News : Variety of trees, decorations fill VGH lobby; Tree Walk bidding ends tomorrow

The VGH Holiday Tree Walk, with a variety of themes and colors, has a 5 p.m. Tuesday deadline.

While most of the entries in this year’s Virginia Gay Hospital Holiday Tree Walk are considered “Christmas” decorations, there are a few items for those who celebrate other holidays, as well.

One of the trees available for bidders through the 5 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 24 deadline is the “All Season Tree” donated by VGH Human Resources Director Kim Frank. That tree includes baskets of decorations for anyone who would like to use a tree to celebrate Valentine’s Day, Easter, Independence Day, Halloween or Thanksgiving, along with all of the Christmas decorations that currently adorn it.

On a small table in the hallway behind the reception area is a Menorah donated by Jerry and Karon Ahrenstein. Karon works at VGH; Jerry has occasionally spoken at local schools about the history of Hanukkah. That display includes a candle Menorah as well as a battery-powered one. Chocolate, candles and a book entitled “My First Menorah” are also part of the display, along with dreidels. Dreidels are top-like toys used for both children’s games and gambling.

Ahrenstein explains that both the Menorah and dreidels represent the event that inspired Hanukkah – the rededication of the Jewish temple in Jerusalem following the invasion by the Greek forces under Antiochus IV Epiphanes around 167 B.C. A group of Jews resisted the invaders and was able to regain control of the temple, which Antiochus had defiled.

“There is history, myth and legend” behind Hanukkah says Jerry Ahrenstein. The Menorah celebrates the legend of oil for the temple candlestick that miraculously lasted eight days.

The Ahrensteins were happy to see a few days after the Holiday Tree Walk began, that a couple of people had already made bids on the Hanukkah display.

Many of the donors of trees and decorations are VGH employees or local business operators who donate something every year.

Rick Lazenby and Suzy Robison donated another homemade wood project entitled “Feathered Friends,” which includes a wooden birdhouse made by the couple.

The Windsor Manor tree has a Victorian theme; Manager Carrie Hantz created the display, hoping some young girls would like the pink displays and dolls.

Traditional Christmas themes and colors also appear; red ribbons, Frosty the Snoman, Jesus, and family.

Many of the trees also come with gift cards or other gift items.

The winning bidder of the Kacena Tree Farm tree arrangement also receives a free weekend at a log cabin.

The Scrapbooking Tree donated by Michele Burnes and the staff of the Urbana VGH Clinic includes a variety of things to help with that hobby. The inspiration behind that tree, says Burnes, is simply that the staff members at the Urbana clinic, especially Michelle Schoening and Tara Berry are scrapbookers themselves. That tree includes a wrapped box containing a rolling tote, and a variety of scrapbooking accessories and tools.

The Giving Tree donated by Stevie Ohrt comes with several gift cards to area businesses.

For those feeling lucky, the Lotto Tree donated by John’s Qwik Stop comes with an assortment of Iowa Lottery tickets.

Winnie the Pooh, Comics (and Star Wars), a rainbow-colored theme, a Coca-Cola theme and many more are also lined up along the lobby and hallway walls.

Visitors are welcome to see the trees and other decorations until the 5 p.m. deadline.

See more photos HERE.