HVCH celebrates 50th anniversary with grand finale celebration
A big finale was well attended at Hocking Valley Community Hospital’s (HVCH) Holiday Affair Wednesday evening in celebration of its 50th Anniversary.
HVCH CEO Julie Stuck said she was very proud of the celebration and impressed with the turnout.
“It’s a beautiful setting. We wanted to bring the community here to a peaceful place of healing. It’s a great time to celebrate the season,” said Stuck. “We’re so grateful for the support.”
“It’s awesome. There have been lots of firsts. It takes an army to accomplish something like this. Seeing all of our community coming around us to support us — it’s wonderful! You only turn 50 once,” said HVCH’s Chief Public Relations Officer Latricia Johnston.
More than a dozen students from the Logan High School Chamber Singers, led by Director of Choirs John McClain, performed several pieces that impressed those in attendance. The audience even participated by singing along to a song.
Next, the Frist Presbyterian Church Handbell Choir entertained the audience with their skills. Steven Menckowski, Marilyn Stewart, Corby Leach, Aries Ametsreiter, John McClain and Gretchen Weber worked together to ring out some popular Christmas songs.
The crowd then headed outside to the hospital’s courtyard to watch the Christmas tree lighting and names were read to pay tribute to loved ones.
“The Auxiliary Celebration of Lights is done every year. It used to be done downtown but we brought it here for this celebration. That’s an opportunity for people to make a monetary gift to the Auxiliary — in memory or in honor of someone,” Johnston noted.
The Hocking Valley Community Hospital Choir performed even more Christmas songs. Everyone then headed back inside to watch the Hocking County Children’s Choir, directed by Therese Karnes, and the Logan-Hocking Middle School Swing Choir perform.
There was also a gingerbread room where people could go to vote on their favorite creation. There were 17 participants from individuals, businesses and community organizations.
The winners are:
- The HVCH Rehabilitation Department won the gingerbread house contest with its entry “Sugar Shack.”
First place winner gets $50 donated to a charity of their choosing.
- The HVCH Nutritional and Food Service Department was second place with its entry “Christmas Blessings.”
Second place winner gets $25 donated to a charity of their choosing.
The gingerbread houses will be on display in the HVCH front lobby until Dec. 26.
Old Saint Nick was also visiting the Holiday Affair to bring smiles and joy to all.
“People came in and took their own pictures with Santa. It’s setup like a nice warm living room or den kind of feel,” said Johnston. Miley Fannon, 7, said she was excited to see Santa and told him her Christmas wish.
“I want the Pie Face game,” said Fannon.
Children and adults enjoyed hot chocolate, cookies and other treats. Little ones were also given the opportunity to write Santa a letter.
Siblings, Ava and Grant Nihiser and Sawyer Magdich explained what they were putting in their letter to Santa.
“I want a Hatchimal, a little live pet, sewing machine, laptop and a crazy light,” said Ava.
“I don’t know,” said Grant. “A small robot.”
“I want a hover board, Nerf gun and Nerf darts, a basketball and Pokemon cards,” said Magdich.
The event also showcased many exhibits where people could buy different art including photography, decorations and so on.
“We wanted to give back to the community. We wanted to help them have a good time this season. Sometimes it’s not always a joyous or a happy time if there is a loss in the family. We feel blessed,” Johnston concluded.