Dr Louis Albanese is pictured in front of his home in Pelham.The lit candles have been displayed in his windows day and night for over 20 years.The candles were first placed in the windows to provide a feeling of warmth and welcome to his home that was built in 1929.This past year the candles have taken on an added significance due to the COVID-19 pandemic … to light the way through this darkest time in recent history.

A lit candle displayed in windows dates back to colonial times.Some popular interpretations are that the burning candle in the window represents welcome to weary travelers, friendship and a sign of hope for better things to come.As we enter a new year the Pelham Beautification Committee would like to recognize the many homes throughout Pelham with candles burning in the window … a symbol of welcome to a new year, friendships new and old, and a sign of hope that we will overcome this most serious health crisis with renewed energy and commitment to a better life for all.Stay safe and stay healthy.

This month’s recognition is inspired by a recent article found on social media: “Last night, I saw my husband Jack place a single flameless candle in our front window. When asked why, he replied that in times of war, families would put a candle in the window to light the way for their children to return home safely from battle. Today, the world is at war with a horrific pandemic that has ground daily life to a halt. This candle represents the light of hope…the hope that together, we will overcome this most serious health crisis.Let’s unite and share this beacon of hope throughout our community. Please share with family, friends and neighbours and join us in this effort.” (Lynn Polizos, Virginia)

The Pelham Beautification Committee is an advisory committee to Pelham Council. The Committee seeks to foster civic pride, environmental responsibility and beautification through community involvement. The monthly ‘Thank You’ card program is one of the Committee’s efforts to inspire the Town’s businesses, organizations and residents to exemplify ideals defined in the Beautification Committee’s Terms of Reference, available at www.pelham.ca/beautification.

The Pelham Beautification Committee will name a recipient each month. Individuals are encouraged to submit potential recipient recommendations to the Pelham Beautification Committee at beautification@pelham.ca

For more information, contact: Cynthia Roberts, Vice-Chair, Pelham Beautification Committee, at 289-686-5676.