BROCTON - Although Thanksgiving isn't quite here, Christmas trees are already noticeable within the village of Brocton.
Members of the village board, community and Chautauqua County Hospice looked on as Deputy Mayor J. Dale Abram switched on the Light-A-Life Memorial Tree's 600 lights Tuesday evening.
The tree, which is located next to the village hall on West Main Street, is a memorial to those who have passed away. Residents who donate $5 or more are able to commemorate their loved ones with a red bow placed on the tree.
Article Photos
OBSERVER Photo by Samantha McDonnell
Top: Members of the Brocton Village Board, representatives from Hospice Chautauqua County and community members attended the Hospice tree lighting ceremony. Members of the village board included, Deputy Mayor J. Dale Abram, Trustees Art Donovan, Nicholas Rizzo III and Dale VanVlack Jr. and Village Clerk Karen Ardillo.
"Even though physically our loved ones are not with us, (the tree) serves as a constant reminder that our loved ones are still with us," Chautauqua County Hos-pice Bereavement Coordin-ator Jamie Probst said.
This is the eighth year the Hospice of Chautauqua County has trees up around the county. Trees are located in Sinclairville, Mayville, Jamestown, Ellington, Ger-ry, Clymer and Lakewood. All proceeds from the tree memorials go to help serve the community, Probst said.
Although the tree benefits Hospice, memorials can be bought in memory of anyone who has passed away, not just those who have used Hospice services. The village of Brocton is glad to have the tree at village hall.
"Everyone who has experienced services of Hospice, it helps the family get through the grief and we're very glad to support it," Abram said.
Donations can be made through Village Clerk Karen Ardillo at the village hall during regular business hours. For more information on the Light-A-Life Memorial Trees, visit hospiceccevents.com/light-a-life-memorial-tree-lighting-2012.
Comments on this article may be sent to smcdonnell@observertoday.com.
