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Celebrating 15 Years
W
elcome to the 15th annual
Saratoga
Festival of Trees
December 2 - December 5 at the Saratoga Springs City Center
T
his holiday season is one of great challenge for many individuals and families living in the tri-county region. Many are finding it difficult to get and keep jobs that pay enough to meet their basic needs. They are having trouble putting nutritious food on their tables, locating affordable and stable housing and securing health care for themselves and their families. The parallel challenge for each of us is to respond to the needs of the poor and the suffering among us with compassion and generosity
and to advocate for systemic change that guarantees the basic necessities for all of our neighbors. In the midst of these trying times, we are aware of our own vulnerability as well as a heightened sensitivity to our deep interconnectedness. It is with a spirit of increased consciousness of the blessings in our lives that we invite you to enjoy this creative holiday fantasy of delightfully decorated trees, wreaths, and centerpieces. Join us for Senior Day on Friday and breakfast with Santa on
Saturday – a fun-filled day of children’s activities. May the many magical moments of this year’s festival fill our spirits with hope and gladness. Behind the scenes, scores of dedicated volunteers spent countless hours planning and preparing for this event to be enjoyed by the entire community. For them we are most grateful. Thank you also to the many businesses and corporate sponsors who have generously supported our efforts and to the creative donors of the myriad of items of holiday
décor. Our media sponsors, Saratoga Today and Star 101.3 FM have been wonderful supporters as well. We encourage you to savor this visual feast and to further the mission of Catholic Charities by purchasing the holiday items displayed. We wish you a happy, peace-filled
holiday season – one that will rekindle hope and trust in the gift of life and our relationship with one another.
The Steering Committee Sister Charla Commins Kate Deloria Earline Johnson Bruce O’Connell
Board of Directors PRESIDENT Bruce O’Connell VICE-PRESIDENT Jane Morrissey TREASURER Rebecca Christner SECRETARY Kelly Waechter
BOARD MEMBERS Rev. Neil Draves-Arpaia Kris Hatch Rev. Dominic Ingemie Earline Johnson Trip Shannon Steven Stockdale Michael Toohey, Esq. Nancy Wade, M.D.
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Friday, November 24, 2010
What’s Happening Mu si c Pe r f o r m a n ce Schedule Entertainment Performing at the Preview Reception • Brenda Vredenburg, Pianist • Magico*! Performing at Senior Day • 2pm – Uncle Sam Sparklers • 4pm – Dorothy Nolan Fifth Grade Chime Choir, Deb Craig, Director Updated Schedule on website blog saratogafestivaloftrees.com
honorary committee HONORARY COMMITTEE CHAIRS Joe & Gloria Dalton HONORARY COMMITTEE Stacie H. Arpey Rebecca Christner & Carter White D.A. Collins Kathy DiSanto Anita & Rick Dunn Claudette M. Farchione Kristine Hatch Sally & Jim Higgins Brien & Cindy Hollowood Bishop Howard J. Hubbard Rev. Dominic Ingemie Kathleen James
Matt & Earline Johnson Mayor Scott & Julie Johnson Michele Kelly Drs. John Leary & Nancy Wade Jane Morrissey John & Rosemary Munter Kate R. Naughton Bruce & Madge O’Connell David & Helen Porter Ann Seton Quinn David & Deborah Quinn VanPatten Reed Ron & Michele Riggi Margaret S. Roohan Dee Sarno Helen Snyder Christine & Dave Stack Joe & Lisa Torani Mr. & Mrs. Jeffrey Vukelic
mission statement Catholic Charities, a ministry of the Catholic Diocese of Albany, is committed to active witness on behalf of the Scriptural values of mercy and justice.
Catholic Charities, recognizing human need at all stages of life, responds to all persons regardless of race, creed or lifestyle, with special emphasis on the economically poor and the vulnerable.
Catholic Charities serves and empowers persons in need, advocates for a just society, calls forth and collaborates with women and men of good.
