YOUNG MAINERS FIND CONFIDENCE IN THE WILD WITH RIPPLEFFECT LOCAL SERVICES
The Kids + Pets Issue
GINA SOULE PROVES EVERY DOG IS READY FOR THEIR CLOSE-UP ARTS + CULTURE
LIFT ALL BOATS IS SHAPING A NEW GENERATION OF COASTAL STEWARDS LIFE + CULTURE
Small Joys and Big Lessons
I say it a lot, but I stand behind this profound truth: the little things really are the big things.
Our kids and pets are often at the heart of these simple yet special moments. I often find myself smiling at the toddler chasing a seagull on Willard Beach or the dog that never gets tired of playing Frisbee with their owner on the Eastern Prom. That's why, for our August issue, we're shining the spotlight on our littlest (and furriest!) loves.
Keep reading to see how Gina Soule, who shot our cover photo, captures the soul of our pets and reminds us that animals are not just companions—they're family.
We're also bringing you the story of Nestling Co., whose work reflects how we all need to be held, nurtured, and seen—just like our little ones.
You'll get to learn about Luke’s Lobster’s Lift All Boats initiative, which shows us that raising the next generation isn’t just about children—it’s about communities growing together.
And Rippleffect empowers kids through adventure while teaching them to be thoughtful stewards of the world around them.
Life moves fast, and it's easy to take the little things for granted. Our kids and pets have a way of helping us slow down and be present, if we let them. So here's to pausing long enough this summer to soak it all in. After all, it’s in the small moments that life shows up big.
EMILY HARRADON, PUBLISHER
August 2025
PUBLISHER
Emily Harradon | emily.harradon@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Rebecca Abramson
rebecca.abramson@citylifestyle.com
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Meghan Morrison | meghan.morrison@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Gina Soule, Mae Monsees
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Josh Govero
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kathy Nguyen
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell
Proverbs 3:5-6
WE ARE PORTLAND TRUST COMPANY
Portland Trust Company is a Maine non-depository trust company focused exclusively on wealth management and fiduciary services. We work with individuals and families, nonprofits, and local governments. We do everything the giant financial services organizations do while providing local and accessible attention to your specific needs.
It’s more than just a name. Portland Trust Company is the only financial institution in the state with “Portland” as its namesake. We love our hometown as much as you do! This is more than a place of business for us; this is our home and our way of life. It’s our promise to treat you as more than a client, but as a friend and neighbor.
Our customer experience is “real,” like walking next door to borrow some sugar or eggs. We’ve created a home for our clients and their assets—managing their money, their lives, and their futures—with peace of mind knowing that we are a fully regulated financial institution. Together, we embrace our Maine way of life.
Amelia Dow, CTFA, CEO and James MacLeod, Esq., President
city scene
1: Brian Corcoran (Shamrock Sports and Entertainment) and Herb Ivy (WBLM) at MAMM’s PreSurgam event at WEX. 2: Erica Hausler (Elevate Maine Real Estate) and a performer from Cirque de Light at the MS Gala. 3: Casey Oakes (Portland Ovations) and Allison Page (Portland Symphony Orchestra) at the Portland Ovations ‘25-’26 season announcement. 4: Tia Green, Katie Capozza, and Kathy Lyden at the launch party for FloorLife Solutions. 5: Val Parziale (Comparion Insurance) and Laird Duncan (Eyephoria Optical) at the Driven Women event at Nonantum Resort. 6: Declan Sutton performs with After Dark at the Porthole Restaurant & Pub. 7: A guest browses home goods at Stellan’s grand opening on Commercial Street.
business monthly
ROUNDUP OF NEWS FROM LOCAL BUSINESSES
Phil Rosenthal Live in Portland: Stories, Laughs, and Food
Phil Rosenthal, creator and host of Somebody Feed Phil , brings his 2025 live tour to Portland’s Merrill Auditorium on September 9. Blending food, travel, and humor, the Emmy-nominated star will share stories from his career and life. Tickets are available at LiveNation.com. Expect laughs, behind-the-scenes tales, and a heartfelt celebration of connection through food.
