One of the finest neighborhood events in all of Willow Glen is the annual holiday tree lighting, which will be held this year on Thursday December 1, from 6:30 - 8:00 pm at Willow Glen Elementary School on the corner of Lincoln Avenue and Minnesota.

The tradition of the tree lighting is in jeopardy, however, the result of incomprehensible damage from vandals. Usually, the familiar pine tree that towers over the school parking lot glimmers proudly with holiday lights during the month of December. But the lights were hacked apart earlier this year, and the cost of replacement and reinstallation is daunting. Without donations of time and money from the community, the lights may not be lit.

The following email was forwarded to the WGNA eList by Andrea Wheeler, and both Andrea and Alexandra Hoppe want to get the word out …

From: “Andrea Wheeler”
Date: Sat, 19 Nov 2005 08:34:14 -0800
Subject: tree lighting ceremony

I am forwarding this for Alexandra Hoppe. Andrea

Hello,

The lights on our community tree have been vandalized to the point that they cannot be repaired. Meduri Farms (the owners of the tree lot on the school grounds) thought they would be able to make the repairs and finally decided the damage was too great. I am putting the word out to the community that if we want to have the tree lit this year, we need donations
and someone to volunteer to hang the lights. This is a community event with the WGBPA, Kiwanis Club, and WGE parents who organize it, so we are trying to figure out the logistics but if anyone is interested in getting involved, they can contact me by email at alexandra_hoppe@yahoo.com

The event will be held regardless of the status of the tree on Thursday, Dec. 1st from 6:30 - 8 p.m. There will be local school choirs and the WG community youth band. We will also be hosting a scholastic book fair, and the band will be selling pizza for dinner - these begin at 5:30.

Other festivities hapening include a bake sale, Santa pictures, and the collection of toys, food, and clothing to benefit Willow Glen families. Please come and help celebrate the spirit of the season with our community!

Thank you,

Alexandra Hoppe
Willow Glen Elementary PTA President