Star Light Celebration an emotional one

NORTH CANAAN — Geer’s second annual Star Light Celebration, held Dec. 11, lasted less than an hour, but it was still one of the town’s biggest holiday events in terms of emotion.

A small crowd gathered around tables in the Nursing and Rehabilitation Center dining room early in the evening, enjoying refreshments and quiet conversation. On the terrace just outside, a tree adorned only with tiny white lights waited.

After the social portion of the evening, Geer Chief Operating Officer John Horstman read a list of 114 names. At the appropriate time, each participant took a star bearing the name of a loved one out and hung it on the tree, some with eyes glistening from that moment as their thoughts turned to the person they were commemorating.

Some of the stars were hung with the help of Geer staff, who reverently placed the mementos while sharing memories of the person being honored.

In the opening prayer, the Rev. Doreen Horstman spoke of the serenity of the celebration and described it as a chance to redirect focus and set aside everything else for a brief time.

“It should quiet us, and give us all pause to remember those who are gone from sight, but not gone from our hearts,� she said.

Some of the stars represent more than one name. It was estimated that 120 remembrances were hung. Several of them were for beloved pets.

Proceeds from the sale of the stars benefit the Make-a-Wish program at Geer.

For many years now, the program has brought joy to Geer Nursing residents and others, and given them a chance to fulfill dreams. Many have used it to arrange a family reunion. Others have arranged treats for the entire Geer family, such as a recent visit from some of Sharon Audubon’s owls and raptors.

Horstman recalled sending one resident on a helicopter ride and another to Niagara Falls.

“More than half of the names were people I knew here at Geer,� Horstman told The Journal. “I saw their faces as I read their names, and sometimes I couldn’t help but smile while remembering them.