All chairpersons are in place and the plans for the Saturday, Nov. 24, Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony are preceding smoothly, according to Phyllis Mueller, CEO of her own worldwide marketing company, and new Tree Lighting chair.

“The event is now 100 percent coordinated with a person over every area and nothing is behind schedule,” Mueller said. “I would have liked to have had more fundraising time, but I’m happy that we have good people on each committee.”

Mueller highlighted key ceremony events and their directors in her report. Marge Muir will manage Santa and Mrs. Claus’ appearances, scheduled to be indoors at the Village Center. Paul Riggi, Mike Lackey and IFPD Chief Patrick Reitz are responsible for seeing that lights are strung on the tree by Nov. 12. Omar Solario will do the stringing.

Ceremony coordinators are Diane Burt, Phyllis Brown and Barbara Rayless.

Mueller noted that non-profit booth management is in good hands with Bryan Tallent and John Stonitsch. “There’s a huge interest this year,” Mueller said. “We should have 20 to 25 non-profits with booths.”

Mueller is handling fundraising and marketing and Virginia Lumb is managing donations. Mueller is notifying her extensive contact list of California CEO’s, as well as all casinos and one national and two local television outlets. Mueller stressed that contributions are still needed and suggested donations from individual residents at $10 or whatever they could afford and for businesses from $50 to $100. “Obviously with hardships there is no necessity of contributing,” she said.

Ken Dahleen is again supplying stage, sound and lights, ensuring a professional sheen to the ceremony. Frank Ferro is back again as event emcee.