A Big Friendship Tree Lighting Thank You

To the Editor,

The Manchester Woman’s Club wants to thank all the people and organizations who contributed to the lighting of the Friendship Tree for this 2025 holiday season.
The Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce organizes the weekend of events that led up to the Tree lighting. Outdoor space is provided by Town Hall and the First Parish Church, and Daisy the Comfort Dog appears with her trainer Andrea Locke from the Police Department. The Select Board and DPW had the tree gently pruned this fall so that it doesn’t outgrow the lights for another few years. The lights are installed by Bartlett and Cicoria Tree Services. Manchester Electric tends the lights when they are not on the tree and plugs them in when they are. Essex Radio & TV provides sound for the live performances. The Manchester Cricket and editor Erika Brown provided publicity and print the acknowledgements of donors during the run-up to the lighting. Daily Printing handles our printing needs. The Manchester Masonic Lodge provides cocoa at the event.
Our thanks go to the performers who entertained the crowds before the lighting: Fiona Dooley led the combined Manchester and Essex Elementary School Chorus; Harry Wagg conducted the Manchester Essex Regional High School Band; Tyler Cummins and Maggie Whitman, students at the High School, performed a piece that Tyler composed; and Ben Icenogle led both the High School Chorus and the small group the SoundWaves.
It is a pleasure to have these groups entertain us each year. Our thanks go to the School Department, which supports their participation.
Special thanks go to the Club’s committees and members who put the event together this year. Sue McDermott was the emcee. The Sponsor-a-Bulb Fundraiser was chaired by Elaine Persons with the assistance of Eileen Morse, Joanne Donnelly, and Charlotte Minasian. Elaine Persons also coordinated the light installation. The Cocoa Committee was led by Joanne Donnelly and included Lori Dumont, Dorothy Sieradzki, Eileen Morse, Sheila Roy, Charlotte Minasian, and Teresa Ramirez. Christmas Greens was led by Valerie McAskill with help from Joanne Donnelly, Dyane Cotreau, Christine Gauthier-Kelly, Holly Gavin, and Constance Leahy. Mrs. Claus was presented by Elaine Persons. Publicity was handled by Joanne Donnelly, Dorothy Sieradzki, Jean Spencer, and Charlotte Minasian. Shirley Preston, Wendy Thomas, and Bill Spencer acted as ushers. Dallas Raleigh provided transportation. Jean Spencer handled photography at the event and gave technical support to the production. And thanks to Joanne Donnelly, President, and the Board of the Club for their support throughout.
We thank all the individuals and organizations who have given so generously toward the Friendship Tree. It takes a village!
Respectfully,
Pam Spencer
Festive Program Chair