Newburgh - Christmas came early to the foot of Broadway this year. Thanks to the generosity of Calvary Cemetery and St. Patrick’s Church, the Broadway Tree arrived today. Following a blessing by Fr. Bill Scafidi, the more than 40 foot tall blue spruce was removed from Calvary Cemetery in New Windsor and installed on Broadway with the help of Michael Bigg, Jr., Inc. and Quality Autobody, Vails Gate, who once again donated their crane. From takedown to placement in the Broadway median, crane operator John Ammirati offered his expertise for the 9th year in a row.
The tree will be lit with the help of Santa Claus, on Thursday, Dec. 9 at 5 p.m.
According to Harry Coolidge, Superintendent of Calvary Cemetery, the tree was slated to be taken down to make more space, and he thought of donating it to the City of Newburgh. The Newburgh native said, “It meant a lot to be able to provide the tree for the City of Newburgh. The City is going through some tough times, and we all need to do something to make things a little better.”
George Garrison, Superintendent of the Department of Public Works (DPW), along with DPW workers Reed Sheehan, Hector Iglesias, Paul Taylor, Leon Williams, John Jefferson, Mike Rauchet, Jim Humphrey, Joe Smith, Sr., and Tom Cinnante brought the 4200 lb. tree from the Town of New Windsor to its destination on Broadway.
From the search for the perfect tree to the arrival of Santa Claus, Deputy Mayor Regina Angelo has coordinated the City's holiday celebration for more than a quarter century.
“I want to thank everyone who offered a tree or showed an interest in helping to bring our Christmas tree to Broadway,” she said. “I also want to thank St. Patrick’s Church, Calvary Cemetery, Fr. Bill Scafidi, Michael Bigg, Jr. Inc., the City DPW, the City of Newburgh Police Department, the Karpeles Museum, and the Friends of the Library for all they do every year to make this possible.”
Following the tree lighting, there will be gifts from Santa, and books donated by the Friends of the Newburgh Free Library, and refreshments afterwards at the Karpeles Museum, 94 Broadway. All are invited.
