Since 1994, Our Town has displayed a manger scene. Starting in 2023, it got some much-needed work...
Some history with a journal of the efforts!
(newest at the top)
(newest at the top)
January 2025
Monday, January 20, 2025 at 12:18 PM
A big THANK YOU to the folks that helped with taking the manger down! We're Snoopy's doghouse this time! It was a pretty miserable day out, so we really didn't get any pictures... A special THANKS to our Boston Highway Department for clearing the path to the storage container - it would've been a real pain without!
Joanne Rommel Michael A Cartechine Kenneth Manista Marcia Baco Gail Black Proctor Jay Jackson Mark Chiddy
The pine boughs and straw are in front of the trailer for now - they still need to get hauled away. If someone steps up to do that, I'd like to get the plastic sheet and the stakes they're laying on back - you could leave them in the trailer. Also we'll make arrangements to get the trailer parked back in it's storage spot ... when there's not as much snow! Meanwhile, Ken is working on the star and Marcia is painting figures - so things will look even better next year!
A big THANK YOU to the folks that helped with taking the manger down! We're Snoopy's doghouse this time! It was a pretty miserable day out, so we really didn't get any pictures... A special THANKS to our Boston Highway Department for clearing the path to the storage container - it would've been a real pain without!
Joanne Rommel Michael A Cartechine Kenneth Manista Marcia Baco Gail Black Proctor Jay Jackson Mark Chiddy
The pine boughs and straw are in front of the trailer for now - they still need to get hauled away. If someone steps up to do that, I'd like to get the plastic sheet and the stakes they're laying on back - you could leave them in the trailer. Also we'll make arrangements to get the trailer parked back in it's storage spot ... when there's not as much snow! Meanwhile, Ken is working on the star and Marcia is painting figures - so things will look even better next year!
Sunday, January 5, 2025 at 5:02 PM
Update: This morning (Jan 18, 10am), it's snowing -- and it's 36 degrees! See you in a couple hours!
I forgot to check the game schedule!
With the season winding down, it's time to start thinking about putting away Our Manger. We'll wait for our wonderful Parks Department to get the wreaths and silhouettes stored in the container, then we'll store the figures. Let's shoot for this Sunday afternoon (Jan 12, 2pm) - I'll confirm as the week progresses! It only takes about an hour and "We Need You!" because there's several folks out-of-town!
Michael A Cartechine Joanne Rommel Zach Munger Pamela Zylinski Gail Black Proctor Lisa Rood Kathy Simmeth Shawn Vanderdoes Scott Fellows Kenneth Manista Frank Gamel Betty Stout Czyz John Forness Sr. Lois Jackson Patrick Murtha Jill Kramer Boeck Douglas Miller Dave Gerwitz Margaret Andrzejewski Mitch Tucker Marcia Baco Melissa Majchrzak Buckley
Update: This morning (Jan 18, 10am), it's snowing -- and it's 36 degrees! See you in a couple hours!
I forgot to check the game schedule!
With the season winding down, it's time to start thinking about putting away Our Manger. We'll wait for our wonderful Parks Department to get the wreaths and silhouettes stored in the container, then we'll store the figures. Let's shoot for this Sunday afternoon (Jan 12, 2pm) - I'll confirm as the week progresses! It only takes about an hour and "We Need You!" because there's several folks out-of-town!
Michael A Cartechine Joanne Rommel Zach Munger Pamela Zylinski Gail Black Proctor Lisa Rood Kathy Simmeth Shawn Vanderdoes Scott Fellows Kenneth Manista Frank Gamel Betty Stout Czyz John Forness Sr. Lois Jackson Patrick Murtha Jill Kramer Boeck Douglas Miller Dave Gerwitz Margaret Andrzejewski Mitch Tucker Marcia Baco Melissa Majchrzak Buckley
November 2024
November 30, 2024 at 6:36pm
So the snow did hold off (mostly) until we were done (you can see it in the pictures) - Our crew of 12 got the manger set up in around an hour! It looks pretty good and we're hoping everybody likes it!
