Remembrance Tree to honor loved ones
VOLUNTEER: Barb Wilson hangs stars with names of loved ones who have passed away on the Community Remembrance Tree. Residents who would like to have a name put on the tree should call Health Services and Hospice of Coshocton at 622-7311.
COSHOCTON – Every year for the past 12 years, a Christmas tree decorated with lights and cut-out stars has graced the gazebo at the court square in Coshocton. This tree has special meaning for many people in Coshocton County as residents lovingly place the names of loved ones who have gone before on the branches of that tree, each name appearing year after year.
“The Community Remembrance Tree is a way for us as individuals to keep our loved ones who are not with us anymore close to our hearts,” said Kelly Lofton, executive director at Health Services and Hospice of Coshocton. “It’s a way to keep them with us on a daily bases and it’s a time for us to remember the lessons they’ve taught us.”
Health Services and Hospice of Coshocton have been putting up the tree each year since 2002, which is donated by Scheetz Tree Farm in memory of Kenneth Scheetz’s father and brother, Paul Sheetz and Merle Sheetz.
“It’s a worthy cause,” said Scheetz. “We dedicate it every year in memory of my father and brother who are now gone. We make sure there’s a tree that’s going to fit that space because not every Christmas tree will fit in that space, so we kind of check out the trees each year and try to keep an eye out for one that’ll fit.”
Not only do they donate the Community Remembrance Tree, but Scheetz also donated the 15 trees in the Park Hotel Lot.
“It’s just something we like to do for the community,” said Scheetz.
The Community Remembrance Tree features more than 800 names on stars that have been weather-proofed. Each name is lovingly inscribed on the star by volunteers before being placed on the tree. At the beginning of the New Year when the tree is taken down, each star will be removed and placed in storage. When the tree is put up again in November, each star will be taken out, repaired if needed, and placed on the new tree.
“People who have been in our community and who are gone, their influence is still with our community,” said Lofton.
Residents can call in to Health Services and Hospice to request a name for the tree. They can be reached at 622-7311 or stop by their office on Fourth Street. The office receives calls all year requesting names for the tree. There is no charge or donation for putting a name on the tree.
beth@coshoctoncountybeacon.com
Category: People & Places
