WEST CHESTER (December 22, 2021) – Phoenixville senior citizens had a hand in making the holidays extra bright by contributing handmade ornaments to the 2021 Capitol Christmas Tree on display in the Main Rotunda of the State Capitol in Harrisburg.
The Phoenixville Area Senior Center was part of more than 32 senior community centers in 27 counties across the commonwealth that crafted and submitted ornaments for the tree as part of an annual initiative organized by the Pennsylvania Department of Aging
“Our Social Stitchers group resumed in person this fall and we’re thrilled to contribute to the Capitol Holiday tree after taking a year off. While we have not resumed eating meals together, our participants safely enjoy exercise, games, crafts, and educational activities here at the Phoenixville Area Senior Center. We look forward to more activities in 2022,” said Christine McManus, Program Coordinator at the Phoenixville Area Senior Center.
State Senator Carolyn Comitta welcome the Phoenixville Area Senior Center’s local contributions to the tree and thanked center volunteers and staff for their ongoing work. She also said it was uplifting and heartening to see the tradition of the Capitol tree, this year a 20-foot Douglas fir, officially resume after it took a hiatus last year due to the pandemic.
“It brings me great joy to see the talents of our local seniors on display in the state Capitol,” Comitta said. “The ornaments are also a beautiful and poignant reminder of the important work of our senior community centers in ensuring that our older friends and neighbors feel welcomed, valued, and included in our communities, especially during the holiday season.”
“Every year, the Department of Aging receives a tremendous number of ornaments from the senior centers with letters or cards thanking the department for inviting the seniors to make them,” Secretary of Aging Robert Torres said. “The seniors really get into the holiday spirit with their creativity and the work that they put into creating the ornaments. Each is unique and embodies the pride of being ‘made in PA’ along with the holiday tree that comes from a Pennsylvania tree farm every year. I would like to thank all of the seniors from across the commonwealth who devoted their time and talent in making the ornaments to support our holiday celebration.”
The tree will remain in the rotunda until January 10.
Individuals can get a closer look at the ornaments made by the older adults, as well as information about resources and programs for seniors, by visiting the Department of Aging’s Facebook page.