Scott Swanson
What would have been the 40th performance of the Singing Christmas Tree this weekend has been canceled.
Ben Mattheisen, president of the organization, said that the choir was already smaller than usual this year and then several members have been unable to continue, for various reasons.
“We had to pull the plug,” he said, noting that choir leaders spent “several hours” on Friday, Nov. 26, weighing their options.
“We could not guarantee, given the circumstances this year, that it would be safe,” Mattheisen said, acknowledging that the pandemic, along with other factors, have taken their toll on preparations for the concert series.
“COVID has hit the community of Sweet Home in a lot of different ways in the last few weeks. This year we are canceling solely for the safety of the community of Sweet Home.”
The size of the choir made it difficult to continue, he said.
“If you remove even several members, it’s just not possible,” Mattheisen said.
This year has been “trying” for the choir, in many ways, he said.
In the spring longtime board member Sue Olson resigned, and another longtime contributor, Sherry Johnston, died in early November.
Mattheisen said he was friends with both and that he misses them, noting that they continued the direction established by Connie Nice and Paul Rowton when the tree was founded some 40 years ago.
“We continue to reflect on the great work all the past leaders and volunteers in this organization have put forth. We won’t forget their dedication, hard work, relentless focus on provding this for Sweet Home every year.”
Mattheisen said he is confident for the future.
“We have a great board of directors that is continuing the legacy Paul and Connie started 40 years ago,” he said.
Choir leaders held a planning retreat during the summer at Cornerstone Fellowship church and the organization plans to hold its annual meeting in January, to which interested members of the public are welcome. He said he is personally eager to reinstate the choir’s scholarship, given annually to a high school graduate interested in studying music.
The choir also plans to record some of its numbers to use to promote its activities on social media, he said.
“As an organization, we are strong, Mattheisen said Monday evening. “We had every anticipation of having a great 40th year this weekend.”