Seasonal decoration

Families with loved ones buried at the Northern California Veterans Cemetery (NCVC) will have the honor at noon Saturday, Dec. 12, to place a wreath on the grave of a departed family member.

All 950 graves will be decorated during the NCVC's Wreaths Across America project, with large fresh wreaths adorning the cemetery gates and columbium, where 1,000 more veterans are inurned, NCVC Administrator Steve Jorgensen said.

As in previous years, many volunteers are also expected to help decorate the graves of U.S. military veterans, Jorgensen said.

The committee that purchased the 1,000 artificial wreaths and hand-crafted 200 real wreaths received a discount from Wal-Mart as well as a promise from Anderson Rotary Club to cover any funding shortfalls, fund-raiser Kim Chamberlain said on Thursday.

"They are a great supporter, and I am so thankful," Chamberlain said.

Funds raised also came from Redding Rotary Club and from individuals, including many who attended a Veterans Day dinner held by Republican Central Committee, she added.

With the laying of mostly artificial wreaths this year, the wreathes will be recovered from grave sites on Jan. 15 to be stored and reused next year.

The group secured also a $5,000 matching grant from Rotary District 5160, which includes Rotary clubs from Weed south to San Ramon.

The $5,000 grant will support the Wreaths Across America project in 2010, according to grant co-writer George Winship.

While thanking the generosity of the project's supporters, Chamberlain said more fund raising is necessary for next year's effort, adding that a donation of $10 provides two wreaths for the cemetery.

Volunteers are also needed each year to help fluff the wreaths and to affix ribbons on them, she said.

The idea for the wreathing project was initiated by California National Guard honor guard Staff Sgt. Cathy J. Strudle, who wanted in 2007 to recreate the wreath project originally done each Christmas at Arlington National Cemetery.

NCVC is located at 11800 Gas Point Road, Igo.

To volunteer at the event, call 244-1607. To donate funds, contact Jorgensen at 396-2429.