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Friday, November 24, 2010
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Let it Snow
Special Thanks Anonymous Scott Bergman, Randall Perry Photography Students of the Dorothy Nolan Chime Choir and Debbie Craig, Director Circus Café County Florist Dehn’s Florist Decresente Distributing Exit 9 Wine & Liquor Glens Falls Community Theater Grapevine Fine Wines and Liquor Jack’s American Bistro Jan’s Florist Homemade Theater Joan and Chuck Lighthart Magico*!
Mark Baker and the Saratoga Springs City Center Staff Mary Leigh and the Fauves Mike’s Hard Lemonade Olde Saratoga Brewing Company Party Warehouse Pedal Pusher Price Chopper - Wilton Central Market Floral - Ballston Ave The Sagamore The Saratoga Hilton Saratoga Eagle SPAC Saratoga Springs Water Stewart’s Tom Roohan Troy Senior Service Center Brenda Vrendenburg
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Friday, November 24, 2010
Winter Wonderland
Committee Principals Lynn Allen Theresa Agresta Josie Ambrosio Sal Ambrosio Gail Anderson Peg Bradley Wayne Bemis Florence Campion Sister Charla Commins Anne Comstock Kathleen Cosmus Peter Crowley Margaret D’Andrea Lisa Dean Kate Deloria Fran Dingeman Sharon Drosky Stan Drosky Rick Dunn Leona Dupell Joan Ferris Margaret Fueston Colleen Guarino Kris Hatch Earline Johnson Noreen Jones Angela Laterra Cindy Manz Mary Ellen Maxwell Bernie McCue Jane Mehan Bruce O’Connell Marcia Okosky Mary Prattico Kathy Price Anne Reed Marquita Rhodes Candyce Robenstein Jackie Saxton Nancy Toole Kelly Mansfield Waechter Karen Ward Wayne Wheeler Mandy Whelan
This publication is brought to you by: Saratoga Publishing, LLC SaratogaPublishing.com 5 Case St. Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 (518) 581-2480 Allegory allegorystudios.com 184 Edie Road, Suite C Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 (518) 580-1987 Creative Connections creativeconnectionsny.com 238 Round Lake Ballston Lake, NY 12019 (518) 877-0963
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Friday, November 24, 2010
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Unwrap the Magic Corporate Sponsors
Preview Reception Sponsor
The Key
Linda & Michael Toohey
Tree Name
Acosta Sales The Adirondack Trust Company Family Day Sponsor Anheuser-Busch, Inc. Nestle Arizona Tea Nestle Waters Bachman Company Northeast Retailer Brands Bast Hatfield Old Neighborhood Foods Freihofer Paul DeLima Campbell Commonwealth Brands, Inc. Pepsi-Cola Company - Newburgh Crown Imports Philip Morris U.S.A. DA Collins RJ Reynolds Tobacco Co. DeCrescente Distributing Count Down Winter Bounty Roohan Realty Company 'til Christmas Ryder Transportation Services $ Court McLaughlin Diana's Bakery $ Wesley, The Community #422 Catholic Saratoga Eagle Fortitech Inc. Carol Joyce, Daughters of the Saratoga National Bank & Frito-Lay, Inc. Pat Rachiele, Americas The Green’s Trust Co. Georgia Pacific Lorrie Shilling Social Committee Schlotterbeck & Foss Co. Heineken USA Inc. SOFCO, Inc. Labatts USA Bling-it’s Christmas Saratoga Scenes - a Division of Bunzyl USA LBM Sales $ Finch Paper, LLC $ Mr. James G. Doyle Stewart's Shops Leroy Holding Company