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SWOYERSVILLE — Mayor Chris Concert is asking borough residents to “get off their cans” and start collecting them — aluminum ones, that is — to raise money for upcoming holiday events.
Concert, who was appointed mayor in May of 2015 after the death of long-time mayor Vincent Dennis, has become known for organizing events that bring families together at little cost.
At Easter time, he lamented he had a bunny costume, but didn’t know what to do with it.
Within hours, Concert planned a Bunny in the Park event, complete with a bonnet contest and candy for each participant.
After assisting the United Way with clean up of the Noyes Street Park, Concert held a cookout that brought hundreds of people of all ages out to share picnic food and enjoy the newly cleaned playground equipment.
Concert previously used money raised from an aluminum can collection to host a strawberry social at the Slocum Street Park.
“People have asked what I’m doing next,” he said. “I’ve been telling them we’re in the planning stages of several events.”
Concert had dedicated Dec. 10 to the holiday with a parade, an ornament-making activity, Christmas tree lighting and “carols by candlelight.”
“Kids of all ages can join in the event,” he said. “We want to bring a continuing spirit of community to our town.”
Although Concert donates his salary as mayor which comes to a bit over $100 per months to community events, he hopes to raise money through the aluminum can collection to be able to purchase candy, maintain Santa’s outfit and provide for other incidental expenses.
“We’ve already collected about 250 pounds of cans,” he said.
Concert also hopes to hold a dance for older residents and sponsor a free spaghetti dinner early next year.
“I am planning to start a farmers market next year,” he said. “We’ll hold ours later in the day so that people can come after work.”
Concert knows it’s a bit early to start planning for the holidays, but he wants to be well prepared.
“We’ve already booked Santa’s flight from the North Pole,” he said, laughing. “Christmas is right around the corner.”