Baked bean, chop suey
supper on June 29

The First Congregational Church is hosting its next baked bean and American chop suey supper of 2024 on Saturday, June 29, from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at the church, 141 North St., Kennebunkport. First Church bean suppers will be held on the last Saturday of each month through October. There will be two types of home baked beans. One type of beans will be meatless. There will also be American Chop Suey, macaroni and cheese, hot dogs, rolls and coleslaw, topped off with a slice of homemade pie. The cost for adults and children ages 12 and over is $10 per person, and $5 for children under 12.

Call 710-7060 with any questions.

In addition to this supper hosted by church members, the Rev. Fred Gagnon will hold a Sunday worship service beginning at 9:30 a.m. Currently, masks are optional. All are welcome.

For directions or more information, call the church office on Tuesdays at 967-3897. The church’s website is firstchurchkport.org. The church’s Facebook page can be found by searching for “First Congregational Church Of Kennebunkport” on Facebook.

Avesta Housing awards
Kennebunk Savings

Avesta Housing, the largest nonprofit affordable housing provider in northern New England, has presented its Mission Champion Award to Kennebunk Savings for its work to provide safe, quality, affordable homes for older adults in Kennebunk.

Avesta’s Mission Champion Award is presented annually to an individual or organization who has made significant contributions to the promotion and provision of affordable housing. Winners of the award embody Avesta’s belief that everyone deserves a safe, affordable place to call home. Avesta Housing President and CEO Rebecca Hatfield presented the award to Kennebunk Savings on May 29 at The Woodlands Club in Falmouth.

Motivated by the housing crisis, Kennebunk Savings donated 12 acres and more than half a million dollars to Avesta Housing in 2023. The donation will facilitate development of a new 70-unit affordable housing community for ages 55 and older in Kennebunk and support future phases of affordable housing in the area.

“The land and financial donation by Kennebunk Savings was unparalleled and represents the single largest philanthropic donation in Avesta’s 52-year history,” said Hatfield. “What’s more, the bank leadership’s tireless efforts to ensure that the zoning change was approved was crucial to the development moving forward and is indicative of their dedication to providing affordable homes to the Kennebunk community. This represents a bold and creative solution to addressing the housing crisis, and we are hopeful that other businesses will be inspired by it.”

“We are incredibly thankful to be honored by Avesta Housing with their Mission Champion Award. And we can’t say enough about their leadership and incredible staff,” said Kennebunk Savings CEO Bradford C. Paige. “We knew from day one that we had found the right organization with the right creativity and, importantly, the right to help make this project happen. We are proud to have collaborated so successfully with Avesta Housing to help facilitate the creation of much-needed affordable housing for older adults in our community, and we hope there are more partnership opportunities in the future.”

KFL July art exhibit
‘Reimaging Reality’

The Speers Gallery at the Kennebunk Free Library presents the exhibit “Reimaging Reality” by Helen Olson of Kennebunk from July 1 to 31; it features abstract paintings done with acrylics.

“My intention is to challenge the viewers to delve deeper into their own perception of the world and the unfamiliar,” Olson said. “Through the lens of abstractions, I want to open the viewers’ eyes to the possibility of alternative realities and spark a sense of curiosity and introspection.”

In addition to painting, Olson loves to cook, and said “A sense of joy fuels my creative process whether I’m mixing paint or whipping up a new recipe. For me, inspiration often simmers in a pot on the stove or explodes in a burst of color on my palette. Like cooking, my paintings are a delicious blend of passion, experimentation, and a healthy dash of intuition … come explore my world of vibrant colors and unexpected textures, where every brushstroke is a splash or flavor, and each composition a carefully crafted dish for the soul.”

View the exhibit during regular library hours when the gallery is not in use for library programs. Check the library website for current hours and gallery access at kennebunklibrary.org.

Halcyon String Quartet
to perform July 14

On Sunday, July 14 at 4 p.m., the Halcyon String Quartet will perform “Realized,” a multimedia concert combining stop-motion animation with live music. The concert will be held at First Parish UU Church in Kennebunk. A $25 donation is requested at the door.

With animated films and stories inspired by a series of workshops with Maine high school students, Realized amplifies the artwork and voices of young people as they reflect on the present and imagine what a resilient, sustainable, and equitable future on this planet could look like. This diverse program of music features J.S. Bach, Caroline Shaw, Villa-Lobos, Mozart, Philip Glass, and Nordic folk tunes. Realized is a creative, honest, and hopeful multimedia program exploring the potential all have to enact meaningful change in our communities. Halcyon will collaborate with pianist Chris Staknys for the Finale of Schumann’s Piano Quintet.

Halcyon is a Maine-based artist collective and string quartet that reflects on the challenges and opportunities of a climate-changed world. Halcyon partners with scientists, musicians, artists and composers to present four to five multi-show performance projects throughout Maine each year. Their films have been screened at the Maine International Film Festival and Reel Teal Film Festival. For more information about the ensemble and to learn about upcoming performances, go to halcyonstringquartet.org.

2023 Photos of the Year
reception at Graves Library

The Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library will host the opening reception for “2023: The Year in Photos” on Tuesday, July 2, at 5 p.m. The exhibit will feature some of the best images from the Portland Press Herald photographers, showcasing the unexpected moments and profound beauty of connection captured throughout the year.

According to the organizers, the photographers from the Portland Press Herald “uncover unexpected moments every day and show us the profound beauty of connection.”

