Harvest Chill

Fall Festival returns

Vinegar Hill Music Theatre announced the return of the Harvest Chill Fall Festival.

“Following last year’s overwhelming success, the free, family-friendly event promises an even more vibrant celebration of autumn offerings in New England,” organizers wrote in a Sept. 26 news release. “Attendees can look forward to a day filled with local live music, artisanal craft vendors, seasonal food and drinks, and activities for all ages.”

The event takes place at Vinegar Hill Music Theatre, 53 Old Post Road, in Arundel. It is scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 13, from noon to 5 p.m. The rain date is Oct. 14, noon to 5 p.m.

The Harvest Chill at Vinegar Hill, according to the news release, celebrates the essence of fall in New England and will include live music, food trucks, beverages, indoor vendor market and family fun hosted by School Around Us.

Event sponsors are School Around Us, Terrapin Landscapes, Skillins Greenhouses, and Estabrook’s.

Admission is free and free parking is available on-site. Well-behaved dogs are allowed outside, said organizers. Those interested in being involved in the festival can email to info@vinhillmusic.com.

For more information, visit vinhillmusic.com or call 207-985-5552.

 

Conservation trust

hosting Trail Fest

The Kennebunkport Conservation Trust Trail Fest, scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 6, features 5K and 10K  trail races and will take place at conservation trust headquarters, 57 Gravelly Brook Road.

The cost is $35 per participant. All proceeds from the event support trust education programs. Check-in begins at 9 a.m., and the races start at 10 a.m. Registration is also available the day of the race.

For more information or to register, visit raceroster.com/events/2024/90410/trust-trail-fest-october-2024.

 

Dodge joins

Legacy Properties

Legacy Properties Sotheby’s International Realty announced that Trevor Dodge has joined the brokerage as an associate broker in Maine and a real estate agent in New Hampshire, following a 25-year career in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries.

Dodge is a member of both the Maine Association of Realtors and the New Hampshire Seacoast Board of Realtors.

“Trevor’s extensive professional background, combined with his dedication to exceptional client service, makes him a fantastic addition to our team. We are excited to see the impact he will have in Maine and New Hampshire,” said Chris Lynch, president of Legacy Properties Sotheby’s International Realty, in a news release.

According to the news release, Dodge is a director for the York Chapter of End 68 Hours of Hunger. He also serves on the board of directors at York Golf and Tennis Club, where he enjoys spending time with his family. In addition, Dodge is active in alpine ski racing, coaching his children at York High School and the U18 team with Mount Washington Valley in North Conway, N.H. He resides in York, with his wife of 20 years, Katie, their two children, Cooper and Emery, and their dogs, Bogey and Ligety.

 

Camden National Bank

award for Tardiff

Camden National Bank held its annual Employee Appreciation Event at the Augusta Civic Center on Sept. 24. According to a news release, all employees were recognized and celebrated, and 16 outstanding employees received Commitment Awards “for their impressive performance, commitment to providing excellent customer service, and dedication to the community.”

“The strength and dedication of our employees is the foundation of Camden National Bank’s success,” said Simon Griffiths, president and chief executive officer, in an email. “I am honored to work with people whose commitment to excellence and community engagement drives us forward, enabling us meaningful connections and impact within the communities we serve.”

Camden National Bank’s 2024 award winners:

Officer of the Year: Jaimie Worster, senior vice president, human resource total rewards manager, Portland.

Stakeholder of the Year: Marc St. Pierre, technical support analyst, Gardiner.

Fourteen Commitment Awards were handed out. Recipients included Matthew Tardiff, mortgage loan officer, Kennebunk; and Toni Joerres, banking center manager, York.

 

Graves Library

announces events

The Patsy Bray Mahoney Lecture Series will present Maine author Irene Drago at Graves Library on Saturday, Oct. 5, at 2 p.m. to talk about her passion for writing and the sea. Her debut novel, “Daughters of Long Reach,” was a 2018 Next Generation Indie Book Awards Winner, First Novel and led to a sequel, “The Maine Point.”

More recently, “Lavinia Wren and the Sailmakers” is a 2023 Next Generation Indie Book Awards finalist for Regional Fiction.

Copies of Drago’s books will be available for sale and signing after the discussion. Light refreshments will be provided by the Graves Library snack team. Parking is available along Maine Street, the North Street Fire Station parking lot and Consolidated School (Route 9).

Go Batty Craft Time: The library will host the craft time for creating suncatcher bats that can be hung in windows for the holidays. The event is scheduled for  Wednesday, Oct. 9, 3:15-4 p.m. All supplies provided.

