Stevens Center

hosts tree lighting

The West Kennebunk Village Committee will host its annual tree lighting on Saturday, Dec. 7, at the Dorothy Stevens Center. Santa will arrive to light the tree at 6 p.m. and will visit and provide gifts to all children after the tree lighting. The Kennebunk Twirlers will also perform and refreshments will be available.

The Dorothy Stevens Center is located at 80 Thompson Road in West Kennebunk (near fire station).

 

Arundel recall

vote on Dec. 17

The town of Arundel, according to a news release, will hold a recall election for RSU 21 director/school board member Kirstin Shapiro on Tuesday, Dec. 17, at the Arundel Municipal Building. The municipal building is located at 257 Limerick Road. The vote is scheduled for 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Registration of new voters, as well as changes of name or address, may be made with the registrar at the town office during regular business hours, Monday through Thursday, from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. or at the polls on Election Day.

Online voter registration is now available online at registertovote.sos.maine.gov. Residents may request an absentee ballot or vote in person at the town clerk’s office without any specific reason until 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 12.

For more information, call the town office at 207-985-4201.

 

Maine author

at Graves Library

Maine author Shannon Butler will give a presentation and sign copies of her book, “All is Calm: a Maine Christmas Reader,” at Graves Library at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 12.

According to a news release, “All Is Calm” is a collection of essays, stories, and poetry about the lives of Mainers during the holidays from the mid-1800s, to the Great Depression, to modern day. Spanning nearly 200 years, the stories show that while Christmas traditions and trends may be changing, the warmth, gratitude, and humility of the Maine spirit is evergreen.

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

 

Participants invited

for gingerbread display

Participants are invited to join the Brick Store Museum from Dec. 17-21 for the second annual Gingerbread House Exhibition. Families, individuals (all ages), and businesses are invited to share their works of gingerbread art with the community for the week before Christmas.

All gingerbread houses will go on display at noon on Tuesday, Dec. 17, through 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 21.

According to a Brick Store Museum news release, gingerbread houses can be simple, fancy, realistic or whimsical. Participants are encouraged to have fun with creativity, architecture and design. The community is invited to the museum’s Festival of Traditions throughout the month of December; and especially Dec. 17-21 to view the gingerbread houses made by community members.

Visitors will receive voting ballots to select their favorite creations and the museum will welcome guest judges to review the entries and award prizes. Mainly, winners receive bragging rights for the year.

It is free to participate and, according to the news release, there is no theme as the museum would like to see what our community creates. To confirm participation, email Mary Delehanty at mdelehanty@brickstoremuseum.org.

Gingerbread lenders must drop off their entries between Saturday, Dec. 7, through Sunday, Dec. 15, at the museum’s front desk (check the website for open hours). Participants will be asked to fill out a simple exhibition card, including name, category (Child, Adult, Business), contact information, title and one or two sentences on the gingerbread structure. Name, title and description will be displayed next to the gingerbread houses.

For more information and guidelines, visit brickstoremuseum.org/gingerbread.

The Brick Store Museum is hosting extended-hour events throughout the holiday season, as well as free admission for the month of December, thanks to support from H.M. Payson.

 

Library announces

featured artist

The Speers Gallery at Kennebunk Free Library announced that it will welcome photographer Noelle Argenti for another exhibit of “Photosbynoelle.” Noelle last exhibited at the library in 2022. The current exhibit runs Dec. 1-31.

Argenti lives in Watertown, Massachusetts, and, according to a news release, visits coastal Maine in all four seasons. She enjoys taking photos of beautiful spots in Ogunquit and York. She has also taken photos of other places she’s traveled to including California, Montana, Yellowstone National Park, Castle in the Clouds in New Hampshire, and Acadia National Park.

Argenti has also captured many sunsets in her own backyard. Although she enjoys taking pictures in her hometown, she is more inspired to take pictures of coastal Maine with its unique and diverse varied landscapes and visuals. “Coastal Maine has captured my heart forever,” wrote Argenti in the news release.

