Polk continues tree lighting and remembrance traditions

A crowd gathered on the lawn of Salem-St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Kresgeville to light the trees, sing carols and remember loved ones on Sunday evening.

“On this night, we celebrate the gift of light,” said Pastor Deb Scheffey, during the 21st lighting of the Veterans Memorial and fifth lighting of Adam’s Faith Garden.

Adam Jablonski created the garden as his Eagle Scout project in 2012, and it is dedicated for use by the community. Its lighting is in his memory for his service to the community.

Adam died in 2013 at age 19. He had a rare form of cancer.

His mother, Sally Jablonski, read a poem, “A Time to Love,” during the event.

The first tree lighting was held in 1997. Two years ago, the township and church partnered to host the event.

“I love this time of year — the shopping, the lights and the stories,” said Joan McKinsey, a member of the Polk Township Veterans Memorial committee.

Her two favorite stories involve main characters who start out as grumps and have a change of heart — the Grinch and Ebenezer Scrooge.

She compared the two characters and how their icy behaviors could not dampen others’ Christmas spirit.

“The Grinch realizes Christmas doesn’t come from a store. It means a little more,” she said.

The residents of Whoville and London realized that Christmas is about community and unity, she said.

As she spoke, the Grinch, his dog Max and Scrooge roamed around the lawn and later went inside to greet guests.

A few minutes later, the trees on the church lawn and in the memorial sparkled with their white, blue or multicolored lights.

The Coleman family donated three trees — the Community Tree, the Veterans Tree and the Remembrance Tree — in the front corner along Route 209. Community members can add ornaments to each tree and have them returned if a phone number is present.

The ceremony ended with a candle lighting, Christmas carol singalong, and Santa’s arrival on a Polk Township firetruck. Afterward, attendees were invited inside the church for refreshments, crafts, music and photos with Santa.

“My favorite part of Christmas is opening presents with my family,” said 7-year-old Leilani Mathews, of Kresgeville.