Three samples of Plainfield's Holiday spirit

John Stewart, Jr., with guests at his Christmas Party.

This year's Christmas season in Plainfield offered samples of three of the perpetual strands in their celebration --

SERVICE TO OTHERS

New Democrats club prepared and served a meal for YMCA residents.

8-year-old Niajah Lawton prepared 100 gift bags for residents
(with a little help from her aunt Dee).

Residents of the YMCA enjoyed a home-cooked Holiday meal prepared and served by members and friends of Plainfield's New Democrats political club, who then joined as guests of the residents at dinner. (I made green beans and bacon, and I'm not even a cook.)

Besides the food, Niajah Lawton, 8-year-old niece of Dee Dameron, made up 100 Holiday gift bags for the residents (with a little help from her mom and her aunt Dee).

Councilor Adrian Mapp wrote up the event on his blog (see here).

ENJOYMENT OF THE SEASON

Councilors Mapp and Storch and their wives were among the guests.

John Stewart, Jr. and his partner Craig Bowman opened their magnificent West 8th Street home to a formal Christmas gathering. The glittering evening of tuxes, gowns and furs reminded all that the Holidays are a season to entertain friends and celebrate conviviality.

What better place to do it in than one of Plainfield's signature mansions, lovingly restored to its former grandeur?

For a selection of photos from the party, check out John's Facebook album here.

TENDING TO BUSINESS

Lastly, the Holidays are always an opportunity for business people to thank their customers and wish them well for the New Year.

This year, I especially enjoyed the Holiday party hosted by realtor Cynthia Alexander and her husband Jim Galvin.

Inviting both her buyers and her sellers, it was a marvelous opportunity to get a snapshot of Plainfield in transition, as oldtimers gathered for their last Plainfield Christmas (friends Susan and Steven sold their house, yay!). And to meet others who are settling in to their new homes and for whom this was an opportunity to meet and make new friends as they celebrate their first Christmas in Plainfield.

Thank you, Cynthia and Jim, for a wonderful time, and for connecting newcomers to oldtimers! All the best for the New Year!

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• Mapping It Out:  "Service is not what we get, it's what we give!"
• Facebook:  "John Stewart Jr's Christmas Party Album"
  

-- Dan Damon [follow]

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