Neighbors of the Kennebunks Magazine January 2019 by cookscribe10

An exclusive magazine serving the residents of Saco, Kennebunkport, Cape Porpoise, Wells, Biddeford Pool, Kennebunk and Arundel.

KENNEBUNKPORT FAMILY

Enjoys Skiing All Over the World

January 2019

Cover photo by Greg Burke

From the Publisher's Desk

We Bid a Fond Farewell to ' '

We lost another dear friend and neighbor when former President George H.W. Bush passed away at age 94 on Nov. 30 at his home in Houston, Texas. His death comes just eight months after his beloved wife and former First Lady Barbara Bush passed away on April 25.

For those who knew President Bush and Mrs. Bush well in the Kennebunks, their loss continues to be met with sadness. For many others, this couple who was so synonymous with summer in Kennebunkport for more than a half century leaves a empty space in our hearts.

Celebrating the life of such a man who devoted almost his entire life to public service when he was just 18 years old and served as a Navy fighter pilot in the Pacific in World War II to the presidency from 1988 to 1992 and countless charitable causes around the world is what we should all do.

During this time of reflection, it is important to remember all of the great things that Kennebunkport’s first couple contributed to the community and the state of Maine that they loved so much. Their legacy of public service and charitable giving to help others will endure for many, many years to come. Other members of the Bush family will continue to congregate at Walker’s Point and mark important family occasions such as the recent wedding of the couple’s granddaughter, Barbara, the daughter of former President George W. Bush.

As news of his death spread during the first weekend of Kennebunkport’s Christmas Prelude celebration, tributes from all over our community and the world poured in. Scores of visitors paid their respects at the Walker’s Point overlook area on Ocean Avenue with flowers and heartfelt messages. Many more visited the White Columns where the Kennebunkport Historical Society has an exhibit that honors the Bush family and their philanthropy. President Bush continues to serve as a great example of the type of leaders who we want to represent us in Washington and the world stage just as his wife Barbara did as first lady. During his time in the Oval Office, President Bush hosted many world leaders at Walker’s Point and made some of his most pivotal decisions about the Persian Gulf War and negotiating the end of the Cold War. He also struck up a close friendship with former President Bill Clinton that transcended their political differences and hosted him at Walker’s Point. Together they would raise millions of dollars for Hurricane Katrina victims and the people of Haiti. No challenge was too great for President Bush who took great pride in skydiving on his birthday. But he was also a man who loved being part of the Kennebunks community and he welcomed every opportunity to be out and about. At events like the annual Memorial Day parade, he and Barbara Bush would often visit with local residents and friends. They dined in local restaurants, patronized local businesses, attended shows at the nearby Ogunquit Playhouse and left an indelible mark on all the lives they touched around the world. Some of President Bush’s happiest times were when he would head out on his boat “Fidelity” and go fishing in his favorite spots.

Our February edition will have a much more comprehensive tribute to the former president than can be accomplished in my monthly publisher’s note. In the meantime, we can only hope and pray that the former first couple is now reunited in Heaven with their three-year-old daughter, Robin, whom they lost to leukemia many years ago. Rest in peace, President Bush. Rest in peace, 41. You belong to the angels now.

Expert Contributors Publication Team Publisher: Robert Cook Designer: Kari Hinrichs Content Coordinator: Jennifer Saunders Contributing Photographer: Michael D. Wilson

Builder Jonathan Trudo

Creative Coast Construction 207-205-4422 www.homebuildinginkennebunkportme.com

Advertising Contact: Robert Cook Email: robert.cook@bestversionmedia.com Phone: 603-970-1751

Car Dealership Dan Doucette

Prime Motor Cars Mercedes Benz 207-510-2250 www.primemotorcars.com

Feedback/Ideas/Submissions: Have feedback, ideas or submissions? We are always happy to hear from you! Deadlines for submissions are the 1st of each month. Go to www.bestversionmedia.com and click “Submit Content.” You may also email your thoughts, ideas and photos to: jsaunders@bestversionmedia.com.

Craft Beer Brewery/ Restaurant

HOA Submission Information Are you on the association board for your subdivision? Contact us for information on how you can submit articles, updates, reminders, events and more to the residents. We create customized homeowners association sections at no cost to the HOA or the residents. Content Submission Deadlines: Content Due: Edition Date: December 1 January February January 1 March February 1 March 1 April April 1 May May 1 June July June 1 July 1 August August 1 September September 1 October October 1 November November 1 December

Photo by Robert Dennis

Publisher, Neighbors of the Kennebunks

Any content, resident submissions, guest columns, advertisements, and advertorials are not necessarily endorsed by or represent the views of Best Version Media (BVM) or any municipality, homeowners associations, businesses or organizations that this publication serves. BVM is not responsible for the reliability, suitability or timeliness of any content submitted. All content submitted is done so at

Meredith Ganz

Federal Jack’s Brew Pub 207-967-4322 www.federaljacks.com

Salon Cherish Stewart 4322

Uptown Curl 207-467-3449 www.uptowncurl.me

Realtor Betsy Ames Fitzgerald

Sold on Betsy, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage 207-967-5558 www.soldonbetsy.com To learn more about becoming an expert contributor, contact BVM at robert.cook@bestversionmedia.com or phone 603-970-1751.

