News Bulletin December 9, 2008

301,000 Christmas Lights are turned on at Deacon Dave’s House of the Dove: On Friday night December 5th on a cold, clear night the Christmas Procession made its way down Hillcrest Ave. to the House of the Dove. Folks gathered in front of the gated property standing in the closed street waiting for the procession to arrive. The darkened property would soon be illuminated by 301,000 Christmas Lights.  (pictures - click here)

The Colorful Procession began at 6:30 p.m. with the large Dove banner leading. The Dove candle followed which is the first light of the display. It will be also the last light on when the display closes on New Years Day Night. The Livermore High School Choir sang Christmas songs along the procession route. The Scouts carried the flags of the Nations which was very colorful. 9 large White Dove kites attached to long poles flew in the night sky down Hillcrest Ave. Beautiful Christmas glittery banners on tall poles were carried in the procession. Many people carried candles in between the banners. This was followed by St. Michael Church Altar Servers dressed in Red and White robes. This was followed by Deacon Dave and visiting Deacon Ian.

Large crowds enjoyed the Opening Ceremonies. Mayor Marshall Kamena was part of the program. Large crowds entered the gates of Deacon Dave Rezendes House of the Dove.

Deacon Dave Presents Awards at Opening Night Ceremonies: The Founders Award is presented to persons who helped Deacon Dave build Christmas Displays in the early years of the displays. Since this is the 26th Annual Display the awards were presented for service for the 3rd and 4th year of the displays. This year two people received the Founders Award:    Kim Wells and Michael Graber

Kim worked on making Elf heads and other detailed effects. Michael worked on buildings, lights, painting and special effects. Deacon Dave stated that these two people helped make the early displays possible for the enjoyment of the people of Livermore. Engraved desk pen sets were presented Kim and Michael.

The Deacon presented the Gold Star Award to a current member of the 2008 Christmas Crew who demonstrates outstanding performance in helping build the Christmas Display. This person contributes time, talent, and long hours and maintains the ability to rally the crew with the Spirit of Christmas. This year the award was presented to Michelle Jess

The 2008 Dove Award is presented for the very first time this year. The Dove Award is awarded to the person who is a current member of the Christmas Crew and has demonstrated outstanding Technical, Mechanical and Carpentry Skills in building the Christmas Display. This person fosters team spirit in accomplishing the project. This year David Haigh received the award.

Christmas House of the Dove Jackets Presented: Deacon Dave presents the coveted Red House of the Dove jackets to persons on the Christmas Crew who have worked on the display at least 3 years and the number of hours are factored into the award. It is not an automatic 3 year award. The Deacon presented two Jackets at the pre opening crew meeting on Wednesday December 3 rd. to Jackie Hollister and Michael Loberg.

Visitors often see crew members wearing the bright Red Jackets on duty at the Christmas Display.

This Years Theme: North Pole Factories

North Pole Factories features a two story Garland Mill with a giant Wind Mill operating with 3 colors of lights controlled to fade one color in and another color out. The Wind Mill has three colors of lights. In the same building is North Pole Wind Power. Visitors walk under the two story building and into the front yard to the other featured buildings.

Other buildings include: Elf break room, Sparkles Stockings, Choo Choo’s Trains, North Pole Shipping, Crystals Snowflakes, Light Assembly and Glitters Ornaments.

2008 Christmas Crew Party set for Wednesday December 10th. Deacon Dave will honor the 2008 Christmas Crew at the annual crew party. It is this party that the Deacon has the crew take the oath of Secrecy and announces the 2009 display theme.

Good News Bears participate in Grand Opening: The Good News Bears, an organization that collects funds and stuffed animals to be provided to police, fire and ambulance personnel so that they may give the stuffed cuddly animals to children who are traumatized in accidents, fires and or home trauma. The Good News Bears members provided Cookies to the many visitors exiting the Christmas Display on the opening night.

50,000 LED Lights Make a Difference: Deacon Dave added 50,000 LED lights to the display this year. They were utilized with the other lights. However the LED lights are more noticeable in that they appear much brighter in color. These lights use much less energy. The Deacon plans on adding a few new LED lights each year.

24 Hour Video Recording Cameras on Duty: The year around Security System including the 24 hour Security Cameras are all up and working. The new system will be utilized year around providing security on the entire property. Even if there is a power outage the backup batteries and emergency generators will kick in. The system should give a feeling of security when entering the property. Security Eye Patrol, Inc. is also providing security throughout the night.

Most Frequently Asked Questions by Children: (Regarding Deacon Dave) Where are Dick and Dave?

Is Deacon Dave still alive?

Is Deacon Dave a friend of Santa Claus?

Hi Deacon Dave, can I have your autograph?

Is Deacon Dave very Old?

Did He (Deacon Dave) always like Christmas?

Most Frequently Asked Questions by Adults:

What is your PG&E bill? (Deacon Dave does not tell)

How many lights are there this year?

How many people come thru the display each year?

How many helpers does Deacon have?

What is next year’s theme?

Is Deacon Dave a real minister? (Yes)

Who plans the displays?

When do you start building the display?

How long does it take to build?

How long has He been doing the displays?

Tell your friends about Deacon Dave’s web site: www.casadelpomba.com

Web Site: The web site is an on-going project. It has history, recipe section, Christmas Display Section, Religion, Gardens, Chapel, and much, much more. The web site keep growing and growing. Deacon Dave stated recently that he has hours and hours of work backed up to put into the web site. So keep checking and watch it grow and expand.

The web site is visited by people from all over the nation and abroad. We receive comments from many who visited the web site. Thank you for your comments.

A Note from Deacon David A. Rezendes: In this challenging time of job loss, economic disaster, failed 401 k, delayed retirement, home loss and recession, it could well be easy to fall into depression. I hope and pray that the 2008 Christmas Display will give a few moments of relief and Christmas Peace to those who visit the display.

May we come to realize that the most precious possessions we have are not things in or life but the people in our life, those who journey with us in life. All the money in the world won’t ever make us happy.

At the Christmas Eve Midnight Mass at St. Michael Roman Catholic Church in Livermore, Ca. I will be praying for economic recovery and praying for all who are suffering hardship from the financial mess our country is in. I pray you do not lose heart. The Spirit of Christmas and the Infant Jesus birth that we celebrate will help all people of good will & faith get through these difficult times. Keep the faith and may God bless you.

 

 

If you are interested in being a part of the crew, please e-mail Jeanie at jhaigh@webbearings.com