The Kids + Pets Issue
LIFE + CULTURE
HOW CREATIVITY IS CHANGING THE WAY MAINE KIDS LEARN
OUR FAVORITE LOCAL TRAILS EVERY DOG OWNER SHOULD KNOW
Helen Andreoli Managing Partner
Lessons in Fun
My seven-year-old nephew, Jasper, is obsessed with LEGO sets—give the kid a new one and you might lose him for an entire afternoon. When he finally emerges from the playroom, he's usually eager for a snack and adult admiration, proud to show off his masterpieces. I'm biased, but I'm always a little amazed by what he builds. In my day, LEGO bricks were just a fancier wooden building block.
The folks at Brick by Brick know that play like Jasper's can shape how kids learn. Our editor, Becca, sat down with founder and CEO Tracy Carrier, who shares how a simple set of LEGO bricks can help kids improve cognitive skills, enhance problem solving, and develop critical thinking.
Becca also spoke with Side x Side, which expands arts-integrated programming in grades K-12 across Maine. They've worked with thousands of students and hundreds of teachers in the state to bring the arts into subjects like science, math, literacy, technology, and humanities. Turn to page 20 to learn more about how they do it.
And sometimes, especially in the summer, parents just need an answer to "What can I do with my kid today?" Enter Real Maine Mom Lisa Bazinet, who has become the local authority for parents looking to make the most of the kid-friendly activities southern Maine has to offer.
Whether it's a pile of LEGO bricks on the playroom floor or a packed afternoon at one of Real Maine Mom's favorite spots, the message is simple: kids learn best when they're having fun—and frankly, so do the adults watching them figure it all out. Here's to a summer full of both.
August 2026
PUBLISHER
Emily Harradon | emily.harradon@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Rebecca Abramson
rebecca.abramson@citylifestyle.com
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Maritza Hyland | maritza.hyland@citylifestyle.com
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Zach Miller
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kathy Nguyen
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler Learn how
There's a reason patients from all over Southern Maine are making their way to Active Chiropractic in Saco. We're Maine's first clinical provider of SoftWave Therapy — a non-invasive, FDA-cleared technology that triggers your body's natural healing at the source. No needles, no surgery, no downtime. Patients nationwide are reporting relief from chronic pain, improved mobility, and reclaimed active lifestyles. Could you be a candidate?
Don't let pain win. Contact Active Chiropractic and ask about SoftWave Therapy. Your relief could be one appointment away.
SoftWave reaches deep into damaged tissue using acoustic waves — stimulating healing at the cellular level with no injections and no downtime.
With
Raising Maine
Lifestyle’s co-branded print + digital packages, your business captures attention wherever our community is looking. Build unmatched local credibility on the page, and drive immediate action online.
Photography: Ryan Walton
AUGUST 2026
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: Attendees at the Maine Women’s Conference’s Summer Meet & Greet at Angoor Wine Bar. 2: Jack Piper, Kevin Schohl, Patrick Woodcock, and Andrew Scott at the Great Diamond Partners and Hearts of Pine community event. 3: Sara McGrath and Emily Wright of Maine State Music Theatre after a recent showing of Hairspray. 4: Taj’s Sai Guntaka at the 2026 Imagine Portland Awards Celebration at Live at Madrid’s. 5: The Claddagh Mhor Pipe Band marches in Deering Center’s Memorial Day Processional. 6: Nicole Bowers, Margaret Dow, Luka Dow, and Anthony Gomes at Barkada’s soft opening. 7: Cameron Barner shucks Love Point Oysters at the opening of Love Point Provisions in Freeport.
Want to be seen in the magazine?
Nonglack Thanephonesy Owner & Head Chef
business monthly
Rock Row & Portland Trails Build Community Connections
Rock Row has become a Premier Partner of Portland Trails, formalizing a decade-long collaboration focused on expanding trail connections between Portland, Westbrook, and surrounding communities. The partnership supports the development of off-street transportation routes, promotes outdoor recreation and wellness, and strengthens regional connectivity. As part of the agreement, Rock Row will sponsor community events, adopt a trail segment, and co-host future programming at Quarryside.
