Mayor Domenic J. Sarno, Parks, Buildings, and Recreation Management Director Patrick Sullivan, Health and Human Services Commissioner Helen Caulton-Harris, and Superintendent Dan Warwick were pleased to join with artist and singer Dee Reilly, and Tess and Lisa Cambo of Northern Tree Service today to announce that holiday cheer will be shared with the Sisters of Saint Joseph (SSJ) and with the seniors participating in the Mayor’s Lunch Program.
Because the annual Remembrance Garden Irish Country Christmas concert with Dee Reilly was cancelled this year due to COVID-19 precautions, Ms. Reilly reached out to the Garden Committee and is generously donating copies of her new Christmas CD which will be a gift to the Mayor’s Lunch Program participants and to the SSJ — as they have attended Dee’s concerts in the past. The CD will be accompanied by a Christmas Treat Box.
On Monday, December 14th, hundreds of packages are being delivered to the SSJ and the seniors and they will be able to hear Dee Reilly sing past concert favorites, while snacking on delicious cookies that will be included in the Christmas Treat Box. This Treat Box is made possible by generous donations from the local business community, whose contributions will also assist in the maintenance of the 1916 Garden of Remembrance at Forest Park and the planned Forest Park Horticulture Center.
Mayor Sarno stated, “I’m thrilled the Remembrance Garden Committee is providing this Christmas package to the Sisters of St. Joseph and the seniors. This is great opportunity to recall Dee’s concerts and reflect on past Christmas memories. It has been a difficult year for many and I look forward to next year when we can come together as a community to again enjoy Dee in concert. I send a heartfelt thank you to the many community sponsors and the 1916 Remembrance Garden Committee for keeping the Christmas Season special for us all. Please take time with your family this season to reflect on cheerful memories, stay vigilant in the present, and plan for a healthy and joyous future.”
PBRM Director Patrick Sullivan, who is also the Garden Committee Chair, said, “We are thrilled to share the CDs and cookies with the Sisters and the seniors. They have attended past concerts and we thought the Treat Box would be a comforting gift to close out a challenging year. Our many community sponsors have been great, and their generosity allows us to bring some holiday joy to those who are so deserving. We wish everyone a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanza and a healthy and safe New Year.”
Tess Cambo of Northern Tree Service added, “Northern Tree is proud to continue our support of the Remembrance Garden in Forest Park. My late husband Paul, son Philip, and I have been a part of this garden from its onset. It was an honor to attend last year’s concert and we are proud to be taking part in bringing some Christmas cheer to the Sisters of St. Joseph and senior the lunch program. They have sacrificed for our community and this is a terrific way to wish them a Merry Christmas.”
Health and Human Services Commissioner Helen Caulton stated, “The Department of Elder Affairs is thrilled that our seniors participating in the Mayor’s Lunch Program are being thought of during the holidays. We are all somewhat secluded in our homes or apartments due to COVID and the music CD will bring some holiday cheer. I encourage everyone to reflect on joyful memories and envision a brighter 2021 for all of us. Please enjoy your holidays and know that your city is doing everything possible to keep you safe.”
