For as long as most people can remember, a special star has lit up the sky of Narrowsburg during the holiday season. It was originally erected by the Narrowsburg Chamber of Commerce approximately 60 years ago. Years later, likely in the late 1960s or ‘70s, a new pole was set, and the placement of the star changed slightly. Ed Gettel was responsible for the new rigging and cross-beam replacement, which lasted many years. Also at about that time, the Tusten Lions Club became the volunteers who maintained the star, so that each year the sky shone bright with our own special star.

Time has continued to pass, and the star has become an icon that Narrowsburg residents look forward to seeing in the high skies as they cross the bridge from Pennsylvania on their way home, or drive along Route 97, or from various other locations. But time also took its toll. This year it required serious refurbishment. With the combined resources of three of our long-established local organizations, our star will once again brighten the road home as we cross the bridge.

The Tusten Lions Club and the Narrowsburg Chamber of Commerce contributed the funding for the refurbishment, while the Narrowsburg Fire Department provided the hands-on work. We are thankful to the coordinated efforts of these organizations that will make a time-honored tradition continue. Watch for the lighting of the star the weekend of Thanksgiving.

With the star being lit we are reminded of the return of the holidays once again. Perhaps the generous spirit of the Tusten Lions Club, Narrowsburg Chamber of Commerce and the Narrowsburg Fire Department should spread to us all as we remember those less fortunate and contribute to make their holidays a bit brighter. A list of various local places to donate will appear in the next Narrowsburg News column.