Trees of love, celebration honor friends, relatives

IRONWOOD - The 24th annual Tree of Love dedication ceremony took place at Aspirus Grand View hospital on Tuesday night.

Around 50 people gathered to witness the lighting of both the Tree of Love and Celebration Tree to honor and celebrate loved ones, hosted by the Aspirus Grand View Auxiliary.

Virginia Keczko, Tree of Love chair, said the number of those in attendance was "shy compared to what we normally have here," citing cold temperatures as a major factor.

Singers Maggie Hokans, Anna Hill and Andy Hill sang a song before both trees were lit. Afterwards, the trio sang "Silent Night." Some in attendance sang along.

The ceremony moved inside to escape the cold.

Carol D'Alberto, auxiliary president, welcomed guests and thanked all for coming.

She said that life is too short and reminded everyone to tell those they love how much they love them.

"Memorials are more than a remembrance of loss, they are a remembrance of the loved ones who have passed and a reminder to celebrate the joy, the life of that particular person. A memorial allows us to rejoice in the memory of our loved ones and keep that memory alive," D'Alberto said.

Paula Chermside, Apsirius Grand View Chief Operating Officer, also spoke.

"We gather to celebrate those special people who have touched our lives and made a difference. Our loved ones, special angels in heaven, who give us strength," Chermside said.

She also shared a Christmas reading, reminding everyone that "our weakness, rather than our strength, binds us together."

Heczko also spoke and thanked the singers and those who donated the Celebration Tree.

The Celebration Tree was donated in remembrance of Marvin L. Tassava, Sr., who before his passing earlier this year, played Santa Claus for many years in the Ironwood area.

Rev. Bill Jacobson shared a prayer, asking God to take care of those who are hurting and "fill those empty hearts with healing."

Everyone in attendance was invited to stay for sweet treats, coffee and cider after the program.