Speers Gallery at Kennebunk Free Library will present “A Career in Prints,” by Brian D. Cohen. in March. The exhibit runs through March 31.

Cohen’s exhibit will feature a series of etchings spanning his 40-year career as a printmaker.

“I began to make prints because I had to; a printmaking course was part of the curriculum of an art program where I was hired to teach,” said Cohen in a news release. “To learn more, I began to make my own etchings and soon fell in love with the medium. I learned from books and from gaps in my knowledge that showed up in my early etchings and in my own teaching.

“The craft, history, and look of etching grew on me. Now I look at my work and reflect with some satisfaction that I continued to make art throughout my entire life, and I continue to make art now. I would like my work to be seen.”

Cohen is an educator, printmaker and painter. He founded Bridge Press in 1989 to further the association and integration of visual image, original text, and book structure. Artist’s books and prints by Cohen have been shown in over 40 individual exhibitions, including a retrospective at the Fresno Art Museum, and in over 200 group shows.

Cohen’s books and etchings are held by major private and public collections throughout the country. He lives in Kennebunk and is an avid collector of books and prints, rides motorcycles, and plays classical viola.

The public is invited to view the exhibit in the library’s Speers Gallery from March 1-31 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.

 

Food drive for

senior care packages

Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library will host Sharing for Shamrocks, a program that will run through the month of March during regular library hours.

The library is partnering with the Community Gourmet to provide items essential to care packages for local seniors in need. The library invites community members to join the effort by donating much-needed food items, helping to fill the library’s” pot of gold.”

For every food item donated, the library will add a shamrock to its windows, transforming the library into a symbol of community generosity. Participants, said organizers, are encouraged to also create handmade cards at the card station to be included in the care packages, “spreading joy and companionship to our senior population.”

Needed food items include: Hormel meals, flip-top soups, Carnation instant breakfast, Lorna Dunes cookies, tuna fish/chicken packets, Nutri Grain bars, macaroni and cheese cups, and fruit cups.

Graves Memorial Public Library is located at 18 Maine St., Kennebunkport. For more information, call 967-2778 and ask for the Junior Room, or visit www.graveslibrary.org.

 

Aspiring Leader in

Prevention Award

Alissa Wigglesworth, of Kennebunk, recently received the 2024 Aspiring Leader in Prevention Award from the Maine Prevention Certification Board.

According to a news release, “Wigglesworth has seven years of experience supporting healthier outcomes for children and families as a community educator. She has experience working with vulnerable populations including victims of abuse, at-risk families, and as a tobacco prevention coordinator. An accomplished prevention coordinator with a rich background in the nonprofit and public health sectors, Wigglesworth demonstrates a keen focus on prevention, mental health advocacy, and community outreach. Armed with expertise in public speaking and motivational interviewing, she effectively engages with diverse audiences to promote positive change.”

Wigglesworth is employed as a program manager at Maine Health at Maine Medical Center.

The Maine Prevention Certification Board recognizes aspiring leaders and/or exemplary Maine prevention professionals within the field. The recipient of the award is someone who demonstrates leadership through innovation and deep commitment to the implementation of prevention science to address substance use challenges in their community. The individual is a role model to their peers and community and exemplifies dedication, character, compassion, intelligence, and effectiveness in prevention.

 

York County Republican

Committee meeting

The York County Republican Committee will meet on Wednesday, March 12, at Alfred Town Hall, 16 Saco Road. Doors open at 6 p.m. with a business meeting scheduled for 6:30 to 8 p.m.

The guest Speaker will be Rep. Katrina Smith, who will address the issue of Title IX. All Republicans welcome. For more information, email YCRCsecretary@yorkgop.org or call 207-590-1909.

 

May Day Festival

set for May 3

Kennebunk’s 27th annual May Day Festival is scheduled for Saturday, May 3. According to organizers, this year’s festival will feature most of the family-oriented activities that have been staged for years and some new additions.

