Local artist Carol Culhane creates ornaments for Hospice for 28th year

Senior Center in Medina will host Hospice’s Light of Life on Dec. 9

(Left) Photo by Ginny Kropf: Carol Culhane designed, created and donated this Christmas ornament for Hospice of Orleans County. (Right) Provided photo: Brittany Dix, left, community outreach specialist at Hospice of Orleans County, accepts a Christmas ornament from artist Carol Culhane to kick off the annual Light of Life campaign.

 MEDINA – The Light of Life fundraiser to benefit Hospice of Orleans County is now underway, with a new venue announced this week.

Light of Life 2025 will take place Dec. 9 at the Senior Center in Medina. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., followed by the program at 6 p.m.

This is the 28th year local artist Carol Culhane has designed and donated ornaments to benefit Hospice.

“It has been my honor and privilege to provide and personalize these ornaments every year,” Culhane said. “As a community, we all benefit from having our hospice service available.”

Culhane purchases special German blown glass ornaments every year, which she then paints with a different Christmas design and donates to Hospice. This year’s ornament is blue with a tree and its branches extending around the ornament. The branches are covered with tiny sparkling gemstones.

Brittany Dix, community outreach specialist at Hospice, said Culhane will discuss her intended design with Hospice or ask them for ideas.

The ornaments can be purchased for $50, or for $100 Culhane will personalize them. They can be ordered by picking up an order form at Hospice, 14080 Route 31; or calling (585) 589-0809. Payment may be made at Hospice or online at www.hospiceoforleans.org/event-links.

Everyone planning to attend the event Dec. 9 must also RSVP by calling Hospice at the number above.

Ornaments may be picked up at Hospice, the day of the event at Medina Senior Center or Hospice will mail them if address is provided.

Dix said there is one gentleman who buys five or six ornaments every year for his family. A wooden snowflake ornament with space for a photo can also be purchased for $15.

Dix said Light of Life is a family event, and children are welcome. People are also welcome to attend, even if they don’t purchase an ornament, but an RSVP is requested.

There will be a hot cocoa bar and sheets for children to color. They will then be given to Hospice patients to let them know they are being thought of, Dix said.

The program will feature a short message by the Rev. Randy LeBaron, songs and readings. Members of Hospice’s Care Team will also be in attendance to remember their patients.

“We want to remind people we are here and can be a resource for them,” Dix said.