Bethel tree lighting goes on despite controversy

Resentment remains over loss of town square tree

By FRITZ MAYER

BETHEL, NY — About 50 Bethel residents turned out for the lighting of the town’s new down-sized Christmas tree on December 1, despite a bitter debate that played out at the town hall meeting and on WABC in New York City the day before.

The November 30, 6:00 p.m. news report from Channel 7 labeled Bethel supervisor Harold Russell a “Grinch” because he was responsible for the decision to cut down the 50-foot spruce tree that had stood in the town square in Kauneonga Lake for more than 40 years. A new tree, about 12 feet tall, took its place. In reaction, the town hall meeting an hour and a half later was filled with a standing-room-only crowd of people, many of whom wanted to express an opinion of the developments.

Lilly Hendrickson asked Russell why the felling of the tree couldn’t have waited until after Christmas. In a reference to the Grinch remark on television, she added, “We should change the name of the town to Whoville.”

Al Frangipane rose in Russell’s defense; he said, “Channel 7 was here for one purpose only¾they wanted to make a Grinch.

Margaret Mary King said she was so upset at seeing the tree missing from its spot, “I almost got a heart attack.”

Former superintendent Vicky Vassmer-Simpson said when she saw that the tree had been cut down, “I felt like someone punched me.”

Denise Frangipane, Al Frangipane’s daughter, echoed the sentiments of many when she said that town residents should have been consulted about whether or not the tree should have been taken down.

Russell said that the decision to take down the tree was not an easy one. He said the tree had grown into the guide wire that was holding it up. He was also concerned that the tree was so large that it was difficult to decorate and, therefore, lights had been left up year round. Some of the lights had been pulled down and damaged by weed whackers or lawn mowers. But perhaps the biggest concern facing Russell was how he could arrange to get new decorations put up on the towering tree. He had not been able to arrange for a bucket truck or any other suitable piece of equipment to help with placing the decorations.

While most of those who spoke were clearly upset by the tree cutting, there were others in the audience who showed support for Russell by applauding remarks that backed his decision.