Thank You, Carnation Readers, and To All a Good Night

Twas the night before Christmas and all through the ‘Bury …

Unless something newsworthy happens, Team Carnation will be on hiatus until 2024, except for our annual rundown of the top stories of 2023. But first, we want to thank you for an amazing year. We will close 2023 with more than 248,000 page views, and we’re humbled to have almost 1,300 people follow or subscribe to all our stories.

The Carnation is now an official 501c3 nonprofit, so we’ll be able to seek grants in 2024 to expand our coverage. Another milestone this year was the launch of our Community Calendar. Subscribers who run frequent events can request access to make their own listings, and we’re working on a self-service capability. We also added new entries to the Carnation Connector, a directory of town clubs and groups that would love to have you join them in the new year.

We’re gearing up to cover the 2024 town elections. So far, three incumbents have announced they’re retiring. Change is coming, and we’ll be there to keep you informed.

Meanwhile, we hope you enjoy the 2023 version of our annual holiday poem.

Twas the night before Christmas and all through the ‘Bury,
All the people were rushing here and there in a hurry.
Tacos were slung at Tres Amigos with care,
In hopes that some pot shops soon would be there.

The Funland dog was nestled all snug in its shed,
While visions of skybridges danced in his head.
Town Hall was quiet, its doors decked with flair,
As Alex awaited EOHLC’s nod without care.

Down at the Library, Robert went straight to his work,
And filled all the programs, then turned with a jerk.
A rustle in the stacks! he heard it most clear.
“Does the ghost stir tonight, or perchance, a reindeer?”

When over at Treehouse a ruckus most drear!
It’s after last call. No parking! No pizza! No beer!
Away to TJ’s we fly for later night bites,
And reflections on a year filled with wins, and good fights. 

TMHS students excelled from field to marquee,
With sweatshirts and banners all marked with a “T”
And Pride Lights shone on the Common in June,
With revelers undeterred by a minor monsoon.

Sidewalks and bike paths and an indoor track — let’s go!
Or check out the tree walk before we get snow.
A new DPW’s reality, despite some resistance,
It will help town workers render needed assistance.

And then in a twinkling Al Fresca Market did grow,
With pizza and pasta and profiteroles.
Will Deli King stay? Is Deli King done?
Either way those Reubens had an excellent run.

To Todd Johnson as he leaves the Select Board next year,
We raise a glass, with thanks most sincere.
Nomination papers and signatures will nigh be collected,
For bright new officials to soon be elected.

Now Julie sprang to her stove to feed the littlest whos,
While Donna lined up her senior center news.
Then the Carnation team exclaimed as clicks rose out of sight,
“Nina’s Mai Tais to all, and to all a good night!”