By Nathan Hardin
nhardin@salisburypost.comFor Frank and Lisa Justin and the community of West Henderson Street, Christmas isn’t simply about the hoopla of gifts and food but about the illumination of Christmas spirit throughout their neighborhood.
Every night through Christmas night, the West Henderson community will light luminaries around the neighborhood for the appreciation and enjoyment of community spirit.
The luminaries continue on Ellis Street, Lake Drive, and around the lake at City Park.
The idea to set out luminaries originated with Doug Robinson, the Justins and several other neighbors, along with the community recreation complex. The bags, sand and money necessary for the project were all donated or constructed by the community.
Marcheta Luey, another West Henderson resident, explained the cause while lighting luminaries Tuesday evening.
“This is one way to say we’re united. Hopefully next year we can have functions and form an association,” Luey said.
The project to unite the community is headed by approximately 15 residents with up to 60 houses participating.
In a statement, the Justins said “sometimes … we forget to take a moment and remember what it means to be a neighbor. … We can speak for ourselves and say we are happy that we live on West Henderson Street. We are part of a community. We care what happens to each other.”
The luminaries are part of a plan to increase awareness of the need for sidewalks, crosswalks, and stop signs in the neighborhood.
“We hope everyone enjoys seeing what can be accomplished when you have community spirit,” the Justins wrote.