Trout Brook Engine & Hose to hold tree sale, breakfast with Santa

Chester — The Trout Brook Engine and Hose Co.'s 19th annual Christmas tree fund-raising sale will start Friday, Dec. 2, and run through December or until the last tree is sold. The sale will take place at the firehouse located at 712 Lakes Road, between the villages of Monroe and Greenwood Lake. There will be a large variety of trees in various sizes, from table top to over 10 feet tall, along with a selection of wreaths and garlands — all fresh-cut New York State trees. "Our prices will be competitive," the firefighters say. "When you buy a tree from us you are not only helping your local fire company raise money, you are also helping New York State The best way to test a tree for freshness is to bounce it two or three times. If it's not fresh, pine needles will fall. The fresher the tree, the longer it will last at home. When you get the tree home, cut at least two inches off the bottom before placing it in its stand, then fill the stand with warm water. This will clear all the hard sap from the bottom of the tree, and make it easier for the tree to drink. Keep the stand filled with cold water to keep it fresh. Keep the tree away from open flames and heat sources. Before hanging lights, make sure the wires are not broken, cut or frayed. If they are, throw them out, and replace your light set with a new one. Trout Brook will also hold a Breakfast with Santa fund raiser from 8 a.m. to noon on Sunday, Dec. 11.