James Connally and Erin Riley were recently inducted as new members of Kennebunk Portside Rotary Club at a meeting in early August. Connally is development officer for Habitat for Humanity in Kennebunk and Erin is a program manager for the National Institute of Food and Agriculture-USDA. Supporting the new members at the meeting were Erin’s father, Tom Riley, a Rotarian from Fargo, North Dakota, who spends summers in Kennebunk, and her sponsor, Peggy Belanger, as well as James’ sponsor, John Ware and club president Kate Howell.

Rotary gives members opportunities for service in any of the organization’s seven areas of focus: disease prevention and treatment, peace and conflict prevention/resolution, water and sanitation, maternal and child health, education and literacy, economic and community development, and support for the environment.

The club has been expanding its membership among young professionals during the past year. For information about joining Rotary, email portsiderotary@gmail.com.

Summer medical equipment loans available

No Place Like Home is a volunteer organization that provides free loans of medical equipment such as walkers, wheelchairs and transfer chairs, canes, bathroom items, and more. The equipment is available to people who live and work in Arundel, Kennebunk or Kennebunkport; or summer visitors to the area.

Those who would like to know more about how to borrow or donate equipment this summer (wheelchairs are always in demand), visit www.nplhmaine.org or Facebook (NoPlaceLikeHome-Kennebunk) or call 207-558-2270.

Artist-in-residence presents family program

The Brick Store Museum’s 2022 Artist-in-Residence, Beth Crowe, will host her second storytelling hour on Saturday, Aug. 20 at 10:30 a.m. The program has been funded by a grant from the Bauman Family Foundation, inviting artists to create new works with the museum to deliver new perspectives and develop discussions based on local history and art.

For its inaugural position in 2022, the museum selected Crowe, a Kennebunk-based artist who proposed to use oral history to weave community stories through textile artwork in which the entire community could take part. Crowe is an oral storyteller who uses history to create stories that resonate with audiences of all ages.

Throughout July, August and September, Crowe will offer a free series to present three glimpses into Kennebunk history. The second story, “The Long Road Home,” takes place in Kennebunk and follows two children who set out to find a mystical heron nesting grounds. After getting lost, they use a storyteller’s song to guide them home. This session takes place Aug. 20 at 10:30 a.m., and is appropriate for all ages. After the story, the audience will be encouraged to work with Crowe to learn the simple art of needle felting.

Participants – no experience necessary – will add their work to the finished pieces Crowe will create to retell the story visually.

After each of the story sessions, running once per month (new story each session), Crowe will be in the museum’s exhibit galleries every Tuesday morning (10 a.m. to noon) to work on the needle felt tapestry. Visitors are welcome to join her in creating pieces that will be added to the final artwork. Admission to the museum is free to the public on Tuesdays through December.

Registration for the story sessions is encouraged but not required. To register, visit www.brickstoremuseum.org/calendar or call 207-985-4802.

Kennebunk Plains guided walk offered

The public will have an opportunity to take a walking tour of the Kennebunk Plains to learn about its ecosystem on Thursday, Aug. 25, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Titled Protected Landscapes of Southern Maine: Kennebunk Plains and Wells Barrens, the one-mile walk begins at the parking area at the Kennebunk Plains on the north side of Route 99. The guided walk is free of charge.

Participants will learn about the 30-plus-year effort to protect the large nature preserve and wildlife management area, and its geology, plants, and animals. They will also find out about the role carefully controlled fire – also known as prescribed fire – plays in maintaining this rare ecosystem.

The walk will be led by Paul Dest, local conservationist and naturalist; Jon Bailey, land manager/burn boss for The Nature Conservancy in Maine; and Sean Campbell, a wildlife biologist with the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.