And although nobody does it for the recognition, it's important to do so: Hamburg Overhead Door (https://www.facebook.com/hamburgdoor) gave permission to place the manger in their field, North Boston Garage (https://www.facebook.com/nbgcars) got the manger trailer put in place, Melissa Majchrzak Buckley, Gail Black Proctor, and Lois Jackson made the figures look great, John Zittel and Lisa Rood got the straw, then the crew showed up today to haul, put in and arrange the figures (arranged mostly by the kids), decorate, and light it: John Forness Sr., Pamela Zylinski, Jay Jackson, Joanne Rommel, Gail Black Proctor, Michael A Cartechine and son (Ryan), Zach Munger and kids (Coulter and Evelyn), Karl Simmeth (Kathy Simmeth), and Lois Jackson - good job everybody!
Some more history is at https://www.boston-ny.com/our-manger
So the snow did hold off (mostly) until we were done (you can see it in the pictures) - Our crew of 12 got the manger set up in around an hour! It looks pretty good and we're hoping everybody likes it!
And although nobody does it for the recognition, it's important to do so: Hamburg Overhead Door (https://www.facebook.com/hamburgdoor) gave permission to place the manger in their field, North Boston Garage (https://www.facebook.com/nbgcars) got the manger trailer put in place, Melissa Majchrzak Buckley, Gail Black Proctor, and Lois Jackson made the figures look great, John Zittel and Lisa Rood got the straw, then the crew showed up today to haul, put in and arrange the figures (arranged mostly by the kids), decorate, and light it: John Forness Sr., Pamela Zylinski, Jay Jackson, Joanne Rommel, Gail Black Proctor, Michael A Cartechine and son (Ryan), Zach Munger and kids (Coulter and Evelyn), Karl Simmeth (Kathy Simmeth), and Lois Jackson - good job everybody!
Some more history is at https://www.boston-ny.com/our-manger
November 30, 2024 at 8:03
Well look at that. It's gonna slow down just so we can get the figures in!!
Well look at that. It's gonna slow down just so we can get the figures in!!
November 18, 2024 at 8:47am
Christmas Manger! SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 30 at 10am behind Town Hall!! It might be snowing, but we'll get it done!!!
Lets put the figures in the manger the Saturday morning after Thanksgiving! Missy did a beautiful job restoring the camel! The crew at North Boston Garage will put the manger in place this weekend! I'll get with Boston Town Parks for the electric! With the crew last year, we were done in an hour!
We need a bale of straw (just one) ! And anybody have any pine boughs ?
Frank Gamel Patrick Murtha John Forness Sr. Shawn Vanderdoes Jay Jackson Betty Stout Czyz Michael A Cartechine Lois Jackson Kenneth Manista Jill Kramer Boeck Joanne Rommel Gail Black Proctor Douglas Miller Dave Gerwitz Rucker Lumber Pamela Zylinski Margaret Andrzejewski Mitch Tucker Marcia Baco Lisa Rood Melissa Majchrzak Buckley
Lisa Rood (Nov 20)
John Zittel said he will supply the straw!
Jay Jackson (Nov 25)
We took down some pine trees, so we're set on the pine boughs.
See y'all this Saturday!!
Gail Black Proctor (Nov 20)
Note the transformation of the "front" (on the left) camel. Talented Boston artist, Missy Buckley, restored the paint that was so badly weathered. It now looks as though it is fit for a king. Missy also refreshed many other figures. THANK YOU Missy for sharing your time & talents.
Christmas Manger! SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 30 at 10am behind Town Hall!! It might be snowing, but we'll get it done!!!
Lets put the figures in the manger the Saturday morning after Thanksgiving! Missy did a beautiful job restoring the camel! The crew at North Boston Garage will put the manger in place this weekend! I'll get with Boston Town Parks for the electric! With the crew last year, we were done in an hour!
We need a bale of straw (just one) ! And anybody have any pine boughs ?
Frank Gamel Patrick Murtha John Forness Sr. Shawn Vanderdoes Jay Jackson Betty Stout Czyz Michael A Cartechine Lois Jackson Kenneth Manista Jill Kramer Boeck Joanne Rommel Gail Black Proctor Douglas Miller Dave Gerwitz Rucker Lumber Pamela Zylinski Margaret Andrzejewski Mitch Tucker Marcia Baco Lisa Rood Melissa Majchrzak Buckley
Lisa Rood (Nov 20)
John Zittel said he will supply the straw!