Nancy Salmon Saratoga Notecards, UniFirst Corporation Liggett Vector Brands Peg & Jerry Bradley W.J. Morris Excavating, Inc. Maplewood Ice Co., Inc. It’s A Snowday! White Wave MLB Construction $ Dr. William & My Favorite Things Service LLC Robin Byrt $ National Grid Miller-Coors Evelyn F. Bedard, Jenness Cunningham, Ray Bedard, Charleen Bivona Madeline Liefl A Royal Christmas Hope for Joy and Peace $ Dr. Roland & Mrs. Mary Phillips $ St. Clement's Church Christina Bean, Cathy MacNeil, Mimsey Kelly, Anne Wagner Marilyn Helenek Happy Birthday Jesus The Heart of Christmas $ Mrs. Jane Wait The Giver of $ Jack Byrne Ford & Mercury Life Gift Shoppe, Bonnie Radlowski, Christine Edwards, Marcele Tysoe Jan Nudo
Mandy and Rory Whelan
Table Top Trees
Tree Judges 1. Todd Garofano, Saratoga Convention & Tourism Bureau 2. Gretchen Squires, The Posie Peddler 3. Kevin Sykes, Hall of Springs/ Mazzone Management
$
Sponsor Decorations Frosty & Friends Coldwell Banker $ Prime Properties Ginny Andrews, Lynn Bailey, Christa Boden, Linda Chiarello, Suzanne Cobb, Bonnie Nicolosi & Mary Spinelli Red & White Christmas $ Old Saratoga Restorations Irene & Tom Burns Give a Little Hope $ Beverly Valentine in Memory of Ed Valentine Amanda Crames, Michele Curry, Michele Funiciello, Julie Johnson A Heavenly Christmas $ Mr. & Mrs. James Grande Casey Richards, Gillian Richards, Wanda Richards ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas Debbie Fee, Carole Schirialdi, Carrie Swigart, Ronnie Yacur
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Friday, November 24, 2010
Festival of Trees Holiday Decor Donors
Floor Trees Golden Splendor $ William J. Burke & Sons, Bussing & Cunnif, Inc. Beth DeMatteo, Jodi Matarrese A Saratoga Tradition $ Kathleen & Tom Cosmus (Chico's) Chico's Sugar Plum Fairy $ Cudney's Launderers & Dry Cleaners Terri Coseo, Linda Crawford Claudette Farchione, Eileen Farley, Regina Vanasdale, Eleanor Wittmann The Nativity Tree $ Knights of Columbus Saratoga Central Catholic School, Deb McHale A Touch of Frost $ NY Long Term Care Brokers, LTD. Impression of Saratoga, Ann O’Connor First Snowfall $ New York Racing Association Timothy Healy, Hidden Gardens, Inc. Sweet 15!
$ Roohan Realty Robin Dalton, Darlene Chorman, Palma Pedrick, Tamara Valentine 'Twas the Night Before Christmas $ Saratoga Care/ Saratoga Hospital Saratoga Hospital Floor D Nurses
Night of Flight $ The Saratoga Convention & Tourism Bureau Claudette Farchione, Rachel Farchione, Elizabeth Markowicz, Jonathan Markowicz, Theresa Markowicz Peace, Hope, Love & Joy $ Saratoga Gaming and Raceway The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Relief Society Cindy Jensen, Wendy Nelson Breast Cancer Awareness $ Saratoga Hair Transplant Center Nicky Naushahi, AM & PM horticulture Class Tiffany Tree $ Michael & Linda Toohey Carole Nielson, Pat Stickney Holiday Magic $ Home of the Good Shepherd Rebecca Detora, Laura Poirier Builder’s Holiday $ Saratoga Builders Association Natalie Amsler, Karan Hankinson, Pamela Stott Angels Among Us $ St. Clement's School Janet Franco, Tina Nigro, Lisa O'Brien, Laura Paul, Soula Tsitos Liz O’Brien
