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JARED HILL
Special to The Leader
Last Thursday, Spectrum hosted its annual Hanging of the Greens event at the Williams Center, an event that has always been shared by all in the campus and town communities.
This year, President Virginia Horvath kicked off the festivities with her helper Brooklyn, age 6, Educational Development counselor Daniel Smith’s daughter. The little 6-year-old bade the audience goodnight over the microphone, saying, “I’m looking forward to lighting the tree … I hope you [all] have fun doing all the things.”
On that mark, President Horvath gave Brooklyn the go-ahead to light all three trees, officially beginning the annual “Hanging of the Greens.”
The event had a great turnout. Community members, students and children alike were all willing participants in the spirit of the long-standing Fredonia tradition.
There was live music playing “Feliz Navidad,” which had kids jumping for joy. Students were getting their necessary fill of free desserts like brownies and Christmas cookies, and while some parents sat back and watched their children occupy themselves, others participated in the events alongside them.
Junior Lena Katafiaz, a junior and member of Spectrum, believes in what the event stands for.
“I definitely think it brings a closeness with the campus and the community,” she said. “It’s really exciting for all the little kids. It’s full of food, pictures and crafts, and different activities that they can do. There’s music playing and lights hanging, [and] it’s a lot of fun!”
Photo by Stephanie Willis
There were long lines at the photo booth, Santa ornaments, tea light snowmen, Hanukah Jeopardy, paper snowflakes and letters to the Hope Lodge.
Another activity was “Letters to Santa,” hosted by Transfer Student Organization (TSO). Fred DiLorenzo, a second-semester Fredonian member of TSO, said, “each letter sent [to Santa] is a dollar for Macy’s that goes to the Make-A-Wish Foundation … last year we had about 25.”
DiLorenzo believes in the purpose of the event and the importance of the letters for the children.
“To the kids … it’s a really special thing. Not only does writing a letter give them a chance to express themselves, but also gives them a chance to donate without even knowing,” he said.
Assistant Director of Campus Life Rachel LaPaglia couldn’t have been happier to help put on this tradition.
“I think it’s really special. I’m from Fredonia, so this is my home, and I think it’s great to be able to bring the community in on campus and let them see some of the really awesome events that we put on,” she said.
“The point of this event,” LaPaglia went on to say, “is to get the students on campus involved, and also the community and the children that live locally for a night full of fun and holiday cheer.”