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

 

South Congregational

to host celebration

South Congregational Church will celebrate the 200th anniversary of the church building on Sunday, Oct 6 – 200 years and one day after the Oct 5, 1824 dedication.

A festal worship will be held in the sanctuary at 2 North St. at 10:30 a.m. with a living timeline, historical hymns and worship elements. At noon, the church will host an 1824 Brunch at the Community House, 8 Temple St., featuring menu items from that period. The meal is free and open to the public, though reservations are required at www.tinyurl.com/1824a.

For more information, email info@southchurchucc.org.

 

Maine Made Craft Fair

returns to Kennebunkport

Kennebunkport Historical Society announced the return of the Maine Made Craft Fair on Friday and Saturday, Dec. 6-7. The fair, according to a news release, will take place at White Columns, “the society’s historic mansion, offering the perfect setting for visitors to experience the beauty and craftsmanship of Maine-made goods.”

The event will showcase a curated selection of local artisans, featuring photography and textiles to jewelry, handcrafted goods, and literature.

The event is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 6-7. White Columns is located 8 Maine St., Kennebunkport.

Interested vendors can apply starting Oct. 1, on a first-come, first-serve basis. Spaces are limited to 12 spots For more information or to reserve a space, visit www.kporths.com or contact the Kennebunkport Historical Society at khaight@kporths.com or 207-967-2751.

 

York County GOP

Committee Meeting

The York County Republican Committee will hold its monthly meeting Wednesday, Oct. 9 at Alfred Town Hall, 16 Saco Road, Alfred. The doors open at 6 p.m. and a business meeting is scheduled for 6:30 to 8 p.m. All Republicans welcome.

For more information, email communications@yorkgop.org or call 207-468-2395.

 

Initials JR album

release concert

The jazz trio Initials JR, comprising John Kumnick (bassist for David Bowie, Cyndi Lauper, and Madonna), Dylan Kumnick, and Max Cantlin, will play songs from their new album, Incandescent Roads, as well as music by Stevie Wonder, Jim Webb, Coltrane and others, on Tuesday, Oct. 29 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Town House School, 135 North St., Kennebunkport.

The album can be found at all Bull Moose locations and through www.initialsjr.bandcamp.com.

For tickets and information, visit kporths.com/buy-tickets; email info@kporths.com or call 207-967-2751.

 

Meals on Wheels

seeks drivers

Meals on Wheels of York County is in need of volunteer drivers. According to a Southern Maine Agency on Aging press release, the commitment is 1 to 2 hours, once a week. Volunteers are reimbursed for gas and clients, say organizers, are always glad to see the drivers.

Those interested should contact the Southern Maine Agency on Agency at 207-396-6500.

 

Discover supernatural

history in Kennebunk

According to a Brick Store Museum news release, Kennebunk, like many other Victorian-era communities, was once a popular place for spiritualism – the belief that people can communicate with spirits in the “Great Beyond.” On Saturday, Oct. 5, the Brick Store Museum invites guests to explore local supernatural history at “Of Seances and Spirits: Supernatural Kennebunk.” Guests will take part in an historic Victorian séance and enjoy themed food, hear spooky stories by candlelight, have Tarot cards read, explore the supernatural history of Kennebunk, and view a special exhibit dedicated to supernatural items in the museum’s collection. Tickets are $50 per person ($45 for members) and can be purchased at www.brickstoremuseum.org.

Because participants will be taking part in a 19th-century séance, guests are encouraged to wear Victorian-inspired costumes (or any Halloween costume). The event will run from 5 to 8 p.m. in the museum’s Kimball House, built in 1850. Tickets will be timed for séance entry, but visitors are welcome to arrive whenever they choose to enjoy the remainder of the activities. The event may include the climbing of staircases and sitting or standing for periods of time.

The full schedule can be found at www.brickstoremuseum.org/calendar. The event is sponsored by Tracey Bricker, State Farm agent, and Bangor Savings Bank. Tickets may be purchased in advance at www.brickstoremuseum.org.

 

Kennebunk HarvestFest

scheduled for Oct. 19

Kennebunk’s annual HarvestFest celebration is slated for Saturday, Oct. 19. 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 event will also include a celebration of the 10th anniversary of the opening of the Waterhouse Center.

For crafter and parade application forms, or for more information, visit www.kennebunkmaine.us/harvestfest. A 2024 poster will also be available soon.

 

Mid-Week Music

presents Jimi Volume 2

Mid-Week Music continues Wednesday, Oct. 9, at 7 p.m. with Jimi Volume 2. Mark Gunter (keyboards/vocal), Dylan Kumnick (drums), John Kumnick (bass/vocal), and Dana Pearson (guitar/vocal) will perform their second annual batch of songs from Seattle’s favorite son, Jimi Hendrix. Likely tunes on their setlist include “Foxey Lady,” “If 6 Was 9,” and “Bold as Love.”

