It Is a Far, Far Better Thing ... to Thank the Dickens Village Volunteers!

My Dear Residents of Maplewood,

It is on the strange convergence of a Leap Year and unnaturally warm winter weather that I’m permitted to share a few brief words with the people of Christmas future.

This year, I’ve chosen the good people of Maplewood for all the work they’ve done over the years to preserve the true spirit of the holidays — Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanza (such progress you’ve made!). I’m most pleased as well that Maplewood has chosen the Dickens Village as a recurring theme, a link to Christmases past, present and future.

Alas, as I’ve told in many stories of my time, the holidays may be celebrated by many but it is the few who are committed to sharing the seasonal charms with others.

So it is this year, before the 29th day of the month with 28, and because the winter has pretended to fade away, that I salute the people of Maplewood who last year made for all their neighbors and friends, the holidays come alive in Maplewood Village.

The , the guardian of all that is special and unique in your quaint space, has sought me out to speak to you today. And to that end, I say, “Happy, happy Christmas, that can win us back to the delusions of our childhood days, recall to the old man the pleasures of his youth, and transport the traveler back to his own fireside and quiet home!”

Thank you Maplewood! Prepare for 2012.

And thank you, Dickens Village 2011 Volunteers and Supporters:

• Tom Nevius – carpenter extraordinaire
• John Meade –
• Cathy Abrams
• Don Davenport
•                       
• Lorraine Labonne-Storch
• Mayor Vic DeLuca
• Vice-Mayor Kathy Leventhal
• Fire Chief Joseph Richardella
• Police Chief Robert Cimino
• Maplewood Garden Club
• DPW Director Eric Burbank
• The entire Dept. of Public Works
• Heather Kerns 
• The Morral Family
• Jane Folger –
• Jamie Ross
• County-to County Landscapers
• Hargrave-Kern Family
• Drew Bauman, Esq.
• Julie Doran
• Barbara Canace           
• The Collectives
• Girls Scout Troops 20718, 20898, 20635, 20869 and 20568
• Davenport Grandchildren
• Linda Kennedy        
• Elliot Schabses
• John & Beth Branigan
• Sandy D’Italia
• Geralyn Robinson
• Carol Petrallia
• Connie & Don Guida
• Lydia Lacey
• Nancy Painter
• Laureen Young
• Maplewood Garden Club
• Erin O’Mara
• Ann Jungvist
• Camille Esposito
• Rene Conlon
• Karen Duncan

With great respect and timeless sincerity,

Charles Dickens