The public is invited to view the exhibit in the library’s Speers Gallery Dec. 1-31 at 112 Main St., Kennebunk. The exhibit will be available for viewing during regular hours when the gallery is not in use for library programs.

For current hours and gallery access, visit www.kennebunklibrary.org.

 

Legion Post 159

hosts craft fair

American Legion Post 159 will host a Prelude Craft Fair Saturday, Dec. 7 (8 a.m. to 4 p.m.) and Sunday, Dec. 8 (9 a.m. to 3 p.m.) Legion Post 159 is located at 102 Main St., Kennebunkport (across from the police station).

For more information, call 207-967-2400.

 

Prelude concert

in Kennebunkport

South Congregational Church announced that it will host Silver and Gold: A Prelude Winter Concert on Saturday, Dec. 14, at 7 p.m. The concert features flutists Rachael Barter and Nicole Rabata and will include a selection of works by composers, such as Gabriel Fauré, Camille Saint-Saëns, and Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, as well as traditional holiday favorites.

South Congregational Church is located at 2 North St. in Kennebunkport. The suggested donation if $15. For more information, call 207-967-2793.

 

Skate Swap at

Waterhouse Center

Kennebunk will host its annual Skate Swap on Saturday, Dec. 14 at the Waterhouse Center. The event will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

It will be swap-only from 11 a.m. to noon and swap-or-purchase from noon to 1 p.m. Participants are asked to bring skates to swap or purchase skates for a minimum $10 donation. One pair per person with priority given to children.

All proceeds will go to further Skate Swap events. Skate donations are being accepted at the Kennebunk Recreation Department or the town clerk’s office at Kennebunk Town Hall.

For more information, call 207-604-1326.

 

Funky Divas concert

at Church on the Cape

The Keith McClelland Community Music Foundation will host The Funky Divas of Gospel for a free concert at Church on the Cape Saturday, Dec. 14, at 2 p.m. Church on the Cape is located at 3 Langsford Road in Cape Porpoise.

The Christmas show, according to a news release, will feature familiar holiday songs and carols. The Funky Divas musicianship and signature vocal harmonies on traditional and nostalgic music of the season will include a folk and blues flavor.

The group of seven features three seacoast area singers Diane Arabian, Carolyn Hutton and Vicky Poland, backed by the Funky band: Dan Poland on guitar and vocals, Tom Kesel on bass, Pete Leavenworth playing pedal steel, dobro and banjo, and Sean Haney, percussionist.

Funky Divas performances are suitable for all ages. They regularly perform in music festivals, outdoor summer events, benefits, and church services of all denominations. For more Divas information, visit their www.funkydivasofgospel.org or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thefunkydivas.

Church on the Cape is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available on Langsford Road and behind Bradbury Brothers Market, 167 Main St., Kennebunkport.

The Keith McClelland Community Music Foundation is dedicated to encouraging, sponsoring, and supporting the performance and appreciation of music in the Kennebunks. It is named in memory of Keith McClelland, beloved music educator in the local schools, director of multiple choirs, and organist at Church on the Cape and South Congregational Church.

 

York County

Republican meeting

The York County Republican Committee will meet Wednesday, Dec. 11, at Alfred Town Hall. Alfred Town Hall is located at 16 Saco Road. Social hour with refreshments is 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

There will be a presentation of a committee donation to a Southern York County Toys for Tots representative and election of officers from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Members are asked to bring final donations for Toys for Tots drive and nonperishable food items for a local food pantry.

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

 

Calendar raffle benefits

Brick Store Museum

The Brick Store Museum, according to a news release, serves 10,000 people per year through exhibitions, programs and events that illustrate the local history, art and cultures of Kennebunk and surrounding towns. The museum is a campus of five 19th century buildings on Main Street in Kennebunk, and was founded in 1936 by American artist Edith Barry. The museum sustains its operations and mission through community donors, grants, and ticketed events.

This holiday season, the museum is hoping to reach its Annual Fund goal of $100,000 with the help of a calendar raffle.

