The holiday spirit was alive and well in Moundsville on Thursday evening as nearly 200 people attended Gold, Khourey & Turak’s 16th annual Christmas tree lighting. But this year’s tree lighting was extra special, as GKT dedicated a memorial plaque in honor of the late Noel Clarke, Moundsville’s Fire Chief. The plaque will be displayed every Christmas. Gold, Khourey & Turak is a Moundsville, West Virginia personal injury law firm.
“Chief Clarke was a big part of the community, and enjoyed delivering Santa to the tree lighting each year. We want to honor our friend and remember him throughout not only this holiday season, but every year during our tree lighting.” says Jonathan Turak an attorney with the Moundsville personal injury law firm.
With sirens sounding and lights all aglow, the Moundsville City Fire Department escorted Santa Claus down Tomlinson Avenue to Gold, Khourey & Turak where Santa was greeted by dozens of anxious children. After a few tugs of his beard and several shakes of his jingle bells, Santa lead the children inside where hot chocolate and cookies awaited the guests. As children lined up to get their photos with Santa, they munched on cookies and reviewed their wish lists. The photos with Santa were taken by Strike-A-Pose photography from Moundsville, and provided free to the guests, courtesy of Gold, Khourey & Turak. Each child also received a gift bag from Santa. The OPUS Music Club sang carols, and Spike from the Wheeling Nailers mingled with guests throughout the evening. Of course, no tree lighting is complete without a Christmas tree, and this year’s tree is the largest yet – a beautiful 21-foot tree donated by the Weirzbicki Tree Farm. The tree will be lighted every day from 4:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. through December. Ruth Byers, a former long-time employee of GKT, performed the ceremonial push of the button to light the tree.
“We started this the tree lighting as our gift to the community, we wanted to share some Christmas cheer with our friends and neighbors,” says car accident attorney Christopher Turak. “We are excited to see it has turned into a tradition for many families. Some have been bringing their children to this event for 16 years. We are grateful for their friendship, and thankful for the opportunity to wish everyone a Merry Christmas.”
For additional information on the tree lighting, please contact the personal injury law firm of Gold, Khourey & Turak at (304) 845-9750.
