November 4, 2009 THE VILLADOM TIMES IV • Page 15 Mahwah Regional Chamber Connection WinterFest to begin with dedication to veterans The centerpiece of Mahwah’s first WinterFest will be an enormous maple tree in Veterans Memorial Park, located in the square in the center of town on East Ramapo Avenue. The tree will be lit by the Mahwah Regional Chamber of Commerce at the WinterFest Opening Ceremony on Friday, Dec. 4, at 7 p.m. The Chamber has dedicated this tree to all local veterans, and to those currently serving in our armed forces. Wrapped in 150 strands of dazzling white LED lights and funded by donations from local businesses, organizations, and families, the lights will not be taken down at the end of WinterFest. Instead, they will stay on the tree and be lit for other events throughout the year. Because the lights are energy efficient and low voltage, they will not harm the tree in any way. “This beautiful maple tree in Veterans Park remains strong and deeply rooted in our town, just as many of our veterans remain rooted here,” said Chamber President Dr. Annette Freund. “Lighting this tree in anticipation of the 68th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor (Dec. 7, 1941) is the Chamber’s way of thanking our veterans, giving back to the community, and opening the festival ceremonies in a symbolic and deeply meaningful way.” Businesses, organizations, and families are invited to purchase a tree sponsorship with a credit card at www. mahwah.com, or may call the Chamber at (201) 529-5566 for further information. Executive Director Sharon Rounds may be contacted at the Mahwah Regional Chamber of Commerce headquarters at 65 Ramapo Valley Road, Suite 211, Mahwah, NJ 07430. The Chamber may also be contacted via fax at (201) 529-8122, or visit online at www.mahwah.com or info@mahwah.com. This maple tree in the center of Mahwah will be decorated with lights during WinterFest.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               