I love Christmas time in our Plaza and clearly I’m not alone. The annual lighting ceremony the Saturday before Thanksgiving kicked it off with lots of music, dancing and great food and beverages. The palm tree lights were turned on and everybody present could bask in the glow of the lights displayed all around the square.
This event is followed by the “Lights of Remembrance on Dec. 3 during which community members gather in the Plaza in memory of loved ones who have died. 3 Jaw Self Centering Chucks
Over my lifetime in Sonoma, community leaders have made this holiday season special. It is a time when I’m reminded of seasons past and the people I knew who made it special. Some of my most prized memories are captured in older black and white photos including three that are very special.
The first is of Sonoma Valley’s three “Christmas Angels,” Adele Harrison, Jerry Casson and Peggy McAleese, all three of whom were instrumental in the founding and sustaining of F.I.S.H., Vintage House and the Christmas basket project. For as far back as I can remember they made sure the less fortunate in our Valley of the Moon were not forgotten at Christmas. Their legacy lives on.
The second photo was of my dear friend David Lumpy Williams, Sonoma Valley’s favorite Santa, who arrived in our Plaza on a fire truck on the first Friday of every December, then spent the entire month making sure that everyone, especially the elderly and infirm, got a visit from Saint Nick. Lumpy died in 2012. He was only 61. I know that he would’ve loved the new lights and holiday spirit that exists here today.
The third photo was of the Plaza Crèche. This life-sized manger scene was a prominent Christmas feature every December. The local ministerial association moved it off the Plaza in 1990 to avoid any conflict over religious symbols on public property.
R8 Emergency Collet Christmas in Sonoma has always had its special symbols, moments and the people who made them happen.