More than 2,300 essential items were recently donated to York County Shelter Programs from students at Middle School of the Kennebunks.  It was the largest single donation from a school in the nonprofit’s history, going back to 1979.

Seventh-grade student Devlyn McQueen with a few of the items donated recently to York County Shelter Programs. Courtesy photo

Megan Gean-Gendron, executive director of York County Shelter Programs, said the number of socks donated will allow the shelter to provide a week’s worth of socks for all the residents throughout the next year.

According to an RSU 21 news release, “Middle School of the Kennebunks takes part in a giving project annually, but it is especially significant during the pandemic when many families in Maine and across the country are struggling financially. The project encourages team spirit among students and fostered a joy of giving.”

Kennebunk Free Library open by appointment starting May 10

Kennebunk Free Library opened for browsing and computers, both by appointment, on May 10. Patrons can schedule an appointment through the website or by calling starting May 8. Curbside services remain available during curbside-only hours.

Monday: Appointments 9:30 a.m. to noon, Curbside 1  to 4:45 p.m.

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Tuesday: Appointments 12:30 to 3 p.m., Curbside 4 to 7:45 p.m.

Wednesday: Appointments 12:30 to 3 p.m., Curbside 4 to 7:45 p.m.

Thursday: Appointments 9:30 a.m. to noon, Curbside 1 to 4:45 p.m.

Friday: Appointments 9:30 a.m. to noon, Curbside 1 to 4:45 p.m.

Saturday: Curbside 9:30 a.m

York County Shelter Programs Executive Director Megan Gean-Gendron, top row at right, recently visited Middle School of the Kennebunks to accept donations to the nonprofit that help unhoused individuals and works to prevent homelessness. She picked up 2,334 pairs of socks and 387 bottles of shampoo and conditioner. She is pictured with students Devlyn McQueen, top row left, Lily Neil-Jacobsen, Helen Van Hemel, Will Foisy and Kyley Hodge in the bottom row from left to right. Courtesy photo

. to 12:45 p.m., Appointments 2 to 5 p.m.

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Appointments are for 30 minutes. Masks and distancing are required. If patrons are unable to wear a mask, the library will provide curbside services or homebound delivery.

For more information, call or email the library. Kennebunk Free Library is located at 112 Main St. in Kennebunk, 207-985-2173.

Registration for Kennebunk Free Library Road Race is open

Registration for the 24th Edition Road Race, in-person or virtual, is open. Participants are encouraged to register early to secure one of the remaining 100 goodie bags, including a road race T-shirt.

This year, the library will host a virtual road race from June 21 to July 7. Participants can run their own race course – or follow the traditional route – whenever it’s convenient. The library is also planning a modified in-person event on July 9, COVID regulations permitting. Here’s what will be a little bit different this year:

Prizes for the in-person event will go to the top male and female finisher in each of nine age categories. Only those who compete in person will be eligible for prizes based on their times.

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Prizes for the virtual event will be all about your creativity. Virtual runners are asked to email a photo of their race to enter in any of the categories below. Log times into the Race Roster results app for bragging rights and a downloadable certificate.
The categories:

Most Creative Finish Line
Best 5K Selfie
Best Coordinated Pet Costume
Most Scenic Course
Best Literary Costume or Finish Line
Participant from Furthest Location

There will be no same-day registration this year. Participants are asked to register by July 7. The first 200 to register will be able to pick up goodie bags at the library beginning June 21 (email us if other arrangements are needed).

The library will not serve dinner or wine/beer at the event, but there will be a $5 Federal Jack’s gift card in each goodie bag and granola bars and water will be available on race day.

The race will follow the state of Maine’s Organized Racing Events guidance. All participants must follow the guidelines.

For more information, email or call the library at 985-2173. If an in-person race is unable to be held, the prize structure will be adjusted.

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Legacy Properties opens new office

Legacy Properties Sotheby’s International Realty, with offices in Kennebunk, Portland, Brunswick, Damariscotta, Camden, is announced the opening of its newest office in Northeast Harbor.

According to a news release, “The addition of this sixth office builds upon the increasingly strong performance that Legacy Properties Sotheby’s International Realty has shown in recent years on Mount Desert Island and the surrounding
communities.”

Legacy Properties Sotheby’s International Realty can be reached at 207-780-8900 and info@legacysir.com.

Horse and yoga therapy class offered

BlixxHorses 5 Portage Way in West Kennebunk, is offering a one-hour class with certified yoga instructor Leslie Hill-Fiore of Port Yoga, Kennebunkport, on Saturday, May 22.

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Lexxie Courtesy photo

According to a BlixxHorses news release, “Animals and exercise have long been known to have therapeutic effects. Yoga is an ancient practice that connects body, mind and spirit through poses, breathing and meditation. Horses are prey animals with a unique energy due to their stoicism and peaceful aura.

“The simple act of listening to horses breathing has calming effects. Both help reduce stress, anxiety and increase the effect of the ‘feel good’ endorphins in the brain. We are combining these two therapies for this special session in a safe environment with plenty of space to distance.”

The event will have a maximum of 30 participants. Children 12 and older must be accompanied by parent. Class starts promptly at 9 a.m. Cost is $20 cash payable before class. Space can be reserved in advance by mailing a check to BlixxHorses, P.O. Box 435, West Kennebunk, ME 04094 Proceeds benefit BlixxHorses.

Class will take place outdoors with the quiet, calming sounds of horses breathing, sounds of nature and the river from afar with the sky above. Class will be held on a sandy surface. Bring towel or sheet to place under mat, insect repellent and dress in layers. Seating areas are available throughout property for spectators, with a donation required A visit with horses and cool-down path-walk after class is part of the experience.

For more information, visit the BlixxHorses Facebook page, call 207-985-1994 or email blixx@myfairpoint.net.

Resident inducted into Order of the Gown

Sarah Grace MacKinnon of Kennebunk was inducted into the Order of the Gown at the University of the South during a ceremony held on Feb. 26 in Sewanee, Tennessee. MacKinnon is the daughter of Julienne and Michael A. MacKinnon.

The Order of the Gown is an academic honor society and a unique student government body among U.S. colleges and universities. Since 1875 the Order of the Gown has remained the body responsible for maintaining the spirit, traditions and ideals of the University of the South. The wearing of the gown is both a sign of academic achievement and a promise to continue the ideals and traditions of the university.

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