by Marcia Parnell
The Children’s Holiday Party, a not-to-be missed free event sponsored by the Becket Police Association, will be held at the Becket Chimney Corners Dining Hall, 748 Hamilton Road on Sunday, December 17th from 12-4:30pm. Becket and Washington families with children and grandchildren of all ages are invited. The party begins with lunch and includes a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus and a host of other holiday characters. Each child has a chance to visit with the Clauses and receives an individualized gift.
Becket Police Officer/Washington Police Chief Nicole Miller is the driving force behind the yearly event. Her mantra is register, register, register at the online-site becketpdkidsparty.weebly.com to ensure that each child receives a gift tailored to their age and interests and that there are sufficient food and activities planned to accommodate everyone. She also stresses that the entire event is free.
The super-organized Miller uses spreadsheets and color coding to manage personalized gift purchases and other party details. She enlists her entire family and other volunteers to decorate and wrap presents in advance (this year that preparation will be done on Friday, December 15th). Miller does all the gift-buying using the guidelines provided by parents on the registration form (e.g., books only). She also works closely with Executive Director of Programs, Shannon Donovan-Monti, and the Chimney Corners staff to organize the space and volunteer time to manage outdoor activities like archery, indoor holiday crafts projects like painting ornaments and making reindeer food. Miller explains that the facility is ideal because there’s enough space for activities and Santa visits to be happening simultaneously, ensuring virtually no down time.
Both Miller and Donovan-Monti see it as not just a kid’s party but truly a community event. Miller explains, “I’m a huge believer in community policing. I went to Becket/Washington School and I want kids to have a positive interaction with the police.” When they see her again and know her by name, Miller says, “that makes me feel great — it makes my job easier and keeps me motivated.”
The party starts with lunch, which Papa Bob’s caters with kid-friendly foods like tacos and chocolate milk. A performance of holiday music and song by the Becket Praise team coincides with lunch and is followed by outdoor activities. Sirens sound around 2pm to signal the arrival of the Clauses and their helpers by the Becket Fire Department. Children are then lined up in small groups for their Santa visit while others enjoy desserts and arts and crafts. There is also a free raffle in which a special family gift is awarded to a parent in secret, giving them the option to share it in the moment or treat it as a “Santa gift” on Christmas morning.
In the past, the party has largely been funded by proceeds from the Becket Police Association’s Cops and Rodders car show held in September, but rain limited attendance and reduced profits this year. The Town provided $500 and next year Miller says she will apply for a grant from the Cultural Council. Despite the infusion from the Town, donations and volunteers are needed. Donations can be made by check to the Becket Police Association, 557 Main Street, Becket MA 01223 or @Becketpoliceassoc on Venmo. Those wishing to volunteer may email Miller directly at officermillertownofbecket@gmail.com.
There are two other items Miller wants everyone to know. In the event of extreme weather, the party will be rescheduled to Monday, December 18th. Look for notifications on the Becket Police Department Facebook page or via textmygov (sign up at townofbecket.org if you haven’t already). Also, no drop-offs are permitted. Parents/guardians must stay with their children.
So don’t miss out – register at becketpdkidsparty.weebly.com and mark your calendars now.