The Kennebunk Plains and Wells Barrens encompasses about 3,000 protected acres and was the first funded project under the Land for Maine’s Future Program. The property includes the state’s largest sandplain grassland, pitch pine/shrub oak forests and red maple alluvial swamp forests – habitats that are rare in Northern New England. The area is home to rare animal species such as the grasshopper sparrow and northern black racer snake, and unusual plants, such as the globally rare northern blazing star, which blooms in August. It is also the source for vast amounts of the public drinking water for the Kennebunk, Kennebunkport, Wells Water District. The Kennebunk Plains/Wells Barrens are owned and managed by three entities: the Nature Conservancy, Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and Kennebunk, Kennebunkport, Wells Water District.

This is one of a series of walks introducing residents and visitors to some of the protected landscapes of southern Maine. To register for this walk and for more information, email pauldest5@gmail.com or call 207-251-9851.

Local minister to share stories from the Camino de Santiago

Pastor Rich Horner of Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Kennebunk returned recently from walking the Camino de Santiago – a 480-mile trek through northern Spain.

For more than 1,000 years, people from around the world and of many different faiths have made the journey. Their reasons for doing so are varied and may include: seeking spiritual enlightenment, reflecting upon an important life decision, renewal following a health challenge; disconnecting from the hectic pace of modern life, or just being immersed in the beauty of the natural world.

On Saturday, Aug. 27, from 4 to 6 p.m., Horner will share photos, videos, and stories from his time on the Camino. The event will be held at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, located on the corner of Storer and Lord streets in Kennebunk. The community of Holy Cross Lutheran extends an open invitation to all who would like to attend the presentation. There is no cost involved, and no need to register ahead of time. For more information, call the church office at 985-4803, or send an email to info@kennebunklutheran.org.

Heritage Day looking for participants

The Arundel Historical Society is looking for crafters, people who have a skill to share, local businesses, and people who have historical items or information to share with the public during Arundel Heritage Day.

Heritage Day is a community event that features music, food, historical displays, kids games, Civil War living history encampment and animals. It is a family event with free parking and free admission and will be held 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 17.

The historical society also welcomes volunteers. For more information about participation, call Joanne at 985-3087, Donna at 284-6622 or Jake at 283-9699.

Newcomers and Neighbors meet on Sept. 8

The Newcomers and Neighbors Club of Kennebunk, Kennebunkport and Arundel invites residents to meet new friends, enjoy, and learn from a presentation by featured guest Betsy Ross, certified and experienced sommelier, and owner of Wine House on Maine in Kennebunk.

Ross will share her expertise and knowledge of the connection between wine and where and how it is made on Thursday, Sept. 8. The meeting, held at the Community House in Kennebunkport, begins with social time at 6:30 p.m. The presentation starts at 7 p.m. The Community House, 8 Temple St.

Another McClelland concert scheduled

The Keith McClelland Community Music Foundation is presenting another free concert at Church on the Cape. The Downeasters Chorus is bringing its close harmony, energy and humor to The Church on the Cape in Cape Porpoise, Kennebunkport, for a free concert Saturday, Aug. 27 at 7 p.m.

Known locally and in national competitions for its quality vocals, the Downeasters honor the classic American art form while also incorporating the contemporary a cappella style heard in groups such as Pentatonix and Straight No Chaser. The performances are sprinkled with humor, ballads, swing songs, and up-tempo tunes that invite the audiences to move.

The Keith McClelland Community Music Foundation’s mission is to encourage, sponsor and support the performance and appreciation of quality music within the Kennebunks. The concert is indoors and the church is wheelchair accessible.

For more information, call 412-716-8920 or email billsusie58@hotmail.com.

Arundel Trail Fest scheduled for Sept. 24

The Arundel Conservation Trust Trail Fest is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 24 at Arundel Community Trails. The event features 5K, 10K and half marathon options. A Kids Flow Trail Fun Ride and Race, for ages 5-12, is also planned. Arundel Community Trails is located at 257 Limerick Road.

For more information, visit arundeltrust.org.

River Tree Arts schedules Small Works Fundraiser

River Tree Arts will host its Small Works Fundraiser 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 2.