2 0 7. 2 5 1 . 0 5 5 8 W W W . T E R R A P I N LA N D S C A P E S . C O M 2

NEIGHBORS OF THE KENNEBUNKS

JANUARY 2019

January Feature

meet the burkes :

ON THE SLOPES BY ROBERT COOK | PHOTOS BY GREG BURKE Like a snowflake with its intricate frosty symmetry, our family skiing crystalized perfectly one day at Stowe. After several seasons of parental laps skiing with our two kids in tow, green circles to blue squares, at various ski mountains, they were ready. Our kids had graduated to steep black diamonds, turning heads of onlookers saying, “Those kids rip!” So a family ski trip to Stowe was in order, to conquer the venerable Front Four at Stowe. Greg and I had our first ski date at The Ski Capital of the East, so to say Stowe was our favorite mountain wouldn’t be a stretch.

was pretty stoked about his Stowe shirt he’d be sporting at school the next day. Snow is our glue; skiing as a family is what we do.

Sparkling fresh snow, February sun and our foursome was on one of the first chairs up Mt. Mansfield and soon making tracks down National, Nose Dive and Goat. My perspective, being the caboose in our family ski train with my husband leading the charge, was I just loved seeing my family skiing challenging terrain together. My favorite runs were less pitched but perfectly groomed Gondolier and Lord, with Vermont valley views stretching for miles.

We met a few years later in Vermont through the ski industry, married and left the ski industry once we had kids: Ian and Aspen. We worked resorts in Vermont and New Hampshire before we decided to run the Shawmut Inn in Kennebunkport in 1994. We then started our own marketing hospitality business in 1995, which we still manage today.

During lunch that day at the scenic mountaintop Cliff House, the kids were cheerful and rosy-cheeked, savoring their hot cocoa with whipped cream peaks. That evening, soaking in the heated outdoor resort pool, family-style après ski, Greg and I high-fived — okay, we toasted with adult beverages — on how we had fostered two fine skiers who loved the sport as we did. Relief and relaxation settled into my satiated ski muscles, our investment in ski lessons, bunny slope laps and snowy roadtrips had paid off big time. Mind you, our daughter Aspen might say the Ben & Jerry’s factory tour on our ride home was the highlight of her ski trip, and Ian 4

NOW A LITTLE BIT ABOUT US… I grew up in Gilford, N.H., and started skiing at age 3 at Gunstock, where my mom was a ski instructor. Greg grew up in Marblehead, Mass., and skied Gunstock with his brothers and his parents. He later worked there as ski instructor as a teenager, but we didn’t actually meet there.

Some people might find it strange that we would choose to live on the Maine coast if we love skiing and the mountains so much. We love the mountains and never thought we’d be so happy to be seaside. Now we can’t imagine not being by the ocean, and although we work in tourism in a tourist town, we have never felt so welcome and so engaged in such a vibrant local community of friends and families that are also vested in our beautiful town. READY TO HIT THE SLOPES Now that winter is here, don’t be a couch potato binge-watching Game of Thrones ‘til warm weather returns. Take the opportunity to explore the Pine Tree State covered in white. Vacationland is resplendent with

NEIGHBORS OF THE KENNEBUNKS

winter activities, opportunities to embrace the outdoors during otherwise “dormant” months. Skiing provides exercise, the excitement of dropping some vertical and the bonus of more sunlight during Maine’s light-deprived season. I grew up skiing The East at Gunstock. Fast-forward: My husband and I couldn’t wait to teach our kids to ski. Seriously, we couldn’t and didn’t wait — starting our son Ian before he turned two on our gently-pitched Kennebunkport lawn with frozen grass blades popping up through the coastal rime snow. No rope tow, just overzealous parents pulling him uphill with our ski poles so he could glide down, big smile, on his little skis. Once our daughter Aspen — yes, that’s a ski name; we’re alpine obsessed — joined the ranks, we filled a quad chairlift going up and made a ski train heading down the slopes: father, son, daughter, mom — the four skiers. Skiing is our family glue; it’s the one sport the four of us still enjoy together, though our ski train formation has changed. I still ski with my 79-year-old mom, too. Skiing has plenty of benefits beyond quality time with family and friends; it’s healthy, helps pass the long Nor’east winters and takes you to new heights — literally. If you and your family would like to enjoy skiing in Maine and beyond, here are some helpful tips. Snow Intro 101: Start the ski habit with a day of Nordic. Go to Harris Farm, for example, for an inexpensive day gliding across their well-groomed tracks. “Skinny skiing,” my code name for the narrower skis, is affordable and easy to access, and you can learn in an afternoon. While there isn’t the thrill of charging down a ski mountain, there isn’t the chill either.

Nordic or cross-country skiing is aerobic, more like a jog on snow across fields and through forests. Work Up to Downhill: Alpine or downhill skiing is a rush, once you get the skills down. There is nothing like flying down a mountain: crushing soft snow under your skis, the pull of gravity, the cadence of your ski pole initiating each turn, views for miles. It makes me smile just thinking about skiing. But your first day, you will be on the bunny hill, not carving from the peak. First you learn to pizza pie or snow plow, then French fry — make a parallel turn. Invest in Lessons: The beauty of a lesson is you get the basics from a pro, not a friend or spouse. Once the proper foundation is set with good ski or snowboard technique, you can practice and improve on your own. Ski resorts have attractive first-timer “learn to turn” programs that include equipment for adults and kids alike. For adults, the camaraderie of other newbies enhances your investment in an instructor. For kids, your child won’t whine about being cold or tired or “hangry” in a lesson with their peers and coach like they would with their parents. Don’t Go Big: You don’t need a big ski resort for your first alpine adventure. Save money and time by going to a smaller mountain nearby. Shawnee Peak, King Pine, Cranmore and Gunstock have family-friendly terrain, night skiing, reasonably priced rentals and well-tuned lessons. A Week on Snow: A week of skiing or “riding” (cool kid lingo for snowboarding) is the best way to gain momentum. Sunday River and Sugarloaf both offer Children’s Festival and “kids ski free” weeks JANUARY 2019

Reach Out To Your Local Community ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS IN NEIGHBORS OF THE KENNEBUNKS

CALL (603) 970-1751 TODAY! An exclusive magazine serving the residents of Saco, Kennebunkport, Cape Porpoise,

Wells, Biddeford Pool, Kennebunk and Arundel.

