THROOP, Pa. — The table was set on Wednesday inside the Throop Community Civic Center—not for lunch, but to do a little painting. The seniors are decorating ornaments. It's all part of a statewide program through the Lackawanna County Area Agency on Aging. The county provided all the supplies. All the seniors needed was a theme.
"I just thought of a Christmas tree. I like big trees, and I like a lot of color," said Adrienne Troutman of Throop.
"The artist I am not, believe me. You know how they say, like, you get these postcards or Christmas cards, and it's drawn by a 5 year old? Well, this would qualify," joked Joan Buckas of Throop.
This was one of three events held throughout the county for seniors to paint an ornament, including one in Taylor and another in Dunmore. Folks here won't go home with their ornaments, though. The creations will be taken and hung on the Christmas tree at the Pennsylvania State Capitol in Harrisburg, along with those from other seniors across the state.
"It's really a great feeling that we can contribute to the tree in Harrisburg for the holidays," said Tony Cianfichi of Scranton.
Some of these seniors say this activity put them in the holiday spirit, but it was more about the interaction than the decorating that they enjoyed.
"I'm having a really great time. It's really a good experience, and it's a good way to get out," said Buckas.
"It's a nice thing, and I wish there were more get-togethers like this that they can have," said Christine Cabets of Throop.
When the tree at the Capitol comes down for the season, the ornaments will be given back to the seniors who made them.