First Congregational Church in Kennebunkport to Celebrate 280th Anniversary

KENNEBUNKPORT—
Come celebrate 280 years with two events! Members of the First Congregational Church of Kennebunkport and their minister, Rev. Derek White, are pleased to announce they will hold a lobster roll luncheon with strawberry shortcake for desert on Sat., Aug. 14th from 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m., or until sold out. This event is part of the church’s 280th anniversary celebrating the proud history of First Congregational as the oldest church in town, having been founded in 1730. The original building was burned to the ground, but rebuilt in 1789. A gallery of pictures, photos, and artifacts depicting the history of the church and Kennebunkport over 280 years will be on exhibit at the church for the public to view.
The second event will take place the following Sunday, Aug. 22nd at the 9 a.m. service. There will be a dedication of a new plaque with the names of all the previous ministers of the church. Special music will be included as part of the ceremony.
First Congregational Church located at 141 North St., is three miles north of Dock Square, Kennebunkport, where Arundel Rd. and Log Cabin Rd. converge. The church will be on the right from this direction. The church may also be reached via US Route 1 and then 3.95 miles on Log Cabin Rd. The church will be on the left from this direction.
For more information, you may call the church office (207) 967-3897. The church’s website is www.firstchurchkennebunkport.com.

Photo capton: First Congregational Church in Kennebunkport (www.firstchurchkennebunkport.com photo)

Wells Resident Mary Jordan to Compete in World Equestrian Games

By Larry Favinger
Staff Columnist
WELLS—
Mary Jordan and her horse, Paxton Abbey, will represent the United States in the 2010 World Equestrian Games in Lexington, Ky.
The Para-Dressage competition for the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games begins Oct. 5. Riders will compete on a world-stage in front of international judges, following FEI rules, and top international competition in the Covered Arena.
The Individual Team Test begins Oct. 5 and riders will compete with their horses for six days ending with the Individual Freestyle Test Oct. 10.
Jordan earned a spot on the national team at a competition in Wayne, Ill. This is the first time in the Games’ history that para-riders, those with disabilities, will compete in their own category at the international event, according to Jessica Corcoran, assistant account executive with Rx Mosaic Health of New York.
Jordan has relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis.
“It’s a dream of a lifetime,” Jordan said in a telephone interview from her home in Wells, of making Team USA for the competition. “It’s always been a dream of mine to ride for my country.”
“I’m so looking forward to the opportunity,” Ms Jordan, the only New England rider to make the team, said. “It’s just an incredible honor.”
“For me this journey started more than a year ago and it has spanned two continents, two coastlines, multiple horses, multiple languages, a new car engine, transmission and many miles by moped, truck, trailer and plane not to mention all kinds of weather,” Jordan said.
“It is not often as a rider that you get this type of opportunity and it is not often as a Multiple Sclerosis patient you even dream of this opportunity of riding at an international level,” she said. “Lastly, it certainly is not often that you get to ride the horse that was born in your lap, at the World Games.”
She said the inclusion of the para-rider category is “a historic event” for those with disabilities who love the sport and competing in it. She said this is “really catching on in the United States.”
In order to gain enough competitive points to make the trials in Wayne, Ms. Jordan and Paxton Abbey had to travel extensively to take part in meets.
“I’ve lived in my car the last three months,” Ms. Jordan said, noting she had taken part in competitions in Lexington and Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and Wayne.
She also took part in the European Championships after going through what she described as a “three-week boot camp” in Holland, riding a borrowed German stallion. This was possible, she said, because of friends and family in Europe.
During all this travel, training and competing she was able to continue her job as a representative of the Pennfield Corp. of Lancaster County, Pa., working with farms in New England and New York state.
“I love what I do and I do what I love,” Ms. Jordan said.
And all the time she was continuing her regimen to keep her MS at bay. She was originally diagnosed in 2002 and, she said, has thus far been relapse free.
She works out, keeps active and continues her drug therapy with daily shots of Copaxone. Ms Jordan said there are several different drugs for battling MS but “Copaxone works really, really well for me.”
“I do not take my health for granted,” she said. “I work very hard at it.”
The competition Ms. Jordan and Paxton Abbey face takes place in a 20 by 60-meter area. The initial event requires movements from memory by horse and rider at specific spots in the arena requiring harmony between rider and mount.
“It is sometimes a lot like ballet,” she said. “It is time consuming to train for it.”
Next is the individual class test that requires “more difficult maneuvers,” she said, and finally there is the musical freestyle, much like the free program in figure skating once the required figures are complete.
Ms Jordan was familiar with MS before she was diagnosed since she is the third member of her family to suffer from the disease. He father, a quadriplegic, was diagnosed before the current treatments were available. Her older sister Mary was quickly treated and is active today.
“There is no cure,” Ms Jordan said in a previous interview, but treatment and drugs “do an amazing job of halting the progression of the disease.”
At that time she said people “get shell shocked” when they are told they have MS and immediately picture themselves in a wheelchair. “That’s not today’s reality,” she said.
Ms Jordan’s riding career includes a national equestrian reserve championship and three national year-end awards from the United States Eventing Association.
Paxton Abbey was named the 2007 Horse of the Year by the United States Eventing Association, in competition with all horses nationally at the training level of competition.
Jordan was in the barn when Paxton was born and it was a good thing.
The foal was born in the sac in which horses are delivered but the sac failed to tear. Jordan said there was a 100-pound foal in a big gooey bubble.
Acting quickly, Jordan tore open the sack “and there she was and she wasn’t breathing,” she explained. Jordan cleared Paxton’s nostrils and breathing began. “There she was right in my lap.”
They’ve been together ever since.
Photo caption: Wells Resident Mary Jordan and her horse, Paxton Abbey, will compete in the World Equestrian Games this year. (Courtesy photo)

