By Gary Phillips, Contributing Writer
Northborough – Several hundred people gathered to celebrate the Northborough Tree Lighting Dec. 1. The annual tradition dates back to 1968, when the tree was planted in memory of Northborough resident Army PFC Neil R. Ellsworth, who was killed in Vietnam the previous year. Several members of the Ellsworth family were present for the tree lighting, including Mary Kate Ellsworth, who sang the national anthem.
Linnea Henningson led a group of Marion E. Zeh Elementary School grade 3 to 5 students as they sang carols. Cookies and hot cocoa were served. Mama’s Pizzeria and Northboro House of Pizza provided free pizza and collected donations for the Northborough Food Pantry. The event was organized by the Northborough Community Affairs Committee.
Photos/Gary Phillips
