Press Release

Media Advisory For More Information Contact: Delta College Public Information Office (209) 954-5131, or (209) 954-5051 jvergara@deltacollege.edu

                                                 DEDICATE A LIGHT!                              
                     24th Annual Hospice of San Joaquin "Tree of Lights"
                             Illuminates the Holiday Sky - Nov. 27 - Jan. 1


                                   A Full Moon Adornes Delta College's Hospice of San Joaquin Tree of Lights

(Stockton)
The Hospice of San Joaquin and Delta College illuminated holiday sky at the 24th Annual Hospice of San Joaquin "Tree of Lights" Ceremony, Nov. 27th at Delta’s Pacific Ave. entrance.

As is traditional, a local hospice services family flipped the giant PG&E switch, coloring the tree with 1600 multicolored lights. This year, the family of Connie J. Jones had the honor.

Delta College likes to boast: “The best holiday tree in Stockton!”  This year's tree added orange and purple light to the magnificent array.

A seasonal Stockton favorite, this popular and festive ceremony rings in a dazzling opening to the holiday season as another of Delta’s magnificent evergreens blooms to colorful life. Attendees sipped on hot cider as they listened to the choral music of The Delta Singers, directed by German Aguilar.

A dedicated crew of volunteers from PG&E decorates the tree each year. PG&E switched to "energy efficient" LED lights several years ago. The team coordinates four aerial lifts, which allows the crew to wrap over 3,000 ft. of light cable around Delta's huge fir tree. In addition, about 3,000 ft. of garland trims the tree…over one mile of decorations! No easy task.

For 24 years, PG&E Supervisor, Mark Rasmussen, has directed his crew of devoted volunteers. Normally, about 10 volunteers are needed. “We usually have the same group of PG&E volunteers each year," says Rasmussen. "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 Connie J. Jones lit our Stockton tree. These families emphasize the Hospice of San Joaquin’s commitment to helping those in need face terminal illness.”

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...

For more information and to donate a light, call the Hospice of San Joaquin: (209) 922-0242, or, visit Hospice of San Joaquin online at: www.hospicesj.org.

                      Delta College's 2012 "Hospice of San Joaquin Tree of Lights"

             The family of Connie J. Jones lit this year's Hospice of San Joaquin Tree of Lights.

                       Delta College Choral Director, German Aguilar, directs the Delta Singers.

                                            Another big turnout for this year's event!

      Hospice donors find a loved one's name on the marquee under the Hospice Tree of Lights.
                                                 Light up a Light...Light up a Life....

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