Kittery Estates Hosts Special Supper Buffet

By Candi Enman
Staff Columnist
KITTERY—
Kittery Estates was the place to be for dinner on Thursday, July 15th as residents of the State Road independent senior living community and their invited guests were treated to a very special supper. The event was the result of a Creative Buffet Workshop, one of two held each year for residents of the local community, which is part of the Holiday Retirement system of all-inclusive senior living facilities.
Under the direction of Regional Chef Chris Lyons, Kittery Estates’ resident chef, Christopher Kennard, together with his staff and four other visiting corporate chefs created an eight table buffet that filled the facility’s atrium. The bountiful display featured regional favorites and Italian-inspired recipes, all made from scratch.
“We use fresh, locally grown and harvested foods to prepare the recipes,” said Richmond, VA-based Chef Lyons. The smorgasbord included locally caught, hand-picked steamed Prince Edward Island mussels and fresh haddock skewers, a pasta station with handmade linguine served with Roasted Tomato Marinara sauce, as well as Chicken Parmigiana and a crusty lobster-topped Bruschetta. Locally grown corn on the cob, fruit and cheese platters and salads were prepared with fresh produce from Kittery’s Golden Harvest market.
Holiday Retirement Divisional Chef, George Merritz, explained that the Creative Buffet Workshops and scratch-based cooking programs are unique to their company. Every year one Holiday Retirement regional chef, along with one chef from each region, travel to Hyde Park, New York to attend a cooking program at The Culinary Institute of America. Working with professors in the prestigious cooking school’s kitchens, the chefs learn cooking styles and recipes that they then bring back to share with other corporate chefs as a workshop. “Our program is the only out there and we’re very proud of that,” said Merritz.
With little room left, most of the 150 plus residents and guests who filled the dining room made their way back to the buffet tables for a big finish. Desserts included Fresh Berry Shooters, a delectable concoction of mascarpone cheese layered with fresh blueberries and raspberries, along with Lindt® chocolate truffles and homemade Sweet Potato Pie.
The residents of Kittery Estates were the real beneficiaries of the chef’s training and the workshop. “I ate too much,” said 94-year old Barbara Millar, who sold her Portsmouth home and moved to Kittery Estates in just June of last year. Millar not only delighted in the evening’s dinner, she went on to say how she enjoys her new carefree lifestyle. “It’s wonderful not to have to cook or do dishes. I now spend my days relaxing or doing activities I like, and there’s always someone friendly to talk to here.”
Photo caption: Chef Christopher Kennard serves resident Frank Putnam a Fresh Berry Shooter dessert and server Lola Johnson helps Frank juggle everything. (Courtesy photo)

South Berwick Resident Awarded for Engineering Expertise

SOUTH BERWICK /
SOUTH PORTLAND—
Jon R. Cavallo, P.E., who serves as Paint Engineer for the Maine Center for Creativity’s “Art All Around” project in Portland Harbor, has been honored with a prestigious international award for engineering expertise.
Cavallo, a South Berwick resident who is known worldwide in his field, recently received the Award of Merit and accompanying title of fellow from the ASTM International Committee D33 on Protective Coating and Lining Work for Power Generation Facilities. The Award of Merit is the highest organizational recognition for individual contributions to ASTM standards activities.
Cavallo is providing pro bono paint engineering services to MCC’s “Art All Around” project (www.mainecenterforcreativity.org), which involves the painting of 16 Sprague oil storage tanks in South Portland. When completed in 2012, it will be the world’s largest public art painting, viewed by land, sea and air – even from space.
He recently inspected the second finished oil tank. London-based artist Jaime Gili’s bold, colorful design was completed last fall on the first 36-foot tall tank. Professional paint subcontractor AMEX has been enlisted to transfer Gili’s artwork onto the Sprague tanks.
Cavallo’s expertise in surface preparation, corrosion mitigation and paint adherence will help ensure the project stands the test of time, especially against the often harsh weather conditions in the Northeast.
“Jon is one of the best in the business and we can’t thank him enough for the time and expertise that he is donating to this project because it’s something we never could have afforded,” said Jean Maginnis, MCC’s executive director. “He is one of a true all-star collection of experts who have agreed to assist us in this effort and who share our vision of fostering creativity and innovation here in Maine.”
Maine Center for Creativity conceived the Art All Around project as an important strategic step in developing Maine’s worldwide reputation for creativity and innovation.
MCC is continuing to raise funds for the project through donations from private individuals, corporations and foundations. To date, more than $655,000 has been raised through the hard work of the MCC Board of Directors, she said. Anyone interested in making a contribution to help complete the project is encouraged to send donations to MCC (www.mainecenterforcreativity.org).
Cavallo works as a senior consultant and corporate corrosion and coatings specialist at ENERCON Services Inc. in Tulsa, Okla. He began his career in the U.S. Naval Nuclear Power Program, where he was certified as a nuclear submarine engineering watch supervisor. After leaving the military, he joined Stone & Webster Engineering Corp. and served in several technical engineering and managerial positions. In 1998, he joined Corrosion Control Consultants and Laboratories Inc., where he provided corrosion mitigation professional engineering services in surface preparation, protective coatings and linings. He joined ENERCON in 2009.
Cavallo graduated from Northeastern University in Boston with a degree in engineering technology. He is a registered professional engineer in three states, an SSPC protective coatings specialist, and a NACE International CIP Level III coating inspector with nuclear facilities endorsement.
In addition to ASTM International, he is also a member of the Society for Protective Coatings (SSPC), NACE International, ASME International and the National Society of Professional Engineers.
Photo caption: Jon Cavallo of South Berwick at second completed tank in South Portland. (Courtesy photo)

