Holiday House Tour offers good getaway from bad news
Keep living your life. That’s the message for today although It’s difficult writing about something positive in the City of Trenton, particularly after another violent day that witnessed the execution murder of a 19-year-old girl.
Thank God for events that allow for separation, at least for several hours although my heart hurts when anyone, gang member or police officer, drug dealer or drug addict, etc. has their lives snuffed out by someone or when they perish by their own hands.
Is it possible to segue into the 52nd Mill Hill Holiday House Tour after such a dire lead? Hope so, although it’s really important that people know where I stand on this extremely solemn day.
House Tour Chairperson, Greg Rollins, changed the mood with discussions about inclusivity in a Mill Hill neighborhood that attracts attention “as being very insular, although that’s not the case,” he added.
“This year’s theme is our stories our homes. Yes, the Tour highlights holiday decorations but we wanted to connect with the diversity of our neighborhoods and the variety of architectural style of homes. We made an effort to connect with people who had not been on the Tour previously. This is really about neighborhood building, like-minded people who want to change the image of Trenton. Our Tour cuts across race, gender, religion, economics — all issues.”
Rollins identified a “new energy” that has attracted established residents willing to join the Tour, “plus, an influx of new residents who were more than happy to be part of this tradition. It wasn’t a hard sell. We’re seeking partnerships, knowing that Trenton can be a place for everyone to raise a family, celebrate diversity and enjoy their lives. We believe in bridge building.”
The Mill Hill Holiday House Tour stands as a Greater Mercer Region holiday tradition as homeowners deliver incredible decorations, even allow guests to step inside and enjoy the festive atmosphere. Entitled “Our Homes — Our Lives”, the Tour highlights diversity and the attempt to construct a vibrant, inclusive neighborhood.
The Saturday, December 1 event lasts from 12 p.m. until 5 p.m. as approximately 22 homes, plus the Grant Chapel AME Church and Passage Theater, open their doors for holiday celebrations. The Tour begins at Artworks, located at 19 Everett Alley and South Stockton Street.
Tickets for the Mill Hill Holiday House Tour are $15.00 (In Advance) and $20.00 (Day Of). Advanced sale tickets can be purchased online and at ticket locations that are listed at www.trentonmillhill.org. The proceeds of the tour help fund the Old Mill Hill Society Neighborhood Restoration Grant program that aids property owners in restoring and maintaining the landmark and historic features of the neighborhood.
The Society noted that, “While the streetscape in Mill Hill presents a unified façade of row houses, inside you’ll find that every property is stunningly unique. During the neighborhood’s on-going restoration process, the interiors of many of Mill Hill’s properties have been restored to period perfect detail, while others have developed into modern, sometimes sleek, often open, but always inspiring spaces: two story dining rooms, balconies overlooking open living rooms... In these 19th century houses, the juxtaposition of old and new melds seamlessly into one.
Rollins said, “The neighborhood is already abuzz in preparation for our guests. Tour day affords us the opportunity to showcase our community, share our history and architecture, and offer warm hospitality while ushering in the holiday season. We can’t wait to welcome visitors to our homes in Mill Hill and share our stories.”
Jennifer Williams, publicist for the Mill Hill Holiday House Tour, listened to my explanation about how tough it is to remain positive in a city that seems incredibly detached from reality of a young woman’s life lost, taken, executed. She’s going to be placed in a coffin and lowered into a hole or to have her ashes thrown into the cold wind whips around Trenton.
Rollins called back after an initial conversation that produced personal heartache and an admission that being or feeling sunny in Trenton offers challenges when one understands that two armed men produced an execution-style murder of Shaela Johnson. Near tears (in a wonderfully empty and safe newsroom), we pressed forward although Rollins noted we could talk later.
Rollins asked if a fund of some sort will be established to support the family of the deceased woman, perhaps to offset funeral costs.
“If so, we would love to help in that way, maybe collect donations during the Tour,” Rollins noted.
Kudos and heartfelt thanks to Rollins, Williams and Mill Hill for this gesture. We must build bridges, share hurt and experience the joy of diversity and celebrate all triumphs together if Trenton has any hope of reaching its real potential.
For more information on the 52nd Annual Mill Hill Holiday House Tour, please visit www. trentonmillhill.org.