Supporters can purchase a calendar for $10, after which their name is entered into a drawing each day of December to win various experiences at the museum (or cash) for 2025. Experiences include programs like the popular All Souls’ Walk in October and Backyards & Barns in July.

Supporters can purchase raffle calendars on the museum’s website at brickstoremuseum.org/store or at the museum’s front desk at 117 Main St. in Kennebunk. Participants are encouraged to purchase their calendar prior to Dec. 1, but calendars can be sold at any time through the remainder of the year. The initiative is supported by Charter Oak Capital Management.

 

Holiday Art

and Craft Show

The Maine Women in the Arts annual Holiday Art and Craft Show will be held Dec. 5-8 during Kennebunkport’s Prelude celebration. The show offers a selection of original fine art pieces including paintings, photography, pottery, baskets, books, and more, as well as handmade holiday crafts made by artists. Admission is free.

The festivities begin with an opening reception on Thursday, Dec. 5, from 5 to 7 p.m. There will be live music and many of the artists will be in attendance. The show will continue Friday, Dec. 6, 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. again featuring live music 3 to 5 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 7, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 8, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The show will be held at the Masonic Lodge, 10 North St. (via Temple Street), Kennebunkport. To support the Maine Women in the Arts scholarship fund, artists donate handmade gift items to create a basket for the show. Patrons are encouraged to take a chance on a raffle ticket to support the scholarship fund.

“The Prelude Show is our biggest of the season, with the opportunity for our artists to show off crafts, cards and beautiful seasonal items not available at our other shows,” said Maine Women in the Arts President Pam Edwards, in a news release.

For more information, visit mainewomenarts.com or the group’s Facebook page.

 

Christmas Prelude

ready for crowds

Christmas Prelude will celebrate its 43rd anniversary Dec. 5-15. With Prelude’s ongoing growth, the Kennebunkport Business Association, an all-volunteer organization, is working to enhance the experience for everyone attending.

“Each Prelude event is carefully crafted by dedicated volunteers who meet throughout the year to ensure a magical experience for the thousands who join us,” said Ashley Padget, president of the KBA and general manager of Alisson’s, in a news release. “Our team is committed to celebrating this festive season with the same heart and dedication.”

With the event’s growing popularity, Padget acknowledged some challenges unique to the town’s intimate setting.

“We’ve experienced remarkable growth, and we’re taking steps to ensure the best experience for all,” she said in an email, noting the association’s close collaboration with officials in Kennebunk and Kennebunkport.

To make Prelude even more enjoyable and accessible, according to organizers, plans include preregistration for popular events, like the Hat Parade, and additional viewing options for some of the most beloved activities.

“We’re committed to making Prelude as safe, welcoming, and festive as possible for future generations,” said Tina Gordon, Prelude director and general manager of the Nonantum Resort.

This year’s Prelude will offer a full lineup of cherished traditions, including four tree lightings, caroling at the Franciscan Monastery, a street festival, and more.

Padget shared a few ways visitors can help make this year’s Prelude a success:

1. Follow parking guidelines and take advantage of alternate lots and shuttles.

2. Consider attending during the second weekend, which is traditionally quieter.

3. Check out the Midweek Magic offerings for a more relaxed experience.

4. Contribute to the spirit of Prelude with a Venmo donation to @christmasprelude!

For more information on Christmas Prelude, visit ChristmasPrelude.com.

 

Short-term
rental registration

The town of Kennebunk’s clerk’s office is accepting short-term rental registrations for 2025.

According to the town clerk’s office, per the Short-Term Rental Ordinance, effective Jan. 1, 2025, any person seeking to operate a short-term rental unit in the town of Kennebunk shall register the unit with the town clerk’s office.

Short-term rental units will be inspected by Kennebunk Fire Rescue. If the short-term rental unit fails to meet these requirements, no registration shall be issued until identified issues are resolved to the satisfaction of the fire chief or designee.

