‘Light Up A Life’: Hospice tree lighting ceremony draws supporters

December 05, 2001
Santa Paula News

The 8th Annual Santa Clara Valley Hospice “Light Up A Life” ceremony drew a large crowd Saturday night to Blanchard Community Library where the annual event had been relocated because of the earlier heavy rains.

“We’ve adjusted our schedule so many times today,” due to the changing weather conditions, said Hospice Board President Cathy Barringer, but since the storm had passed a short stroll to the “Light Up A Life” tree on the corner of Main and 8th streets the lighting ceremony could take place.

By Peggy KellySanta Paula TimesThe 8th Annual Santa Clara Valley Hospice “Light Up A Life” ceremony drew a large crowd Saturday night to Blanchard Community Library where the annual event had been relocated because of the earlier heavy rains.“We’ve adjusted our schedule so many times today,” due to the changing weather conditions, said Hospice Board President Cathy Barringer, but since the storm had passed a short stroll to the “Light Up A Life” tree on the corner of Main and 8th streets the lighting ceremony could take place.At the countdown the tall tree lit up with the hundreds of lights placed by members of the Optimist Club; each light represents a $10 Hospice donation given in memory of a loved one or to honor a special person or group.There was time for hot spiced cider - greatly appreciated on the cold evening - and homemade star cookies before a holiday sing-along along with the Santa Paula Chorus, Gretchen Frey on keyboard.After several songs, Barringer welcomed the crowd, noting “this is never a night for speeches,” but rather a time to remember and honor loved ones. The terrorist attacks of Sept. 11 “make this an extra special evening when we hold our loved ones even dearer. . .”Gordon Welsh read a prayer to the departed and Fr. Chris Jubinski and Pastor Jose Vindel led the invocation.
An array of community members read the names of those remembered or honored by a star.A highlight of the annual “Life Up A Life” ceremony is “Silent Night” sung by Patty Strickland, who this year was joined by Aubrey Barrett, Strickland’s niece.Stars can still be purchased for the Santa Paula Hospice Tree and, again this year, gold stars will be hung on a Tree of Remembrance located at The Whistle Stop Cafe, at the corner of 10th and Main streets, where there is even a special pet tree for those beloved companions. The names of those remembered-honored before Dec. 20th are printed in the Santa Paula Times.Founded in 1980, Hospice of Santa Clara Valley is a non-profit corporation serving Santa Paula, Fillmore and Piru and all Hospice services are offered without charge. Hospice provides for the physical, psychological and spiritual needs of those with life-limiting illness, and their families. Hospice goals are to maintain the patient in their own home and pain free.Hospice also offers free equipment loans, has an extensive book-tape-video library and oversees regular counseling groups, including bereavement.For more information or to take part in the “Light Up A Life” fund raiser, call the Hospice office at 525-1333.



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