The May Day crafter and nonprofit applications, as well as the May Day parade registration, are available on the town of Kennebunk’s website, www.kennebunkmaine.us.

For more information, contact Linda Johnson at ljohnson@kennebunkmaine.us or visit www.kennebunkmaine.us/mayday.

 

Friends book sale

set for March 12

The Friends of the Kennebunk Free Library are hosting a book sale on Wednesday, March 12, from 3 to 7 p.m. The book sale is open only to those with a Friends membership. Those interested can join the Friends any time before the book sale at the price point that best fits their budget.

The sale will be held in the Friends Room (lower level) only. DVDs, CDs, adult paperbacks, children and teen books are all 10/$1. Adult fiction hardcover books are $2, adult nonfiction is 5/$1, and puzzles and games are $1 each.

Friends support the library by raising funds that help sponsor library programs and materials including passes to local museums and parks, summer reading programs, Kanopy streaming service, OverDrive e-content, and large print books.

The next Friends meeting will take place on Monday, April 7 at 5:30 p.m.

For more information, call the library 207-985-2173 or email kfl@kennebunklibrary.org.

 

Kennebunk Free Library

activities announced

Thursday Family Fun Play: On Thursday mornings in March, Kennebunk Free Library will bring out toys for a library play date. Before participants say goodbye, Miss Maria will read a story. All programs will run from 10 to approximately 11:15 a.m., however, friends are welcome to come and go as they please. Thursday Family Fun Play is for children ages 0-5 and their grown-ups. No registration is required. Upcoming Thursday Family Fun Play dates: March 6, 13, 20 and 27.

March storytimes: Visit the library for stories, songs, and fun with Miss Maria. Participants will get to say hello to puppet friend, Ami the bunny. On Mondays in March at 1 a.m., storytimes will be held in Hank’s Room. Upcoming Storytime dates include, March 10, 17, 24 and 31.

Lego Club: Kennebunk Free Library is offering a Lego Club for children ages 4 and older. Lego Club will meet on Thursday, March 27, from 3:45 to 4:30 p.m. Come and build new and imaginative creations or ask the librarian for a challenge to complete. All Lego blocks will be supplied. Participants should leave their blocks at home. Registration is recommended, but not required.

Kindness Crew: The next meeting of Kindness Crew is Tuesday, March 11, at 3:45 p.m. Patrons are invited to hear a story about kindness and make a craft. The program is open to ages 6 and older. Registration is appreciated, but not required. If a friend younger than 6 would like to join in, each out to Miss Maria at mrichardson@kennebunklibrary.org, or 985-2173, ext. 105. Caregivers are encouraged to join in.

Beadcraft: Perler Beads – tiny plastic beads that can melt – were first introduced as a craft in Sweden in the 1950s. Children ages 6 and older, or age 5 with a caregiver, are invited to attend for an afternoon of beading on Wednesday, March 5, at 1 p.m. Design suggestions will be offered, but creativity is encouraged. All craft materials will be provided. Registration is recommended, but not required.

Mad Hatter’s Tea Party: On Tuesday, March 18, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., visit the library for or a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party. Miss Maria will share a story, and the group will share a song or two together. Afterward, participants will be offered tea party snacks and drinks. The group will also have an opportunity to make Wonderland crafts. Participants are encouraged to dress in their tea party finery or Alice in Wonderland fashions. The program is for ages 4 and older. No registration is required.

Kennebunk Free Library is located at 112 Main St., Kennebunk. For more information, call 985-2173, ext. 108 or email ys@kennebunklibrary.org.

 

Textile drive

at Quest Fitness

In 2024, neighbors, businesses and friends in Kennebunk, Kennebunkport, Wells and Arundel donated over 15,000 pounds of unwanted textiles, linens, shoes and accessories to keep them out of landfills.