Kennebunk Savings Donates $80,000 to York County Nonprofits

KENNEBUNK—
Kennebunk Savings on July 8 announced that the company is donating $80,000 to York County nonprofits as part of its annual Customer Ballot. For 16 years the Customer Ballot has provided customers with the opportunity to help direct a percentage of the bank’s annual charitable giving. This year, customers across the bank’s three lines of business participated in record numbers with nearly 10,000 votes cast for more than 200 organizations. Kennebunk Savings Officers are now out personally visiting local nonprofits to deliver checks to the organizations that received votes.
This year, York Hospital received $1,600 as a result of how Kennebunk Savings customers voted in the annual Customer Ballot. “York Hospital is honored to have received so many votes and thankful to Kennebunk Savings for offering its customers an innovative way to make a difference in their community.” said Jud Knox, President of York Hospital. “This generous gift will be used immediately to support our efforts to provide exceptional care to our patients and their families.” York Hospital, a non-profit healthcare organization with locations in York, Kittery, Wells, South Berwick and Berwick, is currently in the midst of a capital campaign to expand and renovate the Surgery Center, privatize patient rooms and expand Breast Care to include Breast MRI services.
Bradford C. Paige, Kennebunk Savings President and CEO, said, “As part of our commitment to the community we contribute 10% or more of our earnings each year to nonprofits – this year our total contribution is over $500,000. Personally, I truly enjoy this time of year because we know we’re donating to organizations our customers tell us they value.” Paige added, “We are proud of the impact our Ballot contribution of $80,000 will make for our nonprofit friends. It means a great deal to us to be able to deliver unsolicited checks to so many different organizations throughout York County, knowing that these funds will be put to good use.”
All votes cast as part of the Customer Ballot by bank customers – including write-ins – are counted. The more votes cast for a nonprofit, the more money that organization receives. This year, contributions range from $25 to over $7,000 with over twenty organizations receiving a check of $1,000 or more. Since 1994, the bank has contributed over $7 million to the nonprofit community for various programs in five categories: arts and culture, environmental, educational, civic and human needs.
Photo caption: Jud Knox and Sue McDonough accept a “Big Check” for York Hospital from Kennebunk Savings Bank’s Brad Paige, President and CEO and Michael Moloney, VP, Branch Manager at York Route 1 Office. (Courtesy photo)

Maine Lakes Experience Early Problems

AUGUSTA—
Several Maine lakes, from York to Aroostook Counties, are turning green this year according to the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). Reports have come in to DEP about problems ranging from gooey thread-like masses of growth near the shore that typically last a few days, to lake-wide pea-green conditions that last weeks or months.
This excessive growth is an indicator that the water quality of Maine’s streams and lakes are in trouble. DEP biologist Roy Bouchard states, “We know that an early thaw and warm water temperatures accelerate lake biology, sometimes to the point where lakes which usually don’t bloom have problems. Even shorelines that never had noticeable issues are experiencing sporadic blooms.”
“Many lakes showing these problems have been “on the edge” for years,” said Bouchard, “the result of development that builds up nutrients and sediment in our lakes. Many lakes have been waiting for the right weather to trigger a bloom, slowly getting worse without any warning until an exceptional year.”
“Whether a lake is changing or not, the climate is. The evidence is clear that Maine lakes have as much as two weeks less ice cover than before. Earlier ice out and warmer climate spell trouble for water quality, habitat, and wildlife,” according to Bouchard.
“Lakes are fragile, some more than others, but many are changing in unpredictable ways,” adds DEP biologist Barb Welch. “Soil erosion is the largest pollutant to impact Maine lakes. We need to stop feeding our lakes a diet high in soil and fertilizer regardless of climate change. The early ice out is showing us sooner which lakes are in trouble. What we do in our back yards does matter.”
Soil carries “hitchhiking” pollutants such as phosphorus, spilled oil and gas, fertilizer and pesticides. Phosphorus helps plants grow in the water, turning lakes green with algae blooms.
Simple things can be done like reducing or eliminating fertilizers and weed and bug killers in favor of raising the mower blade to 3” and leaving the clippings, a natural fertilizer, and stopping erosion on roads and driveways throughout lake watersheds. Welch encourages those on private roads to form associations to properly maintain their roads in order to protect their lake from the harmful effects of soil erosion. For more information go to www.MaineDEP.com and click on Camp Road Maintenance.
“We can also help make sure our communities do their share to protect lakes through Shoreland Zoning, good subdivision review, and managing town roads,” Welch added. ”These are not only smart things to do, but look to our future as well.”

