VENDORS, from left, Sonia Garufi, Tom Silveria and artist Hollis Colby sold decorative holiday shells during Historic Lynnfield, Inc.’s Country Store fundraiser at the Meeting House on Dec. 2. (Dan Tomasello Photo)
By DAN TOMASELLO
LYNNFIELD — The tradition is growing in popularity.
Hundreds of residents came together to kick off the holiday season when the Meeting House was transformed into Historic Lynnfield, Inc.’s Country Store fundraiser on Dec. 2. A large number of residents stood in line waiting for the Country Store to open its doors at 9 a.m., and business was booming throughout the day.
Longtime Country Store Co-Chair Karen Nascembeni, who is Historic Lynnfield, Inc.’s vice president, helped oversee the fundraiser once again with fellow Country Store Co-Chair Karen Hathaway. Nascembeni said Historic Lynnfield made a huge push this year to get more families to attend the event.
“This was hands down the most successful Country Store I have ever attended,” said Nascembeni. “Historic Lynnfield has really been trying to engage the youth and families in Lynnfield, and that was evidenced today by the huge turnout in the morning with both the Voices of Hope choral concert and Santa Claus arriving on Fire Engine 4. There was a steady flow of people all day long. That was the most important goal that we reached.”
Hathaway agreed.
“It was a lot of fun,” said Hathaway. “I love it. I really love seeing everyone so happy and watching the town came together. It’s awesome.”
Historic Lynnfield, Inc. President Nan Hockenbury was absolutely thrilled with the turnout for this year’s Country Store.
“It’s nice to have all of the old traditions return,” said Hockenbury. “We have been doing this fundraiser for so many years, and it was great seeing all of the vendors and volunteers running the tables. It was great to see families with children come and meet Santa. It’s great that we are keeping this tradition going.”
The Voices of Hope choral group kicked off the Country Store by performing holiday carols such as “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and “Jingle Bell Rock” upstairs of the Meeting House that was completely full of people. Voices of Hope have been performing at the Country Store for the past three years.
“The upstairs pews were packed while people listened to Voices of Hope’s 45-minute long concert,” said Nascembeni. “They are an amazing organization. They are kind, loving people who are raising money for cancer research through song.”
Santa Claus made his first stop in town after arriving in style on Fire Engine 4. After spending some time with local children, Santa went upstairs to sing and dance with Voices of Hope and Nascembeni.
Similar to previous years, the Village Home and Garden Club sold seasonal wreaths, swags and holiday greens that were a big hit with Country Store attendees. The club also decorated the Town Common and the Lynnfield Public Library before the event.
“The Village Home and Garden Club anchors the Country Store,” said Nascembeni. “The greens sold out very quickly.”
Hathaway said Country Store volunteers Susan Canty, Donna Conlon, Denis Kelley and Dennis Rogers served ham-and-bean dinners and pizza from Cal’s Brick Oven Pizzeria Company at Mrs. Claus’ Snacks and Lunch Kitchen. Historic Lynnfield board member John Michalski and his son Ryan oversaw the popcorn machine.
In addition to serving popcorn, John Michalski also dressed up as The Grinch during the event.
Historic Lynnfield board member Lauri Priestley and volunteer Julie Hallenborg ran the baked goods table. Sally Hockenbury’s company, Singing Marshes Jelly and Jam, was a big hit once again. Joe Miglio ran the Vermont cheddar cheese table, which ran out very quickly.
The craft vendors that appeared at the Country Store included Busy Fingers, which sold homemade blankets and aprons. Lynnfield resident Deanna McCormick sold children’s sensory kits that were made by her company, She Creates. Lynnfield native Hollis Colby’s company, Handmade by Hollis, sold Christmas ornaments.
Nora’s Honey Beeswax Candles were a big hit at the Country Store. Seriously Magical Creations sold crochet stuffed animals and blankets.
“We had a lot more craftspeople this year,” said Nascembeni. “They were really popular. We chose vendors who make homemade products. Karen Hathaway was instrumental in finding the vendors.”
Hathaway found a lot of the vendors by visiting area farmers markets.
“I was trying to figure out which ones would be a good fit for the Country Store,” said Hathaway.
Connor’s Kindness Project sponsored Santa’s North Pole Fishing Hole for the first time, which gave children the opportunity to go fishing for holiday gifts. Lynnfield High School sophomores Bella Giocobbi, Audrey Janielis and Shealyn Moore ran the event.
“We had a fantastic day with our wonderful volunteers,” said CKP Executive Director/Historic Lynnfield board member Sharon Marrama. “Our volunteers are fantastic. Bella, Audrey and Shealyn wrapped all of the fishing pond gifts. It was really heartwarming to be a part of this awesome community event.”
The Centre Club held its annual Lottery Contest at the Country Store once again. The Friends of the Lynnfield Library sold holiday children’s books outside of the Meeting House. Lynnfield for Love members Wendy Dixon, Rebecca Kasdon, Darlene Kumar and Sadaf Weisenfeld also oversaw a table that sold 01940 zip code hats, the sale of which will be used to support the nonprofit organization’s winter service project. Lynnfield for Love also asked Country Store attendees to sign cards that will be given to teenagers living in foster care.
“We love having them participate because we pride ourselves on being a community-orientated organization that partners with other like-minded people in town,” said Nascembeni about the nonprofit organizations.
Nascembeni said the Kilgore family sponsored the very popular penny candy store, which was a big hit with youngsters. The Nascembeni and DiFillippo families organized the Holiday Ornament Decorating Station, which was run by Nascembeni’s niece
Kristen Nickerson and her husband John. The Holiday Ornament Decorating Station is held in memory of Nascembeni’s late husband, longtime Country Store co-chair Steven Richard, who passed away from COVID-19 in March 2020.
“We don’t charge for that because this is such an important tradition and memory for all of us that we want little kids to come make an ornament and bring it home so they can always remember coming here as a child,” said Nascembeni.
Nascembeni said all of the Country Store’s volunteers wore buttons with Steven’s picture on them to honor his memory once again.
“Steven would be so proud of what we are doing in his memory as well as so many people in his family and others in this community who have done this for decades,” said Nascembeni. “We are all wearing buttons with his face on them. It keeps everyone’s heart in the right place when you are doing something for the right reasons. It’s an honor to uphold this tradition. It’s a tremendous amount of work, but it is an honor to hold this event for the community.”
Hathaway thanked sponsors Cal’s Brick Oven Pizzeria Company, MarketStreet Lynnfield and The Savings Bank for supporting this year’s Country Store.
Nascembeni also thanked Historic Lynnfield, Inc. board member/Historical Commission Chair Kirk Mansfield for helping make this year’s Country Store a success.