Vena’s Fizz House Finds New Life with Fresh Leadership
Vena’s Fizz House will remain open despite its April closure announcement. Founders Steve and Johanna Corman, who launched Vena’s in 2013, will continue leading product development and offering mixology education. A new team—Dan and Stefanie Cisowski—joins to help grow retail and wholesale operations while preserving Vena’s signature small-batch, botanical-infused approach. venasfizzhouse.com
Whitten Architects Introduces Client Advocate Role to Deepen Design Experience
Whitten Architects, a leading residential firm in Maine nearing 40 years in business, has introduced a new Client Advocate role to enhance its personalized design process. Designer Alyssa Moseman will lead the role, focusing on hospitality, communication, and client experience. This move reflects the firm’s continued commitment to thoughtful, client-centered architecture rooted in collaboration, context, and innovation. “We continue to change with the industry and stay flexible with what contemporary clients need," says principal Russ Tyson.
Photography courtesy of Whitten Architects
Photography by Tom Caltabiano
Jenny Park Brings Style to The Shops at Falmouth Square
Jenny Park has officially landed at The Shops at Falmouth Square. The boutique is a vibrant, feel-good space filled with curated clothing, shoes, and accessories for women, men, and kids—with baby and maternity launching this month. Whether you’re popping in for the perfect pair of jeans or a head-turning dress, Jenny Park is here to make shopping fun, affordable, and full of compliments. Average price snapshot: Denim Jeans $86. Dresses $80. Tops $44. Accessories $36. shopjennypark.com
Elizabeth: A New French Wine Bar Coming to Wharf Street
Vintner Alex Wight is transforming the former Jefe Juan’s at 47 Wharf Street into Elizabeth, a 30-seat French-inspired wine bar opening late this fall. Wight is teaming up with chef Duncan Biddulph, formerly of Chicago’s Lula Café, and pastry chef Ashley Robinson. Elizabeth will offer a forward-thinking take on classic French cuisine, featuring a curated selection of natural wines and French cocktails in a redesigned, sexy, and fun space. @elizabeth.portlandme
Flatiron Coffee Bar Brews Community and Art in the Hay Building
Gary Perlmutter and his wife, Rhonda Pearle, recently launched the Flatiron Coffee Bar in the Hay Building. The 12-seat café offers espresso drinks, drip coffee, cold brew, teas, and affogatos, with dark, medium, and decaf options. Perlmutter, a painter and orthopedic shoulder surgeon at Mass General Hospital, and Pearle, also an artist, co-own the Pearl Gallery on the building's second floor. They plan to showcase local artists' work on the coffee bar's walls. @flatironcoffeebar
Courtesy of Flatiron Coffee Bar
Photography courtesy of Jenny Park
the CITY LIST
We have such amazing, innovative business leaders in our community who are proud to serve you, our residents, with class and quality. We’ve compiled some of our top company picks for the services that might be on your mind this month in an effort to make your lives a little easier.
Doggie Daycare
The Mainely Dog themainelydog.com | 207.332.2818
The Bark Yard thebarkyard.me | 207.956.7100
Roscoe's Bed + Bark roscoesbedandbark.com | 207.536.7245
Salty Dog saltydogmaine.com | 207.781.9003
Camp Bow Wow campbowwow.com/portland | 207.802.5542
Tutoring Center
Mad Science of Maine maine.madscience.org | 207.878.2222
Mathnasium of Portland mathnasium.com/math-centers/portland | 207.536.6888
Johnson Test Prep johnsontestprep.com | 207.318.2023
Want to suggest a monthly pick?
Grade Potential Tutoring gradepotentialtutoring.com | 888.749.3532
The Tutoring Nook thetutoringnook.com
Rippleffect brings adventure— and access—to Maine kids
ARTICLE BY BECCA ABRAMSON PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF RIPPLEFFECT
Where the Wild Things Learn
If you’ve ever stood on Portland’s Eastern Prom and looked out at the islands dotting Casco Bay, you may have unknowingly gazed upon a haven of ziplines, sea kayaks, and summer camp magic. Cow Island, home to local nonprofit Rippleffect, is more than just a scenic speck in the water—it’s a 26-acre classroom where Maine kids come to learn leadership, build resilience, and reconnect with the wild world around them.
