The tree lighting in Oak Bluffs on Dec. 3 was short and very sweet. Planning for it began in October. This traditional town gathering takes the time, talent and commitment of many and thank-yous are in order.

This year, first and foremost, we must thank whoever stopped the rain. It was miraculous! Equally as important are the Vineyard Brass Ensemble who perform each and every year to the delight of the audience.

Greg Coogan, Oak Bluffs selectmen chairman — thanks for lighting the tree and Paul Mahoney for donating it. Thanks to the Friends of Oak Bluffs for the red bows, the highway department for lighting our downtown and Mark Crossland for all the special touches, especially the little tree in Sunset Lake, my favorite. Thanks to the PTO for getting the word out to parents who came with their children, and donations of food for the Island Food Pantry and cookies for the kids. It was a great turnout!

Thanks to JB Blau for giving us Dreamland, a gorgeous place to celebrate, Mike Santoro for all the hot chocolate, Brian Weiland and his band for the best holiday tunes and joyful sounds possible, and Holly Alaimo, Deborah Westervelt and Jim Westervelt for pouring hot chocolate. A big thanks to the Oak Bluffs Firemen’s Civic Association for bringing the greatest Santa, causing squeals of delight from the little ones, and last, but not least, to the Oak Bluffs Association for sponsoring this truly wonderful town gathering all these many years.

Happy Holidays to all.

Renee Balter
Oak Bluffs