For Immediate Release
11/15/2017

29th Annual Hospice of San Joaquin "Tree of Lights" Ceremony, November 21 Delta College's Hospice of San Joaquin Tree of Lights

(Stockton, CA) Ring in the holiday season! The Hospice of San Joaquin and Delta College illuminate the heavens at the 29th Annual Hospice of San Joaquin "Tree of Lights" Ceremony, Tuesday, Nov. 21, 6 p.m. at Delta’s main Pacific Avenue entrance.

As is traditional, members of a local Hospice Services family will flip the giant PG&E switch, painting the tree with 1,600 multicolored lights. This year, the family of Thomas Auclair will have that honor – wife Yolanda, son Stephen, daughter Theresa and granddaughter Melissa . . . a moment they will cherish forever!

A seasonal Stockton tradition, this popular and festive ceremony celebrates a dazzling opening to the holiday season, as one of Delta’s huge Pacific Avenue evergreens blooms to colorful life. College staff boasts, “We believe Delta has the best holiday tree in Stockton!” Attendees can enjoy a cup of hot cider and cookie while entertained with choral classics by the Delta Singers, directed by Bruce Southard.

A crew of dedicated volunteers from PG&E decorates the tree each year. A team of 14 PG&E and Hospice volunteers coordinate two aerial lifts, which allows the crew to wrap well over 2,000 ft. of LED cables around Delta's huge 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 last Saturday (Nov. 11).”

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 enters 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 placed on a marquee at the base of the tree through December 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.

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 of Lights Ceremonies
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

Delta's Hospice of San Joaquin tree lighting ceremony always draws a big crowd.

A Hospice of San Joaquin family traditionally flips the giant PG&E switch to light the tree!

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