This year’s decoration, Beacon of Welcome, is the twelfth in a collectible series highlighting Saratoga’s landmarks and traditions.

Beacon of Welcome features a lawn jockey; the figures are frequently displayed by racing enthusiasts to welcome their guests, and were originally used as a way for travelers on the Underground Railroad Trail to identify safe houses throughout the Saratoga region.

Local resident and Saratoga Hospital surgeon Joseph Bell created the artwork for the limited edition 24K gold on brass ornament. Proceeds from the sale of the ornaments, of which 1,500 have been produced, benefit the patients served by Saratoga Hospital and Saratoga Care Nursing Home.

Beacon of Welcome is on sale now, and will be available throughout the holiday season. The cost of the ornament is $15.

Discounts can be arranged for volume purchases of 50 or more. Ellen Kerness, manager of marketing and communications at Saratoga Hospital, said supplies of ornaments from 1996-2006 are available as well for $15 each.

“Some people like to have the whole collection,” Kerness said. “It’s a great way to support the hospital and to add some pizzazz to your Christmas tree.” 

Ornaments can be purchased at the Foundation Office or online. For more information, call 583-8340 or visit www.saratogahospitalfoundation.org.

Volunteer guild

continues tradition

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Light A Light Festival has become an annual tradition of the Saratoga Hospital Volunteer Guild. This is an event in which a loved one or friend can be remembered. Celebrating a new birth, honoring someone special, or passing on a “thinking of you” message are all reasons to add lights to the tree.

The service will take place in the Hospital Main Lobby on Sunday, Nov. 25 at 7 p.m.

By making a donation of $5 or more, one light on a holiday tree will be designated for the honoree. The tree will be located at the main entrance of the hospital.  The names of the honorees and donors will be inscribed in a book that will be on view in the hospital lobby. 

The deadline for having your honoree’s name in the program is Monday, Nov. 19. 

For additional information, please call 583-8447.