Press Release
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Media Advisory For More Information Contact: Delta College Public Information Office (209) 954-5131, or (209) 954-5051 jvergara@deltacollege.edu |
22nd ANNUAL HOSPICE OF SAN JOAQUIN “TREE OF LIGHTS”
ILLUMINATES THE HOLIDAY SKY
The Hospice of San Joaquin and Delta College illuminated the holiday sky at the 22nd Annual “Hospice Tree of Lights” ceremony, on Tue., Nov. 23, at Delta’s Pacific Ave. entrance.
This popular and festive ceremony rings in the season, illuminating the sky with almost 1,600 multicolored lights. A seasonal favorite, Delta’s magnificent 80-ft. evergreen bloomed to life as members of the Lianna Allison family flipped the giant PG&E switch. The “Tree of Lights” ceremony always signals a dazzling opening to the holidays, with music, cookies and hot cider for all. As Delta College boasts, “The best holiday tree in Stockton!”
A dedicated crew of volunteers from PG&E decorates the tree each year. This year, PG&E switched to "energy efficient" LED lights. The team coordinates four aerial lifts, which allow the crew to wrap over 3,000 ft. of light cable around the huge fir tree. In addition, about 3,000 ft. of garland trims the tree…over one mile of decorations! No easy task.
For 22 years, PG&E Supervisor Mark Rasmussen has directed his crew of devoted volunteers; this year, 14 volunteers were needed. “We usually have the same group of PG&E volunteers each year. I wouldn’t say we have it down to a science, but we’re getting better every year." As with any big job, there's no substitute for experience. "It used to take us two days," adds Rasmussen, "now we can get the job done in one! Most important, it’s for a great cause.”
The Hospice Tree of Lights ceremony has another important purpose: To remember and honor loved ones by dedicating a light on the “Tree of Lights.” Names of honorees and donors are placed on a marquee at the base of the tree through Dec. 31. Proceeds from the “Tree of Lights” help the Hospice of San Joaquin provide the highest level of care for terminally ill patients, their families and the bereaved of our community.
Carolyn Gomes, of Hospice of San Joaquin, says, “We always invite a hospice family that has young children to light the tree. This year, the family of Lianna Allison lit the tree. The Allison family emphasized the Hospice of San Joaquin’s commitment to families of those facing terminal illness…for those in need.”
This year, Sophia Respicio, a first grader from Annunciation Elementary School, won the Stockton Tree of Lights drawing contest. Sophia's drawing was featured on the program for this year's Delta College event. Her drawing will also be part of a series of "Tree of Lights" holiday cards, featuring elementary school student drawings of other San Joaquin Hospice trees.
Family and friends are invited to remember and honor loved ones by dedicating a light on San Joaquin Delta College’s Tree of Lights. Light up a light…light up a life.
To donate a light, call the Hospice of San Joaquin at, (209) 922-0242, or, visit Hospice of San Joaquin online at: www.hospicesj.org/news_events/hospicesj_events/tree_of_lights.html
Join the “Hospice Tree of Lights” in Stockton, and at five other San Joaquin County Locations:
Tracy: Tracy Outlets, 1005 E. Pescadero Ave., Fri., Dec. 3, 6 p.m.
Manteca: Doctors Hospital of Manteca, 1260 North St., Wed., Dec. 1, 6 p.m.
Lockeford: Wells Fargo Bank, 19000 N. Hwy. 88, Wed., Dec. 1, 6 p.m.
Lodi: Lodi City Hall, 221 W. Pine St., Lodi, Thur. Dec. 2, 5:30 p.m.
Rio Vista: Rio Vista City Hall, 1 Main Street, Sat. Dec. 4, 5:30 p.m.
Delta College's "Hospice of San Joaquin Tree of Lights"
3...2...1...The family of Lianna Allison prepares flip the giant PG&E switch...illuminating the
2010 Hospice Tree of Lights!
German Aguilar leads the "Delta Singers" at this year's tree lighting.
Another big turnout.
Hospice donors find a loved one's name on the marquee under the Hospice Tree of Lights.
Stockton Tree of Lights program cover art winner, first grader Sophia Respicio of Annunciation
Elementary School, poses with teacher, Paula Ross.
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