Founded in 1999 by Ted Regan and Aaron Frederick, Rippleffect began as a mission-driven sea kayaking expedition from Maine to Key West. Along the way, they spoke with young people about healthy choices and HIV/AIDS awareness. When they returned to Maine, they transformed that spirit of service into something lasting. “They wanted to keep the spirit of that trip alive,” says current executive director Adam Shepherd, “and they shifted the focus to access and opportunity: connecting Maine youth to the ocean and the land as part of their heritage.”
Today, Rippleffect reaches thousands of students each year through summer camps, school-year programs, and outdoor leadership training. Its home base on Cow Island, acquired in 2001 under a conservation easement, includes camping areas, an outdoor kitchen, ropes courses, and a climbing tower. Each year, around 900 kids participate in Rippleffect’s summer programs, paddling midcoast rivers, summiting Katahdin, and making lifelong memories in the Maine woods.
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“We exist to provide access to the outdoors for any Maine child—that includes kids who may never have been to a Maine island or hiked a trail.”
The organization’s impact goes far beyond summer fun. “We run four seasons of adventure,” Shepherd says. “Our reason for existence is to provide access to the outdoors for any Maine child. That includes kids who may never have been to a Maine island or hiked a trail.” That’s where Rippleffect’s partnerships with local schools and youth-based nonprofits come in. Through its year-round community programs, Rippleffect collaborates with more than 25 partner organizations—including Portland Community Squash and Portland Public Schools—to bring outdoor experiences to students who might not otherwise get them. “We always say it’s not just about affordability,” says Shepherd. “It’s about exposure. For some of our kids, walking through a local park is an outdoor adventure. We meet them where they are.”
One major leap forward came last spring with the launch of ROCC, the organization’s new outdoor campus near Rowe Elementary School. The site features a ropes course, climbing tower, and a soon-to-be-completed yurt classroom. In its first year alone, the outdoor center welcomed more than 1,500 students. ROCC is just one part of a larger vision to make outdoor education more accessible, inclusive, and reflective of Maine’s increasingly diverse student population. “We work closely with educators to make sure our programs are truly serving the kids who need them most,” Shepherd says. One of Rippleffect’s most impactful initiatives is ROLE (Rippleffect Outdoor Leadership Education), a no-cost, sixweek afterschool program that culminates in a multi-day expedition. ROLE is offered in schools across Portland and South
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“Our name comes from the idea that you drop a pebble of good, and you have no idea where those ripples will go.”
Portland, often with the help of in-school “champions” like guidance counselors or teachers who know which students need an extra opportunity. “These are often the kids who haven’t quite found their thing yet,” Shepherd says. “Maybe they’re not into sports or theater, but they come alive when they’re building a fire or crossing a river.”
Rippleffect’s programming follows a leadership triangle that starts with self-leadership and expands to group and community leadership. “First, we help kids take care of themselves—drink water, pack their bags, show up on time. Then they’re in a position to help the group, and eventually, they’re ready to take those skills into their communities,” Shepherd explains.
As the organization looks to the future, its goals are ambitious. Rippleffect is currently rebuilding a
high school fellowship version of ROLE and reimagining its CELP program (Cow Island Environmental Leadership Program) to include international travel and environmental restoration projects. “We want to build deeper, longer-lasting connections,” says Shepherd. “We’re rebuilding a pre-COVID, multi-year mentorship-based program where students grow from participants into guides.”
That last part isn’t just metaphorical. Many former students do become Rippleffect guides. “We start with rising second graders and go all the way through recent grads,” Shepherd says. “It’s a pipeline, and it’s creating the next generation of outdoor educators, which we desperately need to be more inclusive and representative.”
Rippleffect’s success has always been about the power of people and connection. “The name Rippleffect comes from the idea that you drop a pebble of good, and you have no idea where those ripples will go,” Shepherd says. “We’ve been lucky to have a community that believes in what we do.”