A Friend Almost One of a Kind Quilt Shop Vicki Feldman and Barbara Haynes Anonymous Donna Bates Evelyn Bedard Susanna Bezold Theresa Bezold Eleanor Boyle Fiona Burde Irene Burns Kaitlyn Cameron Florence Campion Elaine Caruso-Roberts Susan Christopher Church of St. Peter Youth Ministry - Grades 10-12 Debbie Clabeau Donna Clothier Kristen Corcoran Crafters Gallery -Roger Goldsmith Samantha Dean Susan Dornan Drosky Friends Megan Drosky Sharon Drosky Sally Duvall El Ced Stephanie DeCelle Bonnie Farelly Joanne Figliomeni Veronica Frazier Julie Gailor Sandi Graham Irene Hagerty Dorothy Harran Judy Hart Nancy Holsberger Jewelry by Design · Pamela Baghasian
St. Clement's Pastoral Care Dianne Johnstone St. Clement's Ushers Just Beautiful St. Clement's Youth Ministry · Justina Davison Saratoga National Bank Connie Kirkpatrick - Ballard Road Branch Noelle Kolakowsk Jackie Saxton Sarah Landers Lisa Shaul Christine Levy Skidmore Apartments Literacy New York -GCR · Angie Aragon · Maria Lange · Stacia Currier Cosette Lotz · Christina O'Connell Lyn Madden Kathy Stahl Mary's Haven Friends Sweetheart's Dolls Diana Miller · Carolyn Isenberg Madeline Miller · Ruth Talmon Milton Veterinary Hospital The Elves · Dr. Lori Langdon The Quilted Jardin Ann Neville · Martha Beauchamp Marcia Okosky Susan Trentecoste Heather O'Leary Uncommon Threads Nancy O'Leary · Barbara Hefter Orenda Garden Club Kate Van Buren · Judy Froehlich Megan Vaughn · Louise Jordan Shirley Voelker Faith Palma Jane Wait Maria Peters Marian Wait Walsh Elena Porter Shirley Waterfield Prayer Shawl Ministry of St. Clement's and St. Peter's Natasha Wipka Yaddo Garden Association Caroline Putman Geoffrey Putman Margaret Putman Anne Reed Candyce Robenstein Diane Russell St. Clement's Altar Society St. Clement's Confirmation Program St. Clement's Eucharistic Ministers St. Clement's Greeters St. Clement's Music St. Clement's Outreach
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Ho ppy liday s!
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Friday, November 24, 2010
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Making Spirits Bright
Family Day Committee Chairperson Kate Deloria Co-Chairpersons Margaret D'Andrea Jane Mehan Breakfast With Santa Margaret D'Andrea Christmas Characters Fran Dingeman Cookie Decorating Joan Fitzhenry Cindy Manz Decorations Larry & Linda Ambrosino Colleen Guarino Face Painting Maddie Albrycht Sarah Albrycht Kerri Barber Diane McGarry Barbara Nieman Nancy Toole
Letters to Santa Kathleen Cosmus Maureen Lynch Manicures Noreen Jones Mary Bonner Ornaments Joan Lighthart Maryellen Maxwell Carole Tarantino Michele West Santa Photos Anne Comstock Deanna Wolfe Picture Frames Mary Angelini Margaret Fueston Storyteller's Corner JoAnne McGraw Entertainment MaryLeigh and The Fauves
Sponsors & Donors Family Day Sponsor
Santa's Workshop
Mandy & Rory Whelan & Family
Dr. James Byrne/Dr. Brian Byrne Sharon Byrne Realty USA
Breakfast Sponsors Bella Home Builders Bonacio Construction, Inc. Drs. John Leary & Nancy Wade Stewarts Shops "Sundaes with Santa"
Storytellers Corner
Sponsors for the Children's Activity & Santa's Workshop
Breakfast With Santa Donors
Christmas Characters STAR 101.3 Radio
Cookie Decorating Advantage Mortgage Service
