Humboldt Volunteer Hospice (HVH) has held its "Lasting Lights of Love" tree-lighting memorial ceremony on Nixon lawn for the past three years. However, the December date of the ceremony last year coincided with one of the largest snowfalls in Winnemucca. HVH director Sherry Smith said so much snow fell it was almost impossible to proceed with the outdoor ceremony, which included reading memorial names, lighting the tree, a moment of silence, prayer by a local pastor, and Christmas Carol singing.
That started organizers thinking about a possible alternative location for the memorial ceremony - one not affected by the weather.
"We thought having it at the courthouse might get more people to participate and enjoy the tree and decorations in the courthouse foyer," Smith told Humboldt County commissioners this week.
County Administrator Bill Deist noted that the county employees association decorates the courthouse holiday tree and the foyer of the building each year. He checked with an employee representative, who said they would support holding the memorial ceremony in the area and they would work with HVH.
The commissioners also supported the idea and formally approved Hospice's request to have the memorial ceremony in the courthouse foyer. The date this year is Dec. 5, the time from 5:30 to 6:30.
The "Lasting Light of Love" Christmas tree-lighting ceremony offers the opportunity to have a loved one's name read. Mayor Di An Putnam reads the names submitted by friends or family members who have donated $20 or more to Humboldt Volunteer Hospice (HVH).
Sherry Mock, HVH office manager explained that people are welcome to submit the names of anyone who has died; not just recent losses and not just people from this area.
"Someone might want to submit the name of a grandparent or child or any loved one for the memorial," said Mock.
The tree-lighting ceremony is a fundraiser to support Hospice's mission of helping community members suffering from chronic, debilitating or terminal illnesses. Hospice's care and support services are freely given by trained volunteers at no cost whatsoever. Because Hospice receives no support from Medicare, the organization's continued operation is dependent on volunteers, donors, fundraising, and benefactors.
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