New and improved Community Tree
For six years the Lake Almanor Area Chamber of Commerce, with the assistance of several community groups, has been honoring veterans and active service members with the lighting of the Chester Community Tree.
This year’s lighting will take place 5:30 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 10, in the Chester Library parking lot, 210 1st Ave.
Due to six years of growth in the already large spruce tree, the lights are recessed within the branches, and through the generosity of Frontier Communications the lights will be relocated to the new larger perimeter and Chester Fire is resetting the star on top.
Most resident remember the idea of a Community Tree was developed in 2013 with the idea of bringing the community together in support of local veterans and active duty personnel while promoting a communal spirit of peace and service to others.
The lighting of the tree has been scheduled to take place on the weekend closest to Veterans Day with the hope it will not be confused with the traditional Christmas tree lighting.
The lights on the tree are all white, symbolizing the purity of the intentions of those who have responded to their country’s call to arms.
Those with family or friends on active duty can surely look on it as a peace tree with the hope and anticipation that all our military personnel will soon be out of harms way.
The entire community is invited to join with veterans and families of active duty personnel to promote community support of those who have served — past and present.
The Community Tree lighting is about coming together to celebrate the good things Chester has to offer as well as fellow residents supporting one another in their needs and enjoying each other’s successes.
Community organizations are encouraged to come and share their activities with a table for information, crafts or goodies for the kids. (And adults)
Activities will include a Boy Scout Color Guard, tributes to service members, music by the Chester Community Chorus and invitations from community groups.
For anyone wishing to remember a friend or family member with an ornament on the tree there will be an ornament table hosted by the Chester Rotary Club.
The Chester Fire Department will again be providing lighting for the event.
The community is the sole support for this event. Anyone wishing to make a donation for the continued maintenance of the tree lights can do so by mailing it to the Chester Rotary Club, P O Box 1792, Chester, CA 96020. Please designate Community Tree on your donation.
