VINTON–Virginia’s Executive Mansion has asked localities throughout the state to “show Virginia your local pride and holiday spirit” by sending an ornament for the holiday tree which “uniquely represents their community.”

The theme for the 2015 Holiday Tree is “Celebrating Virginia’s Localities.”

The Virginia Municipal League (VML) has assisted in collecting ornaments from cities and towns across the Commonwealth for the tree which will go on display in the mansion’s ballroom.

The tree will be on view to the public throughout the season and seen by thousands of visitors to the mansion.

Each locality was allowed to submit one ornament. The VML suggested depicting something unique and specific to the Vinton region or community. Handcrafted ornaments were encouraged.

This project had the name of Vinton’s Executive Assistant and Town Clerk Susan Johnson written all over it. Crafting is her favorite hobby in the little spare time she has left after an extremely busy schedule lately in the Town Manager’s office and time spent with her grandsons.

“I thought this would be a wonderful opportunity to use my hobby to show off the town,” said Johnson.

The ornament is an 83 cm plastic ball which Johnson filled with shredded cardstock. She applied a cut-out of the “In Vinton” logo to the outside and then sealed it with Mod Podge and finished up with a satin ribbon.

“I have made a lot of these ornaments and have filled them with cut up wedding invitations and birth announcements,” said Johnson. “They make nice keepsake gifts.”

The Executive Mansion officially opens for the holidays on Friday, December 4, with a Capitol Tree Lighting and Open House for the public. The tree may be viewed that night as well as during tour hours throughout the holidays.