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Volunteers work to make downtown
beautiful and festive
To the editor:
A concerted effort made possible through the cooperation of community-minded folks, local government workers, veterans groups and organizations results in the annual placement of the Christmas tree on Monument Square. The tradition of obtaining and decorating the tree enjoyed by patrons to downtown was continued through a collaborative effort to make the season special.
This year, a 15-foot-tall Fraser fir tree donated by Metzler Forest Products was erected through the efforts of Crider-Mitchell Construction, which lent the labor to secure it in place (not to mention assistance in removing the tree at year's end). Denise Foss of Foss Jewelers provided the 850 lights that adorn this year's tree, which she and volunteer Paul Wilson Jr., along with members of the Streets Department of Lewistown Borough, contributed their time and expertise in decorating to usher in the upcoming Festival of Ice celebration and all through the holidays. County maintenance makes sure all circuits are functional.
We also acknowledge the support and assistance of the Borough of Lewistown for its steadfast work to decorate downtown with snowflakes, banners and other pole decorations. Thanks are also in order to the Lewistown Parking Authority, which provided banners in the Authority-owned downtown parking lots. Additionally, the Juniata River Valley Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau, along with the county's Maintenance Department, places banners around Monument Square and along Market Street.
The Chamber acquired surplus commercial decorations and together with Downtown Lewistown Inc. worked to decorate the fountain at Fountain Square Park. A recent addition of icicle lights donated by Jeff Birch is a crowning touch to the Fountain in the Park. Without the caring support of these organizations and volunteers, borough and county workers, and local businesses, none of the festive holiday lights and seasonal decorations we all enjoy would be possible.
Likewise, the planters, coordinated through the efforts of Sara Buffington and the Penn State Master Gardeners, along with the many volunteer "adopters," have continued their fine work adding full natural greenery that graces the planters this season as the growing season waned.
Courtesy parking is in effect at meters located on streets and parking lots continuing through New Year's Day, Jan. 1. The courtesy parking program provides visitors a specified period that is provided for their patronage. It is a set period and not intended for long-term parking use. Parking is free Saturdays during the season and again through Jan. 1. This service is provided courtesy of the Borough of Lewistown and Lewistown Borough Police Department. We thank you for helping to keep your purchases local in support of your Mifflin County businesses and neighbors.
We invite you to make the holidays special in Downtown Lewistown and ask that you remember these community-minded businesses for their contributions during the season and throughout the New Year.
Jim Zubler
Downtown Lewistown Inc.