KENNEBUNK

Origami workshop for kids will have patriotic theme

Kennebunk Free Library invites children, ages 8 to 12, to a pre-holiday origami workshop, entiled “O’er the Ramparts,” at 2 p.m. Thursday at 112 Main St.

Youth will prepare for Independence Day by learning to make star origami.

The small stars, approximately one half-inch in diameter, can then be strung for garlands, key chains, even as earrings.

The event is free and wheelchair accessible.

Reservations are required by calling 985-2173 Ext. 5 or go to www.KennebunkLibrary.org.

PORTLAND

‘Only the Young’ kicks off documentary film series

The Portland Public Library POV (Point-of-View) Summer Documentary Film Series will present a viewing of “Only the Young” from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Thursday in the Rines Auditorium at Portland Public Library, 5 Monument Square.

Chris Gorman, associate director of the Maine Youth Action Network, an organization that seeks to engage and empower youth in Maine, will introduce the film and lead a discussion with the audience after the film.

The film series will be held on Thursdays throughout the summer starting at 7:30 p.m. each week in the Rines Auditorium.

The screenings are free and open to the public with facilitated group discussions to be offered after select showings.

For more details, go to www.pbs.org/pov.

YORK

Storyteller to perform at summer reading program

York Public Library’s Annual Family Fun Series kicks off with a performance that captures the essence of this year’s summer reading program theme, “Dig into Reading.”

New Hampshire storyteller Simon Brooks brings tales of underground magic from his native British Isles to a performance at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday. at the Village Elementary School at 124 York St.

For more details, call 363-2818 or go to www.york.lib.me.us.

SPRINGVALE

Library announces times for reading programs

Springvale Public Library, at 443 Main St., has announced a change in hours for its children’s reading programs this summer.

Read & Romp, for children ages 3 to 6, meets at 10 a.m. Mondays through Aug. 12 and will feature a variety of stories, finger plays, songs and activities.

Baby Rhyme Time, for children ages 3 and younger will meet at 10 a.m. Thursdays through Aug. 15 for a brief program of fun, early literacy activities such as learnng Mother Goose rhymes.

Both programs are free and no registration is required. 

For more details, call 324-4624 or visit www.springvalelibrary.org.

WISCASSET

Works of John Sideli to highlight art walk

Wiscasset Art Walk, a monthly showcase and celebration of downtown galleries, area artists, restaurants and shops, will kick off its first outing of the season from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday and featuring the work of artist John Sideli at his studio and gallery on Water Street.

Art Walk officials are still seeking volunteers, participants and sponsors to participate in upcoming events.

The walks will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. on the last Thursday of each month through September and feature free, self-guided tours in downtown Wiscasset. A special event or gallery will be featured each month along with musicians, pop-up art displays, and the popular Alive on the River concert series, which will be held on the Town Commons.

For more details, call Lucia Droby at 882-8290.

ORRS ISLAND

Fire Department open house will introduce new chief

The Orrs and Bailey Islands Fire Department will hold its annual summer open house from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the Orr’s Island fire station at 1600 Harpswell Islands Road, Route 24.

Visitors are invited to meet the new fire chief, tour the station and equipment, get safety information, watch the Jaws of Life rip apart a car and get hands-on time with fire hoses and extinguishers.

Free blood pressure checks and disposal of old extinguishers will be offered along with a chance to learn about fire and home safety and the benefits of volunteering.

There also will be special events for children and refreshments will be available.

For more details, go to www.obifd.org.

NEWFIELD

Willowbrook Village offering two workshops

The 19th Century Willowbrook Village, at 70 Elm St., will host a Rural Life Skills Workshop and Farm Day event Saturday.

Farm Day will feature demonstrations of worm composting and making compost tea, beginning at 11 a.m. and a workshop on processing your own chickens, rather than bringing them to a butcher, will be held at 2 p.m.

The cost per workshop is $15 for Willowbrook members and $20 for all others.

The village is open from 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Admission is $5 to $12 for children and adults.

For more details, call director John Michalowski, Jr. at 793-2784 or email director@willowbrookmuseum.org.

NEW GLOUCESTER

Herbalist to instruct class on herb gardens

“Herb Garden Design for the Everyday Cook” is the title of a workshop to be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village on Route 26.

Herbalist Betsey-Ann Golon will instruct on use, function and garden location. Free plants from the Shaker garden will be given out.

The fee is $40. Pre-registration is required by calling 926-4597.