The third annual Josie-Lynn Craword Memorial Tree-Lighting at the Wentworth Learning Centre was a ceremony that stays in one’s mind for long afterwards.
Approximately 120 people attended including children.
The Wentworth Volunteer Fire Department helped Santa Claus make treat bags for the boys and girls.
In 2007 the supervisors at the Wentworth Elementary School (now the Learning Centre), planted a tree in Josie-Lynn Crawford’s memory outside the school and adjacent to the gazebo which was dated to the memory of Josie-Lynn and her father, Justin Crawford.
Coming into the present 2019 ceremony, the Wentworth Girl Guides decorated personalized ornaments and placed them on the tree during the ceremony.
Everyone in the audience was invited to bring along an ornament and place them on the tree in memory of Josie-Lynn and Justin.
The Learning Centre provided ornaments for those who forgot to bring them. This year the tree was lit after a count-down from 5 to 1.
The tree was lit by the Wentworth Day Care children and their teachers, Ms. Kayla and Mr. Luke. The kitchen activity was organized by Melissa Langille, Councillor Barbara Palmer, Sonya Seymour and Wee Wana Sprague.
When everyone came inside the Learning Centre, they gathered together to welcome the Christian holidays. Wee Wana Sprague took the children up to the stage to read them a story while sitting in a chair dedicated in Josie-Lynn’s memory and then welcomed Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Each child sat on Santa’s knees and told him what they’d like for Christmas.
It was a beautiful ceremony and the photos only enhance the beauty.
Hope Bridgewater writes for the Wentworth area for the Amherst News
