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Date: 11/27/2023
MONSON — The Monson Lions Club will host its annual Tree of Lights ceremony this year on Dec. 10 at the Dave Grieve Park gazebo.
The event memorializes loved ones during the holiday season with individualized ornaments that are placed on a lighted tree, Monson Lions Club member Ann Marie Decoteau explained.
The ceremony, which will begin at 5 p.m. and is non-denominational, opens with a statement by a priest from St. Patrick’s Rectory before Lions members will read the names of those honored, Decoteau stated. After each name is read, a member will ring a bell.
“It’s uplifting and yet it’s to memorialize [loved ones],” Decoteau said. She explained that the Lions Club took over hosting the event after Monson Rotary Club disbanded five years ago.
Residents can purchase an ornament for a loved one by contacting the Monson Lions Club. New ornaments cost $10 and must be purchased before Dec. 3, Decoteau stated. Once purchased, ornaments are kept by the Lions Club and must be renewed in order to be placed on the tree the following year. The fee for a renewal is $5. All proceeds go towards the Monson Lions Club’s causes.
“We have a lot of causes that the Lions Club contributes to,” Decoteau emphasized, “We are 100% nonprofit.”
In 2022, proceeds from the Tree of Lights ceremony funded three scholarships for Monson high school students, Decoteau said. For 2023, the organization hopes to use the proceeds similarly, although the decision will depend on how much the ceremony raises, she explained.
Following the ceremony, refreshments and caroling will likely be available at the gazebo, Decoteau stated. Although, she noted that while this has occurred in past year, it has not been confirmed for this year.
To purchase or renew an ornament, contact Monson Lions Club by phone at 413-893-6401 or by email at monsonlionsclub.org.