Applicants can download a short-term rental registration form or visit the town clerk’s office to pick up a form. There is a $250 registration fee. Checks should be made payable to the Town of Kennebunk.

Completed forms must be returned to the town clerk’s office: Town Clerk, Town of Kennebunk, 1 Summer St., Kennebunk, ME 04043.

For more information, visit www.kennebunkmaine.us/str.

 

Christmas concert

at the school house

Mid-Week Music will present its fourth annual Christmas shows during Prelude at the Kennebunkport Historical Society’s Town House School at 135 North St.

On Sunday, Dec. 8, at 1 p.m. and Wednesday, Dec. 11, at 5 p.m., guitarist Dana Pearson, pianist/organist Mark Gunter, and bassist John Kumnick will spread holiday cheer with a mix of yuletide music, including “Angels We Have Heard on High,” Willie Nelson’s
“Pretty Paper,” “O Little Town of Bethlehem,” Leon Russell’s “Slippin’ Into Christmas,” and The Band’s “Christmas Must Be Tonight.”

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

Mid-Week Music will kick off the new year on Wednesday, Jan. 8, with “Yet Another Evening Without Neil Young (but with his music),” with Pearson joined by drummer Ron Breton. The third annual Neil-fest will include tunes like “Cortez the Killer,” “Helpless,” and “Harvest Moon.”

 

Seaglass Chorale

concerts in December

Seaglass Chorale announced its 2024 winter concert – Stella Natalis – will be performed on Friday, Dec. 13, at 7 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 14, at 4 p.m. Both concerts are at St. David’s Episcopal Church in Kennebunk. Following the Seaglass Chorale’s performance of Stella Natalis, the Seatones will perform an arrangement of holiday songs followed by a community sing-along.

Tickets for the concert can be purchased in advance at www.seaglasschorale.org or in person at the concert. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for 18 and younger.

Founded in 1993 by Artistic Director Jean Strazdes, Seaglass Chorale is a non-auditioned adult choral group of 60 voices. The chorale represents about 20 southern Maine communities and regularly performs throughout the area, with concerts in Kennebunk, Kennebunkport, Wells, Sanford, Saco, and other regional venues.

For more information, to join the chorale or donate, visit www.seaglasschorale.org.

 

Class of 1965 seeks

scholarship nominations

The Kennebunk High School class of 1965 is accepting nominations for a scholarship recipient from the Kennebunk High School class of 2025.

Applicants must be enrolled/attend Kennebunk High School and will be furthering their education after high school in any field, trade, college, or training, and they must have a relative or direct connection to a Kennebunk High School class of 1965 graduate.  The connection includes grandchildren, great-grandchildren, godchildren, foster children, nieces, nephews, cousins, etc.

For  more information or to apply, contact Donna Bull Thompson at donnawjhs2003@yahoo.com.

 

Museum features

student artwork

The Brick Store Museum is partnering with Kennebunk High School visual arts students to exhibit their work. A new exhibition will open in the museum’s Patsy Bauman Gallery featuring perspectives of historic Kennebunk through the photography of students.

The exhibit is the result of a project led by KHS art teacher Katie Mooney with research provided by the Brick Store Museum. It features on-location photographs selected and taken by students. The photos focus on architecture and historic structures of Kennebunk, taken when students visited the museum to explore the Main Street and Summer Street neighborhood histories.

“The Brick Store Museum is proud to partner with teachers and students to create new pathways for learning and exploring our world through history and art,” wrote Brick Store Museum Executive Director Cynthia Walker in a news release.

The exhibition will be open through December. Students and their families will have free admission to the exhibition. For more information about the museum’s education programming, email info@brickstoremuseum.org or visit www.brickstoremuseum.org/education.

 

Maine Made Craft Fair

in 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 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.

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.

 

Legion Post 159

meeting schedule

Monthly meetings of American Legion Post 159 are held on the first Thursday of the month. Upcoming meeting dates: 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.

 

Vets group offers

Wednesday coffee

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.

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

 

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:

• 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 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.