PORTLAND/WELLS—Norton Lights of Wells, Maine, is at it again. The Norton family house is aglow with perfectly timed Christmas lights that accompany their own holiday mix of music on the radio.
Stan Norton and his wife, Melissa, are better known this holiday season as “Stanta” and “Mrs. Claus” as they dress the part while running their light show and handing out candy canes.
For the third year, the Nortons decorated their home with custom-made lights that are programmed to change with holiday music broadcast through a FM transmitter station in their living room. By listening to the radio, people are able to enjoy the 9-minute show as they drive by the house at 213 Canterbury Road in Wells.
“The light show is spectacular and what’s even more impressive is the constant effort put forward by this generous family to help the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Maine,” said Kate Vickery, Make-A-Wish Program Director, who was at the show on recently to help hand out candy canes and present the family with the 2011 Community Spirit Award. This award is given in recognition of organizations or individuals outside of Make-A-Wish that make significant contributions to our cause over a period of time.
In total, the Nortons have raised $17,000 for the wish granting organization – enough to grant nearly three wishes. They are hoping to raise enough this year to grant another wish - $6,000.
The Norton family initially became familiar with Make-A-Wish through Stan’s job at Pease Air National Guard Base, where he sees many Make-A-Wish recipients. Witnessing children’s wishes at the base inspired Stan to make a difference using his talent of programming lights to music.
“We are touched beyond words. It truly is amazing what Make-A-Wish and its staff does,” said Stan. “Thank you so much! It means a lot to us to be associated with this great organization.”
The whole family works hard to help raise money. Ryan, age 11, manages the spreadsheets and Reed, age 14, helps with programming.
“The boys have learned a great deal about electrical engineering as well as how to give back to the community at large,” said Melissa Norton.
Norton Lights will be up and running every night through December 25, with a donation box to accept donations.
“All of us at the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Maine thank the Norton family from the bottom of our hearts!” said Vickery.
Photo caption: Staff and volunteers of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Maine present the Norton family of Wells with a 2011 Community Spirit Award for their past and current efforts of raising money through their holiday light and music display. From left to right: Kate Vickery of Make-A-Wish, Volunteer Shay Lattari, Reed Norton, Ryan Norton, Melissa Norton, Stan Norton and Volunteer Tracey Hansen. (Courtesy photo)
Stan Norton and his wife, Melissa, are better known this holiday season as “Stanta” and “Mrs. Claus” as they dress the part while running their light show and handing out candy canes.
For the third year, the Nortons decorated their home with custom-made lights that are programmed to change with holiday music broadcast through a FM transmitter station in their living room. By listening to the radio, people are able to enjoy the 9-minute show as they drive by the house at 213 Canterbury Road in Wells.
“The light show is spectacular and what’s even more impressive is the constant effort put forward by this generous family to help the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Maine,” said Kate Vickery, Make-A-Wish Program Director, who was at the show on recently to help hand out candy canes and present the family with the 2011 Community Spirit Award. This award is given in recognition of organizations or individuals outside of Make-A-Wish that make significant contributions to our cause over a period of time.
In total, the Nortons have raised $17,000 for the wish granting organization – enough to grant nearly three wishes. They are hoping to raise enough this year to grant another wish - $6,000.
The Norton family initially became familiar with Make-A-Wish through Stan’s job at Pease Air National Guard Base, where he sees many Make-A-Wish recipients. Witnessing children’s wishes at the base inspired Stan to make a difference using his talent of programming lights to music.
“We are touched beyond words. It truly is amazing what Make-A-Wish and its staff does,” said Stan. “Thank you so much! It means a lot to us to be associated with this great organization.”
The whole family works hard to help raise money. Ryan, age 11, manages the spreadsheets and Reed, age 14, helps with programming.
“The boys have learned a great deal about electrical engineering as well as how to give back to the community at large,” said Melissa Norton.
Norton Lights will be up and running every night through December 25, with a donation box to accept donations.
“All of us at the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Maine thank the Norton family from the bottom of our hearts!” said Vickery.
Photo caption: Staff and volunteers of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Maine present the Norton family of Wells with a 2011 Community Spirit Award for their past and current efforts of raising money through their holiday light and music display. From left to right: Kate Vickery of Make-A-Wish, Volunteer Shay Lattari, Reed Norton, Ryan Norton, Melissa Norton, Stan Norton and Volunteer Tracey Hansen. (Courtesy photo)