Decorations G. Willikers
Entertainment One Caroline/Mouzon House
Face Painting Warren Anesthesiologists
Letters to Santa Anthony & Susan DePaula
Manicures Limoncello Ristorante The Appraisal Company
Ornaments 518 Athlete Aiden Howley Spa Cascada
Photos With Santa D’Andrea Liquors Madge & Bruce O'Connell
Picture Frames Adirondack Sign Perfect Freeman & Shea Co. Inc. Plumbing
Violets/Stellas of Saratoga A Christmas Angel Saratoga Central Catholic
Boston Market The Bread Basket Bruegger's Bagel Bakery Chianti's II Mr. & Mrs. James Collins Comptons Restaurant Country Corner Cafe Courtyard Marriott Cupcake Lab D’Andrea’s Pizza Dave Harmons Westside Stadium Denny's Restaurant Dunkin Donuts Esperanto's Finish Line Restaurant & Bar Golden Corral Hannaford Food & Drug Superstore Holiday Inn-Saratoga Springs McDonalds Restaurant Exit 15 Mimi & Friends Hair Studio Mexican Connection Post Time Deli Price Chopper Corporate Gift Committee Putnam Market Roma Importing Co. Carol & David Schweizer Scallions Sysco Food Services The Hungry Spot The Villa Family Uncommon Grounds Coffee & Bagel
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Friday, November 24, 2010
2010
A Beautiful Sight
Festival of Trees Volunteers
Nellie Agosta Lynn Allen Vince Arpey Judy Banks Gail Barclay Donna Bates Evelyn Bedard Teena Behr Dottie Bemis Sally Biggie Babbie Boyle Eleanor Boyle Carol Bradley Peg Bradley Barb Britton Don Brooks Kathy Brower Ellen Brown Darlene Burke Diana Burke Connie Bush Cathyren Caggiano Merrillyn Capone Joan Carola Barbara Carovano Pat Chance Cathyren Caggiano Marilynn Civic Becky Christner Susan Clark Ann Cooley Jane Costello Linda Crawford Patricia Cross Charlene DeLucia Marilyn DeLorio Ellen Desotell Kathy DeVivo Cathy DiPaolo Betty Donnally Pat Dooley Mark Dorsey Pat Dorsey Nancy Dragonette
Mary and Bob Dudley Donald Ely Mary Faustini Joan Ferris Joanne Figliomenti Denny Finneran Pat Flanagan Carol Frail Katie Franchi Judy Froehlich Regina & Jim Gapczynski Martha Garczynski Mary Ann Gibbs Pat Gould Irene Hagerty Cathy Hall Dorothy & Steve Harren Katie Hart Bridget Hartman Kris Hatch Judy Hefter Denise Herman Linda & Richard Holmes Barbara Holton Kathleen James Matt Johnson Bernedette Joyce Ellen Fontaine Kennedy Cora Ketchum Carolyn Kirkpatrick Sandy Kuhn Carol Leone Sharon MacDougal Bernadette MacHenry Jackie & George Madarasz Mary Mathers Cebe McConkey Pat Meaney Jackie & Ron Medaglia Meg & Jack Minehan Jane Morrissey Judy Mullen Rosemary Munter Elaine Murphy
Ann Neville Carm Moffett Jim Noonan Kathy Nygard Mary Lou Paley Faith Palma Yolanda Paolicelli Barbara Parrish Lisa & Robert Perilli Ron & Kathy Phelps Cindy Phillips Nancy Pompa Elena Porter Marty Precheur Mary Racette Pat Reed Pat Reo Christopher Robenstein Richard Robenstein II Sylvia Rogers Barbara Ruggiero Nancy Donahue Ryan Patty Salvadore Corinne Scirocco Karen Stethar Mary Sutton Kathy Sweet Ruth Talmon Dolores Tierney Carol Tomlinson Sue Trinconata Kathy Totten Beverly Valenti Kate Van Buren Rose Verro Ginny Vogel Anne Wagner Laura Watters Carter White Nancy Wilder Vivian Wills Katharine & Patrick Winderlin Nancy York
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Shining Stars
