WHITEWTER REGION (Beachburg) — The Lights of Hope event was indoors at the Beachburg Lions Club for the first time due to the weather.
The weather forecast was for freezing rain, and with the snow already covering ice, it was too treacherous for people to be standing outdoors, said event chairperson Lion Audrey Cormack.
The event was held Sunday evening, Nov. 19 with about 30 people gathered indoors.
The Lights of Hope was started in December 1999 by Lion Isabelle Boissoneault who was able to get sponsors to purchase Christmas light bulbs to light up trees, a star, a wreath and strings of lights, Ms. Cormack noted. This first time the event was such a success, that it was carried on to the next year.
The idea of the ligiting of bulbs during the Christmas Season was for people who wanted to thank a certain person they were fond of or wanted to remember at this time of year.
“There are many reasons for the lighting of the bulbs,” Ms. Cormack said. “It is an emotional time as it brings back memories of the past.”
Prior to the event occurring, people purchase bulbs by filling out a form, which are located at various businesses throughout the Beachburg. A single bulb is $5 or three for $10 while a string of 10 bulbs is $25.
“Everyone is invited to witness and participate in this yearly event,” Ms. Cormack said. “It will surely light up your Christmas spirit.”
Sunday evening, Pastor Daryl MacPherson, from Whitewater Wesleyan Community Church, recited an opening prayer and the ceremony begins with a reading about the star, the tree, the four trees, the strings of lights and ending with the Lights of Hope. After each paragraph is read about the item being lit up, the names of those being remembered, and the sponsor, are read aloud.
The star, read by club president Jim Labow, represents guidance that we gain from the experiences of our past. It lights our way into the future. Its lights help to dispel the darkness around us and bring us hope and comfort. May this star shine brightly for all of us and remind us that we need to be a light to those around us.
The wreath, read by club treasurer Tony Mercier, is a circle that burns bright and reminds us of the unity we need within our community and the world. Everyone has a place in the community and we need to reach out to those around us and draw them into the circle of caring. It is in giving that we receive the most.
The strings of lights, read by past-president Claire Martin, represents each of us standing together to bring a little to someone else’s life. When we become a part of something bigger, we too will make a difference in the future as we remember the past
The trees, read by club vice-president Brenda Grady, represent growth and strength. They start out small, but with a little nurturing, they can weather many storms. Yet, although they are strong, they are able to bend in the wind. We must be like the trees and learn to do the same.
As the Lights of Hope Sign is lit, read Jackie Cotton, zone chair of 22 West, it signifies our commitment to younger members of our extended community. Theirs is the promise of the future. As we support and encourage them, may our efforts shine as brightly as this sign.
Throughout the ceremony, Bill Siebarth played the fiddle and Allan Rose on the guitar, provided the music background during the singing of songs.
There was a time for refreshments and social following the ceremony.
Since the event was held indoors, Ms. Cormack suggested that as each person leave, they take a moment outdoors and look at the lights and other items, and remember why they are there.
The lights will be lit up each night until January 8, 2018.
