The culmination of Lincolnville’s trio of town events occurred Saturday with the Beach Bonfire. I say three, because these are the ones that most resonate with my nostalgic brain, though I am sure there are other events that are as significant to you. June brings the UCC Strawberry Festival in the Center, August the LIA’s Blueberry Wing Ding at the Beach. As the days grow dark, I believe we really need the Beach Bonfire, a moment of joy and light to steel ourselves for the cold months ahead. Something our summer residents can only experience from afar via social media.

Thanks to an incredibly generous community, the Beach Bonfire nonprofit was able to secure funding for its incorporation, insurance, and to pay off the debt owed to Christmas by the Sea for several years of advertising our little town event, with funds left over to ensure that it can continue as a legitimate event. I am not sure if Robert and George Graham, who have been suggested as possible early founders, would be proud or not. I remember those boys as being sort of outlaws.

By noon, the pile of pallets and brush had been stacked as high as ever by Boy Scout Troop 200, and a few adult volunteers. As always, Scout Leader Ed Hurlburt made his way to the top to pose sitting in a discarded wooden chair. He made it down safely, but it was suggested that this may double as a first aid lesson for the scouts should things go awry. 

Following our period of drought this year, the wood caught quickly when touched off by Andy Young at 3:30 p.m., the heat of it pushing the crowd back.

The Lincolnville Improvement Association had set up a table with cookies and hot chocolate, raising funds for their yearly scholarships. The Beach Store did a brisk business of slinging out pizzas. I do miss the days when you could grab a post bonfire beverage at the Whale’s Tooth. Maybe by next year, someone will restart the old pub. We can hope.

At 4:30 p.m. sharp, the sound of a siren interrupted the caroling, as Shawn Surbey of the Lincolnville Volunteer Fire Department arrived at the beach parking lot bearing Santa Claus and a couple of his faithful elves, to greet the packs of children, and more than a few adults.

Luminaries lit the way up Beach Road to the Lincolnville Historical Society Christmas Party, at the old school house. Santa made his way up here, where more cookies and warm beverages were on offer.

Small groups lingered at the beach through the evening, as the pile of wood reduced to embers, eventually covered with sand and seawater. Later, a rolling magnet will be deployed to remove any nails and staples from the beach.

So many local businesses helped support this year’s fire, and I am sure I will miss several. But I’d like to offer our gratitude to BPM Tree Service, Young’s Construction, Greens Tree Service, Dots, Western Auto, Greentree Coffee, Central Exterminating, the Lincolnville Business Group, and all the individual contributors from here and away. The Beach Bonfire board is already planning for next year.

A Wish for Santa – Henry Boivin’s Store

Nancy Pike lives at 287 Beach Road, which some long term residents may remember as the site of Henry Boivin’s convenience store. Was it the Bald Rock Market?

I have it on authority that she had one request from Santa Claus when she met him at the Lincolnville Historical Society Saturday evening. She is seeking more information about the business that started in what is now her home, especially any old photos. Not an easy request for Santa’s elves to put together, but the LHS is the appropriate place to ask it.

Can any old timers in the community help Santa with this one? The store was, to the best of my memory, open in the early 1980s, and not to be confused with Burn’s Buttery, which stood across the street a few years earlier. Reach out to me at ceobrien246@gmail.com with any memories, or better yet, photos.

Staying Neighborly on the Roads

With Route 1/Atlantic Highway under construction for much of the year, the back roads of Lincolnville have seen increased traffic, and there seems to be some consternation about the speed at which some have been taking these detours.

Of course I would like to say that these are all people From Away — that is neighboring towns who lack the manners of those of us from Lincolnville — but I still feel the need to put out a reminder to be mindful of your speed through town.

As someone who walks his difficult little dog every morning, some of you are hammering down a bit harder than is advisable on our narrow roads. The morning “rush hour” down Beach Road to the ferry in the summer can be a little intense. Maybe wake up a minute or two earlier to catch the boat.

While I am at it, keep your trash in your vehicle. My little Bella is always happy when some one chucks a half eaten breakfast sandwich out their window, but I am sick of fighting to wrestle napkins and the like out of the steel trap of her jaws. 

When you are behind the wheel of your vehicle, try to treat your neighbors with the same respect you would in person. Maintain the speed limit, don’t consume “road sodas”, smile and wave. It’s Lincolnville. You don’t need to be in such a dang hurry.

Carols in the Round at Lincolnville UCC:

The Mount View Chamber Singers will once again come to the Lincolnville UCC, 18 Searsmont Road, Sunday, December 14, with doors open at 3:30 p.m. for a 4 p.m. start. The performance will consist of a capella renditions of classic British, European, and North American carols, presented without applause from the audience, and therefore may not be appropriate for very young g children. Admission is free, but donations to support this talented youth group are welcome.

It is cold, there is snow on the ground, and I think we are going to get one of Don French’s Christmas Trees today. Thank you Lincolnville, for making the bonfire such a success. After the span of seasons, I look forward to next year. Bake some cookies, keep the wood stove stoked. Let me know your thoughts at ceobrien246@gmail.com.

Municipal Calendar

Monday, December 8

Recreation Commission, 6 p.m., Town Office

Select Board, 6 p.m. Town Office

Tuesday, December 9

Library open 3-6 p.m. 208 Main Street

AA Meeting 12:15 p.m., Community Building, 18 Searsmont Road

Wednesday, December 10

Library Open, 2-5 p.m., 208 Main Street

Thursday, December 11

Library open 2-5 p.m., 208 Main Street

AA Meeting, 7 p.m., Lincolnville Historical Society, 33 Beach Road

Conservation Commission, 4 p.m., Town Office

Friday, December 12

AA Meeting 12:15 p.m., Community Building, 18 Searsmont Road

Library open 9-12, 208 Main Street

Waldo County Budget Public Hearing, 6 p.m., Commissioners Courtroom, 39B Spring Street, Belfast

Saturday, December 13

Library open 9-12, 208 Main Street

Beach Bonfire, 4 p.m. Lincolnville Beach

Sunday, December 14

United Christian Church, 9:30 a.m. Worship and Children’s Church, 18 Searsmont Road

Bayshore Baptist Church, 10 a.m. Sunday School for All Ages, 10:40 a.m. Coffee and Baked Goods, 11:00 a.m. worship, 2648 Atlantic Highway