 5151 Pacific Avenue Stockton, CA 95207 |
Media Advisory |
For Immediate
Release
11/29/2017
29th Annual Hospice of
San Joaquin
|
(Stockton, CA) The Hospice of San Joaquin and Delta College rang in the holidays by illuminate the heavens at the 29th Annual Hospice of San Joaquin Tree of Lights Ceremony, Tuesday, Nov. 21.
As is traditional, members of a local Hospice Services family flipped the giant PG&E switch, painting the tree with 1,600 multicolored lights. This year, the family of Thomas Auclair had that honor – wife Yolanda, son Stephen, daughter Theresa and granddaughter Melissa . . . a moment they will cherish forever!
Hospice of San Joaquin officials estimate this year’s ceremony had the biggest crowd ever. After a moving poem in appreciation of Hospice Services, written and expressed to the gathering by Stephen Auclair, the Auclair family lit the 2017 Hospice of San Joaquin Tree of lights – another gorgeous sight for the holiday season!
A seasonal Delta College tradition, the Tree of Lights celebrates a dazzling site, as one of Delta’s huge evergreens blooms to colorful life thru the New Year. Delta’s annual participation in hosting the Hospice Tree was championed by the late Alma DeRicco, wife of former Superintendent/President, Dr. Lawrence DeRicco.
College staff boasts, “We believe Delta has the best holiday tree in Stockton!” Attendees enjoyed a cup of hot cider and cookie while entertained with seasonal choral classics by the Delta Singers, directed by Bruce Southard.
A crew of dedicated volunteers from PG&E decorates the tree each year. Fourteen PG&E and Hospice volunteers coordinated two aerial lifts, which wrapped well over 2,000 ft. of energy efficient LED cables around Delta's giant fir tree. In addition, over 2,000 ft. of garland trims the tree . . . close to one mile of decorations – no easy task!PG&E Sonora supervisor, Bobby Severson, coordinates the decoration effort. No novice, Bobby has been volunteering for 17 years with the decoration crew. Severson adds, "My dad actually helped build the giant PG&E switch with long-time PG&E tree decoration coordinator, Mark Rasmussen (retired).”
Severson points out, “We don't have it down to an exact science, but what once took two days now only takes one.” In fact, the crews have become so proficient, they can decorate two huge trees in one day. “We decorated the Delta and Escalon’s trees on Saturday, November 11th.”
Severson emphasizes that it’s important for PG&E to assist Hospice of San Joaquin with the Tree of Lights events throughout the valley & foothills. “You realize what an important organization Hospice of San Joaquin is for your loved ones. That’s why we keep coming back.”
Severson gives special kudos to Delta College, PG&E employees Steve Hernandez, Deb Harrington, and all the devoted volunteers. “We couldn’t do it without their commitment, site decoration efforts and equipment support.”
Jennifer Starbuck, Hospice of San Joaquin Development Manager, is impressed with Delta’s tree lighting ceremony. “The staff at Delta College takes pride in ownership of the Stockton Tree of Lights. You can tell the work they do comes from the heart.” Starbuck finishes, “Delta’s Hospice Tree of Lights is a Stockton landmark during the holiday season. It is a beacon of love and remembrance in our community.”
As Delta College completes its 29th year as host for Stockton's Hospice of San Joaquin Tree of Lights, the ceremony has an important purpose – to remember and honor loved ones that hold special places in our hearts by dedicating a light on the Tree of Lights. Names of honorees and donors are annually placed on a marquee at the base of the tree through the New Year. 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.
Family and friends are invited to remember and honor loved ones by dedicating a light on San Joaquin Delta College’s Tree of Lights. To dedicate a light in memory of a loved one, call (209) 957-3888, or visit www.hospicesj.org/treeoflights.
Light up a light…Light up a life...
Hospice of San Joaquin Tree Lighting
Ceremonies, 2017
Get in the Holiday Spirit!
Tracy
Monday, November 20, 6:00 p.m.
Hosted by City of Tracy
333 Civic Center Dr,
Tracy
Tree is located in front of City Hall
Stockton
Tuesday, November
21, 6:00 p.m.
Hosted by San Joaquin Delta College
5151
Pacific Avenue, Stockton
Ripon
Friday,
December 1, 6:00 p.m.
Hosted by the City of Ripon, Ripon
Chamber of Commerce and
Community & Youth Services Commission
Tree is
located at Mistlin Fountain Park, 311 First St.
Escalon
Tuesday, November
28, 6:00 p.m.
Hosted by City of Escalon & Escalon Chamber
of Commerce
Tree is located at Main Street Park, Corner of Main & 2nd
Street
Manteca
Wednesday, November
29, 6:00 p.m.
Hosted by Doctors Hospital of Manteca
1205 E
North, Manteca
Tree is located at the corner of North & Cottage
Lodi
Thursday, December 7, 5:30
p.m.
Hosted by City of Lodi - City Hall
221 W Pine Street, Lodi,
Tree
lighting precedes the Light Parade
Rio
Vista
Saturday, December 2, 5:30 p.m.
Hosted by Rio
Vista Chamber of Commerce
Tree is located at Rio Vista City Hall, 1 Main
Street,
Tree lighting precedes the Lighted Boat Parade
Lockeford
Saturday, December 2, 6:00 p.m.
Hosted
by Lockeford District Guild #579
Tree is located at Bank of the West,
13299
E. HWY 88, Lockeford
The Hospice Services family of Thomas Auclair flips the giant PG&E switch!
Hospice of San Joaquin/Delta College Tree of Lights, 2017
Lou Meyer, President of the Hospice of San Joaquin Board, presents Ellie Leonard - 1st Grade, Annunciation School, as the winner of the Program Cover Art Competition. Congratulations Ellie!
Ceremony attendees get in the holiday spirit!
Hospice of San Joaquin Tree of Lights Memory Marquess
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