For tickets, visit kporths.com/buy-tickets, email info@kporths.com, or call 207-967-2751.

The monthly concert series takes place at the Kennebunkport Historical Society’s Town House School at 135 North St.

The next entry will be, Covering John Denver, on Wednesday, Nov. 13, when Pearson will be joined by singer/guitarist Jen Comeau. The year will close with Mid-Week Music’s fourth annual Christmas Show on Sunday, Dec. 8, at 1 p.m., and Wednesday, Dec. 11, at 5 p.m.

 

Wells Chamber hosts

Family Jamboree

The Wells Chamber of Commerce will host its 15th annual Family Jamboree on Saturday, Oct. 19. The event will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Wells Harbor Park and will take place on a fair-weather basis, according to the Chamber.

This event features games, including a doughnut/apple eating challenge, ball toss, beanbag toss and relay races. Activity booths will be available for making beaded friendship bracelets, temporary tattoos, fan making, head bands, and pumpkin decorating, compliments of the Nancy Hafford State Farm office. Ranger Tom will be back again with the Explore Archery game.

The Wells Fire Department will be in attendance with its Junior Firefighter obstacle course, Knock Down the Flames and Emergency Vehicle displays and the Wells Police Department will host activities. Craft vendors will be in attendance. Admission, parking and all games and activities are free.

For more information, visit www.wellschamber.org or call 207-646-2451.

 

Graves Library hosts

community art show

Graves Memorial Library will host its community art show on Friday, Oct. 4, at 5:30 p.m. The Artists at Graves Library exhibition will present a range of artistic styles and mediums including acrylic abstractions, watercolor landscapes, mixed media, and photography. Parking will be available at Village Fire Station (North Street) and Consolidated School (Route 9).

Fifty percent of all proceeds benefit the library. Light refreshments will be served.

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

 

HarvestFest book sale

at Kennebunk Free Library

The Friends of the Kennebunk Free Library will host its next book sale in conjunction with the town of Kennebunk’s HarvestFest. On Friday, Oct. 18, from 5 to 7 p.m., there is a Friends-only pre-sale. Patrons can join the Friends by making a contribution of any size. Join now and a membership counts for all of 2025. Participants will also receive two free books at every book sale.

The general sale will take place on Saturday, Oct. 19, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The sale will be held in Hank’s Room and outside (weather permitting), and feature adult hardcovers for $2 and paperbacks for $1. Children and young adult books are all four for $1. Puzzles are $1.

According to a news release, the Friends group supports 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. National Friends of the Library Week falls on Oct. 20-26. In the past year, the Friends group raised $8,819 for Kennebunk Free Library.

The next Friends meeting will take place on Monday, Nov. 4, at 5:30 p.m. For more information, call 207-985-2173 or email kfl@kennebunklibrary.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.

The next meeting is scheduled for Oct. 6. 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.

 

Downeasters Chorus

in Cape Porpoise

The Downeasters Chorus will give a barbershop-style concert at Church on the Cape in Cape Porpoise on Friday, Oct. 4, at 7 p.m. The group, according to a news release, is “known locally and in national competitions for their quality vocals and smooth moves, the Downeasters honor the classic American art form while also incorporating the contemporary a cappella style heard in groups such as Pentatonix and Straight No Chaser. Their lively performances, sprinkled with humor, offer gorgeous ballads, toe-tapping swing songs, and up-tempo tunes that get the guys, and their audiences moving.”

The concert is presented by the Keith McClelland Community Music Foundation, a nonprofit that sponsors and supports the performance of music within the Kennebunks. The church is wheelchair accessible. There is no admission charged for the concert. Donations are welcomed.

For more information, email billsusie58@hotmail.com.

 

Voter registration

at St. David’s Church

On Oct. 9, from noon to 8 p.m., the Social Justice Council of St. David’s Episcopal Church will offer voter registration tables and Maine voter registration cards to those who wish to register. Parking is plentiful and tables will be set up in the church’s Great Hall. Volunteers will assist. St. David’s is located at 138 York Road (Route 1), Kennebunk.

For more information, contact Roy Smoot at rsmoot0427@gmail.com.

 

Propaganda exhibit

at Brick Store Museum

The Brick Store Museum in Kennebunk opened its new exhibition, Who Controls the Present: The Art of Propaganda. The exhibit, according to a press release, explores the historic and current-day propaganda posters and imagery, including posters from its World Wars poster collection that is one of the largest in New England. The exhibition will be on view through Nov. 15.

