FREEHOLD – Two residents of Freehold Borough have been recognized by the Borough Council for donating the Christmas tree that has stood in front of the Monmouth County Hall of Records, Main Street, during the 2021 holiday season.
During the council’s Dec. 20 meeting, husband and wife Steven and Cythnia Woodward were honored by the governing body. The couple donated the Christmas tree from their home.
Steven Woodward described himself as the tree’s gardener, having inherited it from the house’s previous occupants.
Councilwoman Sharon Shutzer said she inadvertently encountered the Woodwards on the night of the Christmas tree’s lighting, which led to her learning they had donated it.
“It was really bittersweet (for the Woodwards) to be there,” Shutzer said. “They had become a little bit concerned about the size of the tree compared to the size of their house. If the tree came down it might have done some damage and they weren’t really in a position to have the tree cut down. Plus, they wanted to share the tree if they could.
“The tree is massive and beautiful,” she continued. “If I have heard it once, it’s prettiest tree we have had in years, I have heard it 100 times. And it’s true.”
Steven Woodward is a Vietnam War veteran and Shutzer said the council members were also thanking him for his military service.
“We are a veteran-friendly town and there is a parking spot (at Borough Hall) reserved for veterans,” she said. “If you (Woodward) come to Borough Hall for any kind of business, you are welcome to park there.”
Councilwoman Margaret Rogers, who is the governing body’s liaison to the Shade Tree Commission, thanked the commission members for their role in having the tree placed in front of the Hall of Records and she also thanked the Woodwards for making the donation.
“It’s an absolutely beautiful tree,” Rogers said. “I know it was a sacrifice for you to donate that tree, but it was a good cause you donated it for.”
In recognition of their donation, the Woodwards received flowers, a gift certificate for Sweet Lew’s Cafe and a Christmas ornament that had a picture of the tree.
“We are so proud of that tree,” Shutzer said. “It is beautiful. And now, when people say to us that’s the prettiest tree we have had in years, we can all say we know the momma and the daddy.”
