The following article was written by media personality, lifestyle guru, and style icon, Thomas Kelly.
Something has shifted in the air and I’m quite certain you’ve felt it, too. Now that “spooky season” is behind us, I’m ready to dig out my holiday centerpieces and my favorite Thanksgiving turkey recipe (I know that I’ve shared it with you). Something else is also on the horizon, however, and it has me even more excited: my favorite and most wonderful time of the year. I’m certain it must be close, too, because just the other day I spied an enormous Santa hat on the thirty-foot skeleton still looming in my neighbors’ front yard.
I’m desperately fighting off the urge to get my Evergleam aluminum tree out of storage. I don’t know if I can make it until Thanksgiving, but maybe I can make it another week. To help, I met up with an old friend, thinking that discussing the Sparkling Beauties would help stave off my urges. I caught Dr. Evergleam over lunch with none other than his kitsch-tastic sidekick, Nurse Sparkle, and the following interview ensued:
Thomas Kelly: I’m so happy that I could meet with you both. I can’t tell you how much I needed this.
Dr. Evergleam: Oh, well . . . um . . . I’m glad we could maybe offer you some assistance.
Nurse Sparkle: What exactly seems to be the issue? Do you have a tree that needs attention?
TK: Oh, no! My tree is fine! I just can’t wait to get it out of storage and put it up for the season. In fact, now that I’m thinking about it, I wonder why I have just one. I think I might want to buy more!
Dr. E: Ah yes, a common syndrome. The shine of the aluminum is quite addictive. But, Thomas, you do know that I’m not a medical doctor, don’t you? I can’t help you with this addiction. In fact, hanging around Nurse Sparkle and I may only serve to reinforce it!
TK: I don’t think I’m looking for a cure so much as just a quick fix. I thought talking about the trees with you enthusiasts would stave off a need to set up my tree early and avoid looking like an insane person to my neighbors.
NS: Don’t your neighbors have a thirty-foot tall skeleton wearing a Santa hat in their front yard? I don’t think you have anything to worry about on that front.
TK: Good point!
Dr. E: Thomas, you can set up your tree whenever you like. Nurse Sparkle and I have friends who leave their trees up all year!
TK: Now that’s crazy! Won’t they get dusty and tarnished?
Dr. E: Well, sure, but there are remedies for such ailments. You should do what brings you joy, whether that means setting up your tree early or waiting until after Thanksgiving to build up excitement and anticipation. If you think that you’re wanting to go down the path of becoming a collector and want to meet others who share your passion, though, maybe you should come to our upcoming program at the Manitowoc Public Library.
NS: That’s right, Thomas—we’ll introduce you to some of the common problems you might encounter, how to fix them, and maintain your trees for years to come. Even if the tree you have right now is in great condition, we can teach you preservation techniques, too.
TK: Wow! That sounds like the perfect fix for me! I have a feeling that once I get my tree up, it won’t be enough. Will you be talking about the accessories, too? The color wheels and rotating stands and such?
Dr. E: We can absolutely talk about those if you have one that needs repair. The great thing about this program is that it’s structured as individual appointments. I’ll meet with you one-on-one if need be to talk about your own particular issues and/or questions. Of course, if there are enough people with common problems, we can meet as a larger group, too.
NS: You’re bound to enjoy this if you just can’t get enough of aluminum trees!
TK: And how! When and where can I meet up with you two for this program?
Dr. E: Paging Dr. Evergleam: Code Silver! will be taking place at Manitowoc Public Library on Saturday, December 7. I’ll be taking appointments from 10 AM to 1 PM in the Balkansky Community Room.
NS: Just make sure you sign up ahead of time on the Library’s website. Registration opens on Friday, November 15 at 9 AM. That way, we can organize the day around particular issues, or group people together if they have similar questions. Head to www.manitowoclibrary.org/event/paging-dr-evergleam-2024 then to schedule your appointment.
TK: Well, this is just swell! Count on me being there. And now, I’d love to stay and chat over a Reuben, but I’m going straight home to set up my tree!