December 2014 • FREE
The Season For Giving
The Christmas clydesdale will be one of the seasonal animals being charved for the Carousel.
Photo by Oliver J. Anderson
A tree festooned with toys and gifts much as it woukld have looked over 100 years ago.
by Karen Rogers Christmas is the season of giving, and one enduring symbol of this is the Christmas tree. In Victorian times, the tree was festooned with gifts fastened to the branches. Paper cornucopias held candy, popping crackers held other treats, and dolls, too, were tied to the tree. Larger gifts were piled around the base. There is another generous giving tree in our Points for Profit program. The Albany Elmer’s Restaurant has, for years, set up such a tree in the lobby. This was started about five years ago. Dar Merril gathers the names of needy children, all from Linn County and referred by schools, police, and other contacts. They range in age between 0 and 18 years. In fact, a car seat was awarded to a pregnant mother in need. Most of the names get taken, but the staff of Elmer’s steps in as necessary. Restaurant manager Melinda Butler and her volunteers wrap the presents and match gifts to names. The tree goes up the first week of December and you may select more than one name. All gifts must be received by December 20th. Please remember that these gifts go to people who really need and appreciate necessary things that many of us take for granted. Think of a kid requesting socks. Or a towel. Help Melinda and the Elmer’s staff make Christmas real for those who it might pass by. Visit the Albany Elmer’s Restaurant on Santiam Highway and take a name or two off of the giving tree. Thank you.
Christmas On The Carousel by Joy Massey Carousel Volunteer There is always something new at the Historic Carousel and Museum in Albany - where newly completed animals are on display as they become ready, and others are on view while still in progress. Twenty-four thousand visitors a year enjoy watching the carvers and painters in this ongoing project located at the corner of First and Washington in downtown Albany. Three Christmas animals have already been designed, and when completed, will rotate on and off the carousel seasonally. Future Christmases will feature the Christmas Clydesdale, the Christmas Rooster, and Flash, a black pony. The Christmas Clydesdale, sponsored by Dian Gerstner, is a white and chestnut draft horse with a red and green bow on his tail and sprigs of holly on his harness and bridle. Brass snowflakes are featured in the peak of his collar and a wishing well on a brass medallion hangs from his chest band. The Christmas Rooster is sponsored by the Melvin Jenks family, who own the Jenks Egg Hatchery. The Christmas wreath around his neck is decked with Christmas ornaments personalized with names of family members, and
a medallion showing a covered wagon dated 1866 represents the family history. There is a Santa with his “naughty or nice” list with all the grand-children’s names. Little yellow chicks peek out from around the tail feathers and pole. Flash is sponsored by Dr. Fred and Karen Mueller. The black pony with white socks on each foot is decorated with bells, blue and gold ribbons, and a Fir wreath with a painter’s palette and soccer ball ornaments. The Mueller name is on the saddle, and two medallions feature Hilltopp Farms and the official Dental Seal. Saami is a brown Lapland reindeer and is one of the animals that will be on the carousel year round. Sponsored by Nancy and Richard Bryant, the reindeer honors the family’s Scandinavian heritage, and features red and white Danish hearts between the saddle and girth and a Danish flag. The saddle design is inspired by Lapland regional textiles in traditional colors. A Norwegian Nisse doll (gnome) sits behind the saddle, smoking a pipe. Saami is currently in the carving stage. A visit to the Carousel museum and workshop makes a fun seasonal outing for the whole family. Carousels have a unique magic that appeals to all generations. You can do some Christmas shopping at the gift shop while there. And remember, the carousel project is always looking for volunteers.