November 28, 2012 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • Page 9 This year, the Allendale Holiday Observers will continue its annual tradition of sending holiday gifts to military personnel. The group wishes to remind U.S. service men and women of the support they have at home, and is seeking the names of current or former borough residents who are now serving in the armed forces. Friends and families may contact Todd Fliegel at tfliegel705@gmail.com with names and contact information. On Saturday, Dec. 8, the Holiday Observers invite borough children from pre-K through age eight to meet with Santa. Santa will be at the Holiday Observers’ tree located in the town center near the railroad station. The 1 p.m. event will include Santa’s arrival on an Allendale fire truck, refreshments, the Northern Highlands Regional High School carolers, and gifts for the children. The organization will be collecting donations of nonperishable food items to benefit the Center for Food Action. In the event of inclement weather, the program Holiday Observers keep traditions going Left and above: Scenes from past gift giving events. will be held in Brookside School located at 100 Brookside Avenue in Allendale. The organization was launched over 90 years ago, when Allendale was still a rural village and a few neighbors pooled their fireworks on the Fourth of July. Year after year, other neighbors joined in. Over the years, the group organized, appointed a standing committee, and called themselves The Holiday Observers. Throughout the years, other holidays -- Christmas, Easter, Labor Day, and Halloween -- were included. The purpose of the group is to provide and encourage patriotic observance of holidays, and to instill respect for traditions among the borough’s young people. Members of the Holiday Observers are residents of Allendale. The generous financial support offered by Allendale residents is returned to the community in the form of recreation, entertainment, and assistance with community projects.