Common Folk Farm open house, Christmas tea

If you are trying to support your community’s economy by buying locally, here’s an opportunity to visit a family farm and enjoy all the beauty and “homemade spirit” of the holiday season. The fragrance of spices and balsam fills the air as you enter the historic farmhouse at Common Folk Farm at Kimball’s Corner in Naples. The farm is a nationally known organic farm supplying L.L. Bean, museums and botanic gardens throughout the country. Co-owner Betsey-Ann Golon (Betz) is herbalist to the Shaker Community and George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens in Virginia. Her love of history and herbs has created a 20-year-old business that employs family and friends. During December, the farm will be open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on two weekends, Dec. 11-12 and 18-19. Christmas teas from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. will be served on Dec. 10, 15 and 17. Tea is by reservation only at a cost of $20. Each three-course tea will follow a theme based on symbols of the season: the pine bough, a snowflake and a star. Take a break from the stress and enjoy a nostalgic trip to an old New England Christmas. Common Folk Farm Herbs is easily reached by taking Route 302 into Naples to Lake House Road. At the top of Lake House Road, take a left on to Kimball Corner Road.

The farm is a yellow Colonial directly across from the Reinhard Farm sign.

Chinese auction

The Sebago Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce Annual Chinese and Holiday Auction takes place on Sunday, Dec. 5, at the Naples Town Hall gym. Preview begins at 11 a.m. with the auctioning starting at 1 p.m. There will be food available. This is one of the best auctions around. Those in the know go to this auction to get some great bargains and a jump start on holiday shopping. Donations and volunteers are needed! Contact the chamber at 892-8265 or [email protected].

Complimentary meals

If you are in need of a warm meal served with a warm heart, look no further. The kind people of the Naples Methodist Church and Cross Walk Community Outreach of Naples are volunteering their time and talents to provide a wonderful traditional turkey meal at noon on Thanksgiving Day. Space is limited, so call 615-3226 or e-mail [email protected] today.

Christ Chapel in Raymond (located off of Route 85, 37 Northern Pines Road) is also offering a hearty meal Saturday, Nov. 27, featuring kielbasa, baked beans and mac and cheese. The meal is served 4:30 – 6 p.m.

Student fundraiser, Part 2

A few weeks back I reported on local student Elise Gianatassio’s fundraising efforts. The funds raised will go towards Elise’s planned trips to Washington, D.C., with the National Junior Honor Society and Australia as a People to People Student Ambassador. The article did result in increased wreath sales for Elise, but it might have been even more effective if I reported the correct e-mail address. In addition to selling wreaths and collecting returnables, Elise, an eighth-grade student at LRMS, is also now offering “Letters from the North Pole.”

She has written several versions of these letters (so children in the same family will get different letters), which will be sent by Dec. 15, just in time for Christmas. For a $5 donation, she will customize each letter with your child’s name and any other specific information you may request. For more information, e-mail her at [email protected] or call 693-5188.