Submitted photo Luminaria from 2015 are shown at Hospice of the Panhandle’s Kearneysville facility.

Hospice of the Panhandle will celebrate the lives of loved ones in Berkeley and Jefferson counties who have passed or to honor those still living with a beautiful luminary tribute on Sunday, Dec. 4 at their Kearneysville campus. The annual “Light Up a Life” ceremony begins at 4:45 p.m. and will include live music and a time of reflection as the name of each person remembered or honored is being read.

Hospice has been organizing this event for over 30 years, but have changed things a bit since moving into their new campus at 330 Hospice Lane, Kearneysville in 2014.

Fundraising and Marketing Director, Ashley Horst said,

“We used to do the Christmas trees where people could dedicate a light for a loved one, but when we moved to our new campus, we switched to the luminaries so that we could have an even more beautiful tribute to those who have touched our lives in the community.”

The white light luminaries are placed in a bag with the loved one’s name and a red bow. These can be purchased for $10. Also available is a handmade angel that the purchaser gets to keep, with a gold luminary for a gift of $100. The angel will be mailed to the purchasing family member approximately a week after the ceremony.

Additionally, there will be a special section of lights for veterans being honored by their families.

Hospice of the Panhandle uses the proceeds from the purchase of the the lights to continue providing excellent care for its residents, regardless of a client’s access to insurance.

“Hospice has a long tradition of honoring our patients for the impact they have had in their families, our community and the lessons they have taught us,” said Margaret Cogswell, CEO, Hospice of the Panhandle. “Light Up A Life gives the community an opportunity to join us in this visible way of remembering and honoring those we love and have loved while providing future hospice patients care at home.”

The luminaries will be placed on Hospice’s roadway and walkways and will burn all night, creating a beautiful light display.

Any person wishing to purchase a luminary may do so up until the start time of the event at 4:45 p.m. by contacting Hospice at (304) 264-0406 or (800) 345-6538 or by visiting www.hospiceotp.org. The ceremony for Morgan County will be held tonight at 5:15 p.m.Country Inn, 110 S. Washington St., Berkeley Springs, with the luminarias being displayed in Berkeley Springs State Park.

Hampshire County’s ceremony will take place on Tuesday, Dec. 6, at 5:15 p.m. at the Shaffer Funeral Home, 230 E. Main St., Romney.