dedication Order Form you received in the mail and mail it along with your tax-deductible donation of $50.00 per light or click the appropriate link below. If making a donation via PayPal, please indicate the name of the business or person in the comments or email the name of the person or business to be honored to [email protected].
Your contribution to the Tree of Lights is not only a symbol of your feelings of gratitude and love, but also serves to help the Watchung Volunteer Rescue Squad with major endeavors. This year, through the generosity of the residents and businesses, the squad continues to provide high-quality, excellent Emergency Service. Thank you in advance for your continued support and contributions.
Place a red light on our tree to honor a person, family, friends, and others. Please include the name(s) of the honoree(s) in an email to [email protected] after your transaction.
Place a white light on our tree in memoriam of a person, family, friends, and others. Please include the name(s) of the remembrance(s) in an email to [email protected] after your transaction
Place a red light on our tree to honor a business. Please include the name(s) of the honoree(s) in an email to [email protected] after your transaction.
In 1975, the Watchung Little League was in dire straits. Between the
partially disbanded organization and disheveled baseball field, it
would take some serious effort to get things up and running.
Fortunately Alice and Larry Olejar were there every step of the way.
The couple worked tirelessly to promote the League and secure
financial support from local businesses and professional baseball
players. In the months before the next season, Alice opened her home
to measure all the children for uniforms. Eager for their uniforms, an
unmistakable line of kids formed outside of their home. Getting
Phillips Field repaired was another monumental task. Alice and Larry
worked with contractors to drain the fields and build the dugouts,
while also bringing in the needed training equipment. Without them,
it’s clear that the Watchung Little League wouldn’t be the same!
To revamp the Watchung Little League and bring the best possible
experience for his family and others, Eric Javer joined the board in
March 2023. Among many responsibilities, Eric handled registration,
scheduling, team formation, and even scouting for coaches. He worked
with the board and spearheaded fundraising, bringing in an
unprecedented number of sponsors. With so much financial support,
Monica Politi was able to restore the snack shack into an active and
fully functional mainstay of the games. In addition, Brad Elickers
maintains the fields and coordinates their availability, ensuring that
they’re always ready for our little athletes. Thanks to all their hard
work, the Watchung Little League is now better than ever.
Through the dedication and support of these fine people, the legacy of
the Watchung Little League has survived and even thrived. For giving
an opportunity to youths and enriching our community, these heroes of
the League deserve a show of gratitude.
Thirty-four years ago, Judie McCumber came back from a vacation on Martha's Vineyard and told the Squad she had a great idea that we could use as a fundraiser - a Tree of Lights where residents could place a light on a tree for a donation. She convinced then Captain, Shirley Cattabiani and President, Diddy Addario, that it was worth pursuing. Never mind that there was no Village Green or tree by the lake. With Judie's persistence, Shirley's "can solve any problem" attitude, and Diddy handling the town fathers for permission, a tree was brought in, set in a base, and strung with lights. And with this, the annual Tree of Lights was born.
Based on Judie's suggestion, the "original tree three" created a winter festival and fundraiser for the Rescue Squad that has become ingrained as a Watchung tradition. The annual Tree of Lights ceremony originally took place every year on December 7th in honor of Pearl Harbor Day, in recognition of all those who lost their lives on that day and all the members of our armed forces who gave their lives fighting for our freedom. Over time, the ceremony was moved to the first Saturday of December out of necessity. While we still honor those in the armed forces and remember Pearl Harbor Day yearly, the event dedications have changed. The Squad honors or remembers individuals or groups both within and outside of Watchung who have had a great impact on the Community. After making a donation to the Rescue Squad, loved ones can be honored or remembered using the lights as a symbol of recognition. Red and white lights are placed on the tree: red in honor and white in remembrance.
Through the years, many members of both the Squad and the Watchung Community have kept the Tree of Lights going through their dedication and support. We thank everyone who has participated either through their contributions in organizing and setting up the event, attending the lighting ceremony, or donating to help keep the tradition alive!