shine for someone special

By JAINE TREADWELL

Features Editor

Lights are now in vogue at Christmastime.

Often it seems as if "keeping up with the Jones" means stringing more Christmas lights than one’s neighbor. And, there’s nothing wrong with that because it sure makes Christmas merry and bright.

But there is one place where lights are more than lights – they are symbols of love -Lights of Love.

Each year, Edge Regional Medical Center sponsors a Lights of Love Christmas Tree and lights are purchased in honor or in memory of a loved one. The lights are $5 each and all contributions benefit the American Cancer Society.

Faye Lunsford, director of the ERMC Senior Circle, said the Lights of Love Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony and Caroling is planned for 5:30, Tuesday, Dec. 5.

"Everyone has someone special for whom they would like to have a light shine," Lunsford said. "The lights are a wonderful way to honor or remember a loved one during this special time of year. There is still time to add your loved one’s name to our Lights of Love so their name will be called during our candlelight ceremony Tuesday night."

To add a light to the Lights of Love Christmas Tree, call Lunsford at 670-5512.

Everyone is invited to this special ceremony Tuesday night.

"We have a gorgeous Christmas tree this year," Lunsford said. "Larry Henderson and his staff here at the hospital cut it for us and it is one of the most beautiful that I have seen."

The Lights of Love program will be centered around the tree.

Dr. Ed Walter, pastor of First Baptist Church of Troy, Mayor Jimmy Lunsford and ERMC CEO David Loving will take part in the program which begins at 5:30 with special music in song by Shelia Jackson and caroling by all those in attendance.

At 6 p.m. the tree lighting ceremony will begin.

"We will light the tree and read the names of all of the honorees and memorials," Lunsford said. "This is a very meaningful ceremony."

The Lights of Love program is planned for families and Lunsford said she would not be surprised in old Santa Claus himself doesn’t stop by to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and listen to the wishes of the little children.

"We will have a camera read to take photographs with Santa," Lunsford said, adding a $3 charge for the photos will also benefit the American Cancer Society.

The Merry Hearts of the Colley Senior Complex will also be clowning around the Christmas tree for the enjoyment of everyone.

"We’ll have cookies and hot chocolate and cider and we encourage everyone to stay around for a time of fellowship," Lunsford said. "We’ll have chairs set up but, it will probably be chilly, so everyone needs to bundle up so they can stay and enjoy all of the Lights of Love activities."