York Decorator Show House Features Twin Cottage

By Larry Favinger
Staff Columnist
YORK—
The Museums of Old York’s 21st Annual Show House opens to the public Saturday.
Twin Cottage at 6 Starboard Lane features more than two-dozen spaces, each decorated by one of the region’s interior designers, landscapers and artists.
The house will be open through Aug. 14th on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursdays 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sundays 1 to 4 p.m. The house is closed Tuesdays.
The other of the twin cottages was the museum’s Decorator Show House in 2007, according to Scott Stevens, director of Old York.
He said this year’s show house is “almost ideal” for the much-anticipated event. He said it is a sprawling venue that includes spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean. “There’s a lot to see,” he concluded.
This annual event is a centerpiece of the society’s fund-raising efforts.
“The show house provides an important percentage of our operating programs,” Stevens said in a telephone interview. These include the museum’s education programs, exhibitions and preservation initiatives.
The importance of the fund-raiser has increased this year due to the sluggish economy.
“Our endowments took a hit,” Stevens said, “and we’ve seen some softness in our annual giving.”
Chairwoman for this year’s Show House is Beverly Young, working with a committee of volunteers.
Parking will be on-site.
Designers from York, Kittery, Wells, and South Berwick have been joined by firms from Cambridge, North Andover, and Boston, Mass., and Portsmouth, Hampton Falls, Rye, Hollis, and Barrington, N.H.
To go along with the show house, Old York sponsors a series of events, attendance at which includes tickets to the show house.
These include a designer discussion July 21 with four of this year’s decorators at the York Harbor Reading Room at 491 York Street; a Fashion Show by Jane’s July 28 at The Stage Neck Inn in York Harbor, a Stonewall Kitchen Cooking School Aug. 4 at Stonewall Kitchens, 2 Stonewall Lane, and Floral Design by Botanica Aug. 11 at Blue Sky, 2 Beach St., York Beach.
Advanced ticket purchase for these events is required and seating is limited. For information and tickets call (207) 363-4974.
The Museums of Old York collects, stewards and presents objects of historical and community significance from York and surrounding communities.
The museum campus in York Village features a contemporary art gallery, numerous period gardens and nine historic properties, including the Ramsdell House, a more than 250-year old house that once belonged to a farm laborer, and the Remick Barn, a fully-accessible visitor, education and exhibition center.
For more info, call (207) 363-4974 or visit the museum’s website at www.oldyork.org.
Photo caption: Twin Cottage is this year’s Decorator Show House. (Museums of Old York photo)

15th Antique Tractor and Engine Show Returns

ELIOT —
It’s summer time in Eliot, Maine and that can only mean one thing. The 15th Annual Eliot Antique Tractor and Engine Show is right around the corner July 23rd - 25th at the Raitt Homestead Farm Museum located at 2077 State Road (Route 103), only 5 miles from the Kittery Outlet Malls.
Featuring a huge assortment of antique tractors, farm equipment displays, hit and miss engines, shingle mill demonstrations, auction, live music, bean hole beans, strawberry shortcake and other fair food, crafts, flea market, tractor parades, Garden Tractor Pulling, Antique Stone Boat Pulling, Transfer Sled pulling, kids pedal tractor pulls, the Raitt farm barrel tractors, Colonial Encampment and more. Fun for the entire family, this event is one of three fund-raising events held at the Farm Museum each year. 100% of the proceeds raised go to the preservation and restoration of the beautiful 33-acre farm property and to continue its mission statement of educating future generations about farming history.
The weekend kicks off Friday the 23rd with the popular auction to benefit the Raitt Homestead Farm Museum. Spectators get in free by donating an auction item. “It’s a great way to start the event and brings everyone together for some fun. “It’s full of great bargains, and raises much needed revenue for our organization,” stated Steve Beckert, President of the Raitt Homestead Farm Museum.
The Shingle Mill operated by Phil St. Jean will be running throughout the event, showcasing how old-fashioned shingles are made. “The shingles will be used to restore the Apple Barn and other buildings on the property,” stated Lisa Raitt, Trustee and Event Coordinator for the Raitt Homestead Farm Museum. “We are in the process of restoring the Apple Barn and the new shingles you see on the front of the building were cut at last years show.” Jon Hodgdon will be branding some of the shingles as they come off the mill too.
Saturday begins with the popular Pancake Breakfast at 7 a.m. followed closely by the sounds of the hit and miss engines and tractors making their way around the grounds. Larry Hosack takes the stage midday Saturday to entertain, followed by the Tractor Parade and Pulling. In the evening a Roast Beef dinner will be served while the local band Sugar Shack performs on stage. Come early as the tickets for dinner go fast. Then grab your partner and dancing shoes as Square Dancing makes its popular return and anyone can come and join in the fun.
Sunday starts with the pancake breakfast at 7 a.m. followed by the Church service in the Pines 9-10 a.m. The Engine displays and shingle mill demonstrations continue with the kids Pedal tractor pull followed by Transfer Sled Pulling and a tractor parade round out Sunday. At 2 p.m. the raffles will be drawn.
Sponsored by Cabot Creamery, Johnsons Seafood & Steak, Raitts Signs, Bob’s Trophies and Awards, The Tire Loft, and Rousseau Farm Excavation, the 15th year of the show is sure to delight all ages.
Admission price for the show is $5 per person, children 12 and under get in free. Plenty of on site free parking. For more information please visit www.eliotantiquetractorandengine.org, call 207-748-0860 for the show schedule or email eatea@comcast.net.
The Raitt Homestead Farm Museum is a registered non profit organization dedicated to the preservation and restoration of the beautiful 33-acre property. Continuing to educate future generations about farming heritage is a vital part of our mission statement. With your continued support we can meet our goals for the 2010 season. Located at 2077 State Rd in Eliot, Maine. Visit www.raittfarmmuseum.org.
Photo caption: John and Bailey B. on tractor. (Courtesy photo)

