Museum unveils

public mural

Cookie Davis, a local artist and laborer, is featured in the Brick Store Museum’s current exhibition, Bold Visions: The Folk Art of Collyer Bowen and Cookie Davis. Davis, a trans person, was well-known in the Kennebunks, and particularly Cape Porpoise, for painting murals and personal paintings of the area’s landscape. In June, the museum unveiled an outdoor mural paying tribute to her love of creating public art. It will be on display in the museum’s courtyard through August.

The mural was created in four panels by four different artists, each invited to create a piece inspired by Davis and her life. The four brightly-colored and surprising panels were painted by Kristin Fuhrmann-Simmons, Leah Bares, Ben Spalding, and KJ Shows. The panels were put together to appear like barn doors, which emulate the barn doors in Cape Porpoise on which Davis once painted a mural. Crowdfunded by donors to the mural project, the panels stand at more than 13-feet high.

According to a news release, the artists each picked a different part of Cookie’s story from which to draw inspiration.

KJ Shows imagined if Cookie could be painted by Andy Warhol. “I think she’d like that,” Shows said.

Artist Ben Spalding, now based in Portland, created neon-colored 3D birds wearing white GoGo boots – something that Cookie was often seen wearing around the Kennebunks.

The project was also supported by BBsquared and Cape Porpoise Carpentry. The mural was unveiled to a gathered crowd at the museum’s annual meeting on June 26. The mural and the exhibition, Bold Visions: The Folk Art of Collyer Bowen and Cookie Davis, will be on view through Sept. 1.

 

Students on UNE

spring dean’s list

The following students have been named to the dean’s list for the 2024 spring semester at the University of New England:

• Arundel

Robin Gorham, Adam Lux and Tralee Pomerleau.

• Kennebunk

Emma Enis, Anela McMichael and Mary Elizabeth Warlick.

• Kennebunkport

Kylie Day, Claudia Kenneway and Katherine Smith.

 

Summer concert features

The Dock Squares

Kennebunkport Recreation announced that its second concert of the Summer Concert Series, will take place on Thursday, July 18 and feature The Dock Squares.

The concert will be held at 20 Recreation Way, next to Consolidated School in Kennebunkport. Festivities will kick off at 6 p.m. and conclude at 8 p.m.

Supporting sponsors include Kennebunk Savings and Pack Maynard and Associates, Real Estate.

In addition to live music from The Dock Squares, patrons will have a variety of food options from food trucks, including Mainely Burgers, Iron Clad Tacos, Cargo Pizza, and KPort Bagels, who will also be serving Italian ice. FLocal breweries Batson River and Banded Brewing will be on-site, offering a selection of brews.

Children’s activities will also be available.

For more information, call 207-967-4304.

 

Secret Gardens tour

of the Kennebunks

Tickets are on sale for Graves Library’s Secret Gardens of the Kennebunks, that will be held on Saturday, July 13, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (rain or shine).

Six homeowners have agreed to open their private gardens to help raise money for the library. Tickets are $40 each, and can be purchased in advance on Eventbrite or at the library, 18 Maine St., Kennebunkport.

Same-day tickets will only be available at Consolidated School. On the day of the event, ticket holders should begin at Kennebunkport Consolidated School, 25 School St. A map, with instructions will be provided.

Visitors will experience a variety of garden styles and plant types amid natural settings hidden from view behind stone walls, seaside cottages, and privacy hedges. Volunteers will be located at each garden to help with questions about where to park.

This year, the library is also offering a pop-up garden boutique at the library. Those looking for a lunch option, will find the Texas Grace food truck.

All proceeds for the event benefit Graves Memorial Public Library. For more information, call 207-967-2778 or visit www.graveslibrary.org.

 

Book signing at

Town House School

Author Frederick Boyle will visit Town House School in Kennebunkport for a book signing. A genealogist, Boyle will host the event for his latest work, “Early Families of Kennebunkport, Maine.”

The event will take place on Wednesday, July 17, at 2 p.m. Admission is free, with donations appreciated, and books will be available for purchase.

“At 94 years old,” according to a news release, “Boyle continues to make significant contributions to the field of genealogy. His
newest book offers a detailed exploration of the early families of Kennebunkport, tracing the town’s history from its early settlers in 1623 to the mid-19th century. Boyle’s meticulous research brings to life the stories of families such as the Downings, Durrells, Fairfields, Goodwins, Huffs, Hutchins, Lords, Merrills, Millers, Perkins, Walkers, and many others, who
played a pivotal role in the development of this historic town.”

