Pitney, Santa, Teaming up for Carols in Vernon

VERNON, CT — Vernon Mayor Daniel Champagne on Thursday announced "seasonal enhancements" to

Central Park that will essentially have a Rock & Roll Hall of Famer singing holiday songs next to Santa in December.

And one part of that will have year-round implications, he said.

“I am pleased to announce that, through the joint efforts of our Parks and Recreation Department
and our Public Works Department, two commemorative icons of Vernon — the new Gene Pitney
Memorial Bench and Santa’s House — will now be seasonally located in Central Park, across from
Town Hall, for residents and visitors to enjoy throughout the year.” Champagne said.

The Pitney Bench commemorates the music icon known as the "Rockville Rocket." Pitney grew up in Vernon and later lived in Somers. The bench had been located on top of Fox Hill in Henry Park, but had to be taken down for repairs.

The chain of events will will begin with the Dec. 1 Winterfest.

“Winterfest and the excitement of the Santa House will be returning to Central Park soon,”
Champagne said. “Seeing an opportunity for efficiency, our departments have worked together
to create a dual purpose cement foundation that will host Santa’s House during Winterfest, and
alternately, be the location of the new (refurbished) Gene Pitney Memorial Bench for the rest of the year,"
Champagne said.

During Winterfest, and when the Santa House is in Central Park, the Pitney bench will be housed in the Town Hall lobby, where an existing commemorative display in honor of Pitney is located.

Patch File Photo