Town to Take Over Annual Tree Lighting After 22 Years of Community Leadership
Memorial Day Ceremony Plans Announced with Small Procession Instead of Parade
PEMBROKE - May 21 - The Pembroke Tree Lighting Committee is stepping down after 22 years of organizing the town's popular holiday event, with plans for the town to take over the annual tradition moving forward.
Kathleen Keegan, representing the committee, announced the decision at the May 21 Select Board meeting, citing volunteer burnout and logistical challenges as key factors.
"After 22 rewarding years of lighting the trees, my hope is that the town will support the tradition moving forward, whether this means continuing the event the way that it is, or redesigning it," Keegan says.
The tree lighting has evolved significantly since its origins nearly 40 years ago when the Pembroke Chamber of Commerce ran it as a simple event with one tree, hot chocolate, and the Pembroke High School Choir.
"I'm so proud of this committee in that we've really grown the event to be this amazing, we have lots of activities, and it's just a huge community event," Keegan says.
Town Manager Bill Chenard indicates the Recreation Commission will likely take over the event, with Recreation Director Lance Kennedy playing a key role. Kennedy and his staff were already involved in last year's event.
"The lighting, I'm not at all concerned about. The other pieces, as long as Kathleen is willing to help us a little bit, I think we can accomplish it," Chenard says.
Keegan confirms she is "absolutely" willing to assist with the transition. The committee made the decision early to give the town enough time to prepare for this year's event.
While the tree lighting committee is disbanding, Keegan notes that the Pembroke Celebrates committee, which organizes the town's fireworks display, will continue its work.
In other business, the Select Board heard plans for this year's Memorial Day ceremony from Elaine Crudup, the new chair of the Pembroke Memorial Committee.
The May 26 ceremony will feature a small procession from the cemetery to Veterans Park instead of a parade. The event begins at 10 a.m. and includes musical selections by the high school band, wreath-laying ceremonies, and various speakers.
"We're going to start off with a moment of silence. I'm going to read names of people that we've lost from the town over the year," Crudup explains.
The ceremony will include the Pledge of Allegiance, National Anthem, service songs honoring different military branches, and remarks from Select Board member John Brown. Kathleen Keegan will deliver the main address.
The event will also highlight the town's Hometown Heroes banners that have been installed throughout Pembroke.
"I'm hoping that the sun shines and it's a great day," Crudup says.
Select Board member John Brown commends Crudup for her leadership of the Memorial Committee, noting, "You did a great job last year."
Bill Boulter reports that 497,680 fish have been counted as of the meeting date, making Pembroke "the top out of 57 communities in the state."
In other actions, the board:
- Voted to oppose House Docket Number 3585, which would eliminate the North River Commission. Bill Boulter, Chair of the Commission, requested the board's support in maintaining the current structure that protects the river through oversight from six towns.
- Tabled a vote on the board's public comment policy to allow members more time to review the draft.
- Approved a one-day special license for Bryant Mill Liquors to hold a tasting event in their parking lot on July 19 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
- Heard from Owen Gray of Wildlands Trust requesting permission to refresh trails at Misty Meadow Road. The board will revisit this at their next meeting after confirming land ownership details.
Town Manager Chenard reports that the town's electric aggregation program, which expires in November, has saved residents over $1 million in 2024 compared to standard National Grid rates. The town plans to go out to bid for a new three-year contract next week.
The next Select Board meeting is scheduled for June 4, when members will discuss raising solid waste fees and vote on special municipal employee categories, among other items.