North Adams Tree Lighting Remembers Passed Community Members
Councilor Wayne Wilkinson's granddaughter Emelia lights one of the Main Street trees.
This year's tree at Monument Square was donated by Juan Bolte of Houghton Street in remembrance of Barbara Breda-Bolte, who died in April.
Breda-Bolte had wanted to donate the double balsam that is about 30 feet tall last year, but her health prevented it, Mayor Jennifer Macksey said.
"This year, Juan and the family chose to honor her wish. Juan, who served in the North Adams Fire Department for 28 years before retiring in 2023 continues his legacy of service through this heartfelt gift," she said.
The tree was "just a sapling when the Bolte family moved into their home in 2000 and grew alongside them for 25 years. Now it stands proud. It stands proudly at the top of Main Street, a tribute to Barbara's memory and to the enduring kindness that defines community."
The 30-foot blue spruce outside City Hall at Rosenthal Square was donated by the Mancini family on Hathaway Street and has been part of their family for three decades, Macksey said.
According to Kathy Mancini, her daughter Katie made her first communion in 1993 and all she wanted for her first communion gift was a pine tree sapling to plant. The tree was a gift from Katie's uncle, fulfilling her wish.
"What began as a little pine tree grew alongside their daughter and their family, becoming the backdrop for summer holiday tradition celebrations and even a game of hide-and-seek on Hathaway Street," Macksey said.
"The Mancini's have chosen to share their tree with the community that is such a beautiful part of their lives."
Although the city was full of cheer, they also took a moment to remember Donald and Venture Hazard, who died in a fire last Monday.
"Please keep the Hazard family in your prayers and take a moment to hug an [emergency medical technician,] a police officer, a firefighter and thank them for their service," Macksey said.
"Hug your family, check on your neighbors and be kind to one another as we navigate our next year."
Wednesday's ceremony was dedicated to someone who would do just that — Bob Davis, she said.
Davis died this past June. An electrician, he taught at his alma mater, McCann Technical School, for more than 20 years. He was involved with numerous civic and community organizations, and was an accomplished musician who played at McCann graduations for years.
Davis spent countless hours working quietly behind the scenes to help make the annual tree lighting possible.
"He was a gentle, kind soul who loved his family, his community and traditions that brought people together," Macksey said.
Many knew him as the unofficial ambassador at the Fall Foliage Parade, proudly waving from his balcony on State Street, cheering on every person who passed by in the parade.
Macksey said she was grateful for her friendship with Davis as he has been part of the fabric of North Adams making the community better, brighter, and kinder.
"Tonight and throughout the holiday season, I ask you to keep the Davis family in your thoughts," she said.
"Where there is sorrow, let there be light. Where there is light, let there be hope, and where there is hope, let there be peace."
Tags: holiday story, tree lighting,
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