The Small Works Fundraiser is River Tree Arts’ annual fundraising event. Each year our community of artists donates small works, which are then purchased during an evening reception. All proceeds from the event help River Tree continue its nonprofit/community art-based mission.

River Tree Arts is located at 35 Western Ave., Lower Village Kennebunk. For more information about the event, visit rivertreearts.org.

Pearson and MacLeod cover the Fab Four

The next Mid-Week Music concerts will see Kennebunk musicians Dana Pearson and Andy MacLeod covering the Beatles at the Kennebunkport Historical Society’s Town House School at 135 North St. The first show was Aug. 17 followed by an encore on Sunday, Aug. 21 at 1 p.m.

Tickets are $15 for Kennebunkport Historical Society members and $18 for non-members, and may be purchased at the door or at kporths.com/buy-tickets. The evening show is BYOB (21 and older only). For more information, email
info@kporths.com or call 967-2751.

Dinosaurs visiting Seashore Trolley Museum

Join the Seashore Trolley Museum for Dino Trolley on Saturday and Sunday Aug. 13-14.

Visitors can take a trolley ride on a heritage railway aboard the Dino Trolley, which will be decked out with jungle-themed decorations. 2D Dinosaurs will be hidden in the woods along the railway.

Visitors are also invited to several activities for youth of all ages back at the museum’s Visitors Center and main campus, including:

Dino Big Dig. Search for dinosaur bones hidden in Seashore’s very own archeological dig site.

Dino Egg Hunt. Search for dinosaur eggs filled with candy and prizes across campus.

Let’s Explore Dinosaurs. A scavenger hunt across campus, learn more about five different types of dinosaurs and stamp a dino passport along the way. Families with a fully stamped dino passport get to enter for a chance to win a free 2023 Family Membership to Seashore Trolley Museum.

Frozen Fossil. Dig through ice (snow cones) to find a frozen dinosaur.

Craft in a Bag. Make it at the event or take it home.

Photo Station. Take a photo with a group or family to remember the day.

Enjoy the Museum. Explore three carhouses filled with restored trolleys and several other transit artifacts around the outdoor campus.

Admission to the event includes all activities and will be the same as the museum’s regular admission prices: Adults (age 17-59) $13; Seasoned adults 60-plus and youth age 6-16 $11; Children (age 3-5) $6; infants age 2 and under are admitted free.

Saturday and Sunday are also COVID-19 First Responder Weekend at Seashore Trolley Museum, where health care professionals who are on the front lines during the pandemic get in for free. Bring workplace badge with and show it to staff at the Museum Store to receive a free ticket. Purchase tickets in advance at http://dinotrolley.eventbrite.com For questions or additional information, email events@trolleymuseum.org or call 207-967-2800 x101.

Experience history in motion on interactive trolley rides on the museum’s private heritage electric railroad, which once served as a portion of Maine’s Atlantic Shore Line Railway (1902-1927). Subway cars, locomotives, buses, a switching tower and other interesting artifacts are also on display around the museum’s grounds. The Museum Store offers several locally-made gifts to choose from. The campus and trolley rides are dog-friendly.

Face coverings are optional anywhere on museum property and onboard the trolleys. Those who feel more comfortable wearing face coverings should continue to do so. If groups or families would like to be socially distanced onboard the trolleys, let the conductors know prior to boarding and the museum will do its best to accommodate.

For more information about Seashore Trolley Museum and its special events calendar, visit www.trolleymuseum.org.

Town seeks Tibbetts Plaza tree

The town of Kennebunk is looking for a donation of a Christmas tree to help celebrate the holiday season. The tree will be displayed at Tibbetts Plaza.

The town is seeking a fir tree approximately 30 to 40 feet in height and full all the way around. The tree should also be easily accessible for transportation to the plaza. The town has a team ready to look at candidates.

For more information, email Linda Johnson at ljohnson@kennebunkmaine.us or call 207-604-1341.

Summer Band Blast 5 set for Aug. 21

The Waterhouse Center in Kennebunk will be rocking once again on the afternoon of Aug. 21, when Summer Band Blast 5 kicks off at 5 p.m. The center is located at 51 Main St. in downtown Kennebunk.

