Marie Angell took a thick piece of chalk, found a blank spot on the large chalkboard wall and started to slowly scrawl a message.
She crafted a message that went along with the theme “As I Age,” reflecting on honesty and the love of God and His son.
On Friday, she and other residents of the Bradford Ecumenical Home Inc. took part in the dedication ceremony of the “As I Age” Wall, this year set up along West Washington Street in Bradford outside of Northwest Bank.
“Each May, our nation celebrate Older Americans Month,” Lisa Johnson, CEO of the Bradford Ecumenical Home Inc., said in a prepared statement. “The Administration of Community Living selected the 2017 theme, Age Out Loud, to give aging a new voice –– one that reflects what today’s older adults have to say. This theme shines a light on many important trends. More than ever before, older Americans are working longer, trying new things and engaging in their communities. They’re taking charge, striving for wellness, focusing on independence and advocating for themselves and others.”
That brings about the perfect chance to recognize and celebrate what growing older looks like nowadays, Johnson said. Today, more than 47.8 million people are 65 and older in the United States, amounting to 14.9 percent of the total population.
“In Pennsylvania, we are fortunate to have so many older Americans who richly contribute to our community,” Johnson said.“We are fortunate to live in a state that provides opportunities that enrich the lives of individuals of all ages by involving older adults in the redefinition of aging in our communities; helps them share their experiences and knowledge; and promotes home-based and community-based services that support independent living and encourage older adults to speak up for themselves and for others.”
State Rep. Martin Causer, R-Turtlepoint, said that the state House of Representatives, the state Senate and Gov. Tom Wolf recognize May as Older Americans Month. A top priority for him in his several years of public service has been senior citizens, Causer said.
Aging carries a different meaning today, Johnson said.
“Today, aging is about eliminating outdated programs and living the way that suits you best,” she said.
Tony DeBock, board chairman at the Bradford Ecumenical Home Inc., also offered a few words at the ceremony. He reflected on his mother and how she impacted his life.
“As I age, I hope I have the courage, fortitude and sense of humor my mother had,” he said. “She passed away in late February 2011 at the age of 91. Even in her last few days she … showed remarkable courage and humor. God bless you, Mom. You make me very proud, and I hope I do as well as you did as I age.”
Johnson said the older folks have left a legacy for others and a path for individuals to follow.
And little did Angell know she’d be leaving a legacy of her own that day. She said she did not realize the wall was already up.
The aging wall began last year at the Bradford Family YMCA. This year’s wall is in partnership with the United Way of the Bradford Area and Northwest Bank and is at another section of the city.
After the ceremony, World War II hero Elmer Delucia put a message on the large wall, too –– “As I age, I learn every day…”
Officials say that passersby can also write a message on the wall. The wall will continue to be up through this month.
About 20 residents from the Bradford Ecumenical Home Inc. attended the event. The Rev. Rob Klouw of the Presbyterian Church, gave the invocation and benediction.
