Multiple trees were lit on the campus of Cullman Regional at the conclusion of the 2017 Dr. Herman C. Ensor Lights of Love Christmas tree lighting ceremony Thursday evening, Dec. 7. / Nick Griffin
CULLMAN – The Colonel Cullmann Room at Cullman Regional was full Thursday night as dozens came out for the annual Dr. Herman C. Ensor Lights of Love Christmas tree lighting. A ceremony was held before the tree lighting to honor and remember local citizens who have passed, including former Cullman Regional Foundation President Claude Alsbrooks.
Cullman Regional Foundation Executive Director Maria Stanford has been part of the tree lighting event for many years and talked about the planning that goes into putting on the ceremony.
“I started with the hospital back in 1996 and have had the privilege of working with the Lights of Love program since that time,” Stanford said. “There is a committee through the foundation that works on this project throughout the year and its very much a communitywide event. We have several community groups that are participating and there are individuals, companies and others who help support the program. They make contributions that go back to the hospital, so this year we are raising money to help replace the ventilators here in our critical care unit. People can be proud by giving back in honor of a loved one or in memory of a loved one.”
After the ceremony began, Foundation board member Danny McAfee gave a special tribute to one of the foundation’s creators.
“In 2010, the Foundation Board appropriately re-named Lights of Love in memory of the many contributions made by Dr. Herman Ensor, who also started the event,” McAfee shared. “Dr. Ensor and his wife, Janie, made numerous contributions to the Cullman community and they are fondly remembered by those they touched. Dr. Ensor was well-known as a caring and dedicated physician, and Mrs. Ensor was always by his side supporting and encouraging him. Dr. Ensor helped establish the Foundation in 1977 and served as president for 16 years. He was passionate about improving healthcare in our community. His legacy continues today with the tree lighting ceremony, honoring individuals who have passed away. Some of you might remember one of the first events, where he read the names of everyone being honored.”
Continued McAfee, “We are honoring many individuals this evening, one of whom dedicated countless hours of service to the hospital.”
McAfee took a moment to honor the late Alsbrooks, a former president of the Foundation who passed away at the age of 91 in September.
“I would like to remember Mr. Claude Alsbrooks for his many years of service to the Foundation. He passed away earlier this year. He served as president of the Foundation and played a major role in the growth and development of the medical community,” said McAfee. “He will always be remembered as a selfless worker and a gentleman of integrity. We are grateful to have his family with us tonight.”
The night featured several musical performances from a variety of local groups within the community. Leading off was the Cullman First Baptist Church First Children’s Choir. They were followed by Dr. Joe Johnson and his daughter Mallory Johnson and the Cullman FBC Ladies’ Ensemble. Closing out the musical performances was the Cullman High School choir led by director Sarah Jane Skinner.
To conclude the night, guests made their way outside for the tree lighting. Led by the CHS choir, the crowd sang “Silent Night” as multiple trees lit up the night.
According to the Foundation, donations may be contributed throughout the holiday season and can be made online at www.cullmanregional.com/foundation/events or by calling the Foundation at 256-737-2565.
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