FROM THE NEWSROOM: The 25th Annual Tree of Life Ceremony was held tonight by Day Kimball Hospital and the Hospice & Palliative Care of Northeastern Connecticut in towns throughout the area to remember and honor peoples loved ones through a symbol of light. The memorial lights that were purchased go directly to help fund the work done by the hospice, which aims to give people dignity and comfort towards the end of their lives. Erica Alexander, one of the representatives of the hospice present at the ceremony held at Roseland Cottage in Woodstock, spoke about the work that the hospice does for the community, including providing in home health services, social work, and nursing services for patients and their families around the area. This care was given to Julie Anderson and her family, who were chosen to light the tree in honor of her father George Antoscia. Anderson said the service her father and her family received relieved some of the stress caused by her fathers time in the hospice program. The lighting ceremony commemorated over 1300 people with decorative lights on a tree outside of Roseland Cottage. All of the money raised goes directly to the hospice program, which also holds other dedication and memorial services throughout the year. The Woodstock Hill Singers also sang a selection of songs throughout the night, including We Three Kings, Jingle Bells, and Silent Night.
Posted on: Mon, 08 Dec 2014 00:27:24 +0000