Valley Walk for Alzheimer's tree dedication set

As part of the Valley Walk for Alzheimer's, there is a Memory Tree dedication scheduled for tomorrow afternoon on the Alaska State Fairgrounds.

Since 1998, the Memory Tree has been a place where people can remember their loved ones who were lost to Alzheimer's. The garden is located behind a lattice fence next to the Events Center on the fairgrounds.

A special dedication and remembrance ceremony is held the Wednesday before the annual walk. This year, the walk is scheduled for Saturday morning. The Memory Tree ceremony starts at 2 p.m. tomorrow.

"I guess it only seems fitting that we are having a remembrance on Sept. 11," said Frances Vadla of the Valley Walk for Alzheimer's. "We didn't plan it that way, it just sort of worked out."

The Memory Tree dedication started in 1998, and every year since, a tree has been planted in September. This year, a flowering crabapple tree was donated by Jay Dearborn of Dearborn's Nursery. Landscape Supply has donated a bird bath to be put in the garden as well.

"At the dedication, we have markers that people can write their loved one's names on, and we put those around the tree," said Bessie Miller, who coordinates the ceremony. "After the walk, we remove those and put a plaque in front of the tree."

The small, intimate ceremony includes performances by the Alaska Children's Choir, under the direction of Janet Stotts. Pastor Kathy Franzenburg speaks about inspiration and comfort, and a poem is included in the program.

Everyone is invited to attend, Miller said, no matter if the person remembered is from Alaska or not. Temporary markers can be placed for people if they are unable to attend.

Businesses have helped make the ceremony -- and the Valley Walk for Alzheimer's -- a success. A different greenhouse had donated trees for the ceremony, and Grandpre Custom Homes and Spenard Builders Supply have donated large benches for the garden. There have been donations from businesses for the plaques, the labor and every other aspect of the garden.

For more information about the ceremony, interested people can contact Miller at 376-4112.