CHESTERTOWN — It’s been an eventful 24 hours in Kent County, culminating with the ceremonial lighting of the first Hanukkah candle on a 6-foot menorah at sundown Sunday, Dec. 14 in Chestertown’s downtown Fountain Park.
An additional candle will be lit on each successive night until, on the eighth night of Judaism’s winter festival of lights, Dec. 22, the menorah is fully illuminated.
Hanukkah commemorates the rededication of the Temple of Jerusalem after a successful revolt of the Jewish people against their oppressors more than 2,000 years ago.
Sunday’s event, which began at 5 p.m., was sponsored by Main Street Chestertown, Chestertown Havurah and Washington College Hillel. The ceremony was abbreviated because of the bone-chilling cold.
The National Weather Service issued a winter weather advisory for Kent County beginning at 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13 until 1 p.m. Sunday. Some 3 to 4 inches of snow fell in the county overnight, according to the NWS.
Due to road conditions, Kent County Public Schools has announced a two-hour delay on Monday, Dec. 15.
Ice, snow, biting wind and cold temperatures on Sunday did not deter area Lions Club members and 4-H’ers from gathering at the Kent County Community Center in Worton to sort food and toys as part of the annual Christmas Basket program that supports Kent County families.
Weather and road conditions permitting, boxes will be packed and delivered on Monday.
— Photos by Trish McGee