Jay Jackson (Nov 25)
We took down some pine trees, so we're set on the pine boughs.
See y'all this Saturday!!
Gail Black Proctor (Nov 20)
Note the transformation of the "front" (on the left) camel. Talented Boston artist, Missy Buckley, restored the paint that was so badly weathered. It now looks as though it is fit for a king. Missy also refreshed many other figures. THANK YOU Missy for sharing your time & talents.
Before...
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After!
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July thru October 2024
October 13, 2024 at 8:52am
Yesterday was a success! The manger is ready!!
Terry S ( Joanne Rommel 's neighbor), Douglas Miller, Karl Simmeth (Kathy Simmeth), Vito Czyz (Betty Stout Czyz) and I got a coat of paint on the manger. It's now ready for display! Gail Black Proctor has folks working on the figures so they're ready to put in.
We're shooting for the afternoon of Nov 30/Dec 1 (right after Thanksgiving) to put the figures in and he manger will be in place before then. As that time gets closer, I'll ask for hay bales (just 2) and maybe some pine branches.
Thanks to everyone who's helping!
Yesterday was a success! The manger is ready!!
Terry S ( Joanne Rommel 's neighbor), Douglas Miller, Karl Simmeth (Kathy Simmeth), Vito Czyz (Betty Stout Czyz) and I got a coat of paint on the manger. It's now ready for display! Gail Black Proctor has folks working on the figures so they're ready to put in.
We're shooting for the afternoon of Nov 30/Dec 1 (right after Thanksgiving) to put the figures in and he manger will be in place before then. As that time gets closer, I'll ask for hay bales (just 2) and maybe some pine branches.
Thanks to everyone who's helping!
September 29, 2024 at 8:56pm
OCTOBER 12 (Saturday) at 10AM - BRING YOUR PAINTBRUSH AND ROLLER/TRAY TO THE MANGER!!
It's time to get the manger ready for Christmas! We need to give it a fresh coat of paint before it can be put out. If you haven't been there, it's behind Town Hall by the Highway barns next to the Lions Loan Closet. The more brushes, the faster it'll go! (Hoping for less than an hour)
With the help of Frank Gamel, Patrick Murtha and John Forness Sr., we took out the bad wood and replaced it. So now it's ready for paint!
OCTOBER 12 (Saturday) at 10AM - BRING YOUR PAINTBRUSH AND ROLLER/TRAY TO THE MANGER!!
It's time to get the manger ready for Christmas! We need to give it a fresh coat of paint before it can be put out. If you haven't been there, it's behind Town Hall by the Highway barns next to the Lions Loan Closet. The more brushes, the faster it'll go! (Hoping for less than an hour)
With the help of Frank Gamel, Patrick Murtha and John Forness Sr., we took out the bad wood and replaced it. So now it's ready for paint!
July 13, 2024 at 9:00am
Three guys, three hours - great progress! Next is replacing the floor...
Three guys, three hours - great progress! Next is replacing the floor...
October 2023 thru January 2024
January 12, 2024 at 8:16 PM
Many thanks to the people that came to Our Manger today -- on very very short notice! There were enough hands and vehicles to move **all** the contents into storage until next season. Later on, North Boston Garage will maneuver the trailer to it's "off-season" location next to the Boston Lions Loan Closet behind Our Town Hall. In Spring, we'll continue work on Our Manger: it needs paint/flashing and the floor needs some work.
More after the snow melts!
January 12, 2024 at 12:51 PM
Gotta love WNY weather! Sunny and warmer this afternoon, with hurricane winds - again - and sub-freezing winter temps (finally) in the next day or so... So we're moving *some* of the manger at 2pm today - if you can make it on real short notice, please stop down! And we're still on for whatever is left on Sunday at 10am - Go Bills!
