Speers Gallery at Kennebunk Free Library will host an exhibit, Coastal World, by the Open Studio Artists in November. The exhibit will run Nov. 3-28 and the public is invited to an opening reception on Wednesday, Nov. 8 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

According to an Oct. 19 news release, the Open Studio Artists are a group with ties to Kennebunk and the area who meet weekly at Kennebunk’s First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church. They have been meeting for 10 years and range from experienced professionals to newer painters. Each person works independently on their choice of projects, but shares in a supportive community as they sketch, draw, and paint in their favorite medium.

Exhibitors will include Ellen Pelletier, Cheryl Dahn, Norma Johnsen, Ruth Wallingford, Sara Ostrov, Mary Barrett, Kathryn Davis, Susan Gilbey, Cheryl Lunde, Elizabeth Hunter and Polly Cecchetti.

The public is invited to view the exhibit in the library’s Speers Gallery from Nov. 3-28 at 112 Main St., Kennebunk, during regular library hours when the gallery is not in use for library programs. For current hours and gallery access, visit www.kennebunklibrary.org.

Halloween costume parade at Graves Library

Graves Library will host its Spooktacular Halloween Parade on Friday, Oct. 27 at 10 a.m. Participants are asked to wear costumes to the Halloween parade story time. A special craft and treats are planned.

The Aging Brain: Tuesday, Oct. 31 at 2 p.m., Graves Library will host The Aging Brain, a talk about ways to stay healthy, reduce risk, and live well with dementia. There will be an overview of “dementia worry” or the anxiety one might have about a dementia diagnosis. Grace Simonson is a medical student on the board of the Geriatrics and Palliative Care Club at the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine. Susan Wehry is a board-certified geriatric psychiatrist with nearly 40 years of experience. She is the director of AgingME.

Potato Pals: New this November at Graves Library is Potato Pals design contest. Participants will visit the library, select a potato, take it home, and transform it into a favorite character. Bring it back to the library to go on display. Potatoes will be available starting Nov. 1 with prizes awarded by Nov. 30.

Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library is located at 18 Maine St., Kennebunkport. For more information, call 967-2778 or visit www.graveslibrary.org.

Brick Store Museum releases All Souls’ book

Ahead of the Brick Store Museum’s All Souls’ Walk program on Saturday, Oct. 28, the museum has announced the publication of a new book covering the history of the annual event and the stories told within Hope Cemetery during the tour. It will officially be on sale on All Souls’ Day, Nov. 2, but is now available for pre-order.

The long-running All Souls’ Walk on Saturday, Oct. 28 is celebrating its 20th anniversary. The walking tour takes participants through Kennebunk’s Hope Cemetery, to meet reenactors telling the stories of some of those who are buried there. Not too spooky, it’s designed for the whole family. Stories of love, life and loss cover about a mile loop through the graveyard and takes about 90 minutes. Tickets for the walk are $15 per person, free for children younger than 12, and should be purchased in advance at www.brickstoremuseum.org. A link to pre-order the companion book is also on the museum’s website.

The program runs even in mild drizzle, though a rain date is held for Sunday, Oct. 29 if a storm is forecasted. All proceeds raise funds for the Brick Store Museum’s educational programming throughout the year. The All Souls’ Walk book is $24.95 and proceeds will be split between the Brick Store Museum and Hope Cemetery.

Wells Chamber announces travel opportunity

The Wells Chamber of Commerce, in conjunction with Collette Tours, is offering a trip to Europe, featuring World War II memorials and sites.

The trip includes: Memorials of World War II featuring the 80th anniversary of the D-Day Landing, a 10-day tour, Sept. 6-15, 2024. Highlights of the trip include London and Paris WW II-focused city tours, Portsmouth, D-Day Story Museum, English Channel Crossing, Juno Beach, Caen Peace Memorial Museum, Arromanche-les-Baines, Longues-sur-Mer, Normandy American Cemetery, Omaha Beach, Pointe du Hoc, Airborne Museum, Utah Beach, Giverny Gardens and a Seine River dinner cruise.

Prices start at $4,999 per person, double occupancy and include transportation to and from Wells to Logan Airport, airfare from Boston, ground transfers, land tours, sightseeing, hotels and meals as specified in the itinerary, services of a professional tour director and all taxes and service charges.