The opening reception will provide an opportunity for the community to meet and interact with the talented photographers behind the powerful images. Light refreshments will be served. The Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, located at 18 Maine St., Kennebunkport, invites those interested to attend the reception. For further information, call 967-2778 or visit the library’s website at graveslibrary.org.

Kennebunk Rotary Club
awards scholarships

Kennebunk Rotary Club has awarded scholarships totaling $51,000 to graduating senior students in the 2024 Kennebunk High School class.

Keri Walker, Rotary Club president said, “Kennebunk Rotary is a fellowship group of service-minded individuals dedicated to supporting our community. We have a longstanding tradition of awarding scholarships to our district’s graduating seniors attending higher education and recently expanded the scholarships to graduating seniors attending trade schools. We look forward to continuing and enlarging our scholarship program in the upcoming years.”

Linda Weiwel, scholarship coordinator at Kennebunk High School, said, “Over the last 19 years that I have helped coordinate scholarships, Kennebunk Rotary has consistently supported our school and funded some $319,000 for the further education of our students. Their generosity is greatly appreciated.”

Kennebunk Rotary meets at noon each Thursday at Duffy’s Tavern and Grill, on Main Street in Kennebunk. New and interested members are welcome to join. Go to kennebunkrotary.com for additional information.

Meteorologist featured
at KFL 5K fundraiser

The Kennebunk Free Library announced today that News Center Maine meteorologist Jason Nappi will return for his second year as their Master of Ceremonies for the 27th Edition 5K Fundraiser on July 12. Nappi was 13 when his family moved to Kennebunk in 1993 and, while not born in Maine, he and his family consider the Kennebunks and Maine home.

“Thank you for asking me to be part of such a great event in my hometown,” Nappi said in a statement. “Last year was an honor for me to be here helping out. I was impressed by the community coming together to raise so much money in a short time. I’m looking forward to being a part of this year’s fundraiser.”

Though Nappi’s career in meteorology is extensive and impressive, it was not the primary reason KFL invited him to host their largest and most important fundraiser. Nappi is committed to developing a warm and engaging online and on-air presence that is all about building community, being kind and authentic, and sharing the joy to be found in everyday life.

KFL Director Michelle Conners put it this way, “KFL made the connection with Jason as we both work to send out positive vibes and serve our communities. We are so grateful that Jason is willing to share his time to support Kennebunk Free Library’s largest fundraiser.”

The KFL 5K fundraiser is a community event, hosting hundreds of runners, walkers and their “cheer squads.” Many bring lawn chairs to enjoy the live music by the Kennebunk River Band, food and beverages. Crotux Catering of Garden Street Bowl fame will return to provide gourmet sandwiches and sides for all registered 5K participants at no additional cost. (Extra sandwiches/sides will be available for non-registered guests for $10.) Homemade pretzels by Plot Twist Pretzels and beer by Federal Jack’s will also be available for purchase.

Preview items from the 5K Online Auction in the KFL lobby now and visit kennebunklibrary.org to bid on the complete 5K Online Auction July 2-16. The 5K 50/50 raffle is also underway at KFL now. Purchase chances at the circulation desk now through race day. The winning ticket will be drawn at the close of the 5K event on July 12.

The 5K race takes off at 6 p.m., following a scenic course through Hope Cemetery and Woods that was USATF Certified last year. The course begins and ends in the library parking lot. Prizes will be awarded for the top male and female finishers in each of nine age categories. Registration is open online until noon July 10 at kennebunklibrary.org. Same-day registration will be available at the library on race day.

Combining registrations, the online auction, 50/50 raffle and the generosity of over 75 sponsors, the 5K now brings in 25 percent of the $250,000 KFL must raise each year to run the library. Event sponsors include Kennebunk Savings Bank; Fire & Ice Partner, The Nonantum Resort; Appliance Advantage/Aspire Home; Benchmark Construction; Crotux Catering/Garden Street Bowl; Webhannet Charitable Foundation; and Weirs Motors.

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

NSB supports AWS,
sponsors ‘Woofstock’

For over 55 years, the Animal Welfare Society in Kennebunk has served as a safety net for lost and homeless pets, a springboard for young people interested in animals and veterinary care, and a source of stability for providing access to affordable services and resources that allow for pets and their families to thrive.

One of the many anticipated and celebratory moments at AWS each year is “Woofstock,” the organization’s summer fundraising festival that features live music, food trucks, kids’ activities and more. This year’s celebration is July 27 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event has drawn thousands of families and visitors over the years, all in the name of supporting veterinary care for pets in need in Maine.

Norway Savings Bank is a sponsor of the event.

“Animal Welfare Society is an organization that is well known throughout York County for its care and consistency in providing services to more than 10,000 pets each year,” Dan Walsh, president and CEO of Norway Savings Bank, said in a release. “To be associated with AWS is an honor for NSB, and we are happy to support the compassionate and capable staff and volunteers as they spread their kindness and generosity to pets and their loving families.”

“The compassion of Norway Savings and all of our wonderful sponsors and donors transforms the lives of the pets in our community and supports the wellness of animals in our shelter and beyond,” said Abigail Smith, executive director of the Animal Welfare Society. “We’re so thankful for the trust the community places in us to care for animals in every way, from their first day to when they find a home. We’re excited to continue delivering that care to all the animals and the people who love them.”

AWS offers services including adoption assistance, a veterinary clinic, a variety of youth programs, special events and more.

To learn how to support AWS, visit animalwelfaresociety.org/give, and to volunteer, go to animalwelfaresociety.org/volunteer.

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