FRANKLIN GROVE — There’s something magical about a beautifully decorated Christmas tree, with lights and ornaments perfectly placed, tinsel trim or ribbon and the topper to boot. The staff and residents of Franklin Grove Living and Rehabilitation Center invite everyone to share in the joyous Christmas season and see over 20 decorated Christmas trees and vignettes at the facility.

The center provides maps at the front doors for visitors.

There are trees bursting with sunflower blossoms, Coca-Cola bears and ornaments, and patriotic themes saluting all who serve or are serving in the military. Along with the trees, visitors can step inside a scene much like the window displays in the big cities as they peek inside a vintage Christmas morning with Raggedy Ann dolls and antique bubble lights.

Kathy Clark, Executive Director for FGLRC said the idea began about 25 years ago with two small trees and grew from there. With the purchase of new ornaments and trees another theme would come to mind. Clark said the staff not only decorates the trees, but also accessorizes the room to create unique vignettes with antiques and treasures belonging to the center and staff members.

One display titled, “Viva La Paris,” features bold black and white trees with dragonflies, glass slippers, and glass ornaments all complimented with décor.

Clark said visitors are pleasantly surprised at the variety of trees and decorated rooms. Many say they will return with family and friends.

“The residents and their family and friends love the trees,” Clark said. “The residents watch and offer suggestions as we decorate. They keep track of our progress and are very involved. They tell our visitors about the trees when they come and offer the maps and show the trees…there is much joy and laughter as the trees are created and many reminisce of their childhood Christmas trees.”

Clark credits Rae Farster, Tiffany Henkle, and Chris Maves for the decorating and accessorizing along with the maintenance staff who adorn the outside with lights and greens. Clark happily admits she is in charge of the Santa in the Tub display.

Asked if she has a favorite, Clark said it is difficult to pinpoint one but says one would be the patriotic display with red, white, and blue trees.

“People ask if we cover the trees at the end of the season and put them away, but we don’t. Everything is removed and put back neatly in containers.”

The trees are all taken apart as well, stored in boxes for the next season, which typically starts a couple weeks before Thanksgiving. Most of the decorating is done in about three or four weeks, which is done alongside the staff’s regular duties.

The exhibit has been featured in a national country decorating magazine and on several television station segments.

“We invite anyone to come visit and enjoy the trees…it is a very special time of the year and we love to share,” said Clark. “With the many holiday activities at the center, the residents and staff are still finding time to share tours of all the trees with guests, plus a cup of hot coffee and some cookies!”

The trees will be on display through the first of the year.

The Franklin Grove Living and Rehabilitation Center is located at 502 N. State St., Franklin Grove. For more information, contact Clark at 815-456-2374.