St. David’s Episcopal Church is organizing another textile drive to be held at the Quest Fitness parking lot, 2 Livewell Drive in Kennebunk, on Saturday, March 22. From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., volunteers will be on site to receive clean textiles (in plastic bags) and shoes (in separate large plastic bags).

The event is the first of three drives planned for 2025. The first 40 donors will receive coupons for a free Congdon’s doughnut.

For more information, contact June Smoot at lilmae1785@gmail.com.

 

Mid-Week Music

goes country

The 44th edition of Mid-Week Music is set for Wednesday, March 12, at 7 p.m. when host Dana Pearson and Don Wessels (Ocean Ave Band) will perform a concert of country songs. The material ranges from Hank Williams and Jim Reeves, up through Kris Kristofferson and Dolly Parton, all the way to Chris Stapleton and Shaboozey.

The monthly concert series is held at the Kennebunkport Historical Society’s Town House School at 135 North St. For advance tickets, visit kporths.com/buy-tickets, email info@kporths.com, or call 207-967-2751.

The shows are BYOB (21 and older only). Mid-Week Music will continue in April with Dylan Through the Years, a mini-series presented over the course of three successive Wednesdays. Picking one song per album (plus a few singles and soundtrack songs) from 1962 to 2023, Pearson will be joined by a new guest for each of the three shows: John Swinconeck on April 2 (1962-1973); Tony Michaud on April 9 (1973-1991); and Shawn Callahan on April 16 (1992-2023). Tickets are available now.

 

Arundel Historical

Society spaghetti supper

The Arundel Historical Society is hosting a spaghetti supper on Saturday, March 8, It will be held at the Mildred L. Day School on Limerick Road, Arundel, from 4:30 to 6 p.m. There will be two different sauces, rolls and bread, salad, homemade desserts, coffee and drinks. There will be historical displays and the annual historical society raffle calendar will be available.

The suggested donation is $10/person; $5/person, 11 years and younger; and free for children younger than 5. The event is a benefit and all proceeds go to the Arundel Historical Society. All are welcome. Organizers said the snow date is March 15.

 

Arundel nomination

papers available

Nomination Papers for the June 10 municipal election will be available at the Arundel Town Office beginning Monday, March 3, or the following positions:

Budget board, (two) positions for a three-year term.

RSU 21 director-school board member, (one) position for a one-year term.

RSU 21 director-school board member, (one) position for a three-year term.

Select board, (two) positions for a three-year term.

To qualify for a municipal office, a person must be a resident of Arundel, at least 18 years of age and registered to vote in Arundel. A minimum of 25 signatures of registered Arundel voters must be submitted prior to the close of business on April 10, 2025, in order for a candidate’s name to be placed on the June ballot.

For more information, call 985-4201, ext. 102 or stop by the Arundel Town Office during normal business hours, Monday -Thursday 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The office is closed noon to 1 p.m.

 

Good News

Film Festival

The First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church film team announced that it will host a Good News Film Festival.  They’ve planned eight films in March and April from 4 to 6 p.m. Entrance is free, and all are welcome.

The next film is “2040”and will be shown March 9. Practical, hopeful solutions to a wide range of environmental concerns are addressed with the focus on the filmmaker’s daughter, who will be 21 years old in the year 2040.

The third film of the series is “Kiss the Ground” on March 16. It shows how regenerating the world’s soils, can completely and rapidly stabilize earth’s climate, restore lost ecosystems and create abundant food supplies. Soil is the missing piece of the climate puzzle. More films will be announced.

First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church is located at 114 Main St., Kennebunk.

 

Photo sales benefit

fishermen’s association

Cape Porpoise portrait and conservation photographer Tess Johnson is offering prints of her photo, “God Bless the Fishermen,” for sale with 50% of the proceeds to benefit the New England Fishermen’s Stewardship Association.

For more information or to order prints, visit tessjphoto.com.