Visitors to the exhibition will explore types of propaganda and how to recognize it; and view dozens of World War I and World War II posters created by the US government in the first half of the 20th century. Links to today’s form of propaganda, like memes and social media posts, will be made across the exhibit and will invite participants to take part in advancing the civic dialogue around propaganda and false information.

In addition to the exhibition, museum educators have produced curriculum modules and learning activities for area educators and homeschoolers to use in conjunction with the exhibition, in addition to hosting class field trips to the museum to explore the exhibition’s primary source materials.

The exhibition will be on view through Nov. 15. For more information about the exhibition and related educational activities and resources, visit www.brickstoremuseum.org.

 

Homecoming parade

scheduled for Oct. 5

The Kennebunk High School homecoming parade is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 5. The parade begins at 12:30 p.m. and starts at the Fletcher Street roundabout on the way to the high school. Following the parade, Kennebunk High School will host Deering in the homecoming football game at 2 p.m.

 

Legion Post 159

meeting schedule

Monthly meetings of American Legion Post 159 are held on the first Thursday of the month. Upcoming meeting dates: Nov. 7 and Dec. 5. Dates for 2025 are Jan. 2, Feb. 6, March 6, 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.

 

Survey focuses

on transportation

Southern Maine residents are being asked to participate in an anonymous survey to assist in planning transportation investments as part of the Southern Maine in Motion project. Anyone who walks, rides, or drives in the region is encouraged to share their input by the Oct. 14 deadline.

The region’s transportation planning organization, overseen by Southern Maine Planning and Development Commission, is asking people who spend time in Berwick, Eliot, Kennebunk, Kennebunkport, Kittery, Ogunquit, South Berwick, Wells, and York to participate. The survey takes about five minutes. Residents can complete the survey at www.smpdc.org.

Paper copies of the survey will be available at town offices in Berwick, Eliot, Kennebunk, Kennebunkport, Kittery, Ogunquit, South Berwick, Wells, and York. The survey will be open through Oct. 14.

Southern Maine in Motion is a plan that defines the long-term vision for transportation in the region, looking out to 2045.

 

Artists invited to apply

for monthly exhibit

Kennebunk Free Library is accepting applications for artists to exhibit during the 2025 calendar year. Since its inception in 2001, Hank’s Room Gallery – rechristened Speers Gallery in 2010 – has offered exhibit opportunities to both amateur and professional artists.

The gallery, according to a press release, has hosted a variety of mediums including photography, textile arts and mixed media assemblages in addition to renditions in oil, pastel, enamel oil, encaustic, pen and ink, and watercolor. The application process is open to either individual or group shows. Applications must be received by Friday, Oct. 18, 2024.

In November 2024, an art committee consisting of members from the library and art communities will convene to review the completed applications and set a monthly exhibit schedule for 2025. Upon completion of the review, applicants will be contacted regarding the committee’s decisions. Application forms are available at the library or online at www.kennebunklibrary.org.

 

Wicked 5K and

Kids’ Wicked Dash

Registration is open for the 15th annual Wicked 5K in Lower Village Kennebunk. The Wicked 5K also includes Kids’ Wicked Dash.

The event is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 26, and begins at Federal Jack’s Restaurant and Brewpub, 8 Western Ave. This year’s race will start and finish at Federal Jack’s and includes a run along the coast. Registration includes a Shipyard beer and race T-shirt (if registered by Sept. 5) and admission to the after-party at Federal Jack’s. Children 12 and younger race for $20. There are best costume awards for adults and children.

For more information or to register, visit runsignup.com/Race/ME/Kennebunk/Wicked5K.

 

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 schedule:

• 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 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.

 

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.

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.

 

Town House School

hosts author Gutro

The Kennebunkport Historical Society will host a lecture and book signing by Rob Gutro, author, medium, and paranormal investigator. The event takes place at Town House School, located at 135 North St. in Kennebunkport. Both lectures are free, with donations encouraged to support the society.

The session is scheduled for 1 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 30, and is titled, Ghost Cases from Inspired Ghost Tracking. Gutro will take the audience behind the scenes of paranormal investigations with the Inspired Ghost Tracking group from Maryland.

Gutro, according to the historical society, is an accomplished author, medium, and paranormal investigator with Inspired Ghost Tracking of Maryland. Known for his ability to communicate with both pets and people who have passed, Rob combines his scientific background with his mediumship to explain how energy forms the basis of the afterlife.

His best-selling books include the “Pets and the Afterlife” series and “Case Files of Inspired Ghost Tracking.” Gutro’s books will be available for purchase at the event.

 

Vets group launches

free-coffee Wednesdays

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.

Also available will be a veterans assistance officer to help those veterans and or families in need of assistance with heating fuel or other issues. Additional days might be added depending on demand.

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

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