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Good Godfrey time has flown! I can’t believe that its time to put the Bandshell Christmas Tree up again. I think everyone has noticed how quickly this year has gone by. The only time I think it seemed to go slowly for me was when I was waiting for the election to be over. I’m glad that is over for sure.

We have a mystery tree trimmer in town. The little Blue Spruce that is between the library and the old school house looks adorable all decked out in cream and red bows. I have no idea who did it but whoever did should know that it is so sweet looking all we need now is to have some lighted gingerbread kids dancing around it or maybe a lighted deer. That way you would see it better in the evening.

Did you see the St. Ambrose steeple being worked on? I remember the first time we were here and they replaced the roofing on the church and the steeple. The guy didn’t have that big machine to get him up to the top so he climbed a ladder and then froze in place when he looked across at how high up he was. It took a long time to get him down. They then ordered that crane from Green Bay to finish. Apparently the steeple was losing some of the roofing with all the winds we’ve had. I guess it is the year of the churches as the Presbyterian Church had a face lift also to make it handicap accessible.

We are adding to our Winterfest this year in Wabeno on Dec. 13. Along with Santa arriving at the Town Hall at 12:30 p.m. and the Chili Cookoff at the Legion Hall we are adding two new features, a treasure hunt starting at Flowers from the Heart gift shop where you get your first clue. Then for a finale at 5:30 p.m. the Wabeno Lions Club will be caroling and lighting luminaries along the main street on their way to the bandshell where they will turn the lights on to the Bandshell Christmas Tree. Treats donated by Greg Tallier and Catholic Aid Association will be given to those who attend. I am excited about this part, as it will be the first annual tree lighting ceremony.

Thanks to the “Workabee” who shall remain nameless from now on. Thanks to the parties who found the tree and delivered it. I was then able to bribe Tim, Mike and Dan, you know who you are, to set the tree up on the Bandshell then deck it out with the lights and the ribbons. Thank you for everything.

Lonnie and I would just love someone to take over this project for us. Getting the tree is the easy part. We had four trees offered this year. The bribery I can handle with cookies. They don’t really need this part I just like to do it for them. It’s the physical part of being there and putting the stand on the tree and taking the tree down. Getting the lights ahead of time and checking to see if they all work. It would be nice to get donations to support the decorating with those lights and ribbons. This is all part of the package and it is not hard to do.

The only problem we have is that we are finding it is a chore for us. I don’t like to say we are too old to do it, but it is coming to that. So if you know of anyone or can suggest to anyone who would once a year, take on the Bandshell Christmas Tree Project, please tell him or her to call me. They must make a commitment to it. Lots of people start but do not take the helm.

The tree on that Bandshell is a beautiful thing and we have a lot of visitors during the holidays in Wabeno who enjoy seeing it there. Then there are those of you who live here who would miss it if it were not up every Christmas. I think it is a charming part of Wabeno to see a beautifully lit tree on the Bandshell. After all aren’t trees the spirit of the northwoods? Aren’t we in the “Heart of the Nicolet”? What better way to honor that spirit, those trees, than to put it in a place of honor on our bandshell all lit up under the words “WELCOME TO WABENO”?

Don’t you just love this place? I do! Well gotta go for now.

Any news or interest write to Betts Bodoh, P.O. Box 222, Wabeno, WI 54566, e-mail lobolu@centurytel.net or call (715) 473-3808.

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