Sharing Tree to Light Up Holiday Season

The fifth annual lighting of the historic Norway Spruce “Sharing Tree” will kick off Plainfield's Holiday celebrations December 6 at 5 p.m. The tree is located in front of Central Elementary School at 110 Wabash Street in Plainfield facing Main Street. Weather permitting, the brief ceremony will include remarks about the tree and its purpose, as well as a program of carols sung by young performers from Clark's Creek Elementary, under the direction of Angie Swincher.

The tree lighting is sponsored by civic group Plainfield Plus, in cooperation with the Town, the Plainfield Chamber of Commerce, and Plainfield schools. Electrician Mark Elmore oversees the hanging of the lights, which are being provided by Mitch Haas of Mitch's Incredible Ace.

According to Plainfield Plus President Lynn Hopper, the Sharing Tree event is more than just a lighting ceremony: “The Sharing Tree celebration is also an opportunity to share our blessings with those less fortunate. This year the need is so much greater,” Hopper said, “with many in our community lacking not just toys and Christmas cheer, but food, too. We want to make sure they have what they need.”

Residents can help by donating cash and non-perishable food items at the event. These donations help support the Plainfield Police Emergency Fund for community families in crisis. Cash contributions can also be mailed to “Sharing Tree”, care of Plainfield Plus at P.O. Box 54, Plainfield, IN 46168. Monetary donations are tax deductible as allowable by law, and Hopper The “Sharing Tree” in front of Central Elementary awaits its December 6 lighting. noted that 100% of the money contributed goes directly to the Emergency Fund.

For more information, contact Hopper at 539-6248 or Plainfield Plus Treasurer Jean Davis at 839-9257.

Lighting and Decoration Contest to Showcase Residential Displays

Plainfield Plus is again sponsoring its annual home holiday lighting and decoration contest. Nominations for displays are due by December 15, with judging --- by judges from outside the Plainfield area --- to take place December 17. Certificates and yard signs will be awarded for First, Second and Third Place displays, as well as honorable mentions. Plainfield Plus President Lynn Hopper noted that this contest “celebrates the creativity, dedication, time and expense involved for those who proudly show their festive spirit and help brighten our community during the holidays.”

Any homeowner interested in participating should mail his or her name, address and phone number to Plainfield Plus at P.O. Box 54, Plainfield, IN 46168, or call Hopper at 539-6248 or Plainfield Plus Treasurer Jean Davis at 839-9257. Others can nominate a particular home and homeowner for recognition, but the application must include all requested information, and the homeowner must agree to participate. There is no cost to enter, but all entries must be received by December 15.

Sewer Rate Adjustment to Fund Facility Upgrades

Beginning with bills for February sewer usage, residents will notice an increase of approximately 12 cents per day. For a typical customer flushing 6,000 gallons per month, the new rate will be $29.01, reflecting an increase of $3.81 per month. According to Town Engineer Tim Belcher, the increase – necessary for facilities upgrades and compliance with related Environmental Protection Agency regulations – was held as low as possible due to the use of cash reserves versus financing for approximately one-quarter of the project's $22 million total cost. Belcher noted that the North Wastewater Treatment Plant on Center Street near the Town Garage will be updated, replacing 20 to 30 year-old equipment with more efficient and effective components. “We'll also be eliminating the Deer Path Wastewater Treatment Plant south of I-70 off SR 267,” Belcher said, “moving its functionality to other facilities, and in the process, saving about $60,000 a year in operating costs.” He added that “these projects will result in long-term energy savings, and enable us to reduce maintenance costs as well as the likelihood for adding future operations and maintenance staff.”

The projects are currently underway and are expected to be completed by September, 2010. For more information, contact Belcher at 839-2561, extension 218.