GLEN RIDGE, NJ — The holiday season began officially in Glen Ridge this past Sunday, Dec. 3, with the 60th annual holiday tree lighting on the Town Hall lawn and a singing performance by the Gas Lamp Players under the direction of Kristy Graves.
The tree is a Norway spruce adorned with 7,525 lights, according to Borough Administrator Michael Rohal. A sturdy tower of branches now, it was 8 feet tall when planted on the lawn in 1957.
According to a published report, the tree was a Rotary Club gift to the borough in the memory of Lt. Norbert Dugan, of the Glen Ridge Police Force, who had died in 1955. The tree had been removed from his front lawn on Carteret Street.
On Sunday, Dec. 10, the holidays continue with the GR Community Concert Series presenting “Welcome Christmas! Concert and Sing,” at the Congregational Church.
According to Deborah Brandell, the music committee chairwoman at the church, the presentation will have performances by the GR Choral Society; an adult bell choir; children singing carols; and the Gramercy Brass, a quintet. There will also be an accompaniment performed on French horn, trombone and two trumpets during a free-will offering.
Three kettle drums will be employed during the concert along with a piano and organ. The musical director for the church is Thomas Mustachio.
Brandell, who also serves as president of the church choir, said the ending to the concert is especially beautiful. A singing of “Silent Night” will include audience participation. Members of the audience will also be holding lighted candles.
“A really beautiful picture,” Brandell said. “Really moving.”
The event concludes with all voiced lifted in “Joy to the World.”
The concert is free and should conclude at 4 p.m. The Town Hall tree lights will be turned off following the council reorganization meeting scheduled for Jan. 8.
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