Decorated pumpkins took over the waiting room at Ai Orthodontics, 550 Harrison St., Emmaus, recently in honor of National Orthodontic Month.

Pumpkins were delivered to Ai's referring dentists who were asked to decorate and return them. There were no rules other than to have a good time, according to orthodontist Dr. Aejaaz A. Issa and practice administrator Melissa McCalley.

Twenty-eight creatively decorated pumpkins were returned, judged by both local judges and patients via Facebook and then delivered to the children's unit of Lehigh Valley Health Network for the children to enjoy.

Local judges included East Penn Press Editor Debbie Galbraith; Director of Annual Giving - Lehigh Valley Health Network Heather Ennis; Director of Major Gifts - Lehigh Valley Health Network Eileen Fallis and Executive Director, Emmaus Main Street Partners Teri Madison.

First place winner was Dr. George Shoenberger's office with "Lucy Longlegs;" second place winner was Dr. Mary Cresseveur-Reed's office with "Mike Wazowski;" and third place Dr. Michael Taras' office with "Nemo."

The winning dental offices received prizes; however, more than that, their creativity brightened the lives of children in the hospital.