Labor of Love Saves the Port's One-Room Schoolhouse

An exclusive magazine

serving the residents

ort, Cape Porpoise, of Saco, Kennebunkp

Wells, Biddeford

Pool, Kennebunk

and Arundel.

serving the residents

of Saco, Kennebunkp ort, Cape Porpoise,

Wells, Biddeford

Pool, Kennebunk

and Arundel.

Ev es Fa mi ly En joy s Lif e Ou t of Po liti cal Sp otl igh t

al Author Meet the Loc 's of this Summer Mystery Hottest Murder

An exclusive magazine

serving the residents

of Saco, Kennebunkport,

Cape Porpoise, Wells,

Biddeford Pool, Kennebunk

September 2018 Photo by Michael D. Wilson

and Arundel.

July 2018 D. Wilson

Photo by Michael

November 2018 Photo by Michael D. Wilson

Christmas Prelude:

IT'S THE MOST WONDE RFUL TIME OF YEAR!

December 2018 Photo by Robert Dennis

in early January where kids ski and stay free with parents and receive free lessons and après ski is geared toward families.

• Gloves or mittens — and I recommend disposable handwarmer packets for $2

Weekend and Holidays: Christmas, New Years, MLK Day and February vacation week are the busiest, most expensive ski periods. Look for midweek, non-peak lift and lodging packages to save money, spend less time in line and have the same — or better — snow fun on the slopes!

• Neck=warmer, balaclava or facemask — long scarves are problematic, flappy and tangle-prone

Ski Gear: It’s expensive, but you don’t need new. Go to community ski swaps or ski shops to buy gently used equipment. Don’t dismiss asking family, friends and neighbors if they have ski gear — likely in their basement or garage.

Have Fun: The meter is running! Like any sport, attitude is everything in skiing. Stay positive; be confident in your ability, even if you aren’t Bode Miller-caliber. Enjoy the alpine adventure — and accept the expense.

Ready To Go to the Snow: Downhill skiing is a swag intensive sport — understatement. So organize your clothing and gear to avoid the stress of forgetting something or being underdressed. Pack everything in a ski bag for each skier with a checklist. • Ski boots and ski socks — stuff socks into the boots; easy to find and space-saving • Ski jacket and pants — insulated and waterproof • Base layer or long underwear • Turtleneck, sweater or polar fleece — layers are key for variable mountain weather

• Season pass, lift ticket voucher or learn to ski package — the best deals are in advance, online

Skiing dates to the 19th century, when Norsemen strapped wooden staves to their feet to slide across sparkly snow in the majestic mountains. The tradition remains, but today’s equipment is eons better. Another time-honored aspect is après ski — French for after skiing, when you gather in a lodge and share tales of epic falls and funny onsnow moments, ideally by a fire with a celebratory hot toddy. To quote my mom, who taught me to ski, “You can’t après ski until you’ve skied.” Heather Burke of Kennebunkport is an award-winning ski journalist and editor of www.FamilySkiTrips.com and www.TheLuxuryVacationGuide.com. She and her husband, photographer Greg Burke, enjoy skiing all over New England, the western U.S. and Europe.

• Hat or helmet, goggles and/or sunglasses 6

NEIGHBORS OF THE KENNEBUNKS

JANUARY 2019

Around Town

While the 10-lane boutique alley is a central part of the experience, one cannot discount the outstanding dining at the Crotux Kitchen. You may wonder what that word actually means, but you won’t find it in the dictionary. After extensive traveling and working in the restaurant industry for more than two decades, chef Jake Peterson has adopted a life mantra of living an authentic, in-the-moment lifestyle. He made up the word “Crotux” as a reminder to seize the special moments and appreciate the world around him. Peterson’s menu features everything from creative gastro-pub offerings to more sophisticated dishes. One of the most popular items is the PBPBJ — pork belly, peanut butter, jelly. The New York sirloin is also a crowd favorite. The menu also includes salad, soups, flatbreads, sandwiches, burgers and snacks that go way beyond traditional bowling alley wings. The impressive bar features 27 taps of craft beer, wine, cider and kombucha. For guests who want to watch sporting events, the bar is one of the area’s largest, offering bar seats, stools and luxurious leather couches for those who want to get comfortable for a while. The game room has many throwback games, including Ms. Pac Man ski ball, bocce and shuffleboard. After sitting vacant for more than eight years, the former idyllic Garden Street Market location is now one of the most happening hotspots in the Kennebunks. As Nelson puts it, “You don’t have to love bowling to have a great time here.”

This Winter,

Take It Inside at Garden Street Bowl

To learn more about Garden Street Bowl and the Crotux Kitchen & Taphouse, visit www.gardenstreetbowl.com. Robert M. Cook is the publisher of Neighbors of the Kennebunks Magazine. He can be reached at robert.cook@bestversionmedia.com.

4322

BY ROBERT COOK With a combined 50 years of hospitality experience, Jake Peterson, Dan Hardy and John Nelson knew they wanted to create something truly special in their venture together. The three locals knew exactly what they wanted to build and where.