A representative from Collette Tours will share information about the trip on Thursday, Nov. 2 at 5:30 p.m. at the Wells Chamber office, 136 Post Road, Route 1, Wells.

For more information on the itinerary or to RSVP for the informational session, contact the Wells Chamber of Commerce at 207-646-2451 or www.wellschamber.org.

Wildlife refuge calendar available to order

The 2024 Friends of Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge wall calendar available for pre-order. To pre-order, visit www.friendsofrachelcarsonnwr.org/calendar.

All proceeds beyond the costs associated with the calendar will be used directly in the Friends’ mission to support the refuge’s preservation of land for migratory birds and local wildlife.

The Friends of Rachel Carson NWR held a two-month long photo contest from July 15-Sept. 15 and a jury selected 12 winning images to grace the monthly pages of the 2024 calendar.

The Friends support the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge in its mission to preserve land for migratory birds and local wildlife. The Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge is located in York and Cumberland counties and consists of 11 divisions totaling 5,600 acres scattered throughout the towns of Kittery, York, Ogunquit, Wells, Kennebunk, Kennebunkport, Biddeford, Saco, Old Orchard Beach, Scarborough, and Cape Elizabeth.

St. David’s hosting annual Harvest Fair

St. David’s Episcopal Church will host its annual Harvest Fair on Saturday, Nov. 4 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The fair features baked goods and sweets for sale along with homemade frozen pot pies and jams and jellies. Lunch will include sandwiches provided by Kitchen Chicks Catering, as well as award-winning soups by local providers. The silent auction will include more than 50 items and gift certificates from local businesses as well as a one-of-a-kind donation from the Bush family. Former First Lady Barbara Bush’s hand-painted woman’s purse featuring many local landmarks including, the Wedding Cake House, St. Ann’s Church, Brick Store Museum and Walker’s Point will be on display.

The basket raffle will feature more than 30 collections of themed items such as Coffee Lovers, Family Movie Night, Seasonings and Spices, Wines and Cheeses, and a Winter Car Care basket.

Other tables include Table of Treasures with unique finds, a Jewelry Table with an array of old and new offerings, and handmade items.

Harvest Fair at St. David’s is an annual event that welcomes neighbors and friends during the season of harvest and the holidays to follow. St. David’s Episcopal Church is located at 138 York St. (Route 1 south just before the Wells town line) in Kennebunk. There is plenty of parking and weather is not an issue as the church’s Great Hall has plenty of warm, dry space.

For more information, call 207-985-3073, or visit www.stdavidskennebunk.org and Facebook.

Vets Day 5K benefits Honor Flight Maine

The Wells Chamber of Commerce will host its 10th annual Veterans Day 5K on Saturday, Nov. 11, at 10 a.m. The 5K run/walk will start and end at the Wells Elks Lodge, 356 Bald Hill Road, Wells. Proceeds from the event will benefit Honor Flight Maine.

The cost for adults is $20 in advance and $25 after Nov. 9 and students (age 11 to 17) $15 in advance and $20 after Nov. 9, There is no entry fee for children 10 and younger. The first 100 registrants receive a free long-sleeve T-shirt.

The Wells Elks will have food and beverage for sale after the race (bring an ID). Prizes will be awarded to male and female in the following categories: Overall (male/female), younger than 20 (male/female), 20-29 (male/female), 30-39 (male/female), 40-49 (male/female), 50-59 (male/female), 60-69 (male/female) and 70 and older (male/female).

Sevigney-Lyons Insurance Agency is the Primary Event Sponsor and M&T Bank and Holmes Legal Group are the Gold Sponsors.

For registration information, visit wellschamber.org, call  207-646-2451 or register at RunSignUp.com/Race/ME/Wells/VD5k.

Amateur Radio Society announces meetings

The New England Radio Discussion Society meets biweekly on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. throughout the year at The New School in Kennebunk. The club informally gathers to support and promote Amateur (ham) Radio. Wide-ranging discussion topics include: early and contemporary equipment, digital technology, internet integration, and striving for rare and international contacts. Most meetings include a tech talk by one of its members. Those interested in Amateur Radio are invited to join.

Upcoming meetings will be held Oct. 31, Nov. 14 and Nov. 28. The New School is located at 38 York St. For more information, contact Alex at 967-8812.

