Christmas Tree Arrives in Madison

The Madison Christmas tree arrived at Waverly Place on Tuesday, cut from a local resident's property just as it has been for now.

This year's donor was Judy Seery, whose tree has resided at 24 Kensington Rd. for more than the two-and-a-half decades Seery has lived there. Seery said she was contacted more than a year ago by the Madison Electric Foreman Jim Mattina, who asked if she would be interested in donating the tree for the borough's annual holiday festivities.

She was more than happy to help.

"It had really grown too large anyway," Seery said.

In October she was contacted again, solidifying her tree's place in the long lineage of Rose City Christmas trees. It actually appears it may have been something the tree was destined for. Seery said a neighbor had told her it was a live Christmas tree which was then planted outside by the Newman family prior to 1971.

She said it was subsequently nurtured by the Maranzano family until 1986, when Seery became the property's owner. Seery said she actually spoke to the Maranzanos, who now live in the Boston area, and they were very excited about the news.

The electric department called Seery about a week ago to set up the date and time for the tree's removal. The department began work at around 8 a.m., and in about an hour and 15 minutes, it was ready for transportation to Waverly Place.

Carmine Toto Jr., who chooses the tree with Mattina each year and also runs the annual Black Friday Christmas Parade, said the tree was set on Waverly Place at about 10 a.m. on Tuesday.

"I'm very excited," Seery said about having her tree become the center of attention this holiday season.

She said she and her neighbors are very eager to see it lit at the parade this year.

Last was donated by Carl and Christine Shesler of Woodland Avenue.