Shining Stars atop the
Trees
PLATINUM STARS PLATINUM DONORS (gifts of $100+) • Yolanda Paolicelli • Nellie S. Agosta In Memory Of Louis S. Agosta • Keith Ferrara In Memory Of Lawernce & Josephine Ferrara • Thomas & Eva Francomano • George & Jackie Madarasz • Anthony & Margaret Mangano • David & Lucille Mastrianni • Tom & Anne Reed • Candyce Robenstein In Memory Of Silas & Shirley Haley • The Clements Firm • The Waechter & Mansfield Families In Memory Of Judith G. Mansfield • John & Anne Wagner
GOLD STARS GOLD DONORS (gifts of $50+) • William & Rose Armstrong In Memory Of Angelina Barella • William & Rose Armstrong In Memory Of Art & Ann Armstong • Jerome & Barbara Callaghan • Harry & Helen Croop • Hugh & Mary Ann Foley • Munter Enterprises, Inc. • Marguerite Smith In Memory Of Thomas M. Smith • Rick & Becky Stauffer • Charles & Edith Ward In Memory Of James Conroy • Chris & Angie Watt
SILVER STARS SILVER DONORS (gifts of $25+) • Jim & Alice Carroll • Mark & Jane Costello • Barbara A. Holton In Memoy Of Judith G. Mansfield • Jane C. Johnson • Bill & Marilyn Schweiker
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Friday, November 24, 2010
All That Glistens
Catholic Charities of Saratoga, Warren and Washington Counties The Saratoga Festival of Trees is the largest fundraiser supporting the programs and services offered byCatholic Charities of Saratoga, Warren and Washington counties. Catholic Charities has become a vital part of life for many individuals and families in the region. Programs and Services offered by Catholic Charities: • Counseling — Individual, couple and family counseling, group support. • Domestic Violence Project — Shelter, counseling, advocacy, education, 24-hour hotline services for victims of domestic violence and their children in Warren and Washington counties. • Donovan House — Ballston Spa communitybased residential group home program for adolescent boys. • HIV / AIDS Related Services – Counseling and advocacy for individuals and families affected by HIV/AIDS. • Mary’s Haven — A community home for the dying serving persons with irreversible
Our 2010 Santas Fred Clark Jack Minehan Tom Roohan Rory Whalen Mrs. Claus JoAnn McGraw
purchase, pick-up & delivery information Purchasing Visitors wishing to purchase a display piece should: • Lift the tag from the display. • Take the tag to the Sales Table. Pick-up Pick-up time for small trees, wreaths and centerpieces 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, December 5th. The Saratoga Festival of Trees cannot be responsible for displays not picked up at this time. Tree Delivery Large trees will be delivered free of charge within a 10-mile radius of Saratoga Springs beginning Sunday, December 5th. Please provide the Sales Table with the best time for your delivery.
illness, who are in the last three months of their lives and who can no longer remain safely in their homes. • Mentoring Program — Prevention / diversion program impacting youth’s academic, social and emotional milieu. Programs and Services are available to anyone in Saratoga, Warren and Washington Counties, accompanied by information, referral and advocacy as needed.
