BARB BARRETT/The Luminary At the annual Lights of Love at Muncy Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation Center held Sunday, Dec. 3rd, long time auxiliary member, Arlene Weaver, is with her daughter, Sharon Goss and her husband, Jim, as they point out the name of Weaver's late husband, Don, Sr. listed with the scroll of names at the hospital.

MUNCY – To make the season even brighter, the Lights of Love celebration at Muncy Valley Hospital introduced the annual lighting of the outdoor lights and honored the names of those in memory.

This was the hospital’s 23rd festive event that is sponsored by the Muncy Valley Hospital Auxiliary.

This year the observance was held indoors due to a decision to keep it warm. An earlier time at 2 p.m. rather than 6 p.m. gave the opportunity for more people to attend.

The event was held on Sunday, December 3 in the activities room of the Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation Center. Several of the residents were able to participate in the program which started with a blessing by Bob Beiber before the lighting of the trees.

“We had 25 residents this year, compared to one or two,” said Cassie Neidig, Acitivities Director for the Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation Center. “It’s been so cold, so I said to have it inside to include more of the residents,” she added. Neidig gave a warm welcome and thanked the residents and guests for coming.

Bieber, who also led the Christmas carols, is a local pastor who fills in for church services at the center, according to Neidig. “He even brought a piano player.”

During the ceremony, one of the residents switched on the indoor lights to light up Christmas trees inside the activity room.

The names of individuals in tribute were mentioned on scrolls at the entrance of the hospital and the nursing center. There were several relatives and loved ones listed in the Muncy Valley Hospital Auxiliary for the 2017 Lights of Love as pointed out by long time member, Sharon Goss. With her at the event was her mother, Arlene Weaver, age 92. Arlene served on the Muncy Valley Hospital Auxiliary for 20 years. Goss served for more than 18 years according to her husband, Jim who accompanied the two women to the ceremony. Goss herself, has organized many past Lights of Love celebrations at the Skilled Nursing Center. Weaver pointed out some names she recognized on the scroll to her daughter and son-in-law, including her late husband, Don Weaver, Sr. “He always put funds into Lights of Love,” said Arlene.

At UPMC Susquehanna Health Muncy Valley Hospital, the lights will continue to glow throughout the holidays from the trees, a gazebo, a star and a wreath to be admired by passers-by, and as a reminder to honor those whose loved ones are in all of our hearts.