This Xmas tree has a dual purpose

It is decorated for the season and also serves as a memory tree for the Norwich Lions club, and the community we serve.

This story is about the Norwich Lions club memory tree that was recently placed and decorated in the gazebo.

The 2021 Norwich Lions Club Memory Tree to benefit the 19 Days of Norwich

2021 Norwich Lions club tree is ready for the event. Are you?

The Norwich Lions club has been decorating a tree on the green since 1979 to promote the holiday spirit and to preserve the memory of a loved one or someone special. The tree is decorated and the bulbs that are placed on it are decorative but also have another purpose.

Each bulb represents a memory or celebration of friends and loved ones.

Here is an announcement from Steve Flanders that appeared in the List Serv that will explain this annual event in detail.

37. The 2021 Norwich Lions Club Memory Tree to benefit the 19 Days of Norwich
From: Norwich Lions Club Vermont <norwichvtlions@gmail.com>
Date: Mon, 29 Nov 2021 20:51:55 -0500

The Norwich Lions Club is accepting donations to benefit the 19 Days of Norwich, which is Dan & Whit’s initiative to raise funds for the Upper Valley Haven from December 1 through 19. All donations will be matched by the Jack & Dorothy Byrne Foundation.

We invite you to memorialize those who are special to you with an attractive form that you can download from our website at https://syncstation.wall-stiles.com/wordpress/?page_id=660  [Link] and print to fill out.

You are welcome to use your own note to tell us your name and those to be remembered.

Either mail your remembrance to:

Norwich Lions Club Memory Tree
P.O. Box 854
Norwich, VT 05055-0854

Or, drop it off at the box on the front door of:

Tracy Hall, 300 Main Street

Your optional contribution towards the 19 Days of Norwich will be greatly appreciated. Please make checks out to “Norwich Lions Club”.

Bonnie Munday—the Norwich Town Clerk—has kindly offered to compile your memorials on a list that she will display in front of Tracy Hall in the New Year.

Stephen Flanders
Norwich Lions Club
802-649-1134

Here is my story about the teamwork and the effort that goes into this event.

First the Lions send out a couple of scouts (cubs if you will) who leave the den to find the right tree. They bring it back, place it on a stand and secure it. It stays that way for a day or so until another group of Lions show up to work as a team to decorate it.

Click on this link from the Norwich Lions club website to see just what is involved in bringing the tree to the gazebo and getting it decorated for this years event.

https://syncstation.wall-stiles.com/wordpress/?page_id=418

Our Lions club motto is “We serve “ and serve we do

Here are some photos that will tell my story:

Here it is just another Xmas tree but soon it will be something special, a Norwich Lions club memory tree promoting the holiday spirit.

They came from the left

And from the right

To meet in the middle

With some help from the top ( this photo credit courtesy of Steve Flanders)

And with some guidance and leadership to get the job done right

As you can see it is coming together

And the “A” team gets the job done

With some help from the other “A” team (this photo was taken by Steve Flanders)

And that is teamwork Norwich Lions style. Now it is ready for the community to enjoy and the annual 19 days of Norwich event.

At night with the lights on

Another view with the Norwich Congregational church in the background

Thanks for reading