Southern Ulster Times, Wednesday, December 6, 2017
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Milton celebrates annual holiday tree lighting
By MARK REYNOLDS
[email protected]
Lois Skelly, Director of the Sarah Hull
Hallock Free Library, said they have held
an annual tree lighting ceremony at the
library for decades. In recent years the
Milton Fire Department has joined in by
bringing Santa to the library in one of
their firetrucks.
“It has really combined very nicely,”
Skelly said.
Besides lighting a tree, the library also
raffled off baskets full of special items
from area businesses; with a thanks to
Buttermilk Falls Inn & Spa for their ‘Day
of Beauty’ prize, and to the Studio at
Stephanie’s and the Raccoon Saloon for
their contributions of gift certificates.
Library President Tim Lawton said
they began selling the raffle tickets in late
October as their “big fall fundraiser,” with
the money earmarked for programming
throughout the year. Lawton is stepping
down as President at the end of this year
but will take on the responsibilities of
Treasurer. Rosemary Wein will be the
new board President.
Singer and guitarist Gina Samardge
performed a host of holiday selections
that had the kids smiling and laughing as
they acted out the lyrics to the songs.
The library recently replaced their
roof that was paid for by a combination of
private donations and a grant from NYS
Assemblyman Frank Skartados. There
are plans to upgrade their entrance way
with funding that has been secured by a
special legislative grant from NYS Sen.
William Larkin.
The Milton Library was originally
chartered in 1884 and was located in
different buildings throughout town until
the present one was constructed in 1924
on the corner of Main Street and Dock
Road. In 1990 it was expanded to double its
size. The collection now numbers about
15,000 volumes.
More photos on page 29
Even teens are happy to be seen with Santa.
A young boy picks out a winning raffle ticket as Library Director Lois Skelly holds the jar.
Patricia Walsh sits beside Santa surrounded by friends [L-R] Susan Trapani, Tim Lawton, Rose
Mary Wei, Jennifer Wrage, Ardis Ketterer and Janice Appler.