Essex Initiatives’ Holiday Projects

Meredith hanna and Maureen Ecclesine restring one of the 21 Holiday wreaths — Meredith Hanna and Maureen Ecclesine restring one of the Holiday wreaths that will decorate the hamlet.

Essex Initiatives formed in 1993, and the organization has since become a group of volunteers who support community activities by supplying manpower, financial support or both.

Today, Essex Initiatives is involved with a number of activities around Essex, especially concerning those focused on holidays. Check out what the organization is up to for Essex’s winter holiday celebrations!

Beautification Committee Decorates for the Holidays

Co-chaired by Meredith Hanna and Maureen Ecclesine, the Beautification Committee is a sub-committee of Essex Initiatives. This group of volunteers is responsible for planting the many barrels around Essex for Memorial Day and again for the holiday season.

Recently the group was busy restringing and “re-bowing” the 22 Holiday wreaths that will be seen along the streets of Essex and Whallonsburg this holiday season.

The Magic of Christmas in Essex

. Mr. and Mrs. Claus, aka Claudia and Dean Caveny arrive in Essex. — Mr. and Mrs. Claus, aka Claudia and Dean Caveny arrive in Essex (2012).

Erin Hall has put together the events for Christmas in the Village event the past few years but has announced this will be her last year as co-ordinator. Any expenses for this event not covered by the modest registration fee paid by the vendors are covered by Essex Initiatives.

Breakfast with Santa is a highlight of Christmas in The Village. Sponsored by the Masons, it is underwritten by Essex Initiatives. Any donations are set aside for use by the Masons to sponsor a community event.

Learn more about The Magic of Christmas in Essex 2013.

To request further information, make a donation or volunteer with Essex Initiatives, call Colleen Van Hoven at 963-4084.

The Magic of Christmas in Essex 2013 (www.essexonlakechamplain.com)
Essex Library Silent Auction Has Begun (www.essexonlakechamplain.com)
Upcoming Essex Events 11/24-12/1 (www.essexonlakechamplain.com)
Vintage Photo: Essex Main Street Winter Scene (www.essexonlakechamplain.com)

About Colleen Van Hoven

The name’s Colleen Van Hoven. My husband, Jim, and I have had a home in Essex since 1978 and moved here fulltime in 2002. In my previous life I was an educational psychologist and I worked in both the public and private sectors of education. We enjoy travel, either in our motorhome or with tour groups, boating (although we are without a boat!) and biking (as long as the terrain is flat!). I am involved in several community organizations including the Essex Community Church, Essex Community Fund, Belden Noble Memorial Library, and Essex Initiatives and the Beautification Committee. Currently I am “the officers” of Essex Initiatives, but would love to pass on the responsibility to someone else.