 

Virtual balance

and strength class

The Southern Maine Agency on Aging will offer its falls prevention class, A Matter of Balance, virtually via Zoom. Participants can now exercise to increase strength and balance in the comfort and convenience of their own home. The evidence-based class has proven successful in reducing the incidence of falls in older adults, according to a news release from the agency.

The nine-session class will meet from March 11 to April 8 on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1 to 3 p.m. via Zoom. The first class, Session 0, will be held on Tuesday, March 11. It will provide an opportunity to introduce everyone, review safety procedures and platform skills needed for the virtual class, and practice setting up a physical space. Organizers encourage participants to attend Session 0 even if already comfortable with the technology.

To register, visit www.smaaa.org/events or call the Agewell team at 207-396-6578.

 

Alumni association

updating database

For the past year, the Kennebunk-Kennebunkport Alumni Association has been consolidating membership data into a new database system. To reach as many alumni as possible, the association requests that Kennebunk High School alumni reach out to the alumni association at kkaainc1905@gmail.com to ensure updated membership and contact information. Contact information is also sought for those who may not use email to ensure all interested classmates receive communications.

The association’s annual alumni banquet is scheduled for Friday, June 20, at the Nonantum Resort in Kennebunkport. A social social hour begins at 5 p.m. followed by dinner at 6:15 p.m. Invitations should arrive via email or the postal service  beginning in March.

For more information, contact the Kennebunk-Kennebunkport Alumni Association, PO Box 272, Kennebunk, ME 04043 or email kkaainc1905@gmail.com.

 

Artists invited to

submit for jurying

The Art Guild of the Kennebunks welcomes artists to submit their work to be juried into the guild established in 1980.

“Joining the Art Guild of the Kennebunks gives artists a way to enjoy the company of other artists in our creative community” said Judith Kinsman Arneson, membership chairperson, in a news release. “It is also a way to present and sell your artwork in exhibits sponsored by the guild and find inspiration in the many opportunities the guild presents to its members.”

The jurying process: Go to the AGK website, www.artguildofthekennebunks.com, and fill out an application form. Send biographical information and a non-refundable check for $35 to Art Guild of the Kennebunks, P.O. Box 2658, Kennebunkport, ME 04046, by Monday, April 14.

Artists should submit five pieces in one medium that best represents them as an artist. Jurying date is Saturday, April 19. Drop off artwork on Saturday, April 19 at noon at the Brick Store Museum Program Center, 4 Dane St., Kennebunk. The building is located behind the museum. Art should be picked up at 3 p.m. the same day. Artists selected to become members of the guild will be notified by mail in seven to 10 days.

All media is acceptable, including oil, watercolor, pastel, pen and ink, pencil, sculpture and mixed media. Paintings must be professionally framed for hanging.

For more information, contact Judith Kinsman Arneson at 207-229-9659.

 

Historic painting on view

at Brick Store Museum

Nearly a year ago, the Brick Store Museum hosted a “March Madness” competition, during which museum visitors voted for their favorite piece of art from the museum’s list of conservation projects. In April 2024, the museum announced the winner of the vote: a painting of the Kennebunk-built ship, Neva, painted in watercolor on paper nearly 200 years ago.

The Neva was the first vessel to be launched by William Lord, of Kennebunk, in 1832. The contract for building the ship went to George W. Bourne and his partner of Henry Kingsbury, at the shipyard located behind what is now known as the Wedding Cake House. The vessel was 80 feet long at the keel, 18 feet deep, and about 25 feet wide. In the painting, the Neva is seen leaving the port at Le Havre, France, in 1833. Details include several people waving at the ship from a dock, with another ship in port in the distance.

A Maine-based conservator worked on the Neva portrait for nearly seven months due to the lengthy repairs and conservation to its paper backing and paint loss. The work was made possible by donations from interested community members through the museum’s Barry-Bodman Fund. In December 2024, the painting was returned to the museum completely conserved and ready to be viewed by the public. The work will be on special exhibit for the public to view starting Feb. 1.

