Holiday Message Tree: A Way to Bring Them Home

By Susan Bush
12:00AM / Wednesday, November 23, 2005

Adams residents may remember loved ones by decorating a "Holiday Magical Message Tree" at Town Hall.

Adams – Whether separated by distance or death, town residents may remember loved ones this holiday season by placing an ornament on a Town Hall holiday tree.

The “Holiday Magical Message Tree” will be ready for decorating beginning Sun. Nov. 27 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.. After Sunday, town residents will be able to add an ornament to the tree from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mon.-Fri.. The Town Hall is at 8 Park St..

Ornaments may be homemade or purchased but should host the name of a loved one or a message to a specific individual. A “Magical Message Book” will be available for written messages as well.

Francie Sagendorph of North Summer St. brought the idea of a message tree to Town of Adams Events Committee members Mara Wooley and Selectmen’s Chairwoman Myra Wilk. Wilk and Wooley liked the idea and presented the plan to other committee members, Sagendorph said during a Nov. 23 interview.

“I’d heard from a friend of mine about a tree in Pittsfield that is done in memory,” Sagendorph said. “I mentioned it to Myra Wilk and Mara Wooley and they thought it was a great idea.”

Sagendorph said that she will be placing a dragonfly ornament on the tree in memory of her brother Jack Wojtaszek, who died about four years ago.

“It’s tough around the holidays when you’ve lost someone,” she said. “This is a way to remember somebody, to let people share and see that they are not alone with their loss. I’m hoping that people come out for this. I’m hoping people appreciate it."

"It seems like so many people have lost somebody and this is a nice way to remember everyone. And it’s good for people who have loved ones who are away, especially with so many people overseas. It’s a way to bring them home.”

Susan Bush may be reached via e-mail at suebush@iberkshires.com or 802-823-9367.