Tree-decorating event and new organ coincide

A new organ at St. James Meeting House will debut during the event.
By DENISE DICK
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
BOARDMAN -- A 10-year Boardman Park tradition will get a new accompaniment this year.
From 3 to 4:30 p.m. Dec. 3, families and civic groups will decorate trees at the park.
"We encourage natural decorations -- popcorn, berries, stale bagels or doughnuts -- things that the birds can eat," said Cee Varsho, of the park.
The event also marks the debut of a new organ at St. James Meeting House.
"Over the years, we've had several hand-me-down, used organs where a part goes bad and we can no longer find the part to replace it," said Dan Slagle Jr., park superintendent. "That made getting them repaired a real chore."
The park received $24,000 as a gift from an estate and used the money to buy a new Allen organ, a brand typically seen in churches.
Slagle declined to identify the donor.
"I've been here since 1972, when the St. James Meeting House was moved here, and this is the first time we've had a church-type, commercial-grade organ," he said.
About 350 couples choose the historical St. James to exchange their wedding vows each year.
The company has guaranteed that parts will be available for the life of the instrument, Slagle said.
"We're very fortunate to have the organ and grateful for the gift," the superintendent said. "It's a beautiful piece."
Introducing new instrument
Local organists will perform on the new instrument during the Dec. 3 holiday event to introduce it to the public.
"That will be the first event for the new organ," Slagle said.
About 30 trees usually get decorated during the event each year, and groups and families can still participate by calling the park office at (330) 726-8107 to reserve a tree.
Each tree will be marked with a sign designating it for the respective family or group, Varsho said.
Santa and coat drive
Santa Claus will pay a visit during the festivities. The park also is working with the local military recruiting office in a Coats for Kids drive.
Participants can bring coats to the tree decorating to donate to children in need.
Nonperishable food items also will be collected for donation to the Rescue Mission of the Mahoning Valley.
Members of the Boardman High School choir will perform, and Linda Smrek, a vocal music teacher for the school district, will lead participants in Christmas caroling.
"It's a nice event," Varsho said.