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Holiday festivities beginning on the island

30 November 2012 Marcy Shortuse

Getting the tree ready for the Woman's Club lighting on Sunday.

STAFF REPORT - This Sunday, Dec. 2 at 5 p.m. come to the center of town (across from Hudson’s Grocery) to witness the lighting of the community tree. The event is sponsored by the Boca Grande Woman’s Club.

Planted in 1954, the tree has stood for 60 years, and has weathered the worst of storms such as Hurricane Charley. At its base is a plaque which says, “The spirit of Christmas, presented to the community by the Boca Grande Woman’s Club.”

Thanks to Camille Williams, this year’s tree decorations include 14” Moravian lights, which will be lit until Twelfth Night.

This year Dr. Hank Wright will be lighting the tree.

Pastor Gary Beatty from the First Baptist Church of Boca Grande, Father Jerome Carosella from Our Lady of Mercy Parish, Rev. Brian Brightly from the Lighthouse United Methodist Church and Mother

Michelle Robertshaw from St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church will be present to lead the scripture readings.

Christmas carols will be sung, and cookies will be eaten.

On Saturday, Dec. 8 the annual lighting of the Port Boca Grande Lighthouse celebration will take place at 6 p.m. The actual lighting is scheduled for 6:15 p.m.

On Sunday, Dec. 9 St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church will host “Handel’s Messiah” at 4 p.m.

The performance will feature strings, a harpsichord and four vocalists.

Don’t forget, the Loose Caboose is accepting unwrapped toys in their drop-off bin at the restaurant.

Make your donations by Friday, Dec. 14. You can also make checks out to “Toys for Tots” and drop them off inside the restaurant.

Call Cathy Ehlert at (941) 456-4059 for more information.

The annual food drive by the Boca Grande United Methodist Church is also in full swing. Running through December 15, barrels are around town at locations such as the Methodist Church and the Boca Grande Post Office. You can also make monetary donations at Hudson’s Grocery.

Call the Methodist Church at 964-2479 for more information.

One Friday, Dec. 14 there will be a “Christmas Caroling by Hayride” event from 6 to 9 p.m. It will start at the Lighthouse United Methodist Church and will travel around Boca Grande, ending at the church with cider and donuts.

Call the church at 964-2479 for more information.

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