Crotux Kitchen & Taphouse at the location where the beloved Garden Street Market once operated for decades. Knowing that the market held a special place in the community for so long, the partners incorporated some special memorabilia into the new facility.

They also knew it would be a long haul.

With a full year under their belt, the three partners feel they have exceeded their own expectations: “The response from the community has been terrific. We have casual bowlers, families and larger groups coming in to enjoy the property. We are also working with clients looking for wedding welcome parties, bachelor parties and rehearsal dinners.”

With dedication, and with help from trusty friends and supportive family members, they have turned their dream into their new reality. On Dec. 6, 2017, they opened the doors to Garden Street Bowl and

(207) 205-4422 | www.homebuildinginkennebunkportme.com

Home Building

Home Remodeling

Home Additions

Creative Solutions to Building Problems. 8

NEIGHBORS OF THE KENNEBUNKS

JANUARY 2019

Chamber Column

New Year New You

Getting Down to Business in 2019!

What Makes a Good New Year’s Resolution? BY MEGAN MAHLIK

BY LAURA SNYDER SMITH A brand new year! A fresh start, a new lease on life, a year of possibilities lies ahead! Here at the chamber, we love the start of a new year. We love the feeling of a blank calendar … and then diving in to fill our days and nights with appointments and events that will move us toward our goals for 2019. Oh, the places we will go in the new year! Can’t you just smell the opportunity of a new year? At the chamber, we help local businesses “open the door” to opportunities to grow and improve their business and support a vibrant community in which to work, play and stay. We’re excited to continue facilitating this mission in multiple ways. We offer monthly After Hours networking nights, typically from 5 to 7 p.m. on the third Wednesdays of each month at various local businesses, plus regular business workshops and community events. Curious about the chamber in more detail? We’ll hold another one of our regular Chamber 101 question-and-answer sessions for anyone looking to learn more about the chamber, members or not, at 12 p.m. to noon Wednesday, Jan. 16. Please join us!

promote niche segments of our membership. Sign up for our weekly newsletters via our website, GoKennebunks.com, and stay connected to your community. We are also always here helping “connect community.” We liken ourselves to professional matchmakers, meaning we often have a good idea of who or what might complement others’ businesses. We are sounding boards for ideas; oftentimes we can help with problems, or at least we hear people out. Whatever we can do, and what that means to different businesses, all three of us work to support local initiatives. We also serve this community through our numerous events, such as Pajama Shopping Day, Community Christmas Market, Family Skating Party, Prelude Gingerbread House Making, a spring Job Fair, a senior job fair and the seasonal Art Trail of the Kennebunks. We also organize the business community trick-or-treating, LAUNCH! A Maritime Festival, our Holiday Benefit Auction, our Golf Tournament, CONNECT nonprofit fair, DRIVEN Women, our annual meeting called DRIVE and Paint the Town! Get ready to go red with us!

We host a vibrantly interactive community conversation via our social media pages, especially our “local” chamber Facebook page, “3 Towns, 1 Community.” In January we’ll begin work on our annual guidebook that serves both our visitors as well as our residents, as well as weekly print and digital newsletters, and create numerous marketing materials that

So bring on 2019, it’s going to be a great year! Laura Snyder Smith is the marketing and events manager at the Kennebunk-Kennebunkport-Arundel Chamber of Commerce. She may be reached at events@ gokennebunks.com.

COMFORT FOOD AT IT’S BEST

So what does the Chamber do exactly?

IS YOUR MARKETING

ON TARGET?

Learn about all the ways our Chamber helps local businesses and serves our community, making it the best place to live, stay and play

16 Water St., Kennebunk (207) 967-0857

Bring a lunch — we’ll provide drinks and dessert!

GoKennebunks.com 10

Be committed to wholly moving on and sincere with yourself and others. A sparkling brand-new year is a perfect time to begin striving for something better, but it’s not the only time. Remember why you needed a solution in the first place and let that be your motivation.

Don’t lose sight of why you made the resolution

Instead of worrying about all the different challenges in your life, focus on the solution, the process, and lastly, the reward. Don’t let this be a once a year process. Always strive for the best in everything you do and you won’t feel the pressure to “resolve” so many things on your checklist.

The definition of resolution according to the Merriam-Webster dictionary is “Something that is resolved.” In and of itself, the word resolution means to find a solution. If we need a solution, that means we have a problem that needs to be fixed. There are many different corners of our day-to-day life— finances, health, kids, even behavior. Once you are able to recognize where you have a prominent issue, you will better be able to create a resolution. Perhaps the problem is deep and recurrent, or maybe it’s something new.

Unfortunately, your resolution won’t be successful unless you are ready for the work it will take to overcome the difficulties that will undoubtedly be in your way. Just be confident in yourself and your reason to create your resolution—stay strong and don’t give up when the road gets rough.

Does this mean you can’t make a resolution? Of course not! Simply understand what is a problem in your life, why you want to change it, and how you can fully commit yourself to solving it. Good luck this new year!

Maybe your eating habits are out of control and you are worried about serious health complications or those Friday night cocktails mean you are missing out on time with your kids. It’s more complicated than wanting to eat healthier or drink less. A solution can appear many different ways in our lives. If you procrastinate too long on folding the laundry try adding a slot in your busy calendar for the next three months out to do household chores. Maybe even use a pen. Don’t let it be an option, just like buying groceries, going to work, or filling up the car with gas.