January 9, 2024 at 10:30 AM
With our Buffalo Bills doing so well - Go Bills!! - the timing for storing our manger figures conflicts with the Steelers game. So we're gathering earlier: Sunday, January 14 at 10am (instead of game-time 1PM) to move our figures into the storage container. Please help spread the word! We were able to set up in about an hour, so storing should take even less time. It's supposed to be pretty cold, so please dress warm!!
Looking forward to seeing everybody!!
January 5, 2024 at 5:07 PM
Our Town Parks workers finished taking down and storing the wreaths and snowflakes, and will finish off taking care of the lighted silhouettes early next week. I learned today that it was those same Town Parks workers that thought of and arranged for the storage container that now houses all the Christmas decorations through the "off" season! They're really an incredible crew. So next, on Sunday, January 14 at 1PM (sun, rain, snow, or hurricane) we'll gather at the manger to move the figures into storage. You're welcome to come help!
Come spring/summer, we'll work on painting the manger and maybe put in a new floor, damaged by the roof leaks. More as stuff develops...
January 3, 2024 at 9:00 AM
With the holidays winding down, the time to take down our beautiful Christmas decorations is coming! Our Town Parks people will start with the wreaths and snowflakes this week, then move on to the silhouettes. Once they're all stored, we can work on our manger scene - we'll move the figures first, then North Boston Garage will tow the trailer to it's summertime resting place. Hope everybody had a good holiday!! (Thank you to Robert McCloud for the picture!)
More as work progresses...
Shawn Vanderdoes Jay Jackson Betty Stout Czyz Michael A Cartechine Lois Jackson Kenneth Manista Jill Kramer Boeck Lisa Rood Joanne Rommel Marianne Matyas Gail Black Proctor Frank Gamel Jill Kramer Boeck Douglas Miller Melissa Majchrzak Buckley Timothy Kirst Dave Gerwitz Rucker Lumber Pamela Ann Margaret Andrzejewski Sarah Kester Patrick Murtha Don OBryant Cynthia Small-Taylor Sarah DesJardins Scott Fellows Amanda Jensen
November 26, 2023 at 7:00 PM
Update on Our Manger scene: Merry Christmas! The manger is up!
A crew of 14 residents met at the storage container, loaded up the figures and decorations and headed down to Our Manger trailer (and there were even a few more that planned to come but couldn’t). We hung the star and the angel in the peak, put the figures and light bulbs in, added some straw for decoration, then finished up with the trees, garland and lights on the outside. The figures look great after their TLC treatment – a good wash and some fresh paint gives them a new glow! The lights still need a little work, but Our Manger looks great!
More as the season progresses…
November 20, 2023 at 7:32 PM
Update on Our Manger scene: Kirst Construction finished replacing and repairing the roof with materials donated by Rucker Lumber, with all the shingles coming from another donor. Kirst then put Our Manger trailer in its usual place in Hamburg Overhead Door’s yard, ready for figures and other decorating. Our Town Parks staff provided all the needed wiring for the lights.
Next, we’ll get together November 26 at 1PM behind Town Hall to move the figures down to the manger and add some lights, trees, and generally decorate the manger. It’ll be great to see it up for the Holidays!
More news as we progress…
November 12, 2023 at 7:32 PM
Update on Our Manger scene: A photo dump from today's roof removal - we took off the tarps, all the shingles, some of the plywood (it was very rotted), and picked up and disposed of all the waste. Does anyone have a little black and brown latex (not enamel) paint for the figures? After the roof is replaced, the manger gets placed on the roadside, and we'll put the figures in on Sunday, November 26 at 1pm. Please message me or post if you can help!
In real Christmas spirit, it was great to see the 12-person crew show up and help. It only took about an hour and a half, and everybody did a bang-up cleanup. We're looking forward to the new roof!
More as things change...
November 2, 2023 at 12:16 PM
Update on Our Manger scene: Local businesses have stepped up to help with the repairs. After we take the roofing off (noon Sunday, Nov 12), Kirst Construction (by the Boston Post office) will then pull the trailer down to their shop and replace the roof – shingles, ice shield, and drip edge. Rucker Lumber is donating the roof sheathing, and Hamburg Overhead Door gave us permission to place the manger again this year.
