'O Christmas Tree'

DeKALB – Most people put up one Christmas tree to celebrate the holiday season. Joan Launer is putting up 34.

Launer is the community events coordinator at DeKalb Area Retirement Center – Oak Crest, 2944 Greenwood Acres Drive in DeKalb.

Launer, Oak Crest staff and volunteers decorated 34 Christmas trees for the 21st annual Christmas Tree Walk and Open House. The event, which is free and open to the public, is from 1 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 13.

Decorating the halls of Oak Crest started the second week in November. Ornaments, lights and finishing touches are still being added to trees, but the facility will be completely decorated in time for the tree walk. Oak Crest will be decorated until the second week of January.

Launer met with MidWeek reporter Katrina Milton to discuss the upcoming Christmas Tree Walk and planning and preparation needed to decorate 34 Christmas trees.

Milton: What do you do as the community events coordinator at Oak Crest?

Launer: I’m in charge of the craft fest, Christmas Tree Walk and the volunteer program, events and activities that involve the community. I was in charge of the very first tree walk. I’ve been on the staff since 1983. I’ve been decorating with Christmas trees for a long time, but in 1995, a volunteer came in and told me, “Joan, the trees are so beautiful. You should invite the community to come in and see them.” That’s what’s been happening ever since.

Milton: Why do you host the Christmas Tree Walk each year?

Launer: The Christmas Tree Walk has two purposes: providing a beautiful opportunity for the residents and allowing the community to come in and see what we’re all about. Many of the residents don’t have the chance to go out, since they are in assisted living. Trees can be found throughout the whole facility. Everyone wants one in their area, so they can see and enjoy it without walking very far. The Christmas Tree Walk allows us to bring Christmas to them and for the community to come and enjoy Christmas with us.

Milton: What does the event include?

Launer: The Christmas Tree Walk will feature 34 decorated Christmas trees throughout the facility. We’ll have a singing Santa and Mrs. Claus, a performance by the DeKalb High School Madrigals, a pianist, a harpist and Dance Dimensions will present “The Nutcracker.” We will also have a dessert buffet in the terrace dining room. The Little Theater will be filled with a model train exhibit. Jim and Gordon Letheby will have an operational model train display.

Milton: Does the event Christmas Tree Walk have a theme?

Launer: This year, the theme is “Some of Our Favorite Things.” Last year, the event’s theme was “White House Christmas,” and we had a Martha Washington reenactor. Since so many people loved Martha Washington last year, we’re bringing her back this year. … With this year’s theme, we were thinking back through the years. We picked some of our favorite trees and are bringing them back to life.

Milton: Can you describe one of your unique trees?

Launer: There is a tree, that we call the love tree, or “A Warm Christmas.” The tree has knitted and crocheted mittens and hats underneath it. The tree will be decorated with scarves as a garland. Anyone can donate items for under the tree. The items will be donated to local charities for the holidays.

Milton: What are some of the themes?

Launer: We have a wide assortment of themes, including “Teddy Bear Country Christmas,” a Victorian tree decorated with lace ornaments a former resident made, a patriotic tree and a train tree in the Little Theater with the model trains.

Milton: What is something new this year?

Launer: We have a new 10-foot tree in the atrium, “Christmas Dazzle.” Every year, we grow and get bigger. There are more volunteers and new ideas. … About 660 people came to the event last year. We hope that with nice weather, even more people will attend this year. The community, public, everybody is invited. We even have valet parking. I don’t know what’s going to happen or change next year, but each year we grow.

Milton: How would you describe the Christmas Tree Walk?

Launer: It’s very festive. Everyone enjoys the socialization, while looking at trees and listening to music. It’s a wonderful way to start the Christmas season. … Families love to bring their grandchildren and great-grandchildren to the event. It’s a nice holiday event, where families can see Santa and Mrs. Claus, enjoy all the goodies and music and see the trees.

Milton: Is Christmas your favorite holiday?

Launer: Yes, Christmas is my favorite holiday. I usually put two or three Christmas trees up in my own house. I love planning Christmas trees and the decorations for Oak Crest. I love it here. It’s a wonderful place to be, and it’s like one big family.