From 1985 to 2005, Boyle was a Certified Genealogist through the Board for Certification of Genealogists in Washington, D.C., and a Certified Genealogical Record Searcher prior to that. Since retiring from teaching, Boyle has authored nine books, three of which were privately published. He remains an active professional genealogist and has been a trustee of the Springvale Public Library, advising on its genealogy collection, from 1985 to 2011.

Boyle’s work primarily focuses on families from Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts. He is a member of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and the Maine Historical Society.

His new book on Kennebunkport, according to the news release, is his most ambitious project yet, capturing the growth of Arundel (the town’s original name) and its reestablishment after periods of conflict and hardship.

“We are so pleased to welcome Mr. Boyle to the Town House School. It has been exciting to witness his research process here in our archives. We look forward to hearing more about this exciting publication,” said Kristin Lewis Haight, executive director of the historical society, said in an email.

 

Sustainability committee

hosts ‘Wild Storm’ program

Kennebunk’s Energy Efficiency and Sustainability Committee will present a special program, Wild Storms: Predictions, Precautions and Preparations, on climate change and storm preparedness on July 25.

The program is scheduled for at 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the auditorium at Kennebunk Town Hall.

For more information, visit www.kennebunkmaine.us/eesc.

 

Church on the Cape

welcomes new pastor

The Rev. Greg Smith began his appointment as the full-time pastor at Church on the Cape on Sunday, July 7. Leading the congregation in the sung liturgy for Holy Communion, his full baritone voice surprised some, according to a news release. Through his sermon, he introduced himself with his warm, interactive and humorous manner. Smith and his wife Diana have relocated from Shelburne, Vermont, where Greg served as pastor at the Shelburne United Methodist Church for the past 17 years. The local beaches have been their summer destination for decades.

Church on the Cape is located at 3 Langsford Road in Cape Porpoise, Kennebunkport. Hymn Sing begins at 9:45 a.m. each Sunday with worship at 10 a.m. The church is wheelchair accessible and open to all who enter. For more information, call the church office, 207-967-5787.

 

Summer Band Blast 7

at Waterhouse Center

The Waterhouse Center, at 51 Main St. in Kennebunk, will rock once again on the afternoon of Aug. 25, when Summer Band Blast 7 kicks off at 5 p.m., rain or shine.

An afternoon of entertainment will be offered by local musicians including The Biddo Honeys, The Lisa, Jim & Byon Band, Dana Pearson, Gary Vail, Lincoln Continental, The Dock Squares, Gentlemen & Hooligans, Fugitive, and other special guests.

The free event runs from 5 to 7:30 p.m. The show is a benefit for Community Outreach Services. Concert-goers are asked to bring a nonperishable food item or cash donation to help those in need in the local community. Patrons are encouraged to grab a chair and some dancing shoes and enjoy the event.

For more information, call Faith at 207-502-2883.

 

West K committee seeks

Family Fun Day volunteers

The West Kennebunk Village Committee is seeking local residents for volunteers to assist with its West Kennebunk Family Fun Day event scheduled annually on Saturday, Aug. 3 (9  a.m. to 2 p.m.) to be held on the grounds surrounding the Dorothy Stevens Center located on the Thompson Road.

The committee is seeking individuals to help staff kids games, contests and booths. The committee will be holding a Family Fun Day workshop for volunteers at 6 p.m. July 24 at the Stevens Center. All are welcome.

The committee also welcomes other local businesses, groups, organizations and individuals who may wish to participate in the Family Fun Day event to attend the workshop or contact the town of Kennebunk, West Kennebunk Village Committee for more information.

 

Drive-through barbecue

at Legion Post 159

American Legion Post 159 will host a drive-through barbecue at 5 p.m. on Friday, July 12. Legion Post 159 is located at 102 Main St. (across from the police station) in Kennebunkport.

The barbecue will run until the food runs out, say organizers. The menu includes pulled pork, smoked chicken, bratwurst, beans, coleslaw, potato salad, jalapeno cornbread and a brownie. The price is $15 per plate.

For more information, call 207-967-2400.

 

Rockin’ to hits

from the ‘50s 

The Mid-Week Music series continues Wednesday, July 17 at 7 p.m. with ’50s Rock & Roll Redux.

Mark Gunter (vocal/keyboards), Ron Breton (vocal/drums), Alan Shepard (saxophone), and Dana Pearson (vocal/guitar) will play hits from the likes of Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, Buddy Holly, Ray Charles, Carl Perkins, and Jerry Lee Lewis.

For tickets: kporths.com/buy-tickets, info@kporths.com, or 967-2751.

The monthly concert series takes place at the Kennebunkport Historical Society’s Town House School at 135 North St. The next entry will be Nothing But the Blues with Pearson, Tyler Hansen, and Jeff Wentworth on Wednesday, Aug. 14 at 7 p.m.

