A Very Cheery Christmas Open House at the Edgecomb Congregational Church is coming on Saturday, Dec. 14, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., centering on an opulent Corn & Shrimp Chowder Luncheon, accompanied by Christmas cookies and baked goods. Nativity scenes will be on display, and many hand crafted items for everyone's stockings at your fireplaces.

At 3 p.m. will be the Telling of Christmas Stories for all Ages, followed at 4:30 p.m. by the Lighting of the Christmas Lights. Sounds grand! If you've picked up your local newspapers on Wednesday, or have unusually early mail delivery, rush up to Spectrum Generations Coastal Community Center, 521 Main Street, Damariscotta, to grab a wedge of chef Jim Brown's artichoke quiche or chicken-spinach pasta bake, each with a salad on the side. Starting at 11 a.m., there’s a price discount if you bring a handmade ornament for the Meals on Wheels Christmas tree.

Works by local artists will be available for your Christmas shopping, and a program of poetry by George Van Deventer will round out the fun. Call 207-563-1363 in case you can still reserve quiche and/or pasta bake. Or go with hope in your hearts, and a tree ornament? Pre-Kindergarten at the Edgecomb Eddy School is still under consideration. If interested in sending your pre-schoolers to such a facility, please call Lisa Clarke, dean of students, at 207-882-5515. The earlier start to education the better, and the more students, the merrier! Bravo to Schatzi, Number One sales dog, and Karen Okie, who hosted Sheepscot River Pottery's benefit sale for the Lincoln County Animal Shelter last weekend.

Bravo also to Suzi Thayer who is currently exhibiting her paintings at the Red Cup Coffeehouse in Boothbay Harbor. From yours truly, a big bravo to Russell Sirois, who has bought the Edgecomb Baptist Church, with accompanying cemetery. I do not understand the town's reluctance to take on the cemetery (I have been told several times, by several persons, but ...) and I applaud Mr. Sirois' venture.

Seeking out a suitable yule log and evergreen boughs to deck the halls of 234 River Road, 207-633-2978, and jocam@tidewater.net.