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Thos. Moser Returns to Portland
Thos. Moser will open a new showroom at 146 Middle Street in the Old Port later this year, returning to the city where the company first established a showroom in 1984. The space, formerly home to Greenhut Galleries, will showcase the Maine furniture maker’s handcrafted designs and craftsmanship. As part of the move, Thos. Moser will close its Freeport showroom and relocate its team to Portland.
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Meet MenoPantry: Food-Based Support for Midlife Health
MenoPantry, a new Maine-based nutrition startup, is helping women navigate menopause through food-focused solutions rather than supplements. Founded by entrepreneur Kate Howe and registered dietitian Caitlin Hosmer, the company offers nutrition education, community support, and products designed to ease common menopause symptoms. Its first product, Menomix, combines protein, fiber, and nutrient-rich ingredients to support midlife health and wellness.
Photography by MenoPantry
Photography by Thos. Moser
Photography by Navadise Media
Portland Intown Contra Dance Celebrates Ten Years
Portland Intown Contra Dance is celebrating its 10th anniversary this summer, marking a decade of bringing people together through live music and social dance. Founded in 2016, the nonprofit hosts weekly contra dances at State Street Church, where newcomers and experienced dancers alike are welcome. Known for its inclusive dance roles and lively atmosphere, the organization has seen attendance grow since returning after the pandemic, reflecting a renewed desire for community and connection.
Hearts of Pine Launches Women’s Club for 2027
Portland Hearts of Pine has received approval to launch a women’s soccer team, set to begin play in the USL W League in 2027. The pre-professional team will create new opportunities for collegiate athletes while expanding the pathway for girls and women in soccer across Maine. Home matches are expected to be played at Fitzpatrick Stadium, building on the strong community support and growing popularity that have fueled the Hearts of Pine’s success.
Coming Soon: Mère Bakery & Café
Award-winning pastry chef Georgia Macon is bringing a new bakery and café, Mère, to Cumberland this fall. Located on Gray Road across from Skillins Greenhouses, the bakery will feature naturally leavened breads, pastries, cakes, sandwiches, salads, and a full coffee program. Macon, whose résumé includes Le Cordon Bleu in Paris and Tartine in San Francisco, describes Mère as a “technique-driven comfort bakery” focused on timeless, community-centered food.
Photography by PICD
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.
Best Veterinary Practice
Stoneledge Animal Hospital stoneledgeanimalhospital.com | 207.797.4292
Back Cove Animal Hospital backcoveanimalhospital.com | 207.253.1780
Casco Bay Veterinary Hospital cascobayvet.com | 207.761.8033
Cape Veterinary Clinic capevetclinic.com | 207.799.2188
North Deering Veterinary Hospital northdeeringvet.com | 207.797.4855
Best Play Space
The Point Community Center thepoint.community | 207.541.9992
Sunflower Community Playspace & Cafe sunflowerplayspaceandcafe.org | 207.591.0397
Raise Playspace raiseplayspace.com | 207.303.0025
Want to suggest a monthly pick?
The Playlot theplaylot.com | 207.590.4007
Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine kitetails.org | 207.828.1234
Play is the Point
Brick by Brick gives children space to experiment, imagine, and learn through play
On a recent Saturday morning, the Brick by Brick Maine studio in Falmouth was filled with the familiar sounds of childhood: excited chatter, ideas being shared across tables, and the click of LEGO bricks snapping into place. Around the room, children were hard at work creating everything from animals and vehicles to entirely original inventions born from their own imaginations.
For founder Tracy Carrier, those moments represent something bigger than a completed build. "As an educator, I saw how much pressure kids can be under to perform and excel," she says. "What I didn't see were enough opportunities for them to experiment and create and just learn through play."
That observation inspired Brick by Brick Maine more than a decade ago. What began as a home-based program with after-school enrichment classes along with summer camps offered through local recreation departments became a dedicated studio space in Falmouth, which opened last year.
