by Elizabeth Connolly
Hometown Weekly Reporter
The Junior Women’s Club of Walpole (JWCW) held their fourth annual Festival of Trees at the Walpole Senior Center on South Street. This year’s event consisted of 46 creatively decorated trees that came in all sizes, shapes, and colors, as well as four raffle baskets. Attendees of the event could purchase raffle tickets and take a chance at winning their favorite tree or basket. Each one was generously donated by a local person or organization, and many included lovely embellishments, scratch cards, toys, books, and/or gift cards to local establishments, making them even more valuable.
In addition to the trees, there were some concessions available, such as popcorn and hot chocolate, for a nominal fee. Holiday music played softly over the speakers, adding to the festive ambience. Some seating was available for those that wished to sit, sip on their drink, and enjoy the ambience.
The event appeared to be a big success, with both individuals and groups of people of all ages coming and going throughout each day. As neighbors, friends and family greeted each other and enjoyed deciding which tree was their favorite, you could almost feel the holiday spirit coming alive.
“That was fun,” proclaimed a member of group of ladies on their way out. “But it was so hard to choose a favorite tree. I went with the one by the police department, that looked really nice. Put all my tickets in there. Hopefully I’ll have a new tree by tonight!”
Whether event-goers won something or not, they can all rest assured that the money raised from the festival will go to a good cause. The JWCW is a volunteer organization that was incorporated in January of 1988. The club is part of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC), which is both the oldest and biggest service organizational in the world. Members of these groups put together services and programs pertaining to education, conservation, arts, home life, and more. Here in Walpole, the club supports many programs, such as Veteran’s Services, Council on Aging activities, Walpole Scholarship Foundation, Concerts on the Common, Holiday Meals, and more. Further information on the JWCW can be found at www.thejwcw.org.
