Martha Stewart to dedicate aging clinic

Martha Stewart says she chose the bonsai as the symbol of a geriatric center that bears her name because of the tree's longevity.

"With the proper care and nurturing, a bonsai tree can live for well over a hundred years," Stewart said in a statement.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Martha Stewart Center for Living at Mount Sinai Medical Center was set to take place Tuesday.

Stewart, 66, donated $5 million for the outpatient clinic in Manhattan, which she is dedicating to her 93-year-old mother, Martha Kostyra.

Stewart said she wanted the center, which is expected to open in November, to encourage older patients to "embrace a healthier lifestyle."

"We all want to live for many, many years but it's important to have a good quality of life, too," she said.

The home decorating diva worked closely with C.C. Pei, the son of I.M. Pei, on the center's design, personally selecting the earth-tone color schemes and stone flooring.

Stewart is the founder of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia Inc., a multimedia empire dedicated to stylish living.

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