Have someone else keep you accountable Of course, we are driven by one another. Sometimes we need to think outside the box though. What if instead of a gym buddy we only see once a week, why don’t we reach out to those closest to us during the day? What if we asked our kids to help us stay accountable? One of children’s natural gifts is to point out when we’re doing something wrong, so it’s only practical we utilize their abilities. Even have your spouse motivate you. Others will help you remember to do things or remind you if you don’t.

Chamber 101 12 PM Wednesday, Jan. 16

We’ve all done it: Said we would lose 10 pounds, gained 10 pounds. Bought a gym membership, went for one week. Quit something, found a way around it. Many just give up on New Year’s resolutions altogether because they seem to never work. However, if we look at our resolutions from another angle, we can understand more about why we choose our resolutions, and in turn, why we don’t follow through with them. Learn how to make a good New Year’s resolution that you will actually want to commit to this year.

AME R I C A N DI NE R

We help businesses target and penetrate the most affluent buyers in the marketplace with a positive, relevant, and family-friendly magazine.

BREAKFAST - LUNCH - DINNER Open 7 days a week - BYOB Sun to Wed: 7 am to 3 pm,

Thurs. to Sat.: 7 am to 8 pm

1132 Portland Road, Arundel | (207) 502-7739

FOR DETAILS CONTACT:

ROBERT COOK | Publisher

(603) 970-1751 | robert.cook@bestversionmedia.com www.bestversionmedia.com “Bringing People Together”

NEIGHBORS OF THE KENNEBUNKS

If you don’t want someone else around to nag you, there’s probably an app for that. With so much technology at our finger tips, you are bound to find an app that helps keep you on track from calorie and step counters to color coded calendars. Having reminders and others around will keep you focused and confident. When you run into hardships, share those experiences too. You will keep growing in your resolution journey as you find out more about yourself and how you handle tough situations.

Have the right intentions Don’t make a resolution because you do it every year, you feel weird not having one, you read an article telling you to, or you like the challenge. Make a resolution because you are sincerely ready to put a habit, a lifestyle, or an issue in the ground for good.

JANUARY 2019

Community Corner

Kids Corner

Biddeford’s Palace Diner Garners High Praise BY ROBERT COOK Within the past year, Biddeford’s growing foodie scene with its new restaurants and craft brew pubs have breathed new life into this former textile mill city. But some of the city’s older restaurants are shining in the foodie spotlight as well.

BY MADISON FARKAS

From its tucked away location on Biddeford’s Franklin Street, the Palace Diner has always been a beloved breakfast and lunch spot for locals on both sides of the Saco River. But the Biddeford eatery recently received some high praise when Bill Addison, editor of Eater.com, listed the Palace Diner among his 38 best restaurants in America a few months ago. “In 2014, Chad Conley and Greg Mitchell took over a decades-old, 15-seat restaurant housed in a Pollard train car built in 1927 and turned it into the ideal realization of a daytime Americana diner. Eating here haunts me: I can’t find better light, lemony, buttery pancakes, or a more precisely engineered egg sandwich, and theirs is the only tuna melt I ever hunger after," Addison wrote on Eater.com.

"Your Story Told Your Way"

To view the complete list, visit www.eater.com/best-american-restaurants-review.

Community Services

Robert Cook

Boy Scouts Give ACT and the Community a Precious Gift BY JENNIFER SAUNDERS The Boy Scout Oath includes a pledge: “On my honor, I will do my best.” On Nov. 4, Boy Scouts from Troop 330 in Arundel did just that, gathering with their troop leader, Mark Aportria, they set to work on a project close to home: building wooden seating benches for the Arundel Conservation Trust (ACT) that will be placed on conservation properties so visitors can stop and enjoy the scenery.

Ben's Flooring & Design Center

We Design, Plan, Schedule, Install & Guarantee Our Work.

603-970-1751 | cookscribe10@gmail.com

Specializing in Kitchen & Bath Remodeling Custom Window Treatments Visit Our New Showroom Today!

“I'm so excited and grateful to have the help of the Arundel Boy Scouts and their leader,” says Joan Hull, president of the ACT. “The benches they are building will be enjoyed by the whole community on our newly built trails.” Those trails, too, are a result of volunteer efforts — cut by volunteers this year. One, located on River Road and donated posthumously by longtime Arundel resident Richard Welch, will be named Welch Woods and offer a half-mile trail with a view of the Kennebunk River. A second, located on Limerick Road, will connect to the Eastern Trail and is planned to be the site of the new Arundel Town Hall. Both are expected to open to the public next year. “That's what the Arundel Conservation Trust is all about — not just preserving land but also building the sense of community that comes along with the help of volunteers of all ages and making the beautiful spaces of Arundel available for all,” Hull says. “These boys can be justly proud when they show off their handiwork to their families and friends as they walk the ACT trails.” For more information about the ACT, visit https://www.arundeltrust.org. Jennifer Saunders serves as the content coordinator of the Neighbors of the Kennebunks Magazine. She can be reached at jsaunders@bestversionmedia.com. 12

Kitchen and Bath Center: 284-8833 | 584 Elm Street Biddeford

HOT CHOCOLATE

FROST

SNOWFLAKE MITTENS

SKIS

FIREPLACE

SNOWMAN

COLD

BOOTS

DECEMBER SWEATER ICICLE SCARF

SKATING

SHIVER

Can you find the bonus unlisted word? Hint: Canadian sled.

