Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library will host author David Baldacci at its 12th annual Author Event on June 22 at 5 p.m. at the Kennebunk River Club Casino.

According to a library press release, “Baldacci is the national and international best-selling author of widely-read crime and thriller books and series. He published his first novel, “Absolute Power,” in 1996 and has written a total of 47 novels for adults, several which were adapted for film and television.

“He has also published seven novels for young readers. David’s books are published in over 45 languages and in more than 80 countries, with 150 million copies sold worldwide. His newest thriller, “Simply Lies,” is being released this spring. Baldacci has been writing since childhood, when his mother gave him a lined notebook in which to write down his stories. Much later, when David thanked her for being the spark that ignited his writing career, she revealed that she’d given him the notebook to keep him quiet, ‘because every mom needs a break now and then.'”

A lifelong Virginian, he received his bachelor’s degree from Virginia Commonwealth University and his law degree from the University of Virginia School of Law, after which he practiced law in Washington, D.C. In addition to being a writer, Baldacci is a philanthropist. Many of his efforts are dedicated to his family’s Wish You Well Foundation, established by Baldacci and his wife Michelle.

The foundation supports adult and family literacy by fostering and promoting the development and expansion of new and existing literacy and educational programs in the United States.

“We are beyond thrilled to have Mr. Baldacci join us this year,” said Graves Library Executive Director Mary-Lou Boucouvalas, in an email. “We are also extremely grateful for the wonderful community support provided by our event sponsors; 100 percent of the funds raised will support the daily operations of the library.”

Kennebunk River Club Casino is located at 116 Ocean Ave. in Kennebunkport. To purchase tickets, visit www.eventbrite.com/e/an-evening-with-david-baldacci-tickets-574761375747.

Former intelligence officers plan May 20 meeting

The next public meeting of the Association of Former Intelligence Officers will be held at Kennebunk High School’s Economos Lecture Hall at 88 Fletcher St. in Kennebunk on Saturday, May 20, at 2 p.m. The speaker, David Hunt, has served 32 years in the CIA with a background in a variety of countries and a expertise in counterintelligence, including Soviet operations and European affairs.

According to a news release, Hunt will concentrate on how the government overlooked China’s secretive approach, and stealing technical knowledge in some cases, while courting or compromising senior political leaders along with Chinese grants to universities and other factors. Hunt’s wife, Jackie, born and raised in Taiwan, will present Taiwan’s attitudes toward China and the importance of the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company.

For more information, call Bob Dyer at 207-985-3634.

Seacoast Garden Club continues May Basket tradition

Twenty Seacoast Garden Club members gathered in Dianne Trachimowicz’s Drakes Island garage in Wells on the morning on April 27 to make 100 May Baskets. “The 30-year tradition brings a bit of springtime cheer to area shut-ins,” wrote the club in a news release.

This year’s baskets were delivered to residents of Huntington Common and Atria in Kennebunk and clients of Home Instead in Wells, as well as garden club friends. An array of flowers were donated by garden club members.

The club meets monthly, October to May, in the Community House in Kennebunkport. It will hold its Plant and Pie Sale on Saturday, May 27, at St. Martha’s Church parking lot, Route 1, Kennebunk.

During the late-spring and early-fall months, members also plant, water and maintain several public gardens in Kennebunk and Kennebunkport.

Estate planning seminar offered at library

On Tuesday, May 23 at 6 p.m, attorney Erin Sherman of Treehouse Legal will be at Kennebunk Free Library to present, Protect Your Assets with Estate Planning. Participants will learn how to use estate planning strategies for asset protection, including protection from costs associated with long-term medical care.

Sherman will discuss what types of trusts can (and can’t) be used for asset protection, gifting, and other strategies.

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.

Artists invited to plein air sessions

Artists are invited to join Suzanne Demeo, artist and William and Mary instructor, to draw complex natural rock forms in plein air. The sessions take place at at Gooch’s Beach in Kennebunk.

All levels are welcome. For more information or to register, visit https://brickstoremuseum.org/calendar/.

Volunteers needed at Shaker Hill Bakery

Shaker Hill Bakery will open Thursday, May 25, at 10 a.m. The seasonal bakery, atop Shaker Hill in Alfred (off Route 202), will be open every Thursday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The bakery hours will increase during the summer months.

All revenue from the bakery goes to York County Shelter Programs. The bakery is on the shelter program campus.

York County Shelter Programs Food Service Director Scott Davis said the bakery is in need of volunteers. The volunteers assist with bakery prep work, packaging and labeling items, maintaining the bakery and working with customers.

Those interested should contact Davis at 207-324-1137, ext. 116 or email scottd@ycspi.org.

Maine Classic Car Museum and Graves Library team up

Maine Classic Car Museum in Arundel will host Graves Library for Terri Tales story time on Tuesday, May 16 at 10 a.m.

The story time will be led by Miss Terri as she reads “Moody, Moody Cars” by Eileen Kennedy-Moore. The program includes a car craft and an opportunity to see cars that made history.

According to an April 26 news release, the automobile has played an important role in global history for the past 130 years.

“At the Maine Classic Car Museum, we celebrate that history every day. In 2019 we opened our doors with a mission to share the story of every car in our collection,” wrote the museum in the email. “Our museum docents love to tell these stories and allow guests to experience the cars up close with our rope-less and station-less museum exhibits.”