Former Berwick Academy Headmaster Turns 100

SOUTH BERWICK—
Approximately 150 friends, family and former students gathered at the Commons at Berwick Academy on Thursday, July 8 to celebrate Mr. Stuart Chaplin’s 100th birthday.
Guests joined Mr. Chaplin for a luncheon and tours of the Academy’s buildings, given by Rachel Saliba, BA’s Archivist.
At the luncheon program, Jedd Whitlock, BA’s Director of Advancement, introduced each speaker beginning with Rev. Donna Muise of the First Parish Federated Church in South Berwick where Mr. Chaplin is a parishioner.
Following lunch, Greg Schneider, the Academy’s Head of School spoke about Mr. Chaplin’s positive affect on his students over the years, many of who were in attendance. Greg also thanked Mr. Chaplin for providing mentorship to him as head of the Academy, more than fifty years following Mr. Chaplin’s tenure, which began in 1950 and ended in 1956.
Greg also presented Mr. Chaplin with several letters containing birthday wishes from Maine’s Governor Baldacci and President and Michelle Obama.
Greg played a jazz selection on the saxophone before presenting Mr. Chaplin with a framed print of Fogg Memorial as well as a framed photograph of Mr. Chaplin, which will be hung in Fogg outside of his former office.
Other speakers included Sally Knowlton Carmichael, BA Class of 1954, who spoke about the close relationship between Mr. Chaplin and her class, evidenced by their monthly lunches at Fogarty’s restaurant in South Berwick. Sally also described the tribute to Mr. Chaplin from the Class of 1954, a granite bench inscribed with his name, which sits in front of the 1791 House on the Academy’s campus.
Mr. Chaplin spoke briefly but left the bulk of the speaking to his daughter, Kera Ashline. Kera thanked many of the guests by name, including neighbors, South Berwick Community Center volunteers, former high school students from Newport, Maine, as well as the BA Class of 1954. “People say it takes a village to raise a child,” Kera said. “It also takes a village to care for a senior citizen.” She mentioned how touched her father is by all of the people who care about him every day.
Additional musical performances included Joseph “Ducky” Scanlon who sang “God Bless America,” and BA faculty member Tim Platt accompanied by BA Business Manager Seth A. Hurd ’90 on the keyboard leading the BA school song “Long Live Berwick, Long Live BA!”
Photo caption: Berwick Academy Head of School Greg Schneider congratulates former Headmaster Stuart Chaplin at his 100th birthday celebration. (Courtesy photo)

