By Staff
For the ninth year gold and crimson bows will add to the brilliance of the Dowagiac community tree reminding us of those whose memory is still very much with us, especially at this time of year.
This yearly tradition provides an added spiritual dimension to the holidays and reinforces the shared bonds of love that are timeless.
Names of each person honored or remembered will be gathered at the end of each week and published in the Dowagiac Daily News.
A $5 donation is suggested to assist Hospice in funding its bereavement program here in the community through monthly luncheons, mailings, individual counseling and, in the near future, a grief support program for children and teens.
Visit Dowagiac's Open House Weekend Saturday, Nov. 19, from noon to 3:30 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 20, from noon to 3 p.m.
Hospice will be at the community tree in Beckwith Park at its booth, where staff will be available with bows.
On Friday, Dec. 2, during Dowagiac's Christmas parade and tree-lighting, Hospice staff will be at the tree to greet you from 5 on into the evening.
After Open House Weekend until Christmas week, bows will be available at the following Dowagiac locations: The Marshall Shoppe, The Hairitage, the Chamber of Commerce on Depot Drive and Murphy's Flowers and Greenhouses.
Decatur will be having its fourth tree this year.
Decatur's Christmas parade is set for the Friday after Thanksgiving.
A tree will be dedicated after the parade at the community park kitty-corner from Webster Memorial Library.
Bows will be available at the park for placement on the tree.
Look for Hospice bows after this event at Shear Country, Decatur Village Hall and Decatur Pharmacy.
If you are unable to get out to any of these events or to the sale locations, please call the Hospice office, 269/423-6015, and they will see that your bow is on the tree of your choice in Dowagiac and Decatur.