Tree of Lights & Memorial Bench for Founder Ellen Stevahn

The memory of one of RRHC's original founders, Ellen Marie Rowley Stevahn, was honored in a Tree of Lights Celebration on November 19 in Pleasant Hill. Presentations were made by Hospice East Bay, PH Chamber of Commerce, PHRPD, PH Mayor Ken Carlson, and Ellen's daughter, Laurie Stevahn, among others, and the large tree on Grayson was lit. Several days later, the board of RRHC installed a memorial bench up on the hill next to the farmhouse at RRHC. Contributions were made by many admirers and fans of Ellen for the bench and its installation. Laurie and her father, Steve, visited recently (see above), and we invite everyone to come, take a seat, and relax in this meditative space. Ellen would have been so happy to know that RRHC continues on in the spirit that she intended! Photos by Alison Clary

PS: We filmed this one year while decorating the truck for the July 4th parade.  This is the Ellen we will always remember - teaching us to enjoy life, laugh, and not take ourselves to seriously. Video by Denise Koroslev