Press Release

San Joaquin Delta College 5151 Pacific Ave. Stockton, CA 95207

Media Advisory For More Information Contact: Public Information Office (209) 954-5131 or (209) 954-5051 www.deltacollege.edu

For Immediate Release
11/25/2015

(Stockton, CA) The Hospice of San Joaquin and Delta College illuminated the holiday sky at the 27th Annual Hospice of San Joaquin "Tree of Lights" Ceremony, Tuesday, Nov. 24, 6 p.m. at Delta’s main Pacific Avenue entrance. Rain was predicted, but the sky cleared for a beautiful evening, with another great turnout! As is traditional, members of a local Hospice Services family flipped the giant PG&E switch, painting the tree with 1600 multicolored lights. This year, the family of Catherine E. McAlister had that honor, specifically grandchildren Spencer and Samuel...a moment they will remember forever!

A seasonal Stockton favorite, this popular and festive ceremony rings in a dazzling opening to the holiday season. It's always a magnificent sight as one of Delta’s huge Pacific Avenue evergreens blooms to colorful life. The college likes to boast: “We believe Delta has the best holiday tree in Stockton!” Those in attendance were entertained with holiday choral favorites by the Delta Singers, directed by Bruce Southard.

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 two aerial lifts, which allows the crew to wrap almost 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!

Former PG&E Supervisor, Mark Rasmussen, has retired after 26 years leading the decoration crew. Delta College and the Hospice of San Joaquin thank Mark and his PG&E volunteers for their many years of dedicated service to this outstanding cause. Though done decorating Hospice trees, Mark attended this year's ceremony.

Stepping into the lead position for PG&E is Bobby Severson. No novice, Bobby has been a volunteer with the decoration crew from the beginning. Severson adds, "My dad actually built the giant PG&E switch for the event! We usually have the same group of PG&E volunteers each year. We don't have it down to a science, but what used to take two days now only takes one. It's a wonderful cause."

As Delta College enters its 27th year as host of Stockton's Hospice Tree of Lights, the ceremony has an important purpose - To remember and honor loved ones, or those that hold special places in your heart 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.

Jennifer Starbuck, of Hospice of San Joaquin, says, “We always invite a hospice family to speak at the event and light the tree. These families emphasize the Hospice of San Joaquin’s commitment to help those in need who face terminal illness.” Starbuck announced an additional host city for 2015. "Hospice of San Joaquin added Escalon as the 8th city to the 'Tree of Lights family.' Stockton (Delta College), Tracy, Manteca, Lodi, Ripon, Rio Vista and Lockeford host our other Hospice of San Joaquin trees." Starbuck emphasizes that the public can donate to this great cause after December 31st.

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) 957-3888, or visit the Hospice of San Joaquin online at: www.hospicesj.org/treeoflights

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

The Hospice of San Joaquin's Tree of Lights has been hosted by Delta College for 27 years & counting!