×

Tree ornaments are ‘gift,’ message

Photos by Bertil Peterson The Westfield YWCA contribution to the “Hall of Trees” features handmade ornaments highlighting the achievements of 37 women from the 1800s to the present day. It is one of 16 trees on display through December at Patterson Library in Westfield.

WESTFIELD — In the 1930s, Grace Hopper stretched the boundaries for women by earning a PhD in mathematics and pioneering computer programming that was crucial to the Allied cause in World War II. She retired as a Navy rear admiral in 1986 at age 79.

On Oct. 29, 2012, 15-year-old Malala Yousafzai was shot in the face by the Taliban in her native Pakistan for advocating equal education opportunities for girls and women. Two years later, she became the youngest recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize.

Hopper, Yousafzai and 35 other women are being honored by the YWCA of Westfield’s Christmas tree titled “The Gifts That Women Bring.” Handmade ornaments by YWCA board member Roxan Peterson highlight famous and less well-known women for their efforts in such diverse areas as science and technology, public service, athletics, diplomacy, organized labor, civil rights, entertainment, art, literature and gender rights.

Executive Director Stephanie Stevens believes the theme of tree is particularly appropriate as the Westfield YWCA celebrates its 125th anniversary. She contributed an ornament emblazoned with the organization’s mission statement: “The YWCA is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.”

“Its important that we remember our mission and the women who led the way,” said Stevens. “Even though our mission has changed in some ways, its priority has remained the same: to empower women.”

Photo by Bertil Peterson Handmade ornaments on the Westfield YWCA tree show pictures of 37 pioneering women and descriptions of their contributions.

The handmade ornaments have faces on one side and brief descriptions of contributions on the back. Peterson drew inspiration from both the YWCA’s anniversary and the season of gift giving. Black Friday and Christmas have such an emphasis on material presents, she said, that cause her to consider all the intangible gifts available to us.

“I tried to capture the spirit of the organization in changing times, and how much we can learn from the challenges women faced in the past as we move forward,” said Peterson.

Acknowledging that not everyone will get a Ph.D. or win a Nobel Prize, Peterson believes “each of us has value and each of us has strengths.” As a result, Peterson used holiday recipe cards from her great-grandmother as ornaments on “The Gifts That Women Bring” tree. “Domestic and professional talents don’t have to be in conflict,” she said.

The creation is one of 16 trees decorated by individuals and organizations on display through December at Patterson Library in Westfield. Some of the organizations contributing to the third annual “Hall of Trees” include Westfield Community Kitchen, Northern Chautauqua Canine Rescue, Chautauqua County Historical Society, Lake Shore Center for the Performing Arts, Westfield Academy and Central School Key Club, Johnson Estate Winery and Patterson Library.

Board member Roxan Peterson, left, and Executive Director Stephanie Stevens look over the Westfield YWCA’s tree on display at Patterson Library. The theme of the tree is “The Gifts That Women Bring.”

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today