For Johnson Heights family, city Christmas tree has deep roots

Teresa McMinn, Cumberland Times-News, Md.
·2 min read
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Nov. 16—CUMBERLAND — When Courtney Koelker brought home a pine seedling from her first-grade class and was eager to plant it in the yard, her parents' initial reaction was to explain that the tiny plant might not live.

Fast forward 24 years and 30 vertical feet later, Cumberland has its new Christmas tree.

"After a couple years you could tell it was growing but I didn't think it would get that big," her dad, Chuck Koelker said.

He and his wife Kathy didn't plan to cut the tree from their Johnson Heights neighborhood yard until city workers recently asked if the couple would be interested in donating it for Cumberland's holiday tree.

Courtney Koelker, now 30, recalled when she brought the seedling home more than two decades ago.

"We were at Smith Park," she said. "It was just wrapped in a wet paper towel and that's how we took it home."

In time the tree became "huge," Courtney Koelker said.

She and her son Kane, 7, posed for photos with the tree shortly before it was cut down.

Now that the tree is gone from her childhood yard, "it's a weird feeling," Courtney Koelker said.

She's also glad the plant she grew up with will be used for the city's 2023 Christmas tree.

The tree will be officially illuminated 5 p.m. Nov. 24 at Canal Place Plaza, and Courtney Koelker plans to be there.

The event will include entertainment by Sam DeMartino and Molly Twigg, and hot chocolate and goodies from Queen City Creamery and AJ's Cookie Jar will be available, Downtown Development Commission Executive Director Melinda Kelleher said via email.

The following day is Shop Small Saturday, which will feature special sales and events at many local downtown stores and eateries.

The tree will continue to welcome visitors at the Winter Festival and Market at Canal Place Plaza from 5 to 9 p.m. Dec. 2 and 9.

In addition to shopping, the event will include reindeer games, treats and drinks.

"We are so pleased with the beautiful tree we have this year," Kelleher said.

"We appreciate Atkinson Welding Contractors creating a tree stand so we can have the tree on the plaza this year," she said. "And we are grateful for the donation of the tree from the Koelker family."

Teresa McMinn is a reporter for the Cumberland Times-News. She can be reached at 304-639-2371 or tmcminn@times-news.com.