There is no admission charge for children. Adult admission is $12 per person. Maine Classic Car Museum is located at 2564 Portland Road, Arundel.

For more information, email tbbgraves@gmail.com or info@mainecarmuseum.com.

River Tree Arts and Graves Library collaboration

Graves Library will host Two Artists in Conversation on Thursday, May 18 at 5:30 p.m. Local artists Ingunn Milla Joergensen and Claire Bigbee will talk about their style, process, and what inspires them.

Milla Joergensen is a painter and a garden devotee, dividing her time between her studio and her gardens. For Bigbee, art is all about capturing a moment in time, reflecting a spectrum of colors, and having energy and harmony. Both artists are represented by Maine Art Hill.

The event is sponsored by River Tree Arts and Graves Library. A reception with light refreshments will follow.

Community Inclusion Forum scheduled

The public is invited to a Community Inclusion Forum on Saturday, May 13 at the Brick Store Museum’s Program Center.

According to event organizers, “Like our country, our community is struggling to adapt to increasing diversity. Our first national motto was “e pluribus unum” – out of many, one. But attaining this ideal seems increasingly fraught. Join in a community conversation.”

The forum is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. and, according to a news release, will explore: “Can many be one? And, what’s at stake when we fight about inclusion?”

Panelists include Rep. Deqa Dhalac, the first elected Somali-American mayor and who currently serves in the Maine House of Representatives and Chris O’Connor, the executive director of the Equality Community Center. The moderator for the conversation will be Maine State Representative Dan Sayre of Kennebunk.

The forum is being sponsored by the Democrats of the Kennebunks and Arundel as a nonpartisan, community-wide event. There is no charge to attend.

Book fair scheduled at St. David’s

Saint David’s Episcopal Church at 138 York St. (Route 1 south) will host its annual Gently Used Book Fair on Saturday, May 13, from 8 a.m. to noon.

St. David’s Gently Used Book Fair offers a varied selection of books for all ages. This year, there will be three raffle basket offerings: A brand new Kindle, a large stuffed black bear, and a basket of popular adult books.

For more information, call 207-985-3073.

Legion Post 74 announces meetings

American Legion, Webber-Lefebvre Post 74 meets the first Wednesday of each month, except July and August.

The meetings start at 7 p.m. Any veteran of the United States Armed Forces is eligible to be a member. Legion Post 74 is located at 15 Water St. in Kennebunk.

Fashion exhibit promotes global health

The Brick Store Museum announced the opening of a new summer exhibition, Wrapped in Blue: Fashions to Promote Global Health, that began April 25. The museum worked with curation partner organization Partners for World Health to exhibit 11 fashions created completely of “blue wrap,” the polypropylene fabric used in hospitals to sterilize equipment.

The exhibit is supported by Southern Maine Health Care and Kennebunk Savings Bank, and will run through Aug. 20.

Partners for World Health is based in Portland, and collects medical supplies and equipment from healthcare facilities, manufacturers, other organizations, and individuals. It sorts, evaluates, repackages, and prepares the supplies and equipment for distribution to individuals, communities, and healthcare facilities in need both locally and internationally.

Every other year, the organization hosts a fashion show, called Blue Wrap Project Runway, to raise awareness about the organization and challenge designers to create a costume from blue wrap, the polypropylene material used by hospitals to sterilize equipment and is thrown away after a single use.

Designers face the challenge of working with a non-traditional material to create beauty from that which is discarded. Usually, these fashions are shown for one night only. Thanks to a partnership between the Brick Store Museum and Partners for World Health, the Wrapped in Blue: Fashions to Promote Global Health exhibition is an exclusive and up-close look at just some of these designs.

The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday with varied hours. For more information, visit www.brickstoremuseum.org.

Co-ed softball league starting up

The Kennebunk 50 and over Co-Ed Softball League is about to enter its seventh season. The league is designed for players minimum age 50 and in a co-ed format, with emphasis on being in the outdoors, having fun, playing safe and enjoying each other’s company.

Last season, players ranged in age from their mid-50s to and including those just over 80; a significant but well rounded age group that including many players with prior softball experience to and including those with very little. All games and practices will be held at the Lloyd Nedeau softball field in West Kennebunk, off Clear Crossing Road.

The first practice will be held on Friday, May 26, starting at 9:30 a.m. and continue each Friday until October. The practices are a combination of warms-ups, batting practice and fielding.

The first game is scheduled for Monday, June 19, starting at 5:30 p.m. and will continue on each Monday until the last game on Oct. 2. There will be no official teams, as teams are uniformly selected based on the participants that evening and the need for certain position players. All games are officiated by a qualified umpire, who will also keep score, along with various statistics. The approach, with emphasis on balancing weekly teams to ensure fairness and competitiveness, has provides an enjoyable experience for all players.

For more information or to register, visit the Kennebunk Parks and Recreation Department or email Dan Peacock at peacock41@gmail.com.

Kennebunk Beach Classic 5K set for May 21

The 31st annual Kennebunk Beach Classic 5K is scheduled for Sunday, May 21. The event, a fundraiser for The Center, begins at 8:30 a.m. The Center is a nonprofit serving adults 50-plus in the Kennebunks.

For more information or to register, visit www.seniorcenterkennebunk.org/5k/ or call 207-967-8514.

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