Ogunquit Days – Village Celebrates 30 Years of Separation

By Candi Enman
Staff Columnist
OGUNQUIT –
The village of Ogunquit turned 30 on July 1st, and boy do they know how to throw a party.
For five full days, July 1st through the 5th, community leaders, residents, business owners and visitors celebrated the historic July 1, 1980 separation of Ogunquit from the town of Wells, of which it had been a part dating back to the 1600’s. Although its official incorporation and municipality status was granted in 1913, as the town of Wells continued to grow commercially, Ogunquit sought separation in order to maintain its personal, small town feel.
Throughout the long holiday weekend, the Ogunquit Chamber of Commerce, local businesses and several community organizations and committees held tours and hosted special exhibits that exemplified the heart and soul of the quaint, nostalgic “beautiful place by the sea”. From morning till night and from Perkins Cove to the Ogunquit Playhouse, birthday party festivities were ubiquitous throughout the village.
Among the many highlights was the 30th Birthday Party, held on Thursday afternoon on the lawn of the Ogunquit Memorial Library. While munching on a large, scrumptious American flag blueberry and strawberry birthday cake courtesy of Bread & Roses Bakery, participants listened as life-long residents and early governing officials shared stories about Ogunquit’s move to an independent town.
Richard Littlefield, whose descendants were the first permanent white settlers of Ogunquit, was a town Overseer in the 1970’s and one of the leaders in the move to separation. “We had our own philosophy and wanted to maintain a nice, little town,” said Littlefield. Becoming its own village meant that the people of Ogunquit could make their own laws and adopt ordinances on issues like road signage and their ability to prevent ‘formula food’ restaurants and chains from coming into town. Littlefield went on to say, “Everyone who lives here is proud of this community. Innkeepers and residents alike keep their properties nice and we continue to retain our hometown, community feeling.”
On Saturday, the Ogunquit Conservation Commission’s Greening Committee held “Green Day” at the Main Beach. Committee Co-chairs, Bob Joyner and Madeline Brown, together with volunteers set up an awareness display to raise money for the greening of Ogunquit and to educate visitors on ways to help protect Ogunquit’s natural resources. For a small donation, beachgoers had fun tossing water and juice bottles into a recycling bin and walked away with a ‘Green Day. Everyday.’ reusable tote bag and other prizes donated by local businesses.
“Over the last two years we’ve been working together with Ogunquit businesses and residents to help keep our community green,” said Joyner. Green Day sponsors that underwrote the tote bags, including Bintliff’s, Meadowmere Resort and Clay Hill Farm Restaurant, are Maine-certified environmental leaders. “We have the second highest number of them in the state, behind Bar Harbor.”
Green Day reusable totes are still available for a $1.50 donation to support the commission’s continued outreach efforts to keep Ogunquit beautiful, clean and green, and can be purchased at Jeremiah’s, This Is It, Ogunquit Remedies, Revelations and the Ogunquit Camera Shop.
Visitors who stopped by the Dunaway Center on School Street on Saturday or Sunday had the chance to view the NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt display and to remember those from Maine who lost their lives to AIDS and HIV.
Chris Prudente, President of the NAMES Project: Northern New England Chapter was on hand to answer questions and provide insight about the non-profit organization’s mission to continue education, to remind us all that the disease is on the increase again in our country, even though it’s preventable.
“In the 90’s medications were developed to manage the disease and people weren’t as scared about contracting it. Since 2000, though, AIDS is again on the increase and its face has changed,” said Prudente. “Here in Maine high school and college kids are getting sick and nationwide, women are currently the fastest growing segment getting STDs and HIV.”
“The Town of Ogunquit, including the town manager, has been very supportive of our organization and our mission, and we are very appreciative,” added Prudente. If you missed them, the quilts are maintained and stored locally at the expense of the Northern New England Chapter and can be seen on display each year during Memorial Day Weekend.
Other awareness and fundraising events were enjoyed by locals and visitors: Thursday’s ‘80’s Night at MaineStreet’ to benefit the Frannie Peabody Center, Friday night’s Spirit of Giving Committee’s ‘Poodle Skirts for Pups’ 50’s-themed fundraiser for the Animal Welfare Society, and Sunday evening’s ‘Run for the Fallen’ 80’s Night at Clay Hill Farm.
The Ogunquit Playhouse birthday celebration festivities included back stage tours, hot air balloon rides and its Children’s Theater production of “101 Dalmatians”.
One thing is for sure, the people of Ogunquit are proud of their culture and individuality, and especially their warm, vibrant village. And why shouldn’t they be? Just look around.
Photo caption: 30th Birthday Cake by Bread & Roses Bakery (Candi Enman photo)

“Private Gardens of the Kennebunk’s” Garden Tour

By Candi Enman
Staff Columnist
KENNEBUNK —
English Cottage? Fruits and vegetables? Or maybe a Japanese Zen Garden?
If you need ideas or just inspiration for growing your own lush garden, plan to attend the Saturday, July 17th “Private Gardens of the Kennebunk’s” Garden Tour. The annual event, now in its 16th year, is a fundraiser for the Child Abuse Prevention Council of York County.
For one day only a $20 donation to support the Council’s vital programs and services will gain you access to nine private gardens at homes throughout Kennebunk, West Kennebunk and Kennebunkport. The self-guided tour, spanning 22 miles, will allow you to meander and view the gardens at your own pace, while gaining landscaping and gardening ideas.
Special guest Paul Parent, host of the popular Sunday morning syndicated radio show “The Paul Parent Garden Club”, has been helping to promote the benefit and will make his gardens available for viewing again this year. Parent, a nationally recognized gardening guru, will offer tips and answer questions about gardening in New England, including landscaping options, plant varieties, pest control, watering techniques and more.
The Garden Tour will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., rain or shine. Selected gardens to be featured on the annual tour change each year, with the exception of Parent’s who has new surprises this summer, and are kept secret until the day of the event.
On July 17th participants will need to purchase a brochure that describes each garden along the tour and includes a map with driving directions. Brochures can be purchased at one of these area businesses beginning at 10 a.m. on the day of the event: in the parking lot behind Marlows on Main Street in Kennebunk, at Kennebunk High School on Fletcher Street in Kennebunk, Estabrook’s Color Spot Garden Center on Route 1 South in Kennebunk, Blooms & Heirlooms on Route 1 North in Kennebunk and Carrots & Company on Ocean Avenue in Kennebunkport. Those who have already purchased advanced discount tickets must exchange their tickets for a brochure and map on the day of the tour at one of the above locations.
While on the tour, participants can stop to enjoy light refreshments at Lucas on 9, which is located at 62 Mills Road (Route 9) in Cape Porpoise.
The Garden Tour began in 1995, when Shari Lewchanin, a past board member, fulfilled her obligation to raise money for the Council by creating the idea for a garden tour. In the 90’s each board member was responsible for raising $200 each year. This year’s Garden Tour goal is to see 800 participants and raise $18,000 to fund the Council’s critical outreach, education and prevention programs.
“The Council is very fortunate to be located in a very generous community that provides such strong support for children and families in York County,” said Laurie DuPaul, the Council’s Executive Director. The Garden Tour is one of two major annual fundraisers for the Child Abuse Prevention Council of York County. All proceeds from the tour directly support the non-profit organization’s works to raise awareness, provide education and prevent child abuse and neglect right here in York County.
The 2010 “Private Gardens of the Kennebunk’s” Garden Tour is sponsored in part by Estabrook’s Color Spot Garden Center; Digital Research, Inc.; the law office of Libby O’Brien Kingsley and Champion, LLC and Genest. Tour details can be found at www.kidsgreetogrow.org. For questions or more information, call the Child Abuse Prevention Council of York County at (207) 985-5975 or email events@kidsgreetogrow.org.
Photo caption: Paul Parent in the garden (Courtesy photos)

