For more than a decade area residents have enjoyed the Christmas tree lighting of the large pine at the intersection of Clarion, Holly and McCord roads in Holland.
But this past year, plans to hang lights on the tree were curtailed. Holland Mayor Lee Irons said OSHA officials were concerned about the tree’s proximity to power lines and the potential hazard it represents for employees.
The mayor informed the community development committee, which organizes the annual holiday lighting ceremony, and they promptly put out word about the need for a new tree.
Holland resident Pat Nowak who works with Keith Walker, owner of Walker Funeral Homes, approached him regarding donating a tree.
Mr. Walker stepped up, as did Duke Wheeler of the Whitehouse Tree Farm. Last Tuesday, they met with the mayor at the farm and after viewing several trees, selected a Fraser fir.
Mr. Wheeler donated the tree, at left, to the village, and Mr. Walker is covering the cost to remove the pine and transplant it to a select site at Strawberry Acres Park.
Mayor Irons expressed his appreciation to the men for their donations. “This is more than we had hoped for,” he said, when looking at the tree’s size. “On behalf of the village, thank you for your generous donation.”
Jane Maiolo, of the community development committee, echoed the mayor’s comments. “This will be a wonderful addition to our annual celebration and Strawberry Acres Park,” she said, noting this year’s event, Happy Holland Days, will be held from 2 to 6 p.m., Saturday, December 4. More details will follow in an upcoming issue of the Journal.
Standing in front of the tree are from left, Mr. Walker, Ms. Nowak and Mayor Irons.
