Each year Martorana Farms in Frankford Township relies on Christmas tree sales to make ends meet, but a paperwork problem nearly ended the season early.
Gina Martorana is now looking forward to this weekend.
On Wednesday morning, she and her husband Rich were pretty sure Frankford Township would not allow them to open their Christmas tree farm and gift shop business. They had been told they didn't submit the proper paperwork. Rich Martorana said he did what he was told was needed.
"Put it in the basket. I was told if there was a problem they would call me. No one called me. Took a picture of it with the date stamped on it," he said.
Besides the fact that the Martorana's love the holidays and love sharing their huge displays with the public, which they have done for years, they were looking forward to the extra income from selling trees and ornaments to help with mounting expenses.
Gina Martorana is now in recovery from the worst of her illnesses: Stage 4 uterine cancer. Medical expenses left the couple behind in bills.
"I'm four months behind on my mortgage. We're behind on bills. We're behind on everything, and this was going to help catch up, and I was looking forward to this weekend and actually catching up and paying what I need to pay on my mortgage, and now that's not going to happen," she said.
Eyewitness News made numerous calls to Frankford Township officials, asking about the Martorana's situation.
Late Wednesday afternoon, an attorney for the township responded with an email that read in part, "Frankford Township is not requiring the farmstand to cease operations and will permit the same to continue through the current holiday season."
It contains more on what the couple will have to do in the future, but for now, it is the reprieve they prayed for.
"Thank you. This would not have happened if you guys didn't get involved, and I really can't thank you all enough," Gina Martorana said. "Come get some trees. Any trees, $60. Cut your own."
She says they will be open from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
----------
* Get Eyewitness News Delivered
* More New Jersey news
* Send us a news tip
* Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts
* Follow us on YouTube