Tree of Remembrance

The holiday season tends to be an especially difficult time for those who have lost family members or friends.

In recognition of this, the students in the East Union Art Club in Afton are making angel ornaments for others to dedicate to lost loved ones.

The ornaments will be hung on a community Christmas tree during the club’s first-ever Tree Remembrance event 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 19 in the basement of First National Bank, 100 E. Railroad St., in Afton.

“It’s a celebration of life for everyone we’ve lost and a time to get together around Christmastime or the holidays and celebrate what it would have been if they were with us now,” said Savannah Kistler, vice president of East Union Art Club and a senior at East Union Community School.

During the ceremony, the lights on the tree will be turned on to symbolize how those being remembered are still shining brightly in the hearts of those who lost them. There will be a moment of silence for reflection, and then a time of fellowship with hot chocolate and baked goods. Those who dedicated an angel will then be given their ornament to take home.

“It will be a time to remember loved ones and to share experiences with others who have had similar experiences,” said Sherresse Buzard, K-12 art teacher at East Union and adviser of the art club.

The students are making the ornaments during the club’s after-school meetings Tuesdays and Thursdays. Each handmade ornament dedication is $5 and is made with ribbon, a jingle bell and Styrofoam and a note attached with the loved one’s name on it.

“We get to measure the ribbon, and we can make them however we want to,” said Jaden Froit, a sixth-grader in the club. “We get to be creative.”

So far, six people have signed up, and a total of 12 angel dedications have been purchased. There is no limit on the number of dedications you may buy. Money raised will help the art club take an educational trip to Chicago to visit art institutes and museums.

“Students will likely be making ornaments up until the last minute, depending on how many people want an ornament for however many loved ones they choose,” Buzard said.

If you are interested in dedicating an angel, text or call Kistler at 641-414-3719 or send a message on the Facebook event page by Dec. 11. Dedications will also be available for purchase at three Afton locations: First National Bank, City Hall and Kansas Street Deli & Purple Cow Antiques.