NORWAY — Stephens Memorial Hospital celebrated the beginning of the holiday season on Dec. 2, with the annual lighting of the Christmas tree. A crowd enjoyed the festivities and lighting outside before retiring inside for hot cocoa and refreshments.

Andrea Burns, chairwoman of the Stephens Community Healthcare Foundation Community Relations and Development Committee, welcomed the group, sharing that the tree lighting began 27 years ago, an idea from Alice Cornwall, and continues to be a lovely tradition.

The Oxford Hills Chamber Singers, under the direction of Dennis Boyd Jr., Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School music teacher, entertained the crowd with several songs.

After the tree was lit, Sharon Young, volunteer coordinator and human resources specialist, and a trained vocalist, joined the Chamber Singers to lead the crowd in singing to close the ceremony. The Chamber Singers then serenaded the patients at the hospital.

Honor and memory names are posted on a board in the hospital lobby as well as published online on www.wmhcc.org. The funds generated by the event allow Stephens Volunteer
Services to award scholarships and help purchase equipment for the hospital.

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