The concept is simple: provide children with bricks, encouragement, and room to explore. The benefits, however, extend far beyond playtime. "When they're building, they're not just stacking bricks," Carrier says. "They're testing ideas, solving problems, experimenting, and learning through trial and error."
ARTICLE BY BECCA ABRAMSON | PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF BRICK BY BRICK
Depending on the activity, those lessons might involve discussing why a polar bear's black skin helps it stay warm in the Arctic or figuring out how to make a tower strong enough to support additional weight. Along the way, children are developing critical thinking, spatial reasoning, communication skills, patience, and perseverance.
But perhaps the most valuable lesson is that there isn't always a single right answer.
At Brick by Brick, some children carefully follow instructions while others use them only as a starting point—or skip them entirely. Both approaches are encouraged. "We really focus on the process rather than the outcome," Carrier says. "There's no right way to build."
That philosophy helps create an environment where children of different ages, interests, and abilities can all find success. A kindergartner and a fifth grader may be working on entirely different challenges, but both are given the freedom to create at their own pace and in their own way.
Imagination, of course, plays a central role in that process. "Imagination is really at the heart of everything we do," Carrier says. "LEGO bricks are amazing because they don't come with a script."
Over the years, Carrier has seen children create everything from flying taco restaurants to detailed fantasy worlds. One build that still stands out was an independently designed chess set, complete with a board and carefully crafted pieces that looked like traditional rooks, kings, and queens. "It was amazing," she recalls. "That wasn't something we scripted for him."
Families today are balancing sports schedules, extracurricular activities, and increasing screen time, and Brick by Brick offers something refreshingly open-ended. The goal isn't perfection or performance—it's curiosity.
That same mindset can be applied at home, Carrier says. Creativity doesn't require specialized materials or expensive toys. Cardboard boxes, paper towel tubes, books from the local library, and open-ended conversations can all help spark imagination. "Creativity isn't just about arts and crafts," she says. "It's also about problem-solving and vocabulary building."
Ultimately, Carrier hopes parents remember that play serves an important purpose. "Play isn't a break from learning," she says. "It is learning." Through play, children learn to solve problems, navigate challenges, express themselves, and build confidence in their own abilities.
And sometimes, they build a four-foot-long dragon out of LEGO bricks.
Those are the moments, Carrier says with a laugh, when adults have a simple but important responsibility: stop what they're doing and admire the dragon.
RAISING MAINE
Lisa Bazinet’s mission is simple: help families spend less time searching and more time making memories together
Lisa Bazinet, the mother behind Real Maine Mom, has become a trusted resource for families looking to make the most of life in Maine. What began as her personal passion project grew into a hyperlocal guide connecting parents with family-friendly activities, businesses, and experiences across the state. We caught up with Bazinet to talk about parenting, community, and why raising kids in Maine is something special.
TELL US ABOUT REAL MAINE MOM. HOW DID IT GET STARTED?
I started Real Maine Mom in 2019 after realizing I was going to be a stay-at-home mom and looking for an outlet outside of parenting. At first, it was more of a lifestyle blog, but what I discovered quickly was that I was passionate about supporting local businesses and helping families find things to do close to home.
By 2022, I decided to go all-in on being hyperlocal. I wanted Real Maine Mom to be a resource for busy parents, whether they're home with their kids every day or juggling work and family life. Parents have limited time, and I wanted to make it easier for them to find activities, events, and places that would help them make the most of that time together.
Since then, I've been fortunate to welcome a talented group of local moms into the fold. Their involvement ranges from helping execute events and initiatives to contributing content and assisting with projects like the Kid-Friendly Portland Guide.
YOU CREATED THE KIDS’ PICK AWARDS IN 2024. HOW DID THAT COME ABOUT?