Canids of the Kennebunks seeks data

While much is known about Maine’s canids (red foxes, gray foxes, and coyotes), a new community science project on the iNaturalist app, Canids of the Kennebunks, aims to increase knowledge of these species. The project is also the first step toward what is intended to evolve into a larger, long-term Maine canid research project.

According to a news release from the organization, “As the human population grows and habitat is altered or destroyed, human-wildlife interactions are expected to increase. Collecting data can enhance understanding of the presence and behaviors of Maine’s fox and coyote populations, assist in identifying potential areas where issues may arise, and provide educational opportunities.”

The initial towns that need data are Kennebunk, Kennebunkport and Arundel, with plans to add additional Maine cities and towns as the project expands. Individuals can take part by sharing data about the foxes and coyotes in the Kennebunk, Kennebunkport and Arundel. Photos and information relating to sightings of and/or interactions with the species can be uploaded directly to the Canids of the Kennebunks project on the iNaturalist app.

The following items are of most interest.

*Photo of the animal (to estimate approximate size and body condition).

*Date/time of day.

*How many individuals were observed? Were they adults and/or pups/kits?

*Behavior – Where was the fox or coyote observed? Were they in a neighborhood, field, or on a golf course? How did the fox or coyote react, if at all, to seeing a human? How close was the fox or coyote to a human, house, pet, etc.? Did they make any sounds (growl, yip, bark, etc.)? Did they attempt to approach a human or another animal or did they run away?

On the iNaturalist app, report the general area of the observation or interaction with red foxes, gray foxes, or coyotes in the towns of Kennebunk, Kennebunkport, and Arundel by clicking the location on the map to show where the sighting or interaction occurred. There is also an option to allow the project to see obscured locations when setting up an iNaturalist account.

Updates will be shared periodically on the iNaturalist app (www.inaturalist.org/projects/canids-of-the-kennebunks) and on the Canids of the Kennebunks Facebook page (www.facebook.com/canidsofthekennebunks).

Kennebunk Fire Society schedules annual meeting

The Kennebunk Fire Society is the oldest private organization in Maine. The historical preservation organization has been continually active since 1812. In recent years, the society’s only activity is an annual meeting with a full turkey dinner and speaker. Society members are encouraged to attend.

This is an announcement that the 211th annual meeting, always on the second Tuesday of November, will be on Tuesday, Nov. 14 at 6 p.m. at the West Kennebunk Fire Station. Members of the fire station are instructed to get their dinner tickets at the Downing Agency. For more information, email Earl Freeman at efreeman.do@gmail.com.

MemoryLights on display at Brick Store Museum

The Brick Store Museum’s mission is to ignite personal connections to local history, art and cultures. This fall, the museum invites families to take part in the MemoryLights Project, an installation of globe lights in the museum’s courtyard representing the multi-cultural traditions of memorializing and honoring loved ones and ancestors during the fall season, including All Souls’ Day in November. The first 50 MemoryLights have been installed on the museum’s grounds for all to enjoy after sundown.

According to the museum, participants purchased a globe light from the museum (only $15) and shared a story of a family member they wished to honor. With rolling submissions, the installation is now open to the public and as the evenings grow darker, the MemoryLights will come alive to remember the stories of our ancestors and family members. Community members exploring the installation scan a code on each light to read each light’s story. Those unable to visit the museum during the installation can also read the included stories at brickstoremuseum.org/memorylights.

For more information about MemoryLights and the museum’s mission to collect and share the stories of the community, visit Tuesday through Friday (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.), Saturday (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) or Sunday (noon to 4 p.m.); or online at www.brickstoremuseum.org.

Astro society schedules Nov. 3 meeting

The Astronomical Society of Northern New England will hold its next monthly meeting on Friday, Nov. 3 at 7:30 p.m. at The

New School, 38 York St., Kennebunk. A business meeting, also open to the public, commences at 7 p.m.

The November meeting agenda includes: Bernie Reim’s What’s Up for the Month and Astro Shorts, where attendees and members share questions, activities, news and observations. Reim will also share details of his trip to observe the recent annular “Ring of Fire” solar eclipse.

For newcomers, questions about our club, observing, telescopes, and astronomy in general, will be answered by society members.

For more information, visit www.ASNNE.org.

