Historical society holds annual meeting

The South Portland Historical Society will hold its annual meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 20, at the Community Center, located at 21 Nelson Road.

The event will feature a presentation, entitled “South Portland Historical Society’s Technology Brings the Past to Life,” by Kathryn DiPhilippo, the society’s executive director.

During her lecture DiPhilippo will show how the historical society has been cataloging its photographs, documents and artifacts and making them visually accessible with a quick and intuitive online search.

Admission to the lecture is free for members of the historical society. The cost for non-members is $10. Call 767-7299 for more information.

Sixth annual kite festival on tap

The South Portland Historical Society will hold its sixth annual Bug Light Kite Festival 11 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday, May 16. Enjoy a day of old-fashioned, kite-flying fun.

Members of the Nor’easters Kite Club and Kites Over New England will be on hand to lend their expertise. The groups will also offer a variety of activities, including a workshop on the best way to fly a kite, demonstrations of show kites, bol racing and a candy drop for the kids.

Kites will also be available for purchase at the historical society’s museum gift shop, which opens at 10 a.m. In addition, food and drinks will be available for purchase at a barbecue fundraiser.

The event also offers attendees a rare opportunity to tour the Bug Light lighthouse, which will be open to the public during the festival thanks to volunteers from the South Portland/Cape Elizabeth Rotary Club.

Church plant sale

The Peoples United Methodist Church in South Portland will hold a plant sale on Saturday, May 16, 9 a.m. to noon. The church is located at 310 Broadway. The sale includes perennials, annuals and vegetable plants.

Portland Players open ‘Hairspray’

The hit musical “Hairspray” will open at the Portland Players in South Portland at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, May 22.

Tickets are $20 for adults, $18 for seniors and $15 for students. The show runs through June 7 at 7:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 2:30 p.m. on Sundays. Go to www.portlandplayers.org or call 799-7337 for tickets or more information.

Set in 1962 Baltimore, the show tells the tale of lovable plus-size teen Tracy Turnblad whose only desire is to dance on the popular Corny Collins Show. When her dream comes true, Tracy is transformed from social outcast to sudden star.

Along the way she uses her newfound power to de-throne the reigning teen queen, win the affections of heart-throb Link Larkin and racially integrate a TV network, all without denting her hairdo.

“Hairspray (is) a clever social commentary on the injustices of American society in the 1960s, (as well as) a joyous tribute to an era past. “(It’s an) intelligent, warm and joyous musical comedy you’ll not soon forget,” the Portland Players website says.

Cape website mobile-friendly

In response to the increasing number of people visiting www.capeelizabeth.com using tablets and cell phones, Cape Elizabeth’s town website is now mobile-friendly.

The website design was retrofitted by longtime Webmaster Wendy Derzawiec to accommodate mobile devices, and was another step by the town to improve communication, according to Town Manager Michael McGovern. The town’s website was first launched in 1996 and last redesigned in 2011.

Kids’ hike set for Robinson Woods

Cape Elizabeth Land Trust volunteer Lisa Gent will lead a Little Explorers hike for kids ages 3-5 and their caregivers at 9 a.m. on Thursday, May 21.

Take a hike through Robinson Woods to explore the wildlife habitat, including birds, reptiles, amphibians, mammals and plant life. Participants should dress in comfortable clothes and bring a water bottle.

All participants must register at least 48 hours in advance. The program will begin in the Robinson Woods parking lot on Shore Road. The cost is $6 per family. Go online to www.capelandtrust.org or call 767-6054 to register or more information.

Cape recycling tennis balls

Tennis ball recycling bins will be available at Cape Elizabeth High School and Fort Williams Park as part of a collaboration between Cape Elizabeth Community Services, Cape Elizabeth High School Athletics and the Maine Recreation and Park Association that aims to eliminate the number of used tennis balls going into landfills.

As an alternative, processed tennis balls can be mixed with another composite and used to make recreational surfaces, such as turf, and home insulation. According to the Cape Elizabeth town website, 13 parks and recreation departments from Kennebunkport to Skowhegan have purchased the tennis ball recycling bins to be used in their communities.

In Cape Elizabeth, the schools could also use the tennis balls to cushion the feet of student chairs and desks. For more information contact Community Services Adult Program Coordinator Jen DeRice at 799-2868.

Spring Point lighthouse open

The Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse in South Portland will hold an open house on Sunday, May 24, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Admission is $5 per person. The lighthouse is accessible by a stonework breakwater, so proper footwear is encouraged. See www.springpointlight.org for more information.