Lighting of Tree Brings Joy to Community

The giant tree was donated by Ron Smith and officially lit on Sunday. Photo by Dick CLUBB

By Robin GOLDSWORTHY

Though rescheduled from Tuesday, Dec. 5 to Sunday due to weather, and promoted as “an abbreviated event,” the Christmas tree lighting at La Crescenta Library was a well-attended community gathering that brought “ooohs” and “ahhhs” from guests.

“This is an absolutely great turnout,” said organizer Robbyn Battles. “I was not expecting so many people.”

The American Legion and VFW posts presented the colors.

About 150 folks filled the courtyard of the La Crescenta Library including members of the Crescenta Valley Town Council, the American Legion and VFW posts and other civic organizations. Musician Mike Perry entertained the crowd prior to the official start of the festivities.

BELOW: CVTC President Harry Leon introduced the AYF Garegin Njdeh Juniors.

“Mike is just great,” said Battles. “He heard we had rescheduled and called me up to ask if I wanted him to play [his guitar]. Of course I said, ‘Yes!’”

The kids’ group the CV AYF Garegin Njdeh Juniors also entertained, singing the traditional Armenian song “Ding Dong” that was also translated into English as well as the American holiday favorite, “Santa Claus is coming to Town.”

Robbyn Battles, with her daughter Taylor and husband Frank, gathered in front of the newly lit tree.

Members of the American Legion and VFW presented the colors to start off the event, advancing toward the front of the courtyard before mounting the steps of the stage. Jo Ann Stupakis then gave the invocation.

“The American Legion and VFW offered us their full support,” Battles said.

Battles took the mic to thank the many people who made the tree lighting possible including LA County Supervisor Kathryn Barger who provided funding and Ron Smith of Ron Smith Trees who donated the giant fir. But Battles was quick to acknowledge that the tree lighting was only possible because of the community’s support.

“This event doesn’t belong to just one organization,” she said. “Local people put up the tree and local kids came out to hang the ornaments. Other cities and entities pay people to have their trees decorated. Ours is a community event.”

Crescenta Valley Town Councilmember Lisa Griffin made the cutouts for photo opps and built the letters to Santa collection box inside the library.

“Lisa created it all – from concept to execution,” said fellow councilmember Kyle Studebaker of Griffin’s carpentry skills.

After the performance by the CV Armenian Juniors, the giant tree was lit, giving guests the chance to pose for pictures in front of it or have their faces shine from Griffin’s cutouts. Librarian Marta Wiggins and the Friends of the Library arranged for activities and refreshments inside the library.

Despite the postponement, Battles said she’s ready for the 2018 event.

“This is La Crescenta at its finest,” she said. “I’ve already booked us for next year.”