American Cancer Society Prepares to Make Strides

KITTERY —
Join us for the 2nd Annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk on Route 1 in Kittery. Over 300 breast cancer survivors, their families, and volunteers will converge along at Tanger Outlet Center in Kittery for the annual American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer three-mile walk on Sunday, October 17. Registration is set for 8:00 a.m. and the walk begins at 9:00 a.m.
Since its inception in 1993, nearly six million walkers nationwide have raised more than $400 million. In 2009 alone, nearly 700,000 walkers across the country collected $60 million to save lives from breast cancer.
Making Strides Against Breast Cancer supports the American Cancer Society’s unique mission to save lives and create a world with less cancer and more birthdays by helping people stay well by preventing cancer or finding it early; helping people get well by being there for them during and after a cancer diagnosis; by finding cures through investment in ground-breaking research and by fighting back by encouraging lawmakers to pass laws to defeat cancer and by rallying communities worldwide to join the fight.
“The volunteers who join us in Making Strides help save the lives of many mothers, daughters, and sisters,” said Donna Muto, American Cancer Society staff partner for the event. “More than 2.5 million breast cancer survivors will celebrate a birthday this year thanks to early detection and improved treatment.”
Teams from businesses, schools, and community groups from around the area will participate. For more information, or to sign up your team for the American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk in Kittery, please call (207) 439-6822, 1-800-227-2345 or visit cancer.org/stridesonline.
The American Cancer Society combines an unyielding passion with nearly a century of experience to save lives and end suffering from cancer. As a global grassroots force of more than three million volunteers, we fight for every birthday threatened by every cancer in every community. As the nation’s largest nongovernmental investor in cancer research, contributing about $3.4 billion, we turn what we know about cancer into what we do. As a result, more than 11 million people in America who have had cancer and countless more who have avoided it will be celebrating birthdays this year. To learn more about us or to get help, call us any time, day or night, at 1-800-227-2345 or visit cancer.org.

Annual Gathering of the Scarecrows

KENNEBUNKPORT —
Have you ever wondered where scarecrows go at the end of the growing season? Legend says that they hold a gathering of seven days in October to discuss the next growing season before being blown away by November’s chilly winds. Each fall, Scarecrows from cornfields and gardens all over Maine begin to arrive in Kennebunkport. They stay for seven days and can be found in every nook and cranny of this picturesque little town.
On the first day of the festival, Monday, October 11, from 1-5pm, the Nonantum Resort will host The Scarecrow Craft Fair which will feature over 30 crafter and artisans. There is no charge for artisans to use a table, but all must display a scarecrow. There will also be a Scarecrow wedding with 50 different scarecrow guests in attendance.
“We are delighted to welcome back The Scarecrow Craft Fair and Wedding to the Nonantum,” said Tina Hewett-Gordon, General Manager of The Nonantum. “This wonderful fall tradition is enjoyable by every member of the family.”
This event will take place on the river’s edge at The Nonantum Resort, 95 Ocean Avenue in Kennebunkport. It will be held rain or shine. Hot apple cider, pumpkin bread and apple crisp will be served. There will be a $5 suggested donation, with all proceeds benefiting the Shiloh Pepin Playground Fund.
From Tuesday, October 12 to Friday, October 15, families can vote for their favorite scarecrow. The scarecrows will be displayed all around Kennebunk and Kennebunkport. Entries can be placed in the orange pumpkin located in front of Colonial Pharmacy. Prizes will be awarded to winning scarecrows.
On Saturday, October 16, from 1-3pm, The Gathering of the Scarecrows Parade will take place. Everyone is encouraged to dress as a scarecrow or to carry one and march in the parade. The parade will begin at the Monument in Dock Square and will travel to the Green where activities for all ages will take place.
Finally, on Sunday, October 17, the Wicked 5K Road Race will occur. Participants can walk, jog or run through the streets of Kennebunkport. The race will start at The Nonantum and end at Federal Jack’s Brew Pub, where lite fare will be served and fun prizes will be awarded in various categories. In addition to the 5K race, there will also be a 1-mile fun run.
To register, log on to www.RaceIt.com (keyword: Wicked 5K). The registration fee is $20 for the 5K and $5 per person for the 1-mile fun run. Goody bags will be given to the first 200 registered participants. Costumes are encouraged, especially on kids.
The Wicked 5K is sponsored by The Nonantum Resort, with support from Atlantic Pest Solutions, Federal Jack’s Brew Pub, HB Provisions and Quest Fitness. The race benefits Operation Shower, the nonprofit organization that throws baby showers for expecting military families during deployment or high stress situations. Race participants may bring a new unwrapped baby item, which will be donated to the expecting families serving aboard the USS George Bush. For more information about the Wicked 5K, call (207) 229-3866 or email run@lilybrooke.com.
For more information about the Gathering of the Scarecrows, contact the Nonantum Resort at 967-4050.
Photo caption: The annual Scarecrow wedding will be attended by 50 different scarecrow guests! (Courtesy photo)

Fall Eco-Fest Celebrates Green Family Fun

YORK —
Monday, October 11 is the date for Clay Hill Farm’s second annual Fall Eco-Fest to celebrate the green shades of living with a community family fun day!
From 11am-3pm on Columbus Day Observed, Clay Hill Farm in York, Maine, will celebrate the season with live music, local food, artists, crafters, green businesses, kids activities, farmers and like-minded folk. Admission is free to this rain or shine event.
Under the beautiful Sperry Tent, and all about the 11-acre wildlife preserve and bird sanctuary at Clay Hill Farm, the Fall Eco-Fest celebrates real people making a difference in the community with educational outreach. Kids can enjoy fairy-house building and a scavenger hunt to boost backyard ecological awareness, with yoga on the lawn and pumpkin painting to excite mind/body creativity and expression. Parents can learn about community resources to encourage and empower eco-friendly life-styles in all shades of green. Artists, crafters and farmers punctuate the day with exciting local products for families to enjoy, while earth-friendly businesses help to outreach and educate about alternative resources available in our community. And, photographer Shane Corcoran will be at Clay Hill Farm’s Fall Eco-Fest to take the beautiful outdoor portraits every family wants.
Full festival details are online at www.clayhillfarm.com. The Fall Eco-Fest is part of Clay Hill Farm’s Eco-Reach TM campaign to encourage environmental awareness and celebrate green connectedness in all shades. Event sponsors include Sperry Tents, Ultra Geothermal, Simply Green Bio-fuels, Eco-Reach, Meyer All-natural Angus, Kinnealey, Acorn Organic Salon, SEA Solar Store, Greenovations, SeacoastKidsCalendar and Shane’s Maine Photography.