State Christmas tree to come from Wakefield

By TOM STANKARD

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Wakefield - A 66-foot spruce from Wakefield was selected to become Michigan's 30th official Christmas tree.

The tree was donated by Florence Daniels in memory of her late husband, Jim, a teacher in the Wakefield School System for 30 years who coached basketball, track and football.

"His passion was coaching and dealing with kids," Mark Daniels, Jim's son, said. "He worked his way up in the coaching ranks and the teams were very successful throughout that era."

Throughout his career, Daniels received many honors, including Upper Peninsula coach of the year and he was inducted into the U.P. Sports Hall of Fame.

"He was very appreciative of that," he said.

Florence's caretaker, Terri Ribich, said Jim Daniels was also a driver's education teacher. "There are many people in this community who were taught by him," she said.

Mark Daniels said his family moved to the residence where the tree is located when he was in high school.

"The tree wasn't quite as big then," he said. "I'm 60 now."

Mark Daniels said his dad would have been happy knowing they're contributing to the state of Michigan.

"We always have our hand out. It's for the good of the cause," he said.

Mark's sister, Janet, said being selected for the state's official tree is an honor.

Awhile back, Janet Daniels said Danny Olsen, of Iron Mountain, got in touch with people from the state and then the tree was selected to be the official Christmas tree by the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget.

Ribich said the tree will "put Wakefield on the map. They're going to want to know and look up where Wakefield is," she said.

The Daniels' tree marks the 21st time the official tree has been selected from the U.P.

Mark Daniels said spruce trees are "part of everyday life" here.

"We're closer to nature up here," he said. "We don't take it for granted, I guess."

The state tree tree will be harvested on Oct. 28 at no cost to the family. The DTMB will bring the tree to Lansing, with help from the Michigan Association of Timbermen, Great Lakes Timber Professionals Association and Michigan Operators Engineers. The Timbermen will cut the tree and transport it to Lansing at no cost to the state.

On Halloween, the tree will travel to Lansing, along with DTMB staff.

At the Capitol, a DTMB spokesperson said the Hi-Ball Co. of Lansing will volunteer a crane and crew to set the tree at the intersection of Capitol and East Michigan avenues.

"DTMB's work to select and acquire the state's official tree is one of our most enjoyable projects each year," said DTMB Director and Michigan Chief Information Officer David Behen. "It's always impressive to see the huge tree roll into Lansing on the back of a timberman's semi."

The tree lighting will take place in Lansing on Friday, Nov. 20, as part of the Silver Bells in the City celebration.

Silver Bells will include a special Electric Light Parade with floats, marching bands and thousands of sparkling lights.

Festivities will conclude with a fireworks display above the Capitol dome.