Press Releases from York County

 

Making natural holiday decorations at New Quarter Park

 

December 8, 2010

 

FOR RELEASE AT WILL

 

In the attached picture, florist Arlene Aiken-Williams (right), owner of Morrison's Flowers and Gifts in Colony Square Shopping Center, demonstrates how to make holiday decorations with greenery and native plant materials during a program held at New Quarter Park on Saturday, Dec. 4.

 

After the demonstration, nearly 30 participants joined in to create their own centerpieces and door swags with assistance from floral designers. They used pine, holly, boxwood, cedar, and other plants with cone, pods, berries and touches of color that were gathered from local yards and arranged them in containers they brought for the occasion.

 

Please call 890-3513 for information about upcoming events and activities at New Quarter Park.

 

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Be fire safe this holiday season

 

December 9, 2010

 

FOR RELEASE AT WILL

 

The winter holiday season is upon us, which means many of us are decorating our homes and having company over to celebrate the season.

 

Unfortunately, all that cooking, home decorating and entertaining leads to an increased risk of fire due to heating equipment. According to the National Fire Protection Association:

·         Between 2003 and 2008, U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 260 home fires a year started by Christmas trees. These fires caused an average of 14 deaths, 26 injuries, and $13.8 million in direct property damage annually.

·         During 2003-2006, an estimated 14,800 home structure fires started by candles were reported to local fire departments.

·         Typically half of all home heating fires occur in December, January and February.

 

York County wants to help every household be prepared and safe during this winter holiday season. Please use these tips to keep your family safe this year:

• When selecting a Christmas tree, be sure the tree's needles are green don't break easily. Older, dryer trees are a fire hazard.
• When disposing of the tree after the holidays, never put tree branches or needles in a fireplace or wood burning stove.
• Inspect holiday lights each year for frayed wires, bare spots, broken sockets and other wear and tear. Do not use them if they are damaged.
• Connect no more than three strands of mini light sets together, unless directions indicate it is safe to connect more.
• When lights are warm, periodically check the wires – they should not be warm to the touch.
• Be sure to purchase and use nonflammable or flame resistant decorations.
• Never put wrapping paper in a fireplace – it can ignite quickly and throw off sparks, and embers may cause a chimney fire.
• Ensure that trees and other holiday decorations do not block exits.
• Never leave lit candles burning when you leave the house or go to bed, and never go near a Christmas tree with an open flame.
• Test your smoke alarms.
• Keep children and pets away from lit candles, and store matches and lighters where children cannot reach them.

For additional information, visit www.yorkcounty.gov/fire or call 757-890-3600 between 8:15 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.            

 

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Museum releases commemorative Yorktown Christmas ornament

 

December 10, 2010

 

FOR RELEASE AT WILL

 

The York County Historical Museum is proud to announce the release of the third in a series of laser-etched, commemorative Yorktown Christmas ornaments. The third ornament is a beautiful rendering of the Nelson House. 

 

The Nelson House is an impressive example of Georgian architecture that was built in the early 18th century by "Scotch Tom" Nelson. The house was later home to his grandson, Thomas Nelson, Jr., a signer of the Declaration of Independence.

 

Although it was restored by the National Park Service in the 1970s, it still bears scars of the Siege of 1781. The house is open to visitors as staffing allows. For scheduling information call Colonial National Historical Park at 757-898-2410.

 

For more information or to purchase ornaments, call 757-898-3727. Proceeds from the sale of the ornaments support the York County Historical Museum.

 

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