Glen Rock’s amazing spirit was visible everywhere you looked downtown on Saturday, December 17th!
Led by core planning team volunteers Michelle Torpey, Julie Allen (Owner/Editor Banana Tree News) and Eileen Maher Hillock in conjunction with numerous helper elves J and the support of many local businesses, a downtown holiday event was planned and executed in just over a two week timespan!
Organizer Michelle Torpey shares, “I am so touched by the spirit I saw in my follow neighbors and friends to bring some added Christmas cheer to Glen Rock. Many people asked me how we could pull off an event on such short notice. It was simple! I never underestimate the spirit of a Glen Rocker to make a difference in the lives of others and get things done. We are a caring community of givers and really do take care of each other. It takes a town like ours to make * “magic” * happen. Merry Christmas!”
The holi-day started at 9 am with free candy cane bagels at Bagel Gourmet followed by a free story time at The Curious Reader. Carrick Mor hosted Santa Claus by their cozy fireplace and Bellula hosted Santa-Paws ~ an adorable photo op for residents and their pets! Kids and parents gathered at the Glen Rock Inn early afternoon where they were treated to free cookies (thanks Silk City Caterers!) and hot chocolate (courtesy of the Glen Rock Inn) while they made holiday thank you cards for our local Veterans.
Downtown caroling followed led by guitarist Dan Fontana, director Stephanie Ferrari and organizer Matt Nolfo who were assisted by the adorable Girl Scout Daisies on their first volunteer event and numerous residents. Caroling commenced in front of Boiling Springs Bank where many passersby joined us for a tune or two and drivers showed their support by rolling down their windows to share a holiday greeting or honking their horns to the tunes. The carolers continued down the block to Glen Courts where the residents, gathered in the lobby or looking out their windows, were serenaded by the large group.
Afterwards another group of about 50 aspiring artists created masterpieces at Painting With a Twist! Resident Elizabeth Behar Cox was there with her family and stated they all had “the best Glen Rock Day”!
With decorations donated by Perry’s Florist, ImageArts, Mail-n-More, Kathy Long, Gracie Allen and Michelle Torpey, it was a lively and festive Downtown scene!
Many, many local businesses also offered special discounts for the day. In addition to the merchants and people mentioned above, Thank You to the Glen Rock Jaycees, FOGRA, Francesca’s Pizzeria, Wilkes Deli, Kosher Nosh, Rock Kitchen, John’s Boy, Steven’s Tae Kwon Do, The Grow-cery, Marc’s Cheesecake, Little Joe & John’s, Sasha Hair and Nail Design, Shades of Soho, Giannella’s, Rock Ridge Pharmacy and additional helper elfs John Butler, Saurabh Mishra for their support.
As the event -filled day drew to a close, the icing on the cake was the annual Santa Claus fire truck ride through the streets of Glen Rock bringing smiles and holiday cheer to young and old alike. Thanks a million to our Glen Rock Volunteer Fire Department and all the volunteers who bring us this wonderful event every year!
Just Wait Until Next Year!
We’ve started a new Glen Rock tradition! “After conducting an informal online survey and receiving several hundred responses from residents, it became apparent that many residents supported an increased level of holiday events. So, we decided to make it happen! Our small group was encouraged and thrilled by the support we received from so many Glen Rockers and local businesses in such a short amount of time. Next year will be even bigger and better and will encompass additional days and even more local locations. The Committee is firmly established and will start meeting in January to plan our 2017 event.” notes Eileen Hillock.
Check out #GlenRockSpirit for additional photos from the day’s events.
PHOTO CREDIT: On Location by EM Hillock Photography
Downtown Glen Rock carolers.
Carolers serenading residents at Glen Courts.
Greeting residents in the Glen Courts lobby and at windows with songs and smiles.
Santa-Paws, salon owner Kim Santamaria, and Leo Hillock at Bellula
More puppy pix!
Former Councilwoman Joan Orseck with daughter-in-law Sydney Orseck and granddaughters Evie and Lainie st the Glen Rock Inn making holiday thank you cards for our local Veterans.
Grace Allen w/free candy cane bagel from Bagel Gourmet!
Right: “Downtown for the Holidays” Creators and Implementors Eileen Hillock, Michelle Torpey and Julie Allen ready to kick-off the festivities.
Cozy and warm with Santa Claus near the fireplace at Carrick Mor.
Wearing very festive attire, aspiring artist-in-training Elizabeth Behar Cox blow drys her masterpiece at Painting With A Twist (PWAT).
It’s a full house at PWAT!