So how can you support the ripple? Sign up to volunteer on Cow Island, at ROCC, or on one of Rippleffect’s committees; sponsor a student or school program; or just spread the word. “We always need people,” says Shepherd, “and every dollar we raise goes right back to Maine families.” For this outdoor nonprofit, the greatest adventure is making the wilderness feel like home— for every kid.
& Identity Systems
Logo Design
Websites
Campaign Design & Collateral
Packaging Design & Sourcing
Advertising Design (Brochures, Flyer's, etc.)
Social Media
Management & Content Creation
Illustration & Graphics
Murals
Vehicle & Food Truck (Wrap Design)
Stay. SIT.
Pet photographer Gina Soule turns fleeting moments into lasting memories
ARTICLE BY BECCA ABRAMSON PHOTOGRAPHY BY GINA SOULE
When Gina Soule tells you she spends her days photographing dogs, it’s not just the cute ones or the well-trained ones. It’s all of them: wobbly puppies, high-energy rescues, semi-feral street dogs, and wise old companions nearing the end of their lives. “There’s no such thing as too wild or too untrained,” she says. “You just embrace dogs for who they are.”
By day, Soule is a practicing physician associate in orthopedic surgery. But after hours and on weekends, she steps into the woods, onto beaches, and into meadows across Maine with her camera in hand and a leash in the other. Her photos are full of motion, magic, and the unmistakable personality of each pup she meets.
Soule’s path to pet photography wasn’t exactly linear. “I got into undergrad on an art scholarship,” she says, “but decided that art wasn’t going to be my career.” After shifting to pre-vet and ultimately pursuing medicine, she found herself years later asking the big question: Is this really it? She bought a camera, taught herself the technical stuff via YouTube, and, naturally, pointed the lens at her own rescue dog, Peanut. “She’s a good girl— she likes posing,” Soule laughs. That first sunset session sparked something, and the hobby quickly snowballed into a second career. Today, Soule and her long-term partner, Alex (a cardiology fellow), run the business together. “It’s kind of a weird double life,” she says. “Hospital to dogs.”
While her portraits feature ethereal sunsets, sharp details, perfect fur fluffs, what sets Soule apart is her process. Every session starts with a planning call where she learns about the dog’s personality, quirks, likes, dislikes, and energy levels. “Dogs can’t tell us how they feel, so I want to make sure they’re in a location where they’re comfortable and set up for success,” she says. The actual photo shoot is just one part of the process. “I only schedule one session per day, so it’s all about the client and their pet. It’s like a playdate or an adventure. The dogs ideally don’t even realize what’s going on.” Sessions are completely forcefree, guided by praise, toys, and favorite treats. And if you’re worried about your dog bolting off? No stress—most of the dogs in her portraits are on leash. “I just edit them out afterward,” she adds casually. “Honestly, there are no dogs that are too crazy or too untrained. I’ve photographed everything from shelter dogs who were pulled off the street to champion obedience dogs who have
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traveled all over.” It’s all about embracing the pups for who they truly are.
After the shoot comes the reveal, a custom design session where Soule helps clients visualize their dog’s portraits as finished works of art, including mockups on the walls of their home. “There’s a big interior design aspect to what I do,” she says. “Your pet’s portraits shouldn’t just sit in the cloud. They should be tangible, something that brings a smile every time you walk by.” That’s especially true for older dogs. Soule often photographs pets at the end of their lives, including three in one recent week. “They’re hard,” she admits, “but incredibly meaningful.
These may be the last—or the only—professional photos someone has of their dog. There’s something really special and meaningful about that.”
Over the years, Soule has earned more than 90 international awards for her work, though she’s too humble to bring that up unless you ask. What she really cares about is the feeling she leaves her clients with. “I hope it just reaffirms how important their dog is to them,” she says. “It’s something you can look back on and say, I’m so glad I did that. I’ve never had anyone regret getting photos—only not getting them sooner.” As for the right time? Soule says, “The right time is now.”
Peanut, Soule's dog and first ever portrait model.
Little Hands, Big Adventures
Mae Monsees of the Nestling Company on the beauty of slow, mindful play
WHAT IS THE STORY BEHIND THE NESTLING COMPANY?
