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Sue Schamp & Frank Heller
Hatteberg's People
Reporter: Larry Hatteberg
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December 24, 2006--Making people happy is a good goal. Here in Wichita Sue Schamp and Frank Heller have been doing just that for the past eight years simply by standing out on the curb.
(music)
“We just wiggle.” |
“It is just a way to bring joy.”
It is one of the holiday’s most enduring sights.
“Aww lookie at the trees.”
Dancing Christmas trees in the 1700 block of North Park Place.
“Who is in those Christmas Trees?”
Son, it’s a question everybody asks. Sue Schamp and Frank Heller are the creators and souls of the dancing Christmas Trees.
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“You did a good job sweetie.”
Sue designed and built the trees. Frank urged her on.
“I just kind of told Frank, you know some year I’m going to make Christmas Tree costumes and we’re going to dance in the street.” |
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And together, they just wanted to make people happy.
“I didn’t know what they were at first. They are very unique. I’ve never seen anything like that before.”
“Hi, we’ve been missing you….hello. Merry Christmas.”
“People will come from out of town to see us.”
“Good girl that was a great one.” |
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But there is more to this couple. Sue is a former hospice nurse who now, as a certified ‘avian’ specialist, uses her caring talents to rehabilitate birds.
“I appreciate so much more now the ‘little’ things.”
“That’s a good girl” |
“Watching people, watching animals and just marveling at the different things they do and the way they relate.”
“It only has to last another week before we can reconstruct it.”
Frank is a retired chemist who met Sue on a flight to Hawaii over a decade ago. They fell in love and now share their joy of life with the rest of us.
“Well, I think if talk with my children they would tell you they don’t believe what I’ve been doing. (laugh)
On North Park Place it is the Wey Mansion that first catches your attention. But then, as you drive south you see Frank and Sue. Their appearance is like a dessert at the end of a fine meal. |
“I think she has brought out the best in me.”
“Well, it’s not that I get you to do it….I can’t hold you back now.”
“We enjoy it. We have a good time with it.”
“You’re supposed to bring joy.” |
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| “We’ve been together 12 years now so we enjoy each other and have a great time.” |
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