Flooring and Design Center: 284-7013 | 572 Elm St., Route 1, Biddeford M-F 8am-5pm | Sat. 9 am to 2pm | Evenings by Appointment

WWW.BENSFLOORING.COM

NEIGHBORS OF THE KENNEBUNKS

JANUARY 2019

Business Profile

Thank You for a

Additionally, Habitat and CBC share an outstanding volunteer, Lydia Phillips, who was awarded the Spirit of Service by the United Way of York County for her commitment to both programs in 2017.

Great 2018!

Biddeford students also built a Compass skiff that was raffled off on Labor Day to raise money for Re-Store. “Organizations such as the Compass Project and the Community Bicycle Center have given us the opportunity to reach out and recognize what our youth are capable of. We all need to look outside in our communities for the good people and continue to help each other to foster this growth,” says Robert Haskell, general manager of ReStore Habitat for Humanity York County in Kennebunk. “In this season of giving, we thank everyone that has donated items, giving their time and so much more to make the mission of Habitat work.”

FROM HABITAT FOR HUMANITY YORK COUNTY As Habitat for Humanity York County officials look ahead to 2019, they are stopping to reflect on their many accomplishments in 2018 and thank all of those who made it possible. Amy Nucci, the group’s executive director, recognizes the scores of volunteers who helped families realize the American dream of homeownership and helped others have more energy-efficient homes.

In November, Habitat for Humanity broke ground on a home in Springvale. Habitat hopes to work through the winter on this project, weather permitting. “The future homebuyers, the Lathrop Family, have already been working on their sweat equity hours in the ReStore,” Nucci says. At the affiliate’s annual meeting in October, homeowner Tahloni Yearwood, whose family purchased their home in 2017, shared the following: “With the help of Habitat, Josh and I are able to give our boys something we never had growing up, and in the 15 years we've been married, something we didn't think we could ever accomplish for them: a safe and stable place to call home. And it's not just the wonderful, safe, beautiful structure we actually live in but also the community that we are becoming a part of. A place that our sons can grow, ride bikes with friends, enjoy being kids without the worry of who and what are around them. Habitat gave us a new way of life we didn't think we could achieve on our own.” Nucci notes that Keep York County Warm (KYCW!), Habitat’s community-weatherization program, serves low- to very low-income homeowners in need of assistance. Since the fall of 2014, KYCW! volunteer teams have completed 155 home assessments and provided weatherization services necessary to improve energy efficiency. In July of 2017, KYCW! began partnering with Efficiency Maine to utilize rebates through the Low Income Home 14

Anyone interested in learning more about homeownership, accessing weatherization services or volunteering can visit www.habitatyorkcounty.org or call 207-985-4850.

Energy Assistance Program, which provides rebates for low- to very low-income homeowners for the completion of air-sealing, insulating and other weatherization services. By leveraging the Efficiency Maine rebates, Habitat is able to offer higher quality, more energy-efficient weatherization services, Nucci notes. KYCW! is working with local energy auditors to provide 40 homeowners with the Step 1 Energy Bundle totaling $650 of services including a professional energy assessment and six hours of air-sealing and basic insulation, which may include insulating box sills with spray foam, sealing or insulating a mobile home’s underbelly, insulating heating system duct work or repairing, insulating and sealing doors or hatches. KYCW! is covering the copay and also provides energy-efficient, interior storm window inserts for each home. There is no cost to the homeowner for the weatherization services. But building new homes and weatherizing existing homes represents just one facet of Habitat for Humanity York County’s community involvement. Andrew Burnell, volunteer and project director of the Community Bicycle Project (CBC) in Biddeford, appreciates their partnership. Burnell notes Habitat for Humanity’s Re-Store has been supplying bikes, shop supplies and tools for CBC programs over the last three years. “Communities are built on people working together. Since 2005, the Community Bicycle Center has been providing free out-of-school programming to youth in Biddeford and surrounding communities. With

Around Town

“In 2018, Habitat for Humanity completed a home in Wells in partnership with the Carter Family. The home was dedicated in May 2018. Over 250 volunteers contributed over 1,800 hours of labor to build the home, including a professional crew from Steadfast Homes. Charles and Shannon Carter worked alongside the volunteers on their home, and throughout the build they completed 400 hours of ‘sweat equity’ by volunteering on their home, in the ReStore, and attending pre-purchase homeownership classes,” Nucci notes.

Expert Contributor

support from over 50 direct-service volunteers, program alumni, local school departments, local businesses and other area nonprofits, the CBC has engaged more than 400 kids per year in youth development programming,” Burnell says.

What’s Next for Perfecto’s Caffe? BY ROBERT COOK It is hard to believe, but the former Perfecto’s Caffee in downtown Kennebunk closed more than a year ago and remains empty. As the Kennebunks welcome 2019 and all the possibilities that come with the new year, we asked members of the community what type of new business they would like to see there.

Regardless of what area residents may favor, any new business is better than no new business. Hopefully, Kennebunk will welcome a new enterprise in the former Perfecto’s Caffee space soon.

Here is what some of you wrote on our Facebook page: Andrew King: “I'd LOVE TO SEE a sushi and noodles bar. And I agree with Thad. A new coffee shop is stupid and short-sighted. Boulangerie and The Blue will keep my business.”

Photography courtesy of Robert Dennis

Will Jones: “This indy film theater with couches and a popcorn machine - https://capeanncinema.com.” Sandra St. Jean: “Trader Joe’s, even though it’s probably too small!”

BUILDING HOMES

BUILDING HOPE BUILDING COMMUNITY!

