POCATELLO — A special remembrance ceremony that grew from a handful of locals with ties to the health department has been in existence for 22 years now.

    The Memorial Tree Lighting ceremony takes place the first Monday in December each year as a way to help those who are grieving cope with their loss ahead of the holiday season.

    Karla Alex, a dental hygienist at Southeastern Idaho Public Health, invites anyone who has lost a loved one to bring a ribbon to the event slated for Dec. 3 at 6:30 p.m. The Hospice Memorial Grove and garden is located at 1901 Alvin Ricken Drive.

    In a question-and-answer session the longtime committee member and participant had this to say:

    Q. Tell me more about this ribbon you speak of?

    A. “You don’t have to bring one. But, for those who are interested in doing so ... they can. We place them on the (exterior) trees during the event. Some people decorate the ribbon and put pictures on them.

You can also make one in remembrance of a pet. There will also be a candlelighting ceremony, choral entertainment, as well as free hot cider and holiday cookies inside. This is a free community event, and it is non-denominational. And, we do this rain or shine. We’ve only had to move the event inside a few times over the years because it was a blizzard outside. We average 150 participants every year.”

    Q. How often does the Hospice Memorial Grove and garden receive

visitors?

    A. “For some, it has become a family tradition to come up here on Christmas Eve. Even people who work on this side of town stop by throughout the month. People sit and meditate. It is a peaceful area. The tree lights are on 24/7 until the first of January.”

    Q. How many lights are on the trees?

    A. “The number keeps growing each year. This year, we have about 33,000 LED lights thanks to generous donations.”

    Q. Do you have a personal tie to the event? Who will you be thinking of?

    A. “It’s been 25 years, and I still get teary-eyed. I lost my father. The timing of this event can be tough for those who very recently lost someone. That is why we have a team of volunteer hospice professionals present in case a participant needs some advice. They can talk them through a rough time. We’re really good at giving hugs too!