From the Editor
Last week was a whirlwind of festivities, gatherings, and celebrations. As I look back, my heart is full of love and gratitude for the friends, family, and neighbors that have filled my life.
Our second annual ‘Christmas at the Mansion’ holiday market and festival was a resounding success. After an unexpected rescheduling due to the weather, I am thankful to report that Saturday’s festivities went off without a glitch. Bob and I are deeply grateful for everyone who made ‘Christmas at the Mansion’ possible. The Somers Mansion is a historical treasure that Bob and I are passionate about shining a light on.
I found that throughout the event, many attendees and friends begged the question, “why?” They wanted to know why the Somers Mansion and this event were so important to us. The question gave us an opportunity to pause and reflect.
As Atlantic County’s oldest building, all the history in the county can be traced back to that 300-year-old property. Yet on Saturday, many attendees remarked that they have lived in the area all their lives, but never knew about or have been inside or on the grounds of the Somers Mansion.
The non-profit organization, The Patriots of the Somers Mansion formed in 2018 with the intentions of preserving the site, encouraging heritage tourism, and expanding opportunities for locals and tourists to learn about Atlantic County’s oldest building. The Patriots work tirelessly to bring recognition and revitalization to the mansion.
We believe in their mission and are proud to assist. More than 700 people toured the Somers Mansion during Saturday’s festivities. It was the first time inside the building for most of them. Later this week, we will present a check with the proceeds from the Saturday’s event to the Patriots of the Somers Mansion with the hope that it will assist in the restoration of the building and property.
Throughout the day of the event, I felt a sense of camaraderie amongst the organizers. The day was cold and filled with hours of physical labor, all outdoors. However, it was the laughter, friendship, and sense of purpose that kept us warm. We saw so many familiar faces, including friends, neighbors, and co-workers in the community.
Before I got in my car at the end of this long day, I looked back and was reminded of a quote from a favorite Christmas movie, “It’s a Wonderful Life.”
“No man is a failure who has friends,” George Bailey’s angel, Clarence, told him. The 1946 film is packed with valuable life lessons. My favorites are the ones that focus on the value of friendship, and how each of our lives impacts others in ways we may not even realize. In the end, many came together to help George Bailey in his time of need, and he is made aware of how many lives he has touched.
“Each man’s life touches so many other lives, and when he isn’t around, he leaves an awful hole, doesn’t he?” says George Bailey’s angel, Clarence, as he points out that without George around, so many things would have been different.
Like a kaleidoscope, one small turn can alter the entire picture. Life is full of twists and turns, and we are constantly challenged to pivot and readjust. It’s through those life changes that we are reminded that even when the going gets tough, we are always exactly where we are meant to be.
I love the holidays – the movies, the music, the colors and lights, the traditions, and feelings of nostalgia, and most of all, the coming together of family and friends. I’m reminded that it’s really not about the gifts but rather the relationships, smiles, laughter, and memories we create together. It really is a wonderful life!
Wishing you and your family a blessed holiday season!
Peace & Love,
Cindy