Open Wed. to Sat., 9am - 5pm 207-502-7021 4 Industrial Dr. | Kennebunk, ME 04043 | w w w . r e s t o r e . h a b i t a t y o r k c o u n t y m a i n e . o r g

NEIGHBORS OF THE KENNEBUNKS

Louise Atchinson McCormack: “Breakfast/lunch/coffee/pastry shop. So people at Waterhouse Center can get something while their kids skate.” Debbie Moore Giles: “How about something NOT food, booze, coffee, or 2nd hand clothing. How about shoe store, clothing store everyone could use, a furniture store, you know something sensible?”

Grocery Deliveries to the greater Kennebunkport Area

Some folks who commented on our Facebook post believe another coffee, bagel, sandwich shop could be in the works.

TO SCHEDULE A DELIVERY please visit FillourFridge.com

TO ORDER please call Annette (207) 702-7877 or Donna 207-702-7888 or email us at info@FillourFridge.com *FillourFridge is not affiliated with Hannaford Supermarkets

Peter Dutchka:“Coffee shop is coming...coffee shop is coming and bagels too...”

JANUARY 2019

Recipe Corner BY DEBBIE MEIER

Make Your Spirits Bright

with this One-Pot Turkey Soup and Tips To Spice Up Your New Year’s Cocktails Soups are one of my favorite things to make in the winter time, so what better way to use that leftover Christmas turkey then to make a hearty soup for New Year's Eve?

INGREDIENTS: •

3 chopped carrots

•

2 celery stalks, chopped

•

1 medium onion, chopped

•

2 cloves of chopped garlic

•

3 cups of chopped turkey

•

1 pack onion soup mix

•

4 cups of turkey stock

The best part of this soup is it all begins and ends in the same pot. Although this soup is hearty enough on its own without a starch, I always bulk it up with pasta to make it more like a complete meal on its own. Served with sliced bread, it is a crowd-pleaser!

•

2 bay leaves

•

2 tbsp olive oil

•

1 tbsp pepper

•

1 tbsp salt

So let's get this soup built: Remember when adding rice or pasta to any soup, always cook it separately and add as you serve the bowl. Not only does this ensure the pasta keeps its flavor and shape, but it also allows you to control the amount of starch.

•

3 cups cooked macaroni (reserve a quarter cup for every serving)

All flavorful soups begin with your basic Aromatics which usually consist of celery carrots onions and garlic sautéed in oil. So pick a pot where you can cook your aromatic ingredients that will also hold 9-10 cups of soup.

METHOD: •

In a large pot, sauté your carrots, celery, onions and chopped garlic in olive oil. Once they have become soft, you can then add the rest of the ingredients — the stock, turkey and bay leaves — and season with the salt and pepper.

•

Serve with a quarter cup of your reserved cooked pasta and a slice of warm buttered bread.

DEB’S TIPS: Cocktails are another one of my favorite things. I love taking my drinks to the next level with just some basic garnishing. Whether it be a Bloody Mary or just your basic tonic and vodka or an Irish coffee, it's always more fun to drink when you dress your drinks up. During the holidays, I always make sure that I have that fresh bag of cranberries, some cinnamon sticks and, of course, your usual fixings for a Bloody Mary. 1.

Whipping cream is always a bonus to any Irish cream.

Freezing cranberries in ice cubes is a festive way to jazz up those vodka and tonics.

To spruce up any drink during the holiday season, have fresh limes and lemons as well as oranges on hand. The citrus and these fruits is always a fancy addition!

Whichever way you decide to do up your cocktails, always remember to do it up responsibly. Happy New Year!

Debbie Meier grew up in Canada and has always had a passion for the culinary arts, cooking and sharing the delicious foods she prepares with others. She is well-known in the Kennebunks for her delectable meals. Her focus is on simple and easy tips that save time and money in the kitchen. Look for her monthly feature right here in Neighbors of the Kennebunks magazine.

Betsy Betsy Betsy Ames-Fitzgerald, Ames-Fitzgerald, Ames-Fitzgerald, CRS CRS CRS

SAT., DEC. 1

SOLD SOLD SOLD ONONON BETSY BETSY BETSY

Local Local market Local market market expert, expert, expert, with with international with international international reach. reach. reach.

CHRIST CHURCH PINE CONE HOLIDAY FAIR

@6 Dane Street, Kennebunk This "Old Fashioned Fair with Old Fashioned Prices" will feature its popular Cookie Walk, many handmade gifts and decorations, Silent Auction, Gramma's Attic of gently used Christmas items to support Community Outreach Services Fuel Assistance Fund, Grampa's Pantry of baked goods and a "white elephant" table. A "pile of pillows" will be featured on the handmade table. Thanks to two estates, the white elephant table will be loaded with quality holiday items. A door prize will be offered with no purchase necessary. Time: 9 am-2 pm 985-4494 or www.christchurchkennebunk.org

Over Over 30 Over 30 years years 30of years of trusted trusted of trusted service service service && & award award award winning winning winning results. results. results. MyMy experience experience My experience works works for works for you. you. for you.

