- Last Updated on Saturday, 01 December 2018 17:54
On Monday, Nov. 19, Monongahela Valley Hospital (MVH) flipped the switch on their holiday decorations.
5-year-old Brenley Farner and 9-year-old Brandon Gardner, get ready to flip the giant switch to turn on all of the lighted decorations. |
The 34th Annual Light-Up Night had members of the community gathered around the MVH campus to watch the lighting of the two-story tree and several acres of decorations throughout campus.
“We’ve been lighting up this campus for 34 years now,” said Louis J. Panza Jr., president and CEO of Monongahela Valley Hospital. “I find it hard to believe that some of you who started coming to these celebrations as children with your parents are now here with your own children carrying on the family tradition. But isn’t that what this season is all about – family and traditions?”
The moment of illumination came when two lucky children,5-year-old BrenleyFarner and 9-year-old Brandon Gardner, flipped the giant switch to turn on all of the lighted decorations. The children were chosen at random from among MVH employees' children and grandchildren, ages 5 to 10.
Soloist Emily Bittner, with help from singer Nick Franczak,entertained the crowd before the lights were turned on. The festivities continued when Mr. and Mrs. Claus made a visit to the hospital's campus.
Throughout the evening, members of the Auxiliary of Mon-Vale Health Resources, Inc. sold baked goods and hot dogs. All of the spectacular interior and exterior decorations were produced by Joseph's Nursery and Garden Center in Monessen. Joseph’s also provided illuminated toys for children in attendance.
New this year to the holiday festivities, a holiday mailbox for children to drop off letters to Santa was set up in the hospital lobby. Letters for Santa can be placed in the box until Dec. 23.