Newcomers and Neighbors Club meets at Motorland

The Newcomers and Neighbors Club of Kennebunk, Kennebunkport and Arundel announced that it will meet at Motorland in Arundel on Thursday, Nov. 2.

Motorland is located at 2564 Portland Road (Route 1). The club will meet at the Maine Classic Car Museum, where owner Tim Stentiford will share stories about the collection and custom designs. A social time begins at 6:30 p.m. with the presentation at 7 p.m.

For more information, visit www.kptanewcomers.org.

Artisans invited to inaugural Maine Made Fair

The Kennebunkport Historical Society extended an invitation to all Maine Made artisans for the inaugural Maine Made Fair, a celebration of the state’s tradition of craftsmanship and creativity. As advocates of Maine’s artisanal spirit, the society will bring together a group of artists and makers to showcase their creations.
Event details include:
• Location: Overlooking Dock Square in Kennebunkport, 8 Maine St.
• Date: Friday, Dec. 1.
• Date and time: Vendors can set up their 6×6 space starting at 7 a.m.
• Parking: While on-site parking is unavailable, drop-off areas are provided between the church and the house. Public parking is just an eighth of a mile down North Street, adjacent to the fire station.

At the fair, the historical society will curate an array of artisans and makers who share a common bond – everything they offer is made in Maine. Artisans who specialize in photography, handcrafted textiles, jewelry, literature, or any other form of artistic expression are invited to participate.

Space is limited, with room for only 15 artists and makers. Vendor applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis. The cost is $75 for a 6X6 space in a heated tent. Vendors may choose to bring their own 6-foot table or rent one from the society for a nominal fee of $15.
The venue is a highly visible and heated tent on the lawn of White Columns in the heart of Kennebunkport, during Christmas Prelude.

For vendor applications and inquiries, contact Kristin Haight, executive director, at 207-
967-2751 or KHaight@KPortHS.com.

Library to host holiday wine tasting fundraiser

Kennebunk Free Library will sponsor a Holiday Wine Tasting on Wednesday, Nov. 15, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the library’s Parsons Reading Room.

Betsy Ross, owner of Kennebunk’s Wine House on Main, will inform patrons about three wines for the holiday season. Nikki Ranwell, owner of Kennebunkport’s The Port Box, will provide coned charcuterie skewers to go along with the wine. There will be time for discussion and questions, and trivia prizes will be awarded.

Participants can show their ticket at Wine House on Main to receive a 10 percent discount on the three selected wines. Suggested donation for tickets is $10. Purchase tickets to receive descriptions of the three chosen wines along with ticket to the tasting.

The program is 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.

Library seeks artists for 2024

Kennebunk Free Library is accepting applications for artists to exhibit during the 2024 calendar year. Since its inception in 2001, Hank’s Room Gallery – rechristened the Speers Gallery in 2010 – has offered exhibit opportunities to both amateur and professional artists. The gallery has been host to a variety of mediums including photography, textile arts and mixed media assemblages in addition to renditions in oil, pastel, enamel oil, encaustic, pen and ink, and watercolor.

The application process is open to either individual or group shows. Applications must be received by Friday, Oct. 27, 2023.

In November 2023 an art committee consisting of members from the library and art communities will convene to review the completed applications and set a monthly exhibit schedule for 2024. Upon completion of the review, applicants will be contacted regarding the committee’s decisions. Application forms are available at the library or on the library’s website www.kennebunklibrary.org.

According to the library, “offering monthly artist exhibits contributes to the Kennebunk Free Library’s mission to inspire and enable our communities to discover, learn, and connect. The library is very proud to have showcased the many talented artists who have previously exhibited and is looking forward to continuing this tradition with the 2024 exhibit schedule.”

Community Harvest offers curbside pick-up, delivery for Thanksgiving

Community Harvest, a local nonprofit organization, will host its 25th annual Thanksgiving Feast on Thursday, Nov. 23, at St. Martha’s Church on Route 1 in Kennebunk.

In 2022, volunteers prepared more than 560 Thanksgiving meals for individuals and families, including dozens of first responders working on the holiday.

“Because of its success in reaching people all across southern Maine, we will continue to offer curbside pick-up and delivery options only rather than a gathered meal,” said Kerry de Bree, Community Harvest executive director, in an Oct. 9 press release.