We’re in need of a Christmas tree, some pine boughs, and a bale of hay/straw to decorate the manger. Do you have anything like that? Please message me or make a post below! Then once the manger is placed, we’ll need folks to put the figures out and decorate it. It’ll be after Thanksgiving, maybe that Sunday. Are you interested in helping out? Again, please message me or make a post below!
More as repairs progress…
October 26, 2023 at 12:33 AM
Update on Our Manger scene: Because of everyone's help, the manger roof is getting replaced. Sunday, Nov 12 is when the roof is coming off, and it'll be replaced the following week. A group met to work on the figures - many or most of them are ready for display! And I'll close this one saying - Thank You to everybody that gave at the GoFundMe page! (It's closed down now) We're "fully funded"! Next is actually putting out the manger - more after the roof is done!
For a number of years, the wreaths, silhouettes, and figures, as well as the manger (I believe), were stored in the Cary's barn on Boston State Rd. The Christmas Committee would gather and put up the decorations, including the manger, after Thanksgiving. In the earlier days, the telephone company offered their bucket truck to hang the wreaths and snowflakes (Our Boston Town Parks Department does that these days!).
More details as repairs progress...
October 24, 2023 at 11:07 AM
Update on Our Manger scene: A local construction company has offered to install the donated roof - they're checking now to make sure it's something they'll do. We'll work towards getting the old roof removed the Nov 11/12 (Sat/Sun) weekend before the new one is installed. There is now a GoFundMe page set up to collect donations (see below) toward the new roof, a new floor that could be installed next year, and perhaps a tarp to cover it "in the off season". And then a couple people stepped up to work on the figures: the figures could use some paint.
Each year, somewhere after Thanksgiving, the manger trailer is towed down to a spot next to Dollar General that Hamburg Overhead Door kindly allows it to stay in. For a number of years, out Town Parks staff have taken care of that, as well as placing the figures and adding lights and hay/pine decorations. This year, we'd like help to take care of that part.
More info as repairs progress...
October 22, 2023 at 1:07 PM
Update on Our Manger scene: There are now arrangements to buy the new roof - A donor is buying all the shingles we need, we're planning to set up a donation website (think GoFundMe), Rucker Lumber is getting us everything else for the roof at cost, and we're shooting for the Nov 11/12 (Sat/Sun) weekend for replacing the roof (it'll be one of those days).
Through the years, all sorts of people and groups have supported the Boston Christmas Committee (until it faded away): Residents purchased figurines and the lighted silhouettes you see along Boston State Road, Eagle Scouts maintained various parts for their Eagle Projects, and North Boston Garage recently did welding to keep the trailer frame in good shape. There were annual fundraisers to support the Committee and now families along Boston State Road provide the electric to light the silhouettes. On a sadder note, as the electric receptacles on the telephone poles "break down", the power company won't fix them, so we'll have fewer and fewer wreaths and snowflakes to display along the road.
More history as repairs progress...
October 18, 2023 at 6:24 PM
Some progress with the manger today: Three people put on a cover to slow the decay of the inside floor due to the leaky roof.
The manger was originated by Herb Klein (former Town Clerk) and the Boston Christmas Committee. Over time, interest in that Committee faded and the manger trailer (as well as the rest of the annual decorating) was "dumped" on the Boston Town Government. The Parks Department has worked on the annual decorating and takedown, but can't do much/anything for the maintenance. They're really not supposed to do anything with the manger.
More background as repairs progress...
October 5, 2023 at 9:42 PM
Our manger scene that everyone loves is falling apart and needs help. If you're interested in doing that, please be behind Boston Town Hall on Tuesday, October 17 at 5:00pm. It'll be a shame if it doesn't make it...
Many thanks to the people that came to Our Manger today -- on very very short notice! There were enough hands and vehicles to move **all** the contents into storage until next season. Later on, North Boston Garage will maneuver the trailer to it's "off-season" location next to the Boston Lions Loan Closet behind Our Town Hall. In Spring, we'll continue work on Our Manger: it needs paint/flashing and the floor needs some work.
More after the snow melts!
