Locals pack Shelter House for Tree of Remembrance ceremony

Sidney Regional Medical Center Hospice's annual Tree of Remembrance ceremony brought out several locals to the Shelter House in Legion Park Thursday night.

The ceremony featured a talk from Sidney resident Derek Weimer about his personal experience with the hospice. Singers from Creek Valley High School and a talk from Rev. Thomas Hyde of Sidney's First United Methodist Church were also part of the ceremony.

The tree lighting tradition has typically been held in the lobby of the hospital for many years. However, with the transition to the hospital's new location, the hospice took the opportunity to incorporate the community.

The Tree of Remembrance ceremony was intended to be a visual tribute to hospice patients as well as anyone who has suffered a loss. It was a time for the community to come together and provide support and hope for one another.

The hospice partnered with the City of Sidney parks department to light a tree in Legion Park located by the Shelter House. The tree is decorated with 3,000 lights and will stay lit through the first of the new year.