Some Light In The Darkness
The beauty of darkness is it reveals the light.
People have grown maybe a bit dim with isolation, masks, and trading in a handshake for an awkward moment.
But Melissa Lee-Kirchhofer with the Fun Group of The Dalles is seeking to rekindle their spirits. They lit that candle, inspiring traditional Christmas stars to light off around The Dalles.
“It brings everybody together and reminds people we are all part of the community,” Kirchhofer said earlier this week. The idea was inspired by friends on Facebook including Robyn Conger.
Conger, along with husband Kurt, play a big role in the Fun Group. So Kirchhofer put the word out, and, well, the fun began on March 19th.
“They were lit that night,” she said of the stars.
Fun Group’s Kurt Conger said the whole group “pretty much said we can do this.”
Kurt, kind of a genius, recently converted the generator to propane, cutting fuel costs by some 80 percent to ignite the star, which now glows with led lights.
“It’s great to be able to do something to give people hope these days,” he said.
In addition to the star that lights the sky on the west end of town, other stars were also lit – including the one on Chinook Drive, formerly called the Mengis star. The home was was sold to the Carney family, which is continuing the tradition.
On the East side of Town, Doug Kirchhofer is bringing a star to light at his home on the hills on 18th Street near Thompson Track.
In the center of town, towering 80 feet in the black sky, a Christmas tree also creates solace. Its colorful lights jet out through the night sky, reminding us that we are together and yet apart.
It was a novel thought from The Dalles’ Charlie Foote but just a few weeks ago.
Sam Woolsey, 68, and wife Marie Ann have been lighting the tree at 751 E. 18th Street for decades during Christmas. And when the spring winds came along with the virus, Sam asked Foote if he might assist him in lowering the 80 foot strands of Christmas lights from this iconic Ponderosa.
“Charlie said he had a better idea,” Woolsey said. “’Why don’t you turn them on.’”
Woolsey was inspired. And the lights went on the same evening- letting us know that our neighbors are strong, and we should be too.
“It is something that gives people pause, and they appreciate the feeling it gives,” Sam said. “It gives a sense of peace in some respects, and at this time, it shines a little light on things.”
For people housebound and unable to even offer an embrace or handshake to others, this light speaks to that desire to be held and loved.
It’s a sense of normalcy, Sam said. “Long as the light’s on, it’s going to be ok.”
