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Friday, December 24, 2021
Volume 17 • Issue No. 52
The Interesting History of Holiday Poinsettias NATIONWIDE Poinsettias are a wonderful worldwide holiday tradition. In fact, next to a Christmas tree, nothing else says Christmas quite like poinsettias. Displayed alone or in groups, they can add a festive splash of color to every décor. From a centerpiece on a holiday table to a miniature plant decorating the corner of an office desk, to a colorful hanging basket that can brighten any room, the poinsettia is the perfect holiday gift. So how did poinsettias become so popular at Christmas – and where do they come from? According to Mexican legend, a poor Mexican girl named Pepita
who could not afford a gift to offer to Christ on Christmas Eve picked some weeds from the side of a road. The child was told that even a humble gift, if given in love, would be acceptable in God’s eyes. When she brought the weeds into the church and laid them at the feet of the Christ child, they bloomed into red flowers with beautiful leaves, and the congregation felt they had witnessed a Christmas miracle. Poinsettias are native to the tropical forest at moderate elevations along the Pacific coast of Mexico and some parts of Guatemala. They are named after Joel Roberts Poinsett, the
first United States Ambassador to Mexico, who introduced the plant in the U.S. In 1825. The poinsettia was a gift to Presi-
dent John Quincy Adams for the White House from the Mexican government. Poinsettias have come a
Database of Christmas Tree Disposal Options YORK COUNTY In order to promote sustainable options for disposal of trees following the holidays, Ecomaine, the Portland-based recycling and waste management firm, has published an online tool with solutions and locations for tree drop-off or collection. “We wanted to come up with a way to stick to the solid
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THE KENNEBUNKS The Kennebunks know how to party… in all seasons! For the New Year, the holiday decorations are up and the beautiful seaside village is in snow, lights, and bright red bow for the last night of the year. New Year’s Eve is a fun, festive time to be out and about in Kennebunkport and Kennebunk. The 7th annual Wild Blueberry Drop (the local version of a
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65 member communities for residents to bring their tree and ensure it is chipped, mulched, or composted – or, in a small number of instances, municipali-
ties that offer curbside collection for trees. “While this list is not comprehensive for the entire state, it is a good start to promote read-
ily-available sustainable endings for a fairly common waste item at this time of year,” said Matt Grondin, Ecomaine’s Communications Manager. “We welcome additions to the database, to continue to increase similar solutions for this year and years to come.” Local options found on the site include: Eliot Transfer Station & Recycling Center, 468 Route 236, Eliot; The Kennebunkport Rotary Club offers a pickup for trees to be mulched, Beachwood Avenue, Kennebunkport; and the Kittery Transfer Station at 1 Mac Kenzie Lane, Kittery. The Sustainable Holiday Tree Disposal Map and list can be found at www.ecomaine.org.
New Year’s Fun in The Kennebunks!
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waste hierarchy and keep more waste out of Maine landfills,” said Katrina Bussiere-Venhuizen, one of Ecomaine’s Senior Environmental Educators, who established the tool. “A lot of times, trees are thrown away or burned, when they could be used again as wood chips or compost. We hope this tool is a win-win for residents and sustainability in Maine.” The tool is focused on providing information about places in Ecomaine’s more than
long way from their humble beginnings. For years only variations of red flowers were propagated and grown. But now there are hundreds of color varieties available ranging from traditional shades of red, pink and white to burgundy, peach, striped, flecked and hand-dyed varieties. Poinsettias are easy-going, and with proper care can last long past the holiday season. Just remember this plant is tropical and does not like the cold. It’s a wonderful plant for the holidays and makes a great Christmas present. Submitted by the Paul Parent Garden Club Newsletter (www.paulparent.com).
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Times Square ball drop) will be hosted at 9 p.m. for kids at Waterhouse Center, 55 Main St., Kennebunk with music by locals. The midnight ball drop will be at the United Universalist Church, 114 Main St., Kennebunk, descending from the church’s bell tower. The Waterhouse ice rink will be open 6-10 p.m. for skating. For a refreshingly good time, how about a New Year’s dip in the Atlantic? This year’s 21st
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Annual Atlantic Plunge “Freezin’ For A Reason” takes place on January 1 at 11 a.m. at Gooch’s Beach, Kennebunk. Registra-
tion is $25 per person. For more information and to register, go to www.caring-unlimited.org/ atlantic-plunge. Have you seen our
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FINANCE & CAREER 15
New Hampshire Newspaper? The Granite State Newspaper
Available at www.granitestatesentinel.com