‘Tis the season!

Posted 8/21/12

Boy, is it ever! In the blink of an eye, the weather turned frosty, snow is on the ground and festive lights abound throughout the Upper Delaware River region. I’m just beginning the arduous task …

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‘Tis the season!

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Boy, is it ever! In the blink of an eye, the weather turned frosty, snow is on the ground and festive lights abound throughout the Upper Delaware River region. I’m just beginning the arduous task of unpacking after the most grueling move I’ve ever endured, but I’m home for the holidays, and thrilled to be here. I managed to unearth my mother’s menorah, and with Hanukkah beginning on the 16th, just in the nick of time. This year, the last night of the “Festival of Lights” is on Christmas Eve, and I always like it when the two holidays coincide. Since the Jewish calendar follows the lunar cycle, this is not always the case, but as I extinguish the last of the flickering flames that represent the “miracle” that occurred in Jerusalem back in the day, (www.chabad.org) I’ll be able to turn my attention to the trees, wreaths, services and observances that feature that other holiday—Christmas.

I’m interested in all religions, and love learning about the history of biblical stories and how traditions originate. So now that I’m back online, I can renew my quest to learn even more about the story of Christmas (www.answersingenesis.org). Meanwhile, I’m reveling in the celebrations, parties and general hoopla that have already begun, starting with my trip to Jeffersonville, NY and the 20th annual James Dworetsky Holiday Parade, which took place last Friday, on the coldest night of the year thus far. Recalling that last year’s parade was also freezing, I left the pup (www.facebook.com/DharmaTheWonderDog) at home, cut the fingers off a pair of gloves in order to take photos and bundled up. Arriving early to snap some pics of the kids who were already gathering with their families to sip hot chocolate and line Main Street in anticipation of the floats, fire trucks festooned with holiday lights, and their first glimpse of Santa, I paused to chat with Carol Sala, who was outside her pal Sharon’s place (www.facebook.com/TheRedDoorConsignmentShoppe) putting the finishing touches on The Red Door’s holiday décor.

When asked if she was excited about the parade, Carol was thoughtful. “Of course” she said “but I think it’s important to remind folks how this tradition began and who it’s in memory of, don’t you?” Nodding in agreement, I stepped inside and chatted with Sharon and a few neighbors who were doing some holiday shopping. “Oh, I couldn’t agree more” Sharon said. “It’s been 20 years already, so many of the younger folks don’t know the origin of the parade and why we honor James.” Dworetsky, who served as the Youngsville, NY fire chief, died on November 25, 1995, after being exposed to a deadly virus while in the line of duty. Honored in the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial, (www.Firehero.org) Dworetsky’s heroism and dedication lives on in the memorial parade that his fellow firefighters commemorate each year, honoring his legacy, while bringing joy and hope for the future to countless residents and visitors annually. It’s a great reminder (IMHO) of how much our firefighters give to our communities every day of the year, and an important lesson for us to pass on to each new generation, lest we forget how (and why) we celebrate certain days.

That said, there was most definitely a party goin’ on. Hundreds lined the streets as the first sirens sounded and the parade, which grows larger and brighter with each passing year, got underway. Firefighters from every corner of our world appeared, many festooned with lights on their uniforms, as they handed out candy to the little ones, occasionally stopping to bow their heads in honor of their fallen comrade, but determined to light up the world with happiness and joy in his memory as the trucks blared and the floats passed by. Girl Scouts, local businesses, and even some very chilly cheerleaders marched through town heralding the fat man in his red suit and bag of toys, who eventually makes his way to the firehouse, so that kids can sit on his lap and whisper their wishes in his ear.

With so many celebrations still on the horizon, I look forward to learning more about how these traditions began and sharing stories of my own along the way. Do you and your family do something special that has become a tradition over the years? Email me at JonathanFox@riverreporter.com, if you care to share. Who knows? I might visit you with the Wonder Dog and learn something new! To see more photos of the James Dworetsky Memorial Holiday Parade, visit www.facebook.com/theriverreporter and share the memories with your friends. ‘Tis the season!

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