The Nestling Company began at my kitchen table in Waldoboro during my early days as a stay-at-home mom in a new state. Sewing quickly became a creative outlet, and I started making baskets to organize toys and bring beauty into our daily routine. As our family grew, so did our time outdoors, and I found myself constantly carrying the treasures my children gathered. That’s when I stitched the first Evergreen Foraging Basket, designed just for little hands. It resonated far beyond our home and became the heart of my business.
From there, I began creating story-based craft kits to inspire connection and creativity, and eventually expanded to carry a curated collection of heirloom-quality toys, books, and craft materials—beautiful, sustainable pieces that reflect the kind of childhood I believe in: simple, slow, and rooted in wonder.
WHAT MAKES A GREAT FORAGING BASKET FOR LITTLE EXPLORERS? WALK US THROUGH THE PROCESS OF MAKING ONE OF YOUR BASKETS FROM START TO FINISH.
A great foraging basket is lightweight, easy to carry, and just the right size for tiny
hands. It should feel sturdy enough for pinecones and pebbles but gentle enough for leaves and flowers.
Making a basket begins with choosing natural cotton, hemp, or flax linen rope. I sew each one on my sewing machine, coiling and shaping as I go while making sure the structure is firm and the strap is fitted for a child to carry comfortably. Each basket is one of a kind, made with care, and meant to be loved through many seasons of collecting.
HOW DOES YOUR OWN RELATIONSHIP WITH NATURE SHAPE THE PRODUCTS YOU CREATE?
Some of my earliest and fondest memories are of geocaching with my dad: hiking through the woods, following clues, and feeling the thrill of discovery. It taught me early on that nature holds secrets, stories, and treasures for those who slow down and look closely. That sense of wonder has stayed with me, and it’s deeply woven into the things I create. Whether it’s a foraging basket or a craft kit, I want each item to feel like an invitation to explore and connect. I choose 100% natural materials like wool, cotton, and wood because they reflect the world I want children to fall in love with: imperfect, beautiful, and alive with possibilities.
“
Nature holds secrets, stories, and treasures for those who slow down and look closely.
As our family grew, so did our time outdoors, and I found myself constantly carrying the treasures my children gathered. “
WHY DO YOU THINK IT’S IMPORTANT TO GIVE CHILDREN TOOLS TO CONNECT WITH THE NATURAL WORLD?
Nature comes without instructions, and that’s exactly what makes it so powerful for children. It invites exploration, creativity, and confidence in a way that structured toys or screens often can’t. Outside, there’s no right or wrong way to play. A stick can be a sword, a spoon, or a flagpole. A muddy path can lead to a dragon’s cave or a fairy’s garden.
When we give children simple tools like a basket, a magnifying glass, or just our unhurried presence, we give them permission to follow their instincts, take risks, and build a relationship with the world around them that lasts far beyond childhood.
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR PARENTS WHO WANT TO GET THEIR KIDS OUTSIDE MORE OFTEN?
Start small and follow their lead. You don’t need an agenda or a perfect trail. Just open the door and step out together. One thing that’s helped us is simply taking what we already love to do indoors (crafts, reading, writing, etc.) and bringing it outdoors. It doesn’t have to be complicated—just a shift in setting can make everyday activities feel like an adventure. Don’t worry if it’s messy or imperfect. Some of our best memories come with damp socks, mud-caked fingernails, and even scraped knees.
NXGEN FITNESS
Catch of the Future
LUKE’S LOBSTER CONNECTS LOCAL TEENS TO LIFE ON THE WATER
Photo: Coco McCracken
In Maine, it’s not unusual to grow up within walking distance of the working waterfront. What’s less common is having a direct connection to it, especially for people without family ties to fishing or the marine economy. Luke’s Lobster’s Lift All Boats project, launched in 2022, helps high school students break into this traditionally insular world of lobstering. The program is part summer job, part crash course in sustainability and entrepreneurship. For many, it’s a first real glimpse of what life on the water can offer.
