WMH Auxiliary “Lights Up” Hearts & Trees

(Honesdale, December 07, 2021)… It was an illuminating evening in more ways than one at Wayne Memorial Hospital last night, December 6th.  Despite strong winds and the threat of heavy rain, the hospital Auxiliary’s annual Love Lites ceremony lit up the trees outside the main entrance and the hearts of attendees gathered around them. The event was launched in 1991 as a fundraiser and a way to bring the community together in honor and memory of loved ones during the holiday season. Each light costs $5. More than $5,000 was raised this year, which Love Lites committee members say was especially encouraging since so many other Auxiliary events have been cancelled due to COVID.  The ceremony included a blessing by Pastor Mary Bryant of Cold Spring Chapel, Pleasant Mount, remarks from hospital CEO David Hoff and holiday music presentations by the Honesdale High School Chorus (below). A “Memory Book” listing all the names honored with lights can be found in the hospital lobby and on the hospital website, WMH Auxiliary | Wayne Memorial Hospital Auxiliary. Group photo, l. to r.: Committee members, temporarily unmasked for the photo, Auxiliary President Melissa Rickard, DNP, CRNP; Danielle Hedgelon; Joyce Malicky; Diane Popovich; Kathie Carlson.