Initially, the idea was simply to recognize businesses that support local families. Once I saw how successful the voting process had been, I decided to host an in-person awards reception. The entire thing was pulled together in about two months, and more than 100 members of the local business community attended. The response was incredible. At the end of the night, I casually said, "See you next year," and then realized I’d just committed to making it an annual event. Thankfully, it's become something people really look forward to.
THIS YEAR, YOU LAUNCHED KIDFRIENDLY PORTLAND LIVE. WHAT IS IT?
Designed for kids, it’s a showcase of local businesses, entertainers, musicians, camps, attractions, and organizations that serve families in and around Greater Portland. The event brings one of our resources, the
Kid-Friendly Portland Guide, to life, giving kids the unique opportunity to discover, experience, and interact with many of the businesses and activities featured within it.
The response to the inaugural event was incredibly positive, and we've already scheduled our 2027 event for January 30th. We’ll be taking over the entire facility at The Point Community Center in South Portland, allowing us to welcome even more businesses, activities, entertainers, and families.
CAN YOU SHARE SOME BUSINESSES OR ORGANIZATIONS THAT STAND OUT FOR THEIR SUPPORT OF LOCAL FAMILIES?
There are so many that it's difficult to narrow down.
What really stands out to me are the organizations that consistently give back to the community. Businesses like MEPowered Pastries in Scarborough are always finding ways to support local causes and help families CONTINUED >
in need, most recently by even creating a nonprofit arm of their organization to help feed our community.
I also think organizations like the locally owned Little Gym and Goldfish Swim School deserve recognition. They're constantly showing up and donating time and resources to support local fundraisers and community events.
EVERYTHING IS RIGHT HERE: NATURE, COMMUNITY, ADVENTURE, AND OPPORTUNITIES TO GET OUTSIDE. MAINE MAKES IT EASY TO CREATE THE KINDS OF CHILDHOOD MEMORIES THAT LAST A LIFETIME.
Another organization doing incredible work is Maine Needs. Their new location was intentionally designed to welcome volunteers with children, allowing families to serve together. I love that because it gives kids the opportunity to learn about helping others firsthand.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT RAISING KIDS IN MAINE?
My family lived in Massachusetts for several years, and our oldest child was born there. Coming back to Maine really reinforced what makes this place special. One of the biggest things is accessibility. You can make plans and actually get there without worrying about spending hours in traffic. Everything feels manageable.
We also have access to so many incredible natural resources. On any given day, we can go to the beach, take a hike, ride bikes, explore a trail, or simply spend time outside. Beyond the outdoor opportunities, Maine has an incredibly strong local business community. There are so many people working hard to create welcoming, family-friendly experiences.
Photo: Carrie Pellerin
WHAT'S
A PARENTING LESSON YOU'VE LEARNED THAT YOU WISH YOU KNEW EARLIER?
Everyone says it, but it's true: it goes by so fast.
I think the biggest lesson I've learned is to be intentional about creating memories with your children. That doesn't mean spending lots of money or planning elaborate experiences. Some of the most meaningful moments happen at a playground, on a beach, or during a simple family outing. It's easy to get distracted by work, schedules, and everything else happening around us. I know I have to be intentional about setting those things aside and being present.
Summer is especially important to me. Every year, we create a family summer bucket list and work through it together. It's not about how much we accomplish—it's about making sure we're spending time together and creating experiences we'll remember. You only get so many summers with little kids, and those years go by quickly.
FINISH THIS SENTENCE: THE BEST PART ABOUT RAISING KIDS IN MAINE IS...
Being in Maine! Everything is right here: nature, community, adventure, and opportunities to get outside. Maine makes it easy to create the kinds of childhood memories that last a lifetime.
ARTICLE BY BECCA ABRAMSON PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF SIDE X SIDE
THE ART of BELONGING
Side x Side’s approach to education is resonating with students, teachers, and families across Maine
Walk into a Side x Side classroom and you're bound to find something unexpected. Maybe it's a flock of first graders elbow-deep in paper mâché, carefully sculpting birds they've spent weeks researching. It could be a group of fifth graders carving fossil stamps with the focus of professional artists. Or perhaps it's third grade students