“We were hearing from a lot of lobstermen who were having trouble finding folks to work as their sternmen and deckhands,” says Ben Conniff, co-founder of Luke’s Lobster. “At the same time, we realized there was this whole community of young people living close to the water who had no pathway into the industry.” Lift All Boats was designed to bridge that gap. Through school presentations, hands-on training, and weekly fishing excursions, the program connects students— many of whom have never set foot on a lobster boat—with local lobstermen willing to sponsor them. Participants receive traps, gear, and an introduction to the licensing process, and they spend the summer hauling their own traps, learning sustainability practices, and selling their catch to Luke’s at Portland Pier. Students also attend workshops over lunch, where guest speakers lead discussions on topics ranging from marine science and climate change to financial literacy and aquaculture. “We want them to understand the full scope of what’s going on out there,” Conniff says. “Like what it means to be a sustainable fisherman, how to diversify your income, and how climate change could affect your future if you choose to work on the water.”
The program is open to high school students who apply before their 18th birthday, which is a key requirement for obtaining a student commercial license in Maine. Once
accepted, they’re matched with mentors and supported with transportation, meals, and all necessary paperwork. For many, it’s a game-changer. “Most of our students who come one year come again and again,” Conniff says. “We have students now who are in their second year of college and still coming back in the summers.”
This year, 30 students are participating, a huge increase from the four students who took part in the program’s first year. The growth has been rapid but deliberate, limited not by interest but by logistics and funding. “We had another 33 qualified applicants this year that we had to turn away,” Conniff notes. “We just didn’t have the resources to take them all.” To address this, Luke’s is in the process of establishing Lift All Boats as its own nonprofit entity. They recently received confirmation of their 501(c)(3) charitable status, which will allow the team to pursue philanthropic funding, expand staff, and ideally launch new programs at additional wharves across the state. “We’d love to take everything we’ve learned and help other waterfronts build similar programs,” Conniff says.
Already, the impact is evident. A few students have taken summer jobs as sternmen, and others are pursuing marine biology degrees or internships with local nonprofits. “Those are all wins for us,” Conniff says. “We want folks who didn’t feel like they belonged on the waterfront to feel like it belongs to them as much as anyone else.” Beyond professional pathways, the program instills something just as powerful: a sense of ownership. Conniff describes how students who never imagined themselves in a lobster boat now move confidently on deck, calling out measurements, checking for eggs, and notching the tails of breeder lobsters with pride. “The project isn’t about us doing something charitable,” Conniff insists. “It’s about these students being incredible individuals—pushing their boundaries, trying something new, and becoming part of a culture that’s central to Maine without compromising who they are.”
The local response has been enthusiastic. “People see a boat full of kids and ask,
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“We want folks who didn’t feel like they belonged on the waterfront to feel like it belongs to them as much as anyone else.”
“The project isn’t about us doing something charitable. It’s about these students being incredible individuals—pushing their boundaries, trying something new, and becoming part of a culture that’s central to Maine without compromising who they are.”
‘What’s going on?’” Conniff says with a laugh. “When they hear about the program, they get excited. A lot of folks ask how they can help, whether they can take a student out for a day or become a sponsor.”
For those who want to get involved, Conniff suggests visiting the Lift All Boats page on the Luke’s Lobster website, where students, volunteers, and potential donors can learn more. Applications for next summer open in February, but Conniff encourages early interest: “We can’t take everyone yet—but we’re working on it.”
At Luke’s Lobster in Portland, you can support the program in a sweeter way: by ordering the Sea Smoke, a smoky hibiscus-rum cocktail named after the project’s boat. One dollar from every drink goes directly to Lift All Boats . “It’s made with rum liqueur from Sorel, the first Black-owned distillery in the country,” Conniff notes. “It’s delicious.”
As the tides shift and Maine’s marine economy evolves, programs like Lift All Boats are keeping traditions alive while welcoming new voices on deck. For the next generation of Maine’s working waterfront, that’s good news. For the students who now see a future in those salty blue waters, it’s a life-changing invitation.
Photo: Coco McCracken
Photo: Coco McCracken
THROW A PAWSOME BIRTHDAY PARTY FOR YOUR FURRY FRIEND
DIY DOG
BIRTHDAY PARTY
ARTICLE BY BAILEY HALL | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
DIY PARTY FAVORS FOR DOGS
Create delightful DIY party favors for your dog guests by filling small bags or boxes with goodies. Include a tennis ball for playtime fun and a selection of treats for them to enjoy. You can also add a small toy or chew for variety. These favors ensure that every pup goes home happy and tired from all the play and treats.
