Lacona Memorial Wreath Glows To Remember Lost Family, Friends

LACONA, NY – A group of residents of the small Northern Oswego County Village of Lacona gathered at the Village Depot on the evening of Sunday, November 27, to remember lost loved ones by celebrating the annual lighting of the Memorial Wreath.

Although a cold, misty drizzle and occasional showers made for a somewhat uncomfortable outdoor gathering, no complaints were heard from the group of hardy North Country denizens as the ceremony proceeded as planned.

After a few words from Lacona Mayor Lynn Glazier and the playing of “It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas,” the large wreath was lit and the names of departed citizens were read by Coterie club members Laura Weaver and Peggy Manchester.

Mayor Glazier has been involved in the wreath lighting tradition for 20 years, counting 18 years as a trustee, and two years as mayor. According to Glazier, this annual event is an important part of the village’s annual cycle, helping to keep the memory of past residents alive.

“This is how we honor our loved ones that have passed on,” Glazier said.

Glazier said that the organizers of the Wreath Lighting hope that this reading of names serves as a form of assistance and support for those missing their deceased family and friends. Glazier said that he got a warm feeling seeing people come out for the ceremony despite the somewhat inclement weather.

“It makes me feel great,” Glazier said.

The Lacona Coterie Club chose Sandy Creek Dollars for Scholars to be the recipient of this year’s donations, with monies collected from those wishing to have a loved one’s name added to the list of those remembered in the ceremony.

As part of the ceremony, a check for $2,070 was presented to a representative of the Dollars for Scholars Organization, with those funds earmarked for assisting local students with their educational aspirations.

The Lacona Coterie club has a long history of donating to worthy causes, with a total of $34,802 being contributed to a wide variety of community interests over the last 20 years.

For those facing the loss of a loved one, the holidays can be a difficult time. Remembrance ceremonies such as the Lacona Memorial Wreath Lighting can be a welcome opportunity to gather with friends and neighbors who are facing the same struggles, and, as always, the fabric of a small, rural community is strengthened by these types of gatherings.

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