Stuffed: A Book Review of Beatrice and Virgil

By Chip Schrader
Book Review Editor
“Beatrice and Virgil” is Yann Martle’s follow up to the enormously successful “The Life of Pi.” With “Beatrice and Virgil”, Martel continues using themes and characterizations of animals to convey struggles that humanity has encountered over the years.
The story begins with a frustrated author named Henry, who has completed a follow up novel he combined with a non-fiction essay. The first quarter of the book wrangles with idea that fiction and non-fiction overlap, and with Henry’s struggle with publishers and agents to see his vision that this release should be a flip book (a book that can be read with the essay first from one side, and flipped backward with the novel first).
Henry, a loyal and disciplined fan mail reader, comes across a vague letter accompanied by an excerpt from a play about a monkey and a donkey. The letter reads “I read your book and much admired it. I need your help.” As Henry tracks down the return address, he stumbles into a vast taxidermy shop with a whole menagerie of mounted creatures. The author of this strange play that seemed to be about animals and fruit, but not really, is an octogenarian taxidermist also named Henry.
The second half of the book consists of the Henrys working on describing, critiquing and detailing scenes from the play. Young Henry finds himself trying to unlock the meaning of the play and even the taxidermist’s passion for his livelihood.
At times the lists of items Henry spots on a shelf, or the animals he spots in the shop gets tedious (one or two lists go for over a page). While plausibly meaningful, Martel numbs the readers mind with this barrage of itemization. The description also veers into tedium, and makes “Beatrice and Virgil” better suited to a long winter’s read rather than a light summer read where the reader’s mind is likely swimming in a humidity induced laze.
In short, the story shifts from the play, to the life of Henry, and into descriptions of the finer points of taxidermy all within one hundred and twenty pages. By the time it all weaves together, the book is almost over, but Martel leaves very scant threads to encourage the reader to get to this point. For fans of “The Life of Pi,” this is still essential reading. Also, those who enjoy a book focused on philosophical and observational musings will find Martel’s method of engaging the reader satisfying as the story will finally unfold its meaning. Those looking for a page turner based on a traditional storyline will tire of this quickly.
The bottom line, Martel transcends the traditional story arc for a more challenging narrative. It will pay off for readers looking for more than a leisurely read, or a stock narrative that is often written and rewritten in fiction’s mass market. Those who need a break from intricate detail and locution may want to look elsewhere.
Photo caption: Cover of Yann Martle’s “Beatrice and Virgil” (Courtesy photo)