TREAT STATION FOR
OWNERS
Keep the human guests happy with a creative Treat Station for Owners. Use brand new, clean dog food bowls as serving dishes for snacks like chips, pretzels, and candies. Arrange the bowls on a table with a festive tablecloth and some dog-themed decorations. Label each bowl with fun names like “Puppy Chow” for trail mix or “Doggie Biscuits” for cookies.
HOW TO MAKE A DOG BIRTHDAY CAKE
A birthday party isn’t complete without a cake, even for dogs! To make a dog-friendly birthday cake, start with ingredients like peanut butter, bananas, and carrots. Mix 1 cup of flour, 1/4 cup of rolled oats, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and a pinch of cinnamon in one bowl. In another bowl, blend 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce, 1/4 cup of peanut butter, 1 mashed banana, and 1/2 cup of grated carrots. Combine the wet and dry ingredients, then pour the batter into a greased cake pan. Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes. Let it cool, then frost with a mixture of Greek yogurt and peanut butter. Decorate with dog treats and serve to your excited pup!
2025
events
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
AUGUST 9TH
The Maine Woodworking Event
18 Mitchell Hill Road, Scarborough | 10:00 AM
Experience a one-of-a-kind gathering for woodworking enthusiasts. Expect live demonstrations from expert woodworkers and top tool companies showcasing the latest innovations. Attendees will interact directly with professionals, learn new techniques, and explore high-quality woodworking tools and products. Whether you’re looking to sharpen your skills or just interact with other woodworkers, this event has something for everyone. tinyurl.com/maine-woodworking-event
AUGUST 9TH-10TH
Guster on the Ocean
Thompson’s Point
Spend Saturday and Sunday at Thompson’s Point for a two-day waterfront festival featuring live music on two stages, a diverse lineup of artists, kids’ activities, food trucks, and fun. Music kicks off in the afternoon and runs into the evening for the full festival experience. This year’s performers include Guster, Hanson, Maggie Rose, and more. ontheoceanfest.com
AUGUST 14TH-23RD
Portland Chamber Music Festival
Stevens Square Theater
Portland Chamber Music Festival (PCMF) creates community through the uniquely intimate power of chamber music. The summer festival consists of four main stage concerts, special events, artist showcases, stage talks, composer interviews, and more. All programs feature world-renowned musicians and celebrate chamber music as it was meant to be experienced: in intimate venues, with a welcoming, family feel. pcmf.org/2025-summer-festival
AUGUST 15TH
Bachata Night with Danza Latina
Three of Strong Spirits | 7:00 PM
Bachata is a social dance originating from the Dominican Republic, known for its close partner connection and basic eight-count step. Danza Latina presents this monthly series featuring a one-hour beginner's lesson followed by a Latin dance party. Cover is $15 from 7 pm to 9 pm and $10 after 9 pm (18+ to dance, 21+ to drink). tinyurl.com/bachata-august
AUGUST 15TH-17TH
Lewiston-Auburn Balloon Festival
Simard-Payne Park, Lewiston
Jam to local bands and enjoy music on the lawn of Simard-Payne Park, explore Maine-made crafts and artisan goods at the vendor fair, and enjoy your favorite fair and festival foods with proceeds supporting the non-profits working the stands. Balloons launch each morning and evening with passengers. Watch from Simard-Payne Park or anywhere in town. laballoonfest.org
AUGUST 23RD
Portland Fine Craft Show
120 Free Street, Portland | 10:00 AM
Featuring over 100 juried exhibitors from Maine and the greater Northeast, the Portland Fine Craft Show is dedicated to showcasing a wide array of high-quality craft work in the categories of basketry, ceramics, decorative and wearable fiber, furniture, glass, jewelry, leather, metal, mixed media, paper, printmaking, stone, and wood. The event will also include demonstrations and arts guild outreach booths. shopmainecraft.com/programs/portland-fine-craft-show
