Lighting of traditional Christmas tree brightens holidays for vets at SORCC

Lighting of traditional Christmas tree brightens holidays for vets at SORCC

By Dorene Stamper

White City, Oregon– Recently a visit from Santa thrilled the veterans and staff at the Southern Oregon Rehabilitation Center and Clinics (SORCC) along with many children who attended their traditional lighting of the Christmas tree. “This lighting of the Christmas tree is symbolic and represents the light within the vets, staff and our volunteers. It’s our way of kicking off this festive season along with giving thanks for our many blessings,” said Anna L. Diehl, Chief of the Community Resources Development.

“When I was on the front line in war, I wished we had something like this,” said Ed Mazza, part of the SORCC Voluntary Service Intern Team. “I’m so glad we have it now for the servicemen.”

“I’ve been in other veteran’s hospitals where they never did anything for Christmas,” continued Mazza. “Here Anna (L. Diehl) goes all out to bring this program to the veterans here.”

The SORCC Director Dr. Max McAntosh, started off the program by explaining the meaning of the Christmas tree.

“The Christmas tree is the symbol of sharing with friends and love ones,” he said. “This is a time to reacquaint with old friends and meet new one.”

“Christmas is a time to be thankful for the work we perform in caring for our American veterans,” said McAntosh. “We are on a path to insure continuation of health care at the source for many more years to come.”

“I want to thank the community for their support,” concluded McAntosh. “We are also thankful for the generosity of the Siskiyou Singers for making this a special occasion.”

The tree was ready and so were those in the theater as McAntosh waved a magical wand and the tree became a beautiful blaze of crystal lights and brightly colored ornaments. Christmas was now officially here.

The Siskiyou Singers from Ashland with chorister is Dave Marston, took the stage to sing “Oh Little Town of Bethlehem” and many other traditional carols.

After the singing came the visitor all were awaiting for, and that was Santa Claus himself! Babies, children, volunteers and even the patients lined up sit on his lap, or at least next to him.

Baby Kate Fredrickson and her big sister Elyssa sat on Santa’s lap and had their picture taken as mother and grandmother looked on. As the children left they received a candy cane while their mother received the photo.

“I brought my grandson here,” said Ginger Mallon, part of the SORCC Publicity Department. “This is a fun event, and a fun thing to do and it teaches him to socialize. It also gives him some good memories of being with his Grandma.”

Brandy Anderson, Serena Schwartz and Carrie Osborne, all teenage volunteers part of the Eagle Point high school program at the SORCC, were there to help out where needed and even took their turn with Santa Clause.

“We just wanted to help out. Two of us were passing out cookies while one took care of the children,” said Osborne. “This is my first year here and I like it a lot. It was fun.”

“Seeing these kids here to see Santa some will ask about why we are doing this for the patients,” said Mazza. “This is when we can explain how it brings the patriotism of the veterans to the youth. The teenagers from the Eagle Point Volunteer program go the extra mile to bring joy to the vets. Seeing this and being a part of it is the best part of my job.”

“Christmas is a wonderful time of the year,” said Gail Rasmussen, who heads up the Eagle Point Volunteer program at the SORCC. “For the students working here on the Veterans grounds it is an opportunity for them to share the Christmas season with the veterans.”

Gail’s husband, Paul Rasmussen added, “This is an annual event that kicks off the official holiday season.”

“Everything you would want in an event was there,” said Tom Marshall, Voluntary Service Intern at the SORCC. “The mystical part with the magic wand to light the tree symbolized the start of the Christmas season.”

When the program was over Marshal gathered the poinsettias that had adorned the stage and will be placing them throughout the SORCC.