Helping to Keep Old Ironsides Shipshape

By Larry Favinger
Staff Columnist
SOUTH BERWICK—
For two-and-a-half years a South Berwick man fought the commuter traffic to and from Charlestown, Mass, five days a week to work on a piece of United States history.
Sunday (July 4), Barry Person and a host of others will sail out of Boston Harbor as part of the USS Constitution, the Navy’s oldest commissioned warship.
“It was a bit of a challenge but really exciting,” Person said in a telephone interview from his South Berwick farm.
Person’s work was part of a three-year project to refurbish the renowned Old Ironsides, a project that should come to a close in November. The work was done partly to ready the ship for the centennial celebration of the War of 1812. It was during that conflict that the Constitution earned her nickname.
The Constitution gained fame in August of 1812, when under the command of Connecticut native Isaac Hull she met and defeated the HMS Guerrier. English shots bounced off the Constitution’s thick oak sides, thus gaining her name while she was destroying the enemy ship.
Hull went on to a distinguished Naval career including becoming the commander of the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in 1813 and building Quarters A at the yard, a building which still stands and is the oldest structure at the yard.
Each year the Constitution goes on a turnaround cruise from her berth in Charlestown which allows her to remain a commissioned Navy vessel and allows each side of her to face outward during the year.
“I never did any service,” Person said of not being involved with the military, “but it felt like that is what I was doing” while working on the ship.
Person was part of the Naval Historical Center, Detachment Boston, Department of Defense, which was charged with the refurbishing.
Person said it was a “temporary, fulltime position” which meant when “the time frame ended you left.”
Upon his arrival with the first group of additional carpenters hired he said he did “odds and ends” as they awaited the arrival of the necessary materials.
One of the first things Person did was replace the two “cat heads on the ship.”
The cathead is a large beam located on either bow of the ship, angled outward. It is used to support the ship’s anchor when raising or lowering it, keeping it away from the sides of the wooden vessel.
Person said large equipment was needed to put these in place as they weighed in at about 2,300 pounds each.
It was a common practice to carve the projecting end of the beam to resemble the face of a cat.
Once that was accomplished he helped the entire crew replace the spar deck of the ship, the first level when visitors come on board the ship.
After that, he said, “they moved me around to different places” including a project to foremast in the front of the ship.
He has done historic restoration of old houses and barns and learned of the project while doing a barn repair for the late Joseph Frost of Eliot. He applied and was among the initial group of carpenters hired. More was added later in the project, he said.
While not working on historic ships Person said he “loves to farm” and “loves raising pigs. I’ve been doing that since I was a kid.”
He combines his love of farming and historic restoration doing work with the New Hampshire Farm Museum in Milton repairing buildings to their original configurations.
Originally from the Midwest, Person came to New England in the summer of 1987 and has remained ever since.
He is married to Julie Person, a guidance councilor at the Rollinsford Elementary School, and the couple has two children, Madison, 8 and Baylor, 10.
Person said the time spent on the job “took a toll on everybody” in his family. The drive took between 50 minutes and an hour each day. He was up and out early every day performing farm chores before leaving for work. He was there between 5:45 and 6 each morning, returning home in late afternoon.
In addition to his farming Person also does wood carvings, especially large herons. His work is available in galleries including the N.W. Barrett Gallery on Market Street in Portsmouth.
Photo caption: A South Berwick resident has spent the past two-and-a-half years helping to restore the USS Constitution. (en.wikipedia.org photo)

Hazard Mitigation Plan Update Meetings Set

YORK—
The York County Emergency Management Agency and the Southern Maine Regional Planning Commission are working together on updating the Hazard Mitigation Plan for York County. The Federal Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 mandates that, in order for local governments to continue to receive disaster relief funding from FEMA, your locality must update the existing plan every three years. This updated plan must be in place by October 2010.
To gather input, two area meetings are being held. There is a meeting on July 13, 2010 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the York Public Library Community Meeting Room on 15 Long Sands Road in York. We are requesting input from the public and EMA Directors of Eliot, Kittery, South Berwick, Ogunquit and York.
There is also a meeting on July 15 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the West Kennebunk Fire Station on 70 Thompson Road in Kennebunk (next to Middle School - plenty of parking in rear). We are requesting input from the public and EMA Directors of Arundel, Biddeford, Kennebunk, Kennebunkport, Old Orchard Beach, Saco, and Wells.
As we prepare the update, WE NEED YOUR INPUT. In order for us to update the plan, we need to hear from you. Please come prepared to discuss the following issues:
What types of natural and man-made disasters most threaten you and your property? What should your town and/or York County to do to help minimize damage from future disasters? How willing are you to use public funding to minimize future damage? How has the response of local, state and federal officials been to past disasters?
Please RSVP: malexandre@smrpc.org or (207) 324-2952.

Goodall Hospital Receives Re-Accreditation from The Joint Commission

SANFORD—
By demonstrating compliance with The Joint Commission’s national standards for health care quality and safety, Goodall Hospital has been re-accredited by the Joint Commission and again received their Gold Seal of Approval™.
“We are so proud of our recent survey results,” said Darlene Stromstad, President/CEO of Goodall Hospital. “Accreditation demonstrates our commitment to patient safety and quality care. The survey itself is a rigorous process that reviews our work and standards over the long haul. We view obtaining Joint Commission re-accreditation as another step toward achieving excellence.”
“Above all, the national standards are intended to stimulate continuous, systematic and organization-wide improvement in an organization’s performance and the outcomes of care. The community should be proud that Goodall Hospital is focusing on the most challenging goal—to continuously raise quality and safety to higher levels,” said Mark Pelletier, R.N., M.S, Executive Director, Hospital Programs, Accreditation and Certification Services, The Joint Commission.
The Joint Commission conducted an unannounced, on-site evaluation of Goodall Hospital from June 15 through June 18, 2010. The accreditation award recognizes Goodall Hospital’s dedication to complying with the Joint Commission’s state-of-the-art standards on a continuous basis.
Founded in 1951, The Joint Commission seeks to continuously improve the safety and quality of care provided to the public through the provision of health care accreditation and related services that support performance improvement in health care organizations. The Joint Commission evaluates and accredits more than 15,000 health care organizations and programs in the United States, including more than 8,000 hospitals and home care organizations, and more than 6,800 other health care organizations that provide long term care, assisted living, behavioral health care, laboratory and ambulatory care services. The Joint Commission also accredits health plans, integrated delivery networks, and other managed care entities. In addition, The Joint Commission provides certification of disease-specific care programs, primary stroke centers, and health care staffing services. An independent, not-for-profit organization, The Joint Commission is the nation’s oldest and largest standards setting and accrediting body in health care.