 

Shorts on the Green

scheduled for July 22, 29

South Congregational Church in Kennebunkport will host Shorts on the Green from 2 to 3:15 p.m. on July 22, July 29, Aug. 5 and Aug. 12.

Participants will read two short stories in advance of each session. This year’s stories are about family. If the weather allows, participants should bring a chair as the gathering will be on South Church River Green (next to 2 North St., Kennebunkport).

In the event of inclement weather, the discussions will be held in the Community House at 8 Temple St.

For more information and copies of the stories, email pastor@southchurchucc.org.

 

Summer Solstice

Craft Show is July 13-14

The annual July Summer Solstice Craft Show is  scheduled for July 13-14 in Wells. The two-day event will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday at Wells Junior High School on Route 1 in Wells.

This juried craft show features 70-plus crafters and artists who display their handmade wares inside and outside at the junior high. Traditional, contemporary and country crafts are featured. Patrons will see stained glass, jewelry of all types, pottery, soaps, clothing, wood crafts, fiber arts, graphics, photography, handcrafted specialty foods and much more. Many of the crafters and artists have been coming back for years.

The craft show is held rain or shine. Parking and admission are free.

For more information, contact show director Rita Poli at 207-967-2251, summersolsticecraftshows.com or rpoli3@roadrunner.co.

 

Garden Summer Soiree

scheduled for July 25 

Kennebunk Land Trust announced that its third annual summer celebration, the Garden Summer Soiree will take place at The Colony Hotel on July 25 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. The soiree will feature a garden party theme.

The event will also mark the culmination of a week-long art auction featuring plein air artwork from local artists. Artists are painting one-of-a-kind pieces of Kennebunk Land Trust preserves, bringing the region’s colors and dramatic landscapes to life on canvas.

The online auction featuring these works will be open Monday, July 22-25. On the evening of July 25, soiree attendees will be able to meet the artists, view the paintings, and participate in the final night of the art auction.

Event sponsors are Boiling Springs Landscape, Bergen Parkinson, Woodman Edmands, Harrison Development, Haley Ward, Sunrise Senior Living – Huntington Common, The Colony Hotel, Kennebunk Savings, and HM Payson.

For more information on both events and to buy tickets for the soiree, visit www.kennebunklandtrust.org.

 

The Center plans

Affairs to Remember Auction

The Center will host its Affairs to Remember Auction. This year’s event will feature a live auction, hosted by auctioneer Durward Parkinson, and a silent auction. This year’s event will once again be held at the River Club, in Kennebunkport, on July 25, from 6-8 p.m.

Attendees can bid on an array of curated items, including trips to local and international destinations, culinary adventures, and more. The silent auction will showcase an array of local gems, from adventures to artworks by local artisans, as well as packages sourced from community businesses.

Tickets for the event are priced at $50, which includes admission, two complimentary cocktails, and hors d’oeuvres. Proceeds from ticket sales and auction bids will go directly to supporting the Center, an organization dedicated to serving the 50-plus community.

To secure tickets, visit seniorcenterkennebunk.org, or contact the Center directly at 175 Port Road, Kennebunk, or call 207-967-8514.

 

Rotary Club to host

author Noah St. John

Noah St. John, a Kennebunk High School graduate and author, will return to his hometown to share his journey of success and innovation in a special Rotary presentation on Thursday, Aug. 1, followed by book signings at the South Portland Books-A-Million on Friday, Aug. 2, at 5 p.m., and the new South Portland Barnes and Noble on Saturday, Aug. 3, at noon.

St. John, a Rotary Scholar, National Merit Scholar, and author of 25 books, including the Amazon No. 1 bestsellers, “The Book of Afformations,” and “Millionaire Afformations,” will discuss the power of innovation and transformative thinking.

On Thursday, Aug. 1, from noon to 1:30 p.m., St. John will present at Kennebunk Rotary Club, where he will host a special question-and-answer session into his personal journey from a Kennebunk student to an author and speaker. His presentation, according to a news release is titled, Reflections of a Rotary Scholar, and aims to inspire and empower individuals to achieve exceptional personal and professional growth.

St. John lives in northeast Ohio with his wife, Babette. The events are open to the public.

 

Poetry returns to

Franciscan Monastery

Poetry in the Friary returns to St. Anthony Franciscan Monastery on Saturday, July 27.

The event, scheduled for 1 to 2:30 p.m., will feature Julia Bouwsma, sixth Maine Poet Laureate, 2021-2026; Mihku Paul, Native American poet; Jefferson Navicky, author, four books of poetry and winner of the 2022 Maine Literary Award for poetry; Sandra Regan, poet, MWA artist, and author; and Joao R. Victor, winner of 2019 Maine Poetry Out Loud.