January 12, 2024 at 12:51 PM
Gotta love WNY weather! Sunny and warmer this afternoon, with hurricane winds - again - and sub-freezing winter temps (finally) in the next day or so... So we're moving *some* of the manger at 2pm today - if you can make it on real short notice, please stop down! And we're still on for whatever is left on Sunday at 10am - Go Bills!
January 9, 2024 at 10:30 AM
With our Buffalo Bills doing so well - Go Bills!! - the timing for storing our manger figures conflicts with the Steelers game. So we're gathering earlier: Sunday, January 14 at 10am (instead of game-time 1PM) to move our figures into the storage container. Please help spread the word! We were able to set up in about an hour, so storing should take even less time. It's supposed to be pretty cold, so please dress warm!!
Looking forward to seeing everybody!!
January 5, 2024 at 5:07 PM
Our Town Parks workers finished taking down and storing the wreaths and snowflakes, and will finish off taking care of the lighted silhouettes early next week. I learned today that it was those same Town Parks workers that thought of and arranged for the storage container that now houses all the Christmas decorations through the "off" season! They're really an incredible crew. So next, on Sunday, January 14 at 1PM (sun, rain, snow, or hurricane) we'll gather at the manger to move the figures into storage. You're welcome to come help!
Come spring/summer, we'll work on painting the manger and maybe put in a new floor, damaged by the roof leaks. More as stuff develops...
January 3, 2024 at 9:00 AM
With the holidays winding down, the time to take down our beautiful Christmas decorations is coming! Our Town Parks people will start with the wreaths and snowflakes this week, then move on to the silhouettes. Once they're all stored, we can work on our manger scene - we'll move the figures first, then North Boston Garage will tow the trailer to it's summertime resting place. Hope everybody had a good holiday!! (Thank you to Robert McCloud for the picture!)
More as work progresses...
Shawn Vanderdoes Jay Jackson Betty Stout Czyz Michael A Cartechine Lois Jackson Kenneth Manista Jill Kramer Boeck Lisa Rood Joanne Rommel Marianne Matyas Gail Black Proctor Frank Gamel Jill Kramer Boeck Douglas Miller Melissa Majchrzak Buckley Timothy Kirst Dave Gerwitz Rucker Lumber Pamela Ann Margaret Andrzejewski Sarah Kester Patrick Murtha Don OBryant Cynthia Small-Taylor Sarah DesJardins Scott Fellows Amanda Jensen
November 26, 2023 at 7:00 PM
Update on Our Manger scene: Merry Christmas! The manger is up!
A crew of 14 residents met at the storage container, loaded up the figures and decorations and headed down to Our Manger trailer (and there were even a few more that planned to come but couldn’t). We hung the star and the angel in the peak, put the figures and light bulbs in, added some straw for decoration, then finished up with the trees, garland and lights on the outside. The figures look great after their TLC treatment – a good wash and some fresh paint gives them a new glow! The lights still need a little work, but Our Manger looks great!
More as the season progresses…
November 20, 2023 at 7:32 PM
Update on Our Manger scene: Kirst Construction finished replacing and repairing the roof with materials donated by Rucker Lumber, with all the shingles coming from another donor. Kirst then put Our Manger trailer in its usual place in Hamburg Overhead Door’s yard, ready for figures and other decorating. Our Town Parks staff provided all the needed wiring for the lights.
Next, we’ll get together November 26 at 1PM behind Town Hall to move the figures down to the manger and add some lights, trees, and generally decorate the manger. It’ll be great to see it up for the Holidays!
More news as we progress…
November 12, 2023 at 7:32 PM
Update on Our Manger scene: A photo dump from today's roof removal - we took off the tarps, all the shingles, some of the plywood (it was very rotted), and picked up and disposed of all the waste. Does anyone have a little black and brown latex (not enamel) paint for the figures? After the roof is replaced, the manger gets placed on the roadside, and we'll put the figures in on Sunday, November 26 at 1pm. Please message me or post if you can help!
In real Christmas spirit, it was great to see the 12-person crew show up and help. It only took about an hour and a half, and everybody did a bang-up cleanup. We're looking forward to the new roof!