Individuals are never refused because of an inability to pay. For a complete list of all services offered in each county or for additional information please visit www.ccrcda.org or call: Main Office 142 Regent Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 518-587-5000 North Country 35 Broad Street, Glens Falls, NY 12801. 518-793-6212
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Let it Snow In 1995, the inaugural Saratoga Festival of Trees kicked off – beginning a Saratoga holiday tradition that continues to grow. Today, through the thoughts, memories and images of past participants, we reflect on the significance of the festival over the past 15 years. “I came in at the tail-end of the first year of the festival. I offered to help out to get some corporate sponsors and have stayed with the event ever since.” – Rick Dunn, 15 year volunteer
the unofficial start to the holiday season, and looks forward to helping Catholic Charities reach their goals.” – Chad Beatty, Publisher, Saratoga TODAY, Media Sponsor since 2005
“In the beginning, we all thought Peter was crazy and this event would never work. I’ve never been so happy to be wrong!” – Earline Johnson, Steering Committee, 15 year volunteer
“Star 101.3 has been a proud sponsor of the Catholic Charities Festival of Trees for almost a decade! Year after year, the event magically ignites a sense of wonder in families who have made it part of their holiday tradition. It's so much fun to see the children all dressed up in their holiday finest excitedly anticipating breakfast with Santa and to witness their expressions of glee as they walk through the pageant of beautifully decorated trees. Childhood memories are being made here and Star 101.3 is thrilled to be part of it!” – Francine Dingeman, General Manager, Anastos Media Group, Media Sponsor since 2001
“It was Tom Smith, Peter Crowley, Helen Snyder – among many others that spearheaded this festival initially. I remember that Tom went off and did research at other festivals – Long Island, Albany and Amsterdam.” Sister Charla Commins, Director of Catholic Charities – Saratoga, Warren and Washington Counties.
Photos with Santa Photos with Santa $3 Thursday, December 2 from 5:30p.m. - 9:30p.m. Photos are included as part of the Breakfast or sundaes with Santa on Saturday, December 4, 2010
“I remember Tom Smith being the nicest guy to work with at the festival. What a legacy to create! The level of décor that is produced and donated blows me away. The talent and time that people have given is tremendous and it just keeps growing.” – Peg Bradley, 11 Year Volunteer “As the locally owned and operated community newspaper it's very important to choose the events that stand out and truly make a difference in the communities we serve, and the Saratoga Festival of Trees exceeds all of our criteria. Saratoga TODAY is proud to once again sponsor the event which serves as
“I am still truly amazed, but not surprised, by the community support of the Festival of Trees each year. The Chairs of this event spend countless hours preparing for the event, from soliciting sponsorships to making sure Santa and his elves will arrive on time. It is a wonderful event raising the necessary funds for a worthwhile organization, Catholic Charities.” – Maryellen Maxwell, 8 Year Volunteer “I remember the first year I ran the décor committee by myself. Since some of the pieces were live greenery I kept coming back to the City Center to water all the plants so
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they would stay alive! When Jackie Saxton joined the effort it was a godsend. We clicked and have become best friends because of the festival. I am most impressed by how the show has grown from just a few trees, centerpieces and wreaths to a huge holiday production that includes hundreds of community volunteers and sponsors.” - Marcia Okosky, 15 Year Volunteer “It took us two years to convince the board to put on the first festival. Helen Snyder and Tom Smith did a lot of the leg work – researching the benefits of this type of event and if it might work for Catholic Charities. I’ve been impressed by how the community has come forward to support the event. I’ve been blessed to be part of the organization and to meet people like Mark Baker, Steve Sullivan, Vinny Verro, Sister Charla Commins and many others who give so much back to the community.” – Peter Crowley, 15 Year Volunteer “Volunteering for the festival has been a lesson in happiness. There is a close and caring bond between all the volunteers and over the years I’ve developed my own festival family. What a joy to even work with my own daughter at this event!” – Leona Dupell, 14 Year Volunteer
“The festival has given me the opportunity to get up close and personal with individuals involved with Catholic Charities. Nothing is more powerful than seeing hundreds of community members come out and work selflessly towards a goal. Experiencing that profound commitment, I was able to internalize and understand the operations and mission statement of the organization on a deeper level.” – Bruce O’Connell, 15 Year Volunteer “I have been serving as a Principal Committee member since 2000 and provide the graphic design services
that help to differentiate the Saratoga Festival of Trees from other festival of trees in our area. It is rewarding to be able to volunteer my time and talents to such a great cause. It’s fun and festive but plays a more serious and necessary role in our community for those it truly helps.” – Karen Ward, 10 Year Volunteer