An afternoon of entertainment will be offered by local musicians including Lincoln Continental, The Dock Squares, The Biddo Honeys, Byon Yeatts, Dana Pearson, Andy MacLeod, Gary Vail and other special guests.

The free event runs from 5 to 7:30 p.m. The show is a benefit for Community Outreach Services and concert-goers are encouraged to bring a nonperishable food item or cash donation to help those in need in the community.

Patrons are also encouraged to bring a chair and dancing shoes and enjoy the community event. The event is rain-or-shine. For more information, call  Faith at 985-6570.

 

For more information, visit wepoets.weebly.com.

Recycling tips offered at library presentation

Kennebunk Free Library will present Easy Ways to Reduce, Reuse, Recycle on Tuesday Aug. 16 at 6:30 p.m. Library Assistant Kat Boucher will share a method to minimize single-use plastics, recognize and utilize reusable materials, and reduce purchases of expensive and harmful household chemicals. Participants will be encouraged to share their own methods.

The program is free and wheelchair accessible. Kennebunk Free Library is located at 112 Main St. in Kennebunk. For more information, call 207-985-2173 or email kfl@kennebunklibrary.org.

Encaustic artist to give demonstration

On Tuesday, Aug. 23 at 6 p.m., encaustic artist Kathy Ostrander Roberts will be at Kennebunk Free Library to give a demonstration of her technique. Encaustic painting is an ancient technique that involves the use of hot wax mixed with resin and pigment.

For more information, call 207-985-2173 or email kfl@kennebunklibrary.org.

Discussion features lighthouses of southern Maine and New Hampshire

Kennebunk Free Library will host lighthouse expert Jeremy D’Entremont on Wednesday, Aug. 24 at 6:30 p.m. for a presentation about the lighthouses of southern Maine and New Hampshire.

D’Entremont is the author or co-author of more than 20 books, including “The Lighthouses of Maine,” “The Lighthouses of Massachusetts,” “The Lighthouses of Rhode Island,” “The Lighthouses of Connecticut,” “Great Shipwrecks of the Maine Coast,” “The Lighthouse Handbook: New England,” “All About Nubble Light” and “Ocean-Born Mary: The Truth Behind a New Hampshire Legend.”

D’Entremont is the president and historian for the American Lighthouse Foundation, founder of Friends of Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouses, and the historian for the U.S. Lighthouse Society. He has appeared on the History Channel, the Travel Channel, Public Television, and National Public Radio speaking about lighthouses and other subjects. He also produces and hosts a weekly podcast called Light Hearted for the U.S. Lighthouse Society.

For more information, call 207-985-2173 or email kfl@kennebunklibrary.org.

Legion Post 159 plans drive-thru barbecues

American Legion Post 159 announced that it will host free drive-through barbecues on Friday, Aug. 19 and Sept. 2. The barbecues will be held at 5 p.m. at Legion Post 159, Route 9, Kennebunkport (across from the police station).

The menu will feature pulled pork, smoked chicken, bratwurst, beans, cole slaw, potato salad, jalapeno corn bread and brownies. Donations are welcome. For more information, call 967-2400.

Chalk the Port seeks artists

Kennebunkport is inviting local artists to show off their talent and is asking them to register by Aug. 24 for Chalk the Port.

The Chalk the Port event returns Sept. 23-24 after a two-year hiatus; local artists participate starting at 8 a.m. on Sept. 24 and finishing up by 5 p.m. that day, creating pieces that celebrate the theme, “Kennebunkport: Past, Present, and Future.”

The free, family-friendly event takes place at the Recreation Complex at 20 Recreation Way, near Consolidated School.

“The first 10 qualifying local artists selected will be awarded a $100 stipend, to show the community’s appreciation for the talent right here in our own backyard,” said Town Manager Laurie Smith in an email.

To register, complete the application at www.chalktheport.com by Aug. 24.

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