More as things change...
November 2, 2023 at 12:16 PM
Update on Our Manger scene: Local businesses have stepped up to help with the repairs. After we take the roofing off (noon Sunday, Nov 12), Kirst Construction (by the Boston Post office) will then pull the trailer down to their shop and replace the roof – shingles, ice shield, and drip edge. Rucker Lumber is donating the roof sheathing, and Hamburg Overhead Door gave us permission to place the manger again this year.
We’re in need of a Christmas tree, some pine boughs, and a bale of hay/straw to decorate the manger. Do you have anything like that? Please message me or make a post below! Then once the manger is placed, we’ll need folks to put the figures out and decorate it. It’ll be after Thanksgiving, maybe that Sunday. Are you interested in helping out? Again, please message me or make a post below!
More as repairs progress…
October 26, 2023 at 12:33 AM
Update on Our Manger scene: Because of everyone's help, the manger roof is getting replaced. Sunday, Nov 12 is when the roof is coming off, and it'll be replaced the following week. A group met to work on the figures - many or most of them are ready for display! And I'll close this one saying - Thank You to everybody that gave at the GoFundMe page! (It's closed down now) We're "fully funded"! Next is actually putting out the manger - more after the roof is done!
For a number of years, the wreaths, silhouettes, and figures, as well as the manger (I believe), were stored in the Cary's barn on Boston State Rd. The Christmas Committee would gather and put up the decorations, including the manger, after Thanksgiving. In the earlier days, the telephone company offered their bucket truck to hang the wreaths and snowflakes (Our Boston Town Parks Department does that these days!).
More details as repairs progress...
October 24, 2023 at 11:07 AM
Update on Our Manger scene: A local construction company has offered to install the donated roof - they're checking now to make sure it's something they'll do. We'll work towards getting the old roof removed the Nov 11/12 (Sat/Sun) weekend before the new one is installed. There is now a GoFundMe page set up to collect donations (see below) toward the new roof, a new floor that could be installed next year, and perhaps a tarp to cover it "in the off season". And then a couple people stepped up to work on the figures: the figures could use some paint.
Each year, somewhere after Thanksgiving, the manger trailer is towed down to a spot next to Dollar General that Hamburg Overhead Door kindly allows it to stay in. For a number of years, out Town Parks staff have taken care of that, as well as placing the figures and adding lights and hay/pine decorations. This year, we'd like help to take care of that part.
More info as repairs progress...
October 22, 2023 at 1:07 PM
Update on Our Manger scene: There are now arrangements to buy the new roof - A donor is buying all the shingles we need, we're planning to set up a donation website (think GoFundMe), Rucker Lumber is getting us everything else for the roof at cost, and we're shooting for the Nov 11/12 (Sat/Sun) weekend for replacing the roof (it'll be one of those days).
Through the years, all sorts of people and groups have supported the Boston Christmas Committee (until it faded away): Residents purchased figurines and the lighted silhouettes you see along Boston State Road, Eagle Scouts maintained various parts for their Eagle Projects, and North Boston Garage recently did welding to keep the trailer frame in good shape. There were annual fundraisers to support the Committee and now families along Boston State Road provide the electric to light the silhouettes. On a sadder note, as the electric receptacles on the telephone poles "break down", the power company won't fix them, so we'll have fewer and fewer wreaths and snowflakes to display along the road.
More history as repairs progress...
October 18, 2023 at 6:24 PM
Some progress with the manger today: Three people put on a cover to slow the decay of the inside floor due to the leaky roof.
The manger was originated by Herb Klein (former Town Clerk) and the Boston Christmas Committee. Over time, interest in that Committee faded and the manger trailer (as well as the rest of the annual decorating) was "dumped" on the Boston Town Government. The Parks Department has worked on the annual decorating and takedown, but can't do much/anything for the maintenance. They're really not supposed to do anything with the manger.
More background as repairs progress...
October 5, 2023 at 9:42 PM
Our manger scene that everyone loves is falling apart and needs help. If you're interested in doing that, please be behind Boston Town Hall on Tuesday, October 17 at 5:00pm. It'll be a shame if it doesn't make it...