207.967.5558 207.967.5558 207.967.5558

soldonbetsy.com soldonbetsy.com soldonbetsy.com | | 207.967.5558 | 207.967.5558 207.967.5558

NEIGHBORS OF THE KENNEBUNKS

JANUARY 2019

Real Estate

January Calendar

SOME OF THIS MONTH'S HOT TEST REAL ESTATE LISTINGS ACTIVE

Sq. Ft

Beds

Baths

List Price

3 Park St, Kennebunk

3,245

$729,000

63 Summer St, Kennebunk

2,976

2.5

$599,000

8 Flagship Cir, Kennebunk

2,590

$579,900

12 Brown St, Kennebunk

3,936

3.1

$899,500

18 Back Harbor Rd, Kennebunkport

5,328

$699,900

67 Turbats Creek Rd, Kennebunkport

3,442

$849,000

73 Wildes District Rd, Kennebunkport

1,520

$519,000

66 Cranberry St, Wells

2,581

$624,000

105 Pennacook Cir, Wells

4,760

$645,000

280-282 Hills Beach Rd, Biddeford

4,740

$3.75 million

288 Ferry Rd, Saco

5,834

$625,000

SOLD Sq. Ft Beds Baths List Price 337 Cole Rd, Kennebunk

4,392

2.1

$640,000

9 Sparrow, Kennebunk

3,563

$847,500

60 Maguire Rd, Kennebunk

2,980

2.5

$515,000

6 Flagship Cir, Kennebunk

1,678

$526,325

7 Saddle Way, Kennebunkport

3,149

$800,000

37 Mills Rd, Kennebunkport

2,323

4.1

$877,000

19 Bittersweet Ln, Wells

2,991

3.5

$2.8 million

503 Ocean Ave, Wells

2,872

$1.8 million

321 Atlantic Ave, Wells

3,482

$1.35 million

111 Hills Beach Rd, Biddeford

3,393

$1.44 million

7 King Ave, Saco

1,530

$530,000

S t e v e Br y a n t & S o n Tr e e a n d Br u s h

Best Version Media does not guarantee the accuracy of the statistical data on this page. Any real estate agent's ad appearing in this magazine is separate from any statistical data provided which is in no way a part of their advertisement.

N o Tr e e Scares Us!

FREE E S T I M AT E S

Fully insured licensed arborist 207.282.9535 or

207.205.4210

Tr e e r e m o v a l , p r u n i n g , s t u m p g r i n d i n g , c h i p p i n g 18

NEIGHBORS OF THE KENNEBUNKS

FRI., DECEMBER 28 THE FOURTEENTH ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF TREES

SUN., JANUARY 6

@Saco Museum The Festival of Trees is a community event to benefit the programs of the Dyer Library and Saco Museum. Dozens of dazzling decorated trees and wreaths are on display, with each based on the theme Children's Tales and Holidays. Handcrafted ornaments and other holiday decorations will also be available for purchase at the Saco Museum Gift Shop. Time: Noon-8pm Cost: Free https://biddefordsacochamber.org/events/details/the-fourteenth-annual-festival-of-trees-12-28-2018-2257

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS FAMILY BREAKFAST @St. Martha's Catholic Church Hall Enjoy a full family breakfast featuring eggs, bacon, sausage, pancakes, fruit, coffee, tea and milk and help raise funds for Knights of Columbus charities. Time: 8:30-11:15am Cost: $8 for Adults, $5 for youth 12 to 18, free for children under 12. http://chamber.gokennebunks.com/events/details/knights-of-columbus-family-breakfast-01-06-2019-7574

TUES., JANUARY 1 OLD ORCHARD BEACH LOBSTER DIP @39 West Grand Ave Time: Registration begins at 9am. Dip at noon. This annual event helps raise funds for Special Olympics Maine. Cost: Donation https://www.firstgiving.com/SOME/lobster-dip-2019

WEDS., JANUARY 2 WEDNESDAY CLAY CLUB @River Tree Arts In this seven-week class for students in grades 1-5, Megan Holtham guides aspiring artists as they work with clay using hand-building techniques. Pinch pots, coil techniques, slab building, sculptures and the pottery wheel will all be explored in this class. Students will learn basic glaze application and all work will be fired in the River Tree Arts kiln. Cups, bowls, tiles, animal sculpture. Bring imagination and the willingness to get a little dirty! Time: 3:30-5:30pm Cost: $182/$164 members and $20 materials fee http://rivertreearts.org/kids-art-classes/

Garage Doors for every budget!

SAT., JANUARY 5 18TH ANNUAL ATLANTIC PLUNGE @Gooch’s Beach, Kennebunk What better way to start of the New Year than with a dive into the Atlantic for a great cause? This annual event benefits Caring Unlimited. All money raised through registration, pledges and donations help to sustain Caring Unlimited's programs and services to provide critical, round-the-clock support and safety planning to our family members, friends and neighbors experiencing abuse right here in York County. Time: 11am Cost: $25 https://www.caring-unlimited.org/get-involved-with-caring-unlimited/ events-2/annual-atlantic-plunge---freezin-for-a-reason

800-287-6734

OVERHEAD DOOR COMPANY OF PORTLAND 533 Riverside Industrial Parkway • Portland, ME 04103

www.overheaddoor-portland.com

JANUARY 2019

PME doors neigh kennebunks 7_28_16.indd 1

7/29/2016 11:38:51 AM

1332

The Bike Cop in

the Greater Weight of Evidence We’ve moved to the Village Green! Now located above Kennebunk Village Pharmacy, next to Boulangerie Holistic Skincare & Wellness - Natural & Organic Beauty Products + Spa Services: HydraFacials (NEW!), LED Treatments, Massage, Laser & IPL for skincare & hair reduction

207.502.8033 | www.thefifthom.com | 5 Nasons Ct, Ste 10, Kennebunk (upstairs)

A new legal thriller series by James H.K. Bruner

elcome to Port Talbot, Maine in the summer of ‘77 when a murder occurred on Ocean Avenue. Read as the town’s nineteen year old Bike Cop uncovers the evidence of the real murderer against all odds and evils.

Clarion Book Review Awards

“Irresistible”

Available in bookstores, online, and at www.TheBikeCop.com