by Elizabeth Connolly
Hometown Weekly Reporter
The Junior Women’s Club of Walpole (JWCW) held their third annual Festival of Trees at the Walpole Senior Center on December 2nd and 3rd. This year’s event consisted of 38 creatively decorated trees that came in all sizes, shapes, and colors. Attendees of the event could purchase raffle tickets and take a chance at winning their favorite tree. Each artificial tree was donated by a local person or organization, and many included gift cards to local establishments or scratch cards, making them even more valuable.
“It has been awesome to be part of this,” said JWCW president Maureen Canney. “We’ve had hundreds of visitors this weekend. Definitely more kids this year, which has been really fun.”
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.
“Last year we did 89 meals at Christmas,” one member said proudly, referring to the Holiday Meals. “And this year we did 77 for Thanksgiving. We’re looking at around 80 again for Christmas.”
In addition to the trees, there were some concessions available, such as hot chocolate and donuts. Holiday music played softly over the speakers, adding to the festive ambience. As a special treat, Santa was also available for chatting and photos or, in some cases, just some shy waves of hello.
The event appeared to be a big success, with groups of people 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.
“So many generous people from the community donated to this,” Canney added. “That’s what makes this special, the community. We’re so grateful.”