“Last year we were able to deliver meals to families in need from Westbrook all the way to Kittery, said Head Chef Mario Barros. “To help so many people and offer a delicious home cooked holiday meal continues to be our number one goal.”

“We’re also looking for more volunteers to sign up and help prep, box up and deliver our Thanksgiving dinners,” said de Bree. “This is an amazing opportunity to give back to your neighbors and get into the holiday spirit.”

People who want to volunteer for the Community Harvest Thanksgiving dinner and help us make this holiday season special for everyone can sign up at www.signupgenius.com/go/10C084BA9AB2AA5FAC25-44821851-community#/.

Meals will be provided cold, with heating instructions. Community members should reserve their complimentary meals by calling 207-967-1911 or visiting communityharvestmaine.org. All meal reservations must be made in advance by Sunday, Nov. 12. Once signed up, community members will be assigned a time for pick-up on Thanksgiving Day.

Community Harvest is a nonprofit organization of the Kennebunks that meets the needs of its neighbors through food sharing, fellowship, and financial assistance.

Applications available for holiday help

Secret Santa of Kennebunk, Kennebunkport and Arundel has been helping families in need by providing Christmas and holiday gifts to children in the three towns for over 35 years. Applications for parents and/or legal guardians in need of help this year may be picked up at all three town general assistance offices or can be found online at the town websites:

*Kennebunkport: www.kennebunkportme.gov/public-health-department/pages/general-assistance.

*Kennebunk: www.kennebunkmaine.us/269/Social-Services.

*Arundel: https://arundelmaine.org/.

*Or search by town + “General Assistance.”

In order to qualify, applications must be returned to the general assistance office by Friday, Nov. 10.

All requests are strictly confidential. For more information, call the town’s general assistance office:

*Kennebunk, 985-2102, option 3.

*Kennebunkport, 967-4401.

*Arundel, 985-4201.

Legion Post announces meeting schedule

The monthly meeting of American Legion Post 159 in Kennebunkport is held on the first Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. All veterans and Sons of the American Legion are welcome to attend.
Legion Post 159 is located at 102 Main St. (across from the police station) in Kennebunkport. Future meeting dates:

2023 – Nov. 2 and Dec. 7.

2024 – Jan. 4, Feb. 1, March 7, April 4, May 2, June 6, July 11, Aug. 1, Sept. 5, Oct. 3, Nov. 7 and Dec. 5.

For more information, call 967-2400.

First Congregational schedules final supper of the season

First Congregational Church is hosting its monthly baked bean and American chop suey supper on Saturday, Oct. 28, from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at the church, 141 North St., Kennebunkport. The last First Church bean supper of 2023 will be held on Saturday, Oct. 28.

The supper features two types of home baked beans, American Chop Suey, hot dogs, rolls, and coleslaw, topped off with a slice of homemade pie. Exact change is required: adults and children age 12 and older, $10 per person; children younger than 12, $5 per child.

For more information, call Carol at 207-710-7060.

South Congregational announces art project

South Congregational Church in Kennebunkport is inviting artists of all ages and experience levels to participate in a community art installation, called Remade in Hope.

The installation will be in front of South Church next March and April 2024, and will feature a six-sided structure that visitors may walk around and enter. On the outside, paintings will feature works that have themes of despair, grief, and struggle. On the inside the canvases will feature images of hope, renewal and joy. The public will be able to observe the transformation from the darker shades of sadness to the warmer shades of joy.

Artists will receive two free blank canvases, one for each of these two themes. Artists are encouraged to visit the website to download a Statement of Interest form and read other information: www.southchurchucc.org/about-3. Thirty-four artists of varying ages and abilities and mediums will be selected, and will have until February to finish the two canvases. An event on the themes of gloom and renewal will help provide artists a vocabulary from which to draw; that event will be held on Oct. 22, 4 to 6 p.m. at the Community House, 8 Temple St., Kennebunkport.

South Church intends to create an experience of renewal that engages the community and allows everyone to find their own personal experience of transformation.

The program is made possible through a Vital Worship Grant from Calvin Institute of Christian Worship, Grand Rapids, Michigan, with funds provided by Lilly Endowment Inc. The program will include several events and educational experiences for the general public.

For more information, email hope@southchurchucc.org.

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