Annual Holiday Tree Lighting

Last December, the Holiday Tree Lighting moved to the Community Center near Building Blocks and launched what looks like it's going to stick as a new mountain tradition. Neighbors showed up in droves for hot cocoa, holiday music, and twinkling lights—proof that sometimes all we need is a reason and a place to gather.

A Mountain Effort

Last year, Scott Green saw an opportunity to improve the tree lighting and took it upon himself to purchase and install the lights (and all the necessary wiring) on the tree in the Building Blocks yard. He will be doing it again this year, and hopefully for many years to come. (LPCF has a tree lighting fund available for those who'd like to help defray some of the costs - this fund allows people to make tax deductible donations and LPCF will reimburse Scott for his expenses.)

The event is a true community effort with LPEF, LPCF, and Loma HSC all joining the party to make it happen. Speaking of those acronyms—if you're wondering who does what, here's a quick rundown:

LPEF (Loma Public Education Fund) is the nonprofit that raises money specifically for school programs—think art, PE, music, library, and counseling services. They're the ones behind the annual Gala and the KEEP! campaign. When you donate to LPEF, 100% goes directly to the district as grants for these programs.

LPCF (Loma Prieta Community Foundation) focuses on the broader community. LPCF programs include Building Blocks and Theatre in the Mountains. LPCF sponsors many events and organizations such as the Farmer's Market, the Loma Prieta Museum, GoGreen and more.

Then there's the Loma Home & School Club (and its sister organization, CTE HSC), which operates more like a PTA—organizing classroom volunteers, hosting the Jogathon, and putting on events like Halloween movies and class parties.

All three groups work together to make our mountain community thrive, but they have distinct roles. Think of it this way: LPEF funds what happens in the classroom, HSC supports the day-to-day school experience, and LPCF brings the wider community together.

Even Better This Year

Last year's tree lighting had an unbelievable turnout. We learned we need more food trucks, so we're inviting more food vendors for a greater variety and shorter lines. The Summit Sisters will be back. And this year, Loma HSC is hoping to show some holiday classics on the big screen to keep the kids entertained after dark, pending completion of the amphitheater remodel.

The event is free and open to everyone. Please join us - the event is on Wednesday, December 3 from 6-8pm at the Mountain Community Center, near Building Blocks at 23845 Summit Road. The tree lights up at 7pm—come early, stay late.