The monastery is located at 28 Beach Ave. in Kennebunk. Admission is free with all donations benefitting the monastery. Refreshments will be available.

 

Friends group hosts

Hope Woods walk

The Friends of Hope Cemetery & Woods invite participants to its monthly walks through Hope Woods in downtown Kennebunk with its Maine Master Naturalist. The next date is Saturday, July 20, at 10 a.m.

To register, email friendsofhcw@gmail.com or call 207-387-9100.

 

The Center

seeks nominations

The Center is seeking nominations for its 10th annual Model of Positive Living Award. The award is given to a community member who is 50 or older who makes a difference in the lives of others through kind gestures, volunteerism, and a can-do attitude.

In a press release, the Center wrote, “we are looking for individuals who live their lives with vitality and compassion for others. If you know someone who has demonstrated these inspiring traits, help us recognize their impact and influence.”

To nominate someone, contact the Center, 207-967-8514, or visit seniorcenterkennebunk.org to download the nomination form.

The deadline to nominate is Aug. 1, 2024. The award will be announced by the Center in September.

 

Fishermen’s group

offers youth memberships

At the April 2024 New England Fishermen’s Stewardship Association  board meeting, the group voted to offer free youth memberships to all interested persons under the age of 18. The initiative was unanimously approved.

According to a press release, “New England Fishermen’s Stewardship Association works to protect “sustainable American commercial fisheries for the future generations of harvesters to come is a top priority. As mentors to the next generation, we are enthusiastic about working with our youth on the water and off and serving as a resource, while building relationships across generations. One-hundred percent of the NEFSA staff and board members have years of experience in the commercial fishing industry, and we are excited to share our collective knowledge and work together for the next generation of U.S. wild harvesters.”

For more information, visit www.nefishermen.org/membership.

 

Amateur Radio Society
meets at The New School

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 international contacts. Most meetings include a “tech talk” by a society member.

Those interested in amateur radio are invited to join. The New School is located at 38 York St. in Kennebunk. For more information, contact Alex at 207-967-8812.

 

Astro Society
hosts star parties

The Astronomical Society of Northern New England has set its schedule for public Star Parties through August and invites the public to attend. The society operates its own observatory, the Talmage Observatory at Starfield, on Route 35, in West Kennebunk.

At the Star Parties, the public, as well as society members, are most invited to observe the heavens through club telescopes, as well as member telescopes. Stars, visible planets, and deep-sky objects can all be viewed. Experienced society members are on hand to guide the observing, explain what is being seen, and answer questions. There is no fee.

The Talmage Observatory at Starfield opens at 7:30 p.m. for the events. For directions, visit http://asnne.org/where-to-find-us.php.

Dates for upcoming Star Parties: Aug. 9 (rain date, Aug. 10).

The Astronomical Society of Northern New England is a local association of amateur astronomers that meets monthly at the New School in Kennebunk. Meetings are on the first Friday of each month. For more information, visit ASNNE.org.

 

Legion Post 74
schedules meetings

American Legion Webber Lefebvre Post 74 in Kennebunk holds meetings on the first Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. Legion Post 74 is located at 15 Water St.

Legion Post 74 is looking for new members. Legion Post 74 participates in the May Day and Memorial Day parades, flag
retirement ceremonies with the Boy Scouts, furnishes a scholarship to the high school and participates in many other local activities and charities.

 

Land trust announces
nature walk schedule

Kennebunk Land Trust released the dates for its Nature Walk series. The first Saturday of each month, the land trust hosts a nature walk on a different preserve following a different theme. Participants are invited to explore a new local preserve and enjoy nature in all seasons.

The walks are led by local Maine Guides and master naturalists, who take participants through the nature preserve and share knowledge and ask questions about the flora, fauna, and nature.

The walks are free of charge for all ages and held from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Donations are accepted and well-behaved dogs are welcome. The schedule:

• Aug. 3 – Hope Woods

• Sept. 7 – Wonderbrook Park

• Oct. 5 – Mousam River Wildlife Sanctuary

• Nov. 2 – Butler Preserve

• Dec. 7 – For All Forever Preserve

The 2024 walk schedule is subject to change with notice. For more information and to register, visit kennebunklandtrust.org.

Kennebunk Savings and Southern Maine Health Care are sponsors of the events.

 

Legion Post 159
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 are Aug. 1, Sept. 5, Oct. 3, Nov. 7 and Dec. 5.

For more information, call 967-2400.

 

 

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