NORWAY – Stephens Memorial Hospital celebrated the beginning of the holiday season on Dec. 6 with the annual lighting of the Christmas tree. A large crowd gathered for the festivities as well as refreshments in the lobby while the tree was lit outside.

Suzanne Grover, a representative from Stephens Volunteer Services, welcomed the group, and Ed Gabrielsen, a vocalist, and SVS volunteer serenaded the group with carols.

Western Maine Health President and CEO Tim Churchill thanked the community for their support and for joining in the event, which is a tradition. Elliott Munn, a senior at Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School, read a poem and the Rev. Don Mayberry, a WMH trustee, led the benediction. The assembly sang “Silent Night” as the tree was lit.

The Christmas tree lighting fundraiser is a tradition that was begun by Alice Cornwall 24 years ago. Tree light tickets may be purchased in honor or in memory of someone and names are posted on a board in the hospital lobby as well as published in the annual report.

The funds generated allow Stephens Volunteer Services to lend support to Western Maine Health and to employees in the form of scholarships toward higher education.

The fundraiser will continue through Sunday, Dec. 31. Tickets are $5 each and can be purchased in the hospital coffee shop or returned the administration office.

Stephens Memorial Hospital is an affiliate of Western Maine Health, which is part of the Maine Health family. Visit Western Maine Health on the Internet at www.wmhcc.org.