BERWICK—
Berwick’s holiday parade, “Winter Toyland,” will take place on Saturday, December 3, starting at 2 p.m. The parade route will start from Wilson St., continuing straight across to Allen St. (Rte. 236), proceed right onto Sawmill Hill Rd. down by the bridge crossing onto Sullivan St. by the Town Hall (with the regular flow of traffic) and turn right onto Wilson St., disbanding in the parking lot. The parade organizers expect to have a number of floats including Berwick Village Preschool & Daycare, Noble High School Student Council, Tri-City Christian Academy, and more. Other groups that will be in the parade include Berwick Boy, Cub and Girl Scouts, and some from neighboring towns including Lebanon. Southern Maine Tractor Club, WTSN/WBYY van, Noble Middle School Marching Band, Marshwood High School Marching Band, Noble High Jazz Band, Farwell's Auto Service, Berwick Public Library, Berwick Youth Wrestling, and Noble Travel Soccer are some of the groups also participating again this year. Of course, there will be many Fire and Rescue apparatus from neighboring communities joining the parade, and escoring a special visitor from the North Pole.
Leading the Winter Toyland parade as Grand Marshalls this year will be Sandy Guptill, and Judy and Don Burgess.
Sandy Guptill has worked for the Town of Berwick since 1996 starting part-time in the Customer Service Department. She became full time the following year and in 2003 moved on to the Deputy Town Clerk. She is retiring in December this year and plans to enjoy her retirement caring for her new granddaughter. She will also find time to enjoy her many hobbies including quilting and photography. One of her quilts is on display at the Town Hall where raffle tickets can be purchase until 3:00 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 2. Proceeds are going to help families in need. Sandy will be missed by her fellow employees and residents that she greeted with her friendly smile.
Judy Burgess retired in 2010 after 25 years of service to the Town of Berwick with most of those years as the Planning Coordinator but she also took on many other duties as needed. She now volunteers her time and experience as a member of the Planning Board. She and her husband, Don, volunteered their time and skills to renovate and finish the new meeting room (the old Police Station) of the Town Hall. Countless hours were spent on renovating, hanging wallboard, painting and finishing the room. Thanks to others who contributed also. Don shared his carpentry skills to build the table and podium that will be there for years to come. Thank you for this lasting contribution to the Town, The Town Boards and the residents of Berwick.
Berwick Volunteer Firefighters Association is now accepting new unwrapped toys for all ages for out Toys for Tots program. Items can be dropped off at the following locations: Berwick Fire Dept, Town Hall, Transfer Station, Stone Agency, Halls Auto Center, Farwells Auto Service, Kennebunk Savings Bank, Coffee House, and Berwick Public Library. This program provides toys for children and gift cards are provided to teens, as well. Applications for Toys for Tots can be picked up at the Berwick Town Hall. If you have any questions you can call Sandy Guptill at 698-1101 # 116. Financial donations can be mailed to BVFA Toys for Tots P.O. Box 1214, Berwick, Me 03901 or dropped off of at the Town Hall.
