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Friday, December 20, 2024 Volume 20 • Issue No. 51
Brick Store Museum Hosts “Nightcap Before Christmas” KENNEBUNK The Brick Store Museum invites family, friends, and neighbors to its annual holiday open house, “A Nightcap Before Christmas,” on Friday, December 20 from 4 to 7 p.m. There will be free admission to the museum, and guests are welcome to view the exhibits currently on view, including “Threads of Tradition: The Long History of Rug Hooking in Maine,” “Sea of Stories: History Through Art & Archives,” “Festival of Traditions: Kennebunk Immigrant Stories,” and “Timeless Play: Popular Toys Through
the Decades.” Guests will also be able to enjoy the Community Gingerbread House exhibition, now on view through Sunday, December 22. The public is welcome to arrive at any time during the open house and stay as long as they like. The evening will
be enhanced by music, sweet holiday treats, light appetizers, holiday shopping, and a choice of hot chocolate, prosecco, or a specialty holiday cocktail (for visitors 21 and over; ID required). See NIGHTCAP on page 12 . . .
Free Community Christmas Meals YORK COUNTY Kennebunk’s Community Harvest is offering their annual Noel Dinner on Christmas Eve Day, Tuesday, December 24. Meals are provided by delivery, with the option of curbside pickup available as well. The dinner has been a cherished tradition for more than two decades, providing a delicious, complimentary Christmas dinner to residents across Southern Maine. RSVP in advance is required; deadline is Friday, December 20. For more information and to reserve, visit www. communityharvestmaine.org/
noel-dinner or call 207-967-1911. The Ogunquit Fire Department is offering their annual Firehouse Christmas Dinner on Christmas Day, Wednesday, December 25, from 12 to 2 p.m. The public is invited to enjoy a free Christmas dinner, courtesy of the Fire Department. Come enjoy a warm meal and some company on Christmas Day! RSVP is required so that the Fire Department can get an accurate head count for the dinner. For more information and to RSVP, email Chief Osgood at firechief@ogunquit.gov or call 207-646-5112.
Ownership of Steedman Woods to Pass to Town of York YORK At the May 6 meeting of the York Select Board, the Old York Historical Society (OYHS), in partnership with the York Land Trust (YLT), proposed transferring ownership of Steedman Woods, a 17-acre property currently owned by OYHS, to the Town of York. As stated in the original proposal, OYHS would receive no financial payment for the transfer. The Town would assume ownership of the land, and YLT would receive a conservation easement from the Town to ensure the property remains protected from development and
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degradation. With input from the York Parks and Recreation Department (YPRD), the easement outlined appropriate uses and care for the property. The proposal also recommended establishing a YPRD working group for Steedman Woods, including representatives from OYHS and YLT, along with volunteers and others. The proposal received a positive reception from Select Board members. Town staff further reviewed the proposal with OYHS and YLT, and developed language for a warrant article to
STATEWIDE Snow in New England can be a beautiful sight as it glistens on the lawn, decorates tree limbs, and adds a sense of wonder to the holidays. It can come as a blessing for skiers, plow drivers, and kids excited for a school-free snow day. But for postal letter carriers and other delivery personnel, winter weather can be a nightmare. City walkways, wet leaves, rakes, toys, or other trip hazards hidden under the snow can cause injury to a carrier trying to navigate the path to the mailbox. Keeping the walkway clear of snow, ice, and other obstacles not only helps protect postal carriers making deliveries, but also
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voted to maintain the causeway to the property and to historic Wiggly Bridge. In exchange for maintenance of the causeway and bridge, York residents were granted a permanent easement to traverse the land from then owner C. Richard Steedman. In
See WOODS on page 4 . . .
Keeping Carriers Safe During the Season
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be considered by voters in the November 2024 election. Over the past year, OYHS and YLT evaluated strategies for the long-term sustainability of Steedman Woods. The property had served as a public park since 1966, when York residents
1978, Steedman gave the property to the former Old York Historical and Improvement Society, specifying that the 17 acres be a “preservation area for the use and enjoyment of the inhabitants of York.” The 1978 deed restrictions prevented Steedman Woods from being developed for any purpose other than as a nature reserve with pedestrian pathways. They also prohibited activities such as camping, picnicking, swimming, and the use
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helps homeowners avoid potential insurance claims or lawsuits from slip-and-fall injuries on their property. Similarly, if a home is serviced by a curbside mailbox, it is the homeowner’s responsibility to maintain a clear path to and from the box. Letter carriers are committed to delivering to every address every day, as long as it remains safe to do so. By creating a safe environment, the community can help ensure the mail keeps moving and that letter carriers return home safely at the end of the day. The United States Postal Service, on behalf of its more than 660,000 postal employees
Health & Fitness
A section concerning your health . . .
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nationwide, wishes all a “Joyous Holiday Season and a Happy and Healthy New Year.” The United States Postal Service is an independent federal establishment, mandated to be self-financing and serve every American community by delivering mail and packages to 169 million addresses, six or seven days a week. Overseen by a bipartisan Board of Governors, the Postal Service is implementing “Delivering for America,” a 10-year transformation plan to modernize its network, restore financial sustainability, and improve service. The Postal Service receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and funds its opera-
tions through the sale of postage, products, and services. For more information, visit www.usps.com and www.facts. usps.com.
home & garden Tour Our Giant
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featuring guest columnist
Cheryl Farley
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