When Chris Henry, a regular attendee at the Phoenixville Area Senior Center, arrived at the venue for their yearly The Irish Wake gathering two years ago, she was taken aback.
“I was surprised to see the mayor of Phoenixville lying in a casket,” Henry recounted. “It was unexpected.”
The event, which is designed to spark conversations about end-of-life preparations in a light-hearted manner, features Mayor Peter Urscheler portraying a deceased individual among other actors.
Joann McCracken, the center’s development director, described the event as a blend of entertainment and education. She emphasized that addressing end-of-life topics can often be anxiety-inducing, and the event aims to make these discussions more approachable and less daunting.
Most participants dress in green attire for the occasion, with some even opting for kilts to embrace the Irish theme.
This year’s Irish Wake event, scheduled for March 21 at 5 p.m., will include a dinner, entertainment like Irish dancing and bagpiping, a sing-along session, and a resource fair. The center anticipates around 100 attendees, including 30 professionals offering insights on various topics such as financial planning, insurance, and end-of-life services.
The evening starts with an Irish meal featuring cottage pie, salad, Irish soda bread, and beer, sponsored by Helping Hands Warming Hearts, an organization based in Philadelphia that provides home health services to seniors.
Following dinner, the McGough Irish Dance Academy from West Chester will perform traditional Irish dances, adding to the festive atmosphere. Attendees are encouraged to don green attire to fully immerse themselves in the event.
Attendees can participate in a fun activity where they can earn a chip for a special Irish whiskey drink and dessert by making the mayor laugh with a joke. This tradition of storytelling and humor is a nod to Irish customs surrounding wakes.
In addition to the entertainment, there will be an information session where attendees can interact with businesses offering services related to end-of-life planning. The atmosphere is relaxed, allowing individuals to gather materials and explore them at their own pace.
The event aims to underscore the importance of proactive planning for end-of-life scenarios. McCracken stressed the significance of making such preparations akin to how one plans for other life events like retirement, emphasizing the value of having wills, healthcare directives, and designated advocates in place.
Planning ahead enables individuals to outline their preferences for burial, medical care, and legacy distribution, ensuring that their wishes are honored. McCracken highlighted the array of options available for end-of-life arrangements, underscoring the need for clear communication and documentation to guide family members.
The Irish Wake at Phoenixville Area Senior Center is a community event open to individuals aged 21 and above, taking place on March 21 from 5 to 8 p.m. Tickets are priced at $30, with proceeds supporting the center’s programs and activities. Registration is mandatory, and interested individuals can secure their spots by visiting the center’s website. RSVPs are required by March 18. For additional details, visit the website or contact 610-935-1515.