Connie Sage Conner

From Cundy's Harbor to Bailey Island, Great Island to Orr's Island, and Harpswell Islands Road to Harpswell Neck Road, dazzling holiday lights illuminate the darkness enveloping our town this time of year. Soon, snow will cloak evergreens in gossamer and shoreline ice will sparkle like the queen's tiaras.

Standing by the town trash compactor with a smile as big as Casco Bay is a ray of sunshine. She’s wearing a multicolored, pint-sized umbrella on her head; purple glasses; a grubby, fluorescent-green T-shirt; and jeans.