 On The Line -- Issue 665 -- December 14, 2007  Online News and Views of Life in San Benito County with Herman Wrede Published by HollisterOnline.com -- Copyright 1995-2008 HollisterOnline.com
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On The Line -- Issue 665 -- December 14, 2007 Online News and Views of Life in San Benito County with Herman Wrede Published by HollisterOnline.com -- Copyright 1995-2008 HollisterOnline.com
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It was an evening of joy and hope shot through with poignancy. It was a celebration of life and of people who gave their lives for others and of many who face the inevitable end of life with dignity and even valor.
For the 14th time since it has been observed locally, the Tree of Life ceremony was held in the plaza of the Veterans' Memorial Building rather than in the parking lot of San Benito Bank on Tres Pinos Road, where participants had watched as the tree on the top of the bank was illuminated. A presentation of the Hospice Foundation, the tree is a symbol of hope and at the same time a means of acquiring funding to allow Hospice to counsel and give help to those who have a fatal affliction. Its members give aid in many ways from driving its clients to treatment centers and back, to ease their worries about family members and other friends, and to help them face the end on their own terms. Often, the help given is in giving a ready ear. San Benito County's Hospice program merged with that of Monterey County some years back for financial efficacy. Hollister's ceremony was the first of four scheduled within five days. The others were to be held at Rabobank in King City, at the Monterey Conference Center and at the National Steinbeck Center. This year the local program was held on Friday, Dec, 7 as evening fell. All day long it had sprinkled on and off with dark clouds moving through the sky. About 15 minutes before the 5:30 p.m. ceremony began, the rain ceased. A few people looked warily at the sky but most found friends with whom to sit on two double rows of folding chairs. Because Dec. 7 was the day in 1941 when the United States was pushed into World War II, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9242 got permission to be part of the program. Ed Arballo, a retired Navy chief petty officer and adjutant of the post, in his uniform addressed the audience on the significance of the nation's military activity. He spoke feelingly of Americans in uniform who paid the highest price for their nation's principles. His address was followed by a 21-gun salute by the post's honor guard. In the meantime, Wolfgang Leitenberger took pictures of him at the podium and of the volley of honor in tribute to the fallen. Dave Baumgartner was master-of-ceremonies, an office he has fulfilled for many organizations. He spoke of the work done by Hospice and the need to support it with approval as well as funds. The Oriana Chorale sang several carols. Among their number were Barbara Nicoara, Beth Ivey, John Sanders, Cort and Sylvia Nichols and Anita Frusetta. Each of the singers put spirit and heart into the carols and the audience felt the age-long wonder of the season anew. Alice Kinsler, president and chief executive officer of Hospice, was the keynote speaker. Her address was brief and dwelt on the work and goals accomplished by the foundation's volunteers in all thee communities involved. A more personal message on its aims was given by Joe and JoAnne McMahon who spoke of the care and compassion given to her mother, Mary Ettenborough, in the last stage of her life. "They were right there whenever we needed them; they were wonderful." Dr. Robert Rocco, medical director of the Palliative Care Program at Hazel Hawkins Hospital, recalled the formation of the local Hospice in the 1980s, and of the positive response of its original board of directors. The Rev. Jonathan Hughes of the Presbyterian Church gave the invocation. Baumgartner resumed the stand and told of how Solero Trucking Company of King City had transported the tree of special construction to Hollister and set it up in the plaza. He invited the audience to gather around it and count down with him for its lighting. The count went from five to one and on the chant of "one!", the 24-foot tree was illuminated to the cheers of the crowd. Most of the spectators stayed for awhile to talk with friends about the ceremony and Christmas in general. Other local volunteers on hand besides Baumgartner wereBarbara Nicoara, Leah Dowty, Kate Fosgett, Mary McCullough, Sunny Underwood and Gordon Machado. They made the guests feel comfortable and showed them the refreshments stand set up near the building's entrance. An urn of coffee along with another of hot water for the cider and hot chocolate mixes were at hand, as well as popcorn and a variety of cookies.. Fran and Ashley Sanders joined husband and father Steve Sanders as he joked with friends. They brightened when Sunny Underwood strolled over to greet them, an effect shared by many she shines her smile upon. Four other outstanding ladies, Denise Cauthen-Wright, Ingrid Leitenberger, Barbara Scott and Sharlene Van Rooy, found subjects to discuss among themselves. They apparently were not all serious matters because the four laughed aloud a number of times. Chuck Ivey also was on hand, and if you have an amusing story he is the man to tell it to because he will almost always roar with appreciative laughter. He especially likes good-natured jokes about ministers and golfers. Ivey's eyes twinkled as a friend told him that Santa Claus had added two reindeer to the original eight in the event they were needed because of illness. Their names? John Deere and Jane Doe. He burst into laughter when their names were revealed. Gordon and Joanne Machado talked with Chuck and Beth Ivey for awhile and also Mary McCullough. It is not difficult to determine that at least part of their conversation was about Hazel Hawkins Hospital with which they are deeply involved. All in all, it was a good evening and many people who take part in the community's activities were on hand for the ceremony. After some more mingling and conversation, the audience dispersed as volunteers gathered the chairs and took them inside. About 20 minutes later the skies opened again and anther shower fell. It almost seemed as though the weather had held off until the ceremony was completed. Everyone went home with a warm feeling. |
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