The February 13, 2023 Town Council meeting included an agenda item honoring Frank Glista for his years of constructing memorable New Year's Eve bonfires for the town.
This is the proclamation that was read.
PROCLAMATION
in Honor and Appreciation of FRANK D. GLISTA
for fifteen years of service and dedication to the citizens of Charlestown for envisioning and
successfully creating a New Year’s Eve Bonfire tradition.
This Proclamation is being presented to Frank D. Glista for fifteen years of service and dedication to the Town of Charlestown for envisioning and creating the Annual New Year’s Eve Bonfire at Ninigret Park.
In 2005, Frank Glista had the idea for a bonfire as a fun event for kids and families to celebrate and have fun on New Year’s Eve.
What began as a modest event in 2005 with approximately 100 people in attendance, grew into a highly successful event with over several thousand in attendance to enjoy the bonfire.
The New Years Eve Bonfire has become a Charlestown tradition attracting visitors not only from neighboring towns but also from other New England states.
Frank, also known as “Frankie Pallets” because of the many pallets that go into his ornate structures, has spent countless hours at Ninigret Park during the cold months of November and December, first designing and then constructing the structures.
Frank has spent endless hours in the cold cutting pallets, moving pallets and placing pallets for the bonfire structure.
Thanks to the vision and dedication of Frank “Frankie Pallets” Glista, Charlestown’s residents can come together and celebrate New Year’s Eve as a community.
Now Therefore be It Resolved that the Town Council of the Town of Charlestown hereby adopts this Proclamation in Honor and Appreciation of Frank D. Glista for fifteen years of service and dedication to the Town and Community of Charlestown for the Annual New Year’s Eve Bonfire.
Be it Further Resolved that this Proclamation be placed in the official minutes of this meeting.
In testimony whereof and by the authority vested in us, we hereby confer this proclamation in Honor and Appreciation.
