Aspirus tree lighting celebrates those who passed, arrived

By RICHARD JENKINS

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Ironwood - Locals gathered outside Aspirus Ironwood Hospital Sunday to celebrate the area's births and other milestones, as well as the loved ones who passed away, at the Aspirus Ironwood Auxiliary's Tree of Love and Celebration Tree tree lightings ceremony.

Now in its 27th year, the auxiliary's Tree of Love featured around 600 bulbs, according to auxiliary president Carol D'Alberto, each of which is someone who has passed away.

"(People) buy lights and it's for people usually who have passed; or someone remembering family, friends, grandmas, grandpas," D'Alberto said.

The Celebration Tree, which D'Alberto said has been lit for roughly seven years, marks happier occasions.

"We celebrate birthdays, new babies - the hospital gives a light for every new baby born," D'Alberto said. "Grandma and grandpa buy lights for babies, anniversaries, birthdays, graduations."

Organizers estimated around 40 people gathered in front of the hospital for the tree lighting, before heading inside for refreshments and a short program.

The auxiliary uses the money raised through the sale of the lights to help with various projects around the hospital.

"We try to pick out a special project for the coming fiscal year, which will be in June, and we earmark this money for a project," D'Alberto said.

It was too early to discuss what next year's project will be, she added.