Fire truck and police car lights led the way as our local children caroled their way up Belair Road to the Community Center this past Sunday for the first Overlea Fullerton Tree Lighting Ceremony.

What a wonderful event, and the combined community effort of The Linover Improvement Association, The Overlea Community Association and the Overlea Fullerton Business Association was well appreciated by the folks who attended - and the holiday spirit was so very apparent.

Santa (special thanks to Ed Ronspies) arrived with the fire truck. We all sang carols with the children (and what a wonderful job they did) and trumpet player Jeremy Schmidt, our appointed choir director, was awesome.

We let the children put the pine cone bird feeders on the tree (made by the residents of Overlea Health and Brightview Assisted Living).

Santa threw his "magic dust" and lit the tree. Santa then handed out candy canes (with help from his lovely assistant Betty) and snowman ornaments, which the children personalized with their names.

Lou Tortice from St. Peter's Lutheran Church was very appreciative of the donation for the food center. St. Peter's has a large distribution center and we know every donation will be put to good use. So thank you, community, for giving this holiday season to those who need a helping hand.

We then gathered back around the tree with "Silent Night" and "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" before everyone departed for home.

Again, thanks to everyone who worked so hard to make this night special. We have started a new tradition in Overlea Fullerton, and pictures from the event can be found at www.ofbpa.com.

> And speaking of traditions, this is one I started many years ago:

'Twas the week before Christmas and my column was due, what's a community columnist to do? I searched for news high and low, But everyone was so busy and "on the go."

The fax machine's spitting out little paper these days, and the snail mail's been slower than slow. No new bolded e-mail has been on my computer screen. There's just been no news from you in Overlea/Fullerton/Rosedale.

When all of a sudden I had this idea, while baking and decorating, of course, my dear. I quick got a pencil and started to write, Happy Holidays wishes to all in sight.

To all the children at our churches, our schools and malls galore, your voices, your concerts, your programs and plays, the chorus, the trumpets, the band and the strings, fill our hearts with gladness as you make the season ring.

To all the shoppers who've hurried past, as they rushed to the stores trying not to be last. It's off to Target, Lowe's and Best Buy's, off to the Wal-Mart, The Avenue and Bed, Bath and Beyond. To find a parking space is a chore, especially one close to the door.

We watch the papers so we can shop the sales. As we search for that perfect gift for all on our list. Checking them off one by one, with hopes that we'll soon be done.

Our tired feet take us home to the wrapping that awaits. Our minds are a whirl with things yet to be done. The cards, the cookies, the lights, and decorating the tree. All the things that make Christmas fun!

Christmas is a time of family and friends, of excited little faces on our little girls and boys. As they patiently wait for Santa to arrive, it's what makes the season one of joy! Christmas is old traditions with a blend of the new. It's a day of worship, and a day to renew, our faith in mankind and in one another, as we celebrate in all that we do.

So to all the staff members at the Northeast Booster, To my neighbors, my family and all of my friends, To all the loyal readers both near and far (that's you!), Happy Holidays to all, and to all a good night!

> Bill and Barbara Dunn, of Fitch Avenue, along with Scott and Robin Fischer, of Old Home Road, and Jerry and Tammy Harwood, of Church Road, are all thrilled to have one more person to shop for. New to their family is little miss Lucy Jane Dunn, who arrived just before Thanksgiving and weighed in at 8 pounds 6 ounces.

Congratulations to the proud mom and dad, Greg and Mindy Dunn of Lyndale Avenue.

> A huge welcome to the neighborhood goes to Baljit Cheema, the new owner of the Crown Station at the corner of Belair Road and Henry Avenue. Cheema Crown is making new friends in the neighborhood with his "cents off days" and by adding Krispy Kreme doughnuts. Stop in and say hello to Baljit and his staff.

> The Rosedale Volunteer Fire Department has its annual Christmas tree sale going on now. Trees range from $30 to $45. Call Karen Cline for more information, 410-866-4042.

> St. Peter's Lutheran Church located at 7910 Belair Road will be holding an Advent Cantata, "The Eve of Miracles," Dec. 18 at 8:45 a.m. and at 7 p.m.

The new pipe organ, the Sunday School, dancers and musicians will be sure to bring to you "the real meaning of Christmas." Call Evelyn at 410-668-2013 for more information.

This is your community news column. Its purpose is to highlight special moments, special people and special events that happen in our neighborhoods and schools. To highlight your special event or share your "good news," call Donna at 410-665-6551 or fax your information to 410-882-5194 or e-mail PTAVON@comcast.net. Have a great news day!