On the Park Avenue Memorial Trees

Plus, some invaluable care-giving forums and Larry King By [Bette Dewing ] When my foot doctor"s wife (also his receptionist) said, â??Be sure to see the Rockefeller Center Tree, I replied, â??No thanks, too crowded. But, I said, she, the doctor and his patients must come and see the Park Avenue Memorial trees. They"re the most meaningful and serenely beautiful of all the city"s Chanukah and Christmas traditions. She knew the trees honored all who have given their lives in this nation"s wars, but didn"t know that this sacred tradition was begun by Mrs. Stephen Clark and several other Park Avenue mothers whose sons made the ultimate sacrifice in World War II. The illuminated fir trees then adorned only a few Park Avenue islands to honor the lost sons and all who perished in World War II. They were also meant as a welcome back visual to those who survived. Now, 65 years later, Park Avenue islands from 54th to 96th streets are blessed with the Memorial trees and an illuminated Hawthorne bush tribute to Chanukah. Originally, the founding families of the event underwrote the cost of the firs, but the Park Avenue Tree Lighting has long since been managed by the Fund for Park Avenue, which also provides year-round magnificent flower plantings for those islands. The group relies solely on private donations and contributions are most welcome (www.FundforParkAvenue.org). Quite naturally, this incomparable New York City scene is most breathtaking in an after sundown walk's for you who are able, that is. And maybe while you are at it, you"ll give a hand to someone who is not sure-footed or may need a wheelchair. Here"s to singing those seasonal holiday songs on these walks, maybe while carrying a little radio tuned to 106.7 FM"s Christmas music. Don"t you long for a station with year-round singable songs, which also loves the pre-rock generation? Ah, and let there be songs about familial and platonic affections and about giving care to elders with special needs. And while we"re at it, how critically important are the five related forums sponsored by Sen. Liz Krueger, which address a population growing older but where good care is unaffordable to many? Remaining at home with capable health care aides is incredibly costly and so are arrangements for assisted living and nursing homes (where few want to go) unless you are affluent or Medicaid eligible. Family care is ideal, but often overwhelming for just one or two members and without additional support's especially since the Republican takeover of the state legislature meant drastic cutbacks of case management workers. Even elected officials" senior aides, with their wealth of knowledge and know how, are at risk. And this with the population aging. Protest these cuts, of course, but also attend the â??Preparing for Long Term Care for Yourself or a Loved One forum from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., Jan. 27, at Lenox Hill Neighborhood House. Call 212-490-9535 for reservations. Out-of-the-box, but still related: Now that Larry King"s 25-year tenure at CNN is over, he"s a natural to head such care-giving causes. And he can now speak out against those view-shaping forces, which require gray or white hair to be tinted's even as the population grows older. He can rally the troops for adequate government funding, and, above all, raise the value of giving care, especially for elders. And shouldn"t everyone (yes, even youngsters) learn basic care-giving skills? You bet! (To be continued, of course) For a very caring Christmas. _ dewingbetter@aol.com