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| Vol.25, No. 11 | Jan. 21, 2000 |
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| Vol.25, No. 11 | Jan. 21, 2000 |
By Jason Hollander
Columbia's last holiday season of the 20th century, easily the most heralded in recent history, proved to be peaceful and festive from start to finish.
Many neighborhood houses of worship, including St. Paul's Chapel, offered traditional concerts and religious services. Along Broadway, there was a little less room for pedestrians as sidewalk vendors displayed Christmas trees and the scent of pine replaced exhaust in the air.
On Claremont Ave., residents of the block continued a tradition now 61 years old: Christmas Eve carolling.
More than 40 spirited neighbors braved the brisk night of Dec. 24 and joined to make a circle in front of 29 Claremont Ave., where carollers held songbooks and candles, and sang in harmony under the evening sky. Participants said they relish the opportunity to take part in this "small town event" that has survived several generations on their street in New York City.
"I think it's wonderful," said resident Paula Franklin. "It gives you such a strong sense of community seeing so many different people outside together."
Luther Kriefall, Columbia's Lutheran chaplain and former event organizer, agreed. "Our world has become very individualistic," he said. "We've lost a lot of the things that used to make up a community. It's very important that these things be preserved."
Betty Jemmott, former Secretary of the University, lives on Riverside Drive and has been attending the event for many years. She considers it one of the best opportunities for seeing old friends. "You all work at the University, but this is a different sort of time where you can see people you know and just enjoy yourself," she said. "A lot of people bring their sons, daughters and grandchildren. It's very pleasant."
Dave Sisu, superintendent of buildings 15 through 35 on Claremont Ave., can be credited with having personally taken the initiative to illuminate the street every holiday season for the past five years. He and his staff hang lights on every residential entrance and adorn the doors with wreaths and greens.
"I like to help people get in the spirit," said Sisu. "This was the way I grew up. I think this time of year should be something special."
Meanwhile, campus itself was quiet on Christmas, but many employees reported back on Dec. 31 to ensure that the millennium arrived smoothly. Approximately 200 staff members, including computer technicians, administrators, security guards and facilities personnel were on campus well past 1 a.m. on New Year's Day.
Despite three years of preparation by the "Year 2000 Readiness Program," concern for possible Y2K computer malfunctions demanded extra attention to any technological or safety hazards that could arise.
"Everyone was geared up for what became a non-event," said George Smartt, director of security.
More than 1,300 students, guests included, were registered to stay in their dorm rooms on New Year's Eve. Many left campus to celebrate and returned well after midnight for their first night's sleep of the new century.