Coletti-Magni Park in Nonantum has once again been transformed into a Christmas destination, a winter wonderland of color and lights—and that massive 30-foot Santa watching over the village.
Hundreds of residents braved the cold to celebrate the season with the Nonantum Christmas Party Association’s Annual Park Lighting on Sunday evening.
This year, the tree was lit by the Bennington family of Nonantum, in honor of Cesidia “Jo” Bennington, who died recently and was an integral part of the Nonantum community.
Cesidia was born in San Donato Val di Comino, Italy, and moved with her family to Nonantum from Italy in 1969, at the age of 4. She married Michael Bennington in the 1990s and they raised a family together in the neighborhood affectionately known as “The Lake.”
“On her dying bed, Jo stated that there’s no better place in the world to be sick, because here, the whole community will support you and your family,” a letter from the Bennington family, read aloud at the Park Lighting, reads. “Fron the bottom of our hearts, we want to thank you and everyone for their support through these difficult times. Yes, The Lake is the best place to be a part of.”
We’re not done yet. On Dec. 15, the Nonantum Christmas Party Association will kick the party up a notch with its annual Christmas Parade.
In addition to hosting these Christmas events, the Nonantum Children’s Christmas Party Association gives scholarships to the John M. Barry Boys & Girls Club, Newton athletics, youth sports, families in need and more.
