FALCONER - Thanks to Pack 173 of Falconer, the village Santa House now has a village Christmas tree.
In the pouring rain, Pack 173 gathered in front of the Falconer Santa House to plant a community Christmas tree to match the newly renovated Santa House.
"We decided to plant a village Christmas tree because they renovated the Santa House this year with the Eagle Scouts, so we thought it would be a good idea for the village to have their own Christmas tree as well," said Ron Caldwell, pack leader. "It's part of their elective to grow something, and this is what we came up with."
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In the pouring rain on Thursday, Pack 173 of Falconer planted a community Christmas tree in front of the newly renovated Falconer Santa House.
P-J photo by Remington Whitcomb
In planting the tree, the pack is working toward earning their silver arrow, which is an optional merit badge.
According to Caldwell, there are 16 boys in the Pack 173 wolf den. And though the conditions were less than favorable, all the members of the pack donned rain coats in addition to shovels to help in the effort.
"Despite the rain, the kids are really enjoying themselves," said Caldwell. "I thought it would be a good thing for the village to have their own tree, so I contacted Roberts Nursery, and they fully supported us."
As Christmas gets closer, Caldwell and the pack plan to revisit the tree to decorate it for the guests of the Santa House to enjoy.
"We spoke with Sam Ognibene about our intentions to come back and decorate the tree, and he was very supportive," said Caldwell. "I'd really like to do some caroling during the season as well, but we'll see as the time gets closer."