Watchung EMS Set for Festival of Lights

When Watchung had no lights during the recent power outage, volunteers with the borough's Rescue Squad set up camp at the squad headquarters. For many of them it was home away from home as the days stretched into weeks after Hurricane Sandy with squad members checking on seniors and disabled residents (104 checks!), as well as answering any emergency calls (10 which included taking someone to a hospital).

So it may be a little ironic that the squad's 22nd annual fundraising event—the Tree of Lights Festival—is following Hurricane Sandy almost exactly a month later. 

Launched as a memorial to the Dec. 7, 1941, attack on Pearl Harbor, the Dec. 1 event also helps the squad with contributions by residents still recovering from the storm's devastation.

The Tree of Lights Festival will be held at the Village Green at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 1, where Rescue Squad members will "power up" the borough's tree, and host a fireworks display by Garden State Fireworks.

Join the festival by placing a light in the tree in memory or to honor a family member—or the recent efforts by the Watchung Police Department, Fire Department and Rescue Squad. To purchase a light, a $50 tax-deductible donation to the squad, check the Watchung EMS website. 

The names of those honored will be featured on the illuminated display on the Village Green for dedications received by Nov. 30. 

The squad is dedicating this year's tree to the memory of Neil Armstrong, the first man to step on the moon, as well as the local everyday heroes. To place a light on the tree, please follow the links below for either an honor or a remembrance.

To learn more about the squad or membership information contact us at watchungems@hotmail.com or call 908-755-1297.