Hospice to hold remembrance celebration

To keep the memories and spirit of lost loved ones alive during the holiday season, Hospice of Northeastern Illinois will hold its fourth annual "Tree of Lights: A Remembrance Celebration" Sunday, Dec. 7, at the historic Woodstock Square in Woodstock.

During this special program, anyone is welcome to pay tribute to loved ones by hanging a Reflection Tag on the Hospice Tree. The Reflection Tags will be available at no cost throughout the week prior

at various Woodstock area businesses as well as at the ceremony on Saturday evening. The tags feature space for participants to write personalized messages about the special someone whom they are honoring.

"This ceremony offers a wonderful opportunity to recognize and remember those we've lost as we enter the holiday season," said Michelle Sacchitello, special events coordinator for the Hospice

Foundation.

"It's very beautiful in the square with the trees all lit, and so many people holding candles. "But what makes this event so special is that everyone there has come because they want to remember, honor and

celebrate those who have been lights in their lives. It's comforting to have so many people come together; you realize that you're not alone during what could be a difficult time of year."

The Hospice Tree will be the only tree in the square adorned with colored lights. All other trees in the square will feature white lights and were already lit during a city ceremony held last week. The Hospice Tree, a Blue Spruce donated by the Parker Lyon Williams Foundation, will be lit during the "Tree of Lights" ceremony.

The program will begin at 5:30 p.m. and will include brief comments from Brian Sager, Mayor of Woodstock, and from representatives from Hospice of Northeastern Illinois, as well as an invocation offered by a Hospice chaplain.

Those in attendance will receive candles to light during the ceremony and will be treated to inspirational music.

Following the ceremony, refreshments provided by Tarts & Truffles of Woodstock, children's activities and time for fellowship will be offered in the Old Courthouse Arts Center, adjacent to the Square. Participants will then have the opportunity to write a note in memory of their loved one in the "Tree of Lights" Memory Book. In addition, members of the Hospice's bereavement staff will be on hand to offer assistance to those in need.

The "Tree of Lights" program is presented in collaboration with the Center for Loss and Hope, the bereavement services division of Hospice of

Northeastern Illinois, offers counseling and support to any individuals who have experienced loss in their lives.

"Tree of Lights: A Remembrance Celebration" is open to the public at no charge. The Woodstock Square is within boundaries of Cass, Van Buren, North Johnson and North Benton streets. For

information about the ceremony, call Hospice of Northeastern Illinois at (847) 381-5599 or visit www.HospiceAnswers.org. Hospice of Northeastern Illinois is a community based, not-for-profit

organization serving families throughout McHenry, Lake, Northwest Cook, Kane, Boone and DuPage counties. Celebrating its 25th year of service,

Hospice of Northeastern Illinois provides patient care and bereavement services to all who need them, regardless of ability to pay. Hospice of Northeastern Illinois is Medicare certified and accredited by the Joint Commission.