To learn more about the Neva and the artwork conservation process, visit the Brick Store Museum’s “Museum Telegram” blog at www.brickstoremuseum.org.

The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday year-round, and celebrates Free February by offering free admission to all during the entire month of February.

 

Vets group offers

Wednesday coffee

Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 1044 has launched free-coffee Wednesdays to all veterans. Chapter 1044 is located at 508 Elm St. in Biddeford (basement of American Legion Post 26). Chapter meetings are held on the first Sunday of each month and begin at 1:30 p.m.

Those who served in the past, or are currently serving, are welcomed to the Wednesday coffee from 9 to 11 a.m. Veterans need simply to show military ID or wear an item that identifies their service, and the coffee is on Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 1044. Tables will be set up with board games and a veteran service officer will be available to answer questions on veterans’ benefits or to help file a claim for disability through the VA system. The service is also available to spouses of veterans.

For more information, contact Joseph Armstrong, chapter president, at 207-494-9287 or visit www.vva1004maine.org.

 

Seaglass Chorale

rehearsals at St. David’s

Seaglass Chorale invites interested singers to its rehearsals that are scheduled for 6 to 7 p.m. every Thursday at St. David’s Episcopal Church in Kennebunk. No audition is required.

Founded in 1993 by Artistic Director Jean Strazdes, Seaglass Chorale is a non-auditioned adult choral group of 60 voices. The chorale represents about 20 southern Maine communities and regularly performs throughout the area, with concerts in Kennebunk, Kennebunkport, Wells, Sanford, Saco and other regional venues.

St. David’s is located at 138 York St., Kennebunk. For more information on Seaglass Chorale, joining the chorale or making a donation, visit gwww.seaglasschorale.org.

 

Legion Post 159

meeting schedule

Monthly meetings of American Legion Post 159 are held on the first Thursday of the month. Meeting dates for 2025: April 3, May 1, June 5, July 3, Aug. 7, Sept. 4, Oct. 2, Nov. 6 and Dec. 4.

All veterans and Sons of the American Legion are welcomed to attend. Legion Post 169 is located at 102 Main St. (across from the police station) in Kennebunkport. For more information, call 207-967-2400.

 

Family storytime

at Graves Library

Graves Library will host Friday family storytime in the Community Room every Friday at 10 a.m. and invites patrons to Stay & Play at 10:45 a.m. The program includes stories, finger plays, and songs.

After story time, participants are invited to stop at the hands-on stations that are always open: Puzzle Cubes, View-Master, Coloring Crafts, Legos, I Spy Terrarium, and more. Participants can also try the themed Counting Scavenger Hunt for a chance to win a prize.

Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library is located at 18 Maine St., Kennebunkport. For more information, call 207-967-2778 and ask for the Junior Room or visit www.graveslibrary.org.

 

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 asnne.org/where-to-find-us.php.

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.

 

Land trust 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 2025 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 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.

 

Chess Club Tuesdays

at Graves Library

Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library hosts Chess Club meetings every Tuesday from 2 to 4:30 p.m. in the Dow Room. Whether a seasoned player or just starting out, the club welcomes all levels of players.

Players are invited to bring their own chess board or feel free to use one of library’s. The event provides an opportunity to engage in friendly matches, sharpen skills, and learn more about this timeless game from fellow chess lovers.

Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library is located 18 Maine St., Kennebunkport. For more information, call 207-967-2778 or visit www.graveslibrary.org.

 

York County Amateur

Radio Club meetings

The York County Amateur Radio Club meets on the first Sunday of each month from September to June. The meetings begin at 2:45 p.m. at the Wells town offices at 208 Sanford Road.

All are welcome and membership is open to all. A ham radio license is not required. The club promotes amateur radio knowledge, offers educational programs, and organizes special events. For more information, visit w1yca.org.

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