Brooklyn, 14, second from left, and Nolan, 12, with dad Brian, right, all of Winslow, visited with Santa and Mrs. Claus at Kringleville during the Christmas season. Photos by Central Maine Photography staff

by Mark Huard

Another magical season at Kringleville in the friendly city of Waterville has come to an end. The visitors seemed to be full of visions of Legos and hatchimals dancing in children’s heads, rather than sugar plums of old. The elves were certainly hard at work in the North Pole making toys for all the good little boys and girls. Elves, Cinnamon and Cinnamon Stick were busy at Kringleville in the cabin taking photos of folks who stopped to tell Santa what their Christmas wishes were. Though toys were quite popular, many children and adults visited to ask Santa for gifts for the less fortunate and for loved ones to be healthy. Many only asked that Santa would help make sure that their family had a good Christmas. The spirit of Christmas is truly alive in the hearts of many in the city of Waterville.

“Santa thanks the Children’s Discovery Museum for organizing the event this year, and to all of the volunteers, the elves, and Kringleville neighbors who made this season special.”

The polar bear, the gingerbread house and the train were a big hit. Santa also thanks the local businesses that sponsored Kringleville and who offered hot chocolate and warm mittens to those waiting in line. Your support made a tremendous difference to many. Santa appreciates Mrs. Claus traveling back and forth between the North Pole and Kringleville, so that she could be in Waterville every Sunday to talk with each person waiting to see Santa. While at the North Pole, Mrs. Claus has much cookie making to do for Santa and she oversees the toy making while Santa is at Kringleville. The deer also receive special attention from Mrs. Claus when Santa’s away.

Santa enjoyed spending time with all who visited him at Kringleville this season. Santa loves to share the stories of your visits with Mrs. Claus, and she enjoys sharing with Santa what you tell her while you wait to see him. Santa wants to share with you all, Santa had 1,150 good girls and boys visit him along with family and Kringleville raised $400 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Santa’s very own hand-painted ornaments will be on the Kringelville tree again next year to donate money to children who are not feeling well.

Santa wants everyone to keep in mind that Christmas isn’t something you should celebrate once a year. The spirit of Christmas should live in our hearts year round. So, take Santa’s advice and be good to your brothers and sisters, your friends and neighbors, and all whom you are with until Santa sees you again…That means mom and dad too! Remember, he knows if you’ve been bad or good, which makes a difference for his naughty or nice list. Santa and Mrs. Claus look forward to seeing you all next season when they arrive for the 2018 Parade of Lights. Keep Christmas in your heart!

Student musicians and actors from Colby College, in Waterville, performed at Jazz at Lincoln Center on December 6 as part of the college’s New York campaign launch celebration.

Kaylee Pomelow, of Canaan, was part of a group that performed selections from Lost With You for alumni and friends of the college at the event.

Emily Goulette, of Oakland, was part of a group that performed selections from Lost With You for alumni and friends of the college at the event.

Empire State Building in “Colby blue”

Lost With You is a musical written and produced by students that was workshopped with Broadway professionals last January at New York’s Ripley-Grier Studios.

The student performance was part of a larger New York event that included a lighting of the Empire State Building in “Colby Blue” and an appearance at the Nasdaq Stock Market by Colby’s President David A. Greene.

Dubbed “Dare Northward” to reflect the bold and unprecedented nature of the initiatives and priorities it will support, the $750-million campaign will make it possible for Colby to introduce transformational programs, build on already strong academic programs, improve access to a Colby education for deserving students from around the globe, and provide outstanding new facilities that support a multidisciplinary approach to learning and connect the college to the community beyond its campus.

The new officers of the Central Maine Square Dance Club are, from left to right, Claude Francke, Al Mather, Jeff Howes, Karen Cunningham, and Becky Potter. Contributed photo

The Central Maine Square Dance club of Waterville is having their monthly square dance on Sunday, December 10, from 2 – 5 p.m., at the Waterville Jr. High School, on Rte. 104 (West River Road). Again this year this dance is being promoted as our “Toyland Dance.” Each year the club encourages its members and guests to bring an unwrapped toy or article of clothing to be donated to the Maine Children’s Home for Little Wanderers, in Waterville.

Items needed by the home are, toys for boys and girls ages 3-12, complete outfits size 0-16 for boys and girls, infant and toddler VTech and Fisher Price Developmental, 500 piece Lego sets for bots and girls, ages 8-12, warm pajamas, sizes 0-16, reading books for all levels up to age 12. Snow pants, jackets, boots, mittens and gloves.

They are asking the general public if they would like to get involved with this endeavor, they could drop a gift off at the dance on Sunday, December 10, from 2 to 5 p.m., or call 447-0094 or 631-8816 to make arrangements for pick up.