Zoar to erect remembrance tree for Christmas season

While the holidays can be merry and bright, they also can be difficult for people who have lost loved ones — an empty chair, a name no longer on the shopping list, the card that doesn’t arrive in the mail.

This year the grief is ever present given the tragic accident that took the lives of three Tusky Valley band members, two teachers and the wife of a Zoar Council member.

In response Zoar Village will place a remembrance tree outside the Town Hall and Event Center on Fifth Street, formerly the fire station. Six ornaments bearing the names of those lost in the accident will be placed on the tree.

The tree will be up in time for Christmas in Zoar on Dec. 2 and 3. Tom Klingaman, mayor-elect, said the village is encouraging people who’ve lost a loved one, whether recently or long ago, to stop by, write a name on a blank ornament and hang it on the tree. Ornaments and markers will be provided.

Christmas in Zoar will begin Saturday at 10 a.m. The tree will remain there throughout the Christmas holiday, with ornaments and markers available on a table outside the building.

“We just want people who feel like they need or want to remember someone to come by and hang an ornament on the tree,” Klingaman said. “We also wanted to do a little something for the people we lost in the accident.”

Klingaman said people are welcome to bring their own ornaments if they choose. “They can come by whenever they want to. The tree will be there.”