Random Acts of Christmas

Passersby may have noticed a Christmas tree in the middle of the Grover Cleveland Park pond last weekend and wondered just how it got there. No, it wasn't the work of elves or a red-nosed reindeer, but a beautifully lit tree did appear seemingly out of nowhere, adding a bit of festive color to the park.

Around 10 p.m. on Christmas Eve, Patch spotted a small group of adults and children dragging a tree strung with colored lights onto the frozen pond. And yes, the small tree was illuminated, with extension cords stretching across to the pond and plugged into an outlet on one of the lampposts. The group's mission was clearly well plotted, as they had brought a ladder to reach the electricity source. 

The group said they thought the tree would bring good cheer to those who passed by, and clearly it did. It wasn't long, though, before the Christmas crew was spotted by Caldwell Police and instructed to get off the ice, as it had not been declared safe for skating. Patch was told the tree remained up at least through Christmas Day morning. Although by Sunday afternoon the small surprise was gone, it did bring cheer to at least a few of us. 

One More Reason for the Season

As the season approaches its end, one only needs to look around to view the abundances so often associated with the holidays — abundances of food, presents under the tree, trashcans filled with the wrapping paper torn from packages and more. On Dec. 18, the First Presbyterian Church at Caldwell shared a few of these abundances with those in need at the annual Strengthen Our Sister's Christmas Party. The event, coordinated by Jean Cortese, included a buffet dinner, crafts, juggling lessons, singing and the distribution of stockings stuffed with goodies.

Move Over Mr. Stewart

What do you get when a talking cucumber plays the part of George Bailey? The Veggie Tales' newest movie, of course!  On Thursday, Dec. 30, at 6:30 p.m., the First Presbyterian Church at Caldwell will show It's a Meaningful Life, the newest of the popular Veggie Tale children's movies. It's a Meaningful Life takes its cues from the well-loved Jimmy Stewart classic, It's a Wonderful Life, with the lead character Stewart played by Larry the Cucumber. The family-oriented night will also include crafts, games and more. The event is free and open to everyone.

Scout Success

Six boy scouts from Troop 6, Caldwell have completed the requirements for the Ad Altare Dei religious medal. One of the oldest religious awards available to Boy Scouts, the program involves several months of work, planning, community service and research. This year, scouts Erik Machi, John Rogacki, Ed Whitehead, Louis Mollet, Louie Lombardi and Raphael Ciccaglione successfully completed the program. To be eligible to receive the Ad Altare Dei, a Boy Scout must be of the Catholic faith, must attend mass regularly, must have received some form of formal Catholic religious education, must have completed the sixth grade and been an active member of a Boy Scout Troop for at least six months.

Pack Pride

The cub scouts of Pack 9, West Caldwell, donated more than 100 toys and 60 coats to St. Michael's following a pack-wide collection. The event was coordinated by scout volunteer Ed Kohler. Kohler and Mike Rauschenberger, also a scout volunteer, delivered the donations on Dec. 18.