Display hikes O&R bill by $600,but Make-A-Wish benefits from donations

MONROE-For the third year in a row Anthony Volpe is bringing holiday cheer to the people of Monroe and the children of the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Volpe, 34, owner of Greenwood Excavating, has raised thousands of dollars for the Make-A-Wish Foundation through the elaborate display of decorations he puts on his house at 64 Franklin Ave. in the village of Monroe. With the help of family and friends (of whom one is an electrician), 70,000 lights are used to create a fanfare of gingerbread men, a Nativity scene, a 14-foot-wide wreath, a 13-foot-long American Flag and a stocking that covers the garage. The stocking is new this year, but it, like the wreath and the flag (which alone contains 7,000 lights) is hand-made by Volpe. His favorite decoration - and his first - is the Nativity scene, which he's had for 15 years. Most importantly, though, is the huge wishing well that collects the donations of visitors for the Make-A-Wish foundation. This year's display contains 50,000 more lights than the first year. Decorating began the first week of November and the display will remain up until New Year's. With a house that can be seen illuminating from down the block, Volpe was sure to mention that he keeps his neighbors in mind, but he found that they, too, enjoy the ornamentation. In fact, it was his neighbors' suggestion that prompted Volpe to start the wishing well and donate the proceeds. Volpe chosMake-A-Wish foundation because he admired its cause and knew that his donations could make life-long dreams of many children come true. The first year of the display drew $3,000, including a $500 check someone donated on Christmas Eve. Last year's snowfalls hindered the amount of donations a little, but $1,500 to $2,000 was raised. This year's contributions are anticipated to exceed all previous years. Volpe gives all proceeds to the foundation. Despite the extra $600 on his electric bill, Volpe plans to increase his display each year. He says that there is still plenty of room for more under his porch where he stores the decorations. Christmas music will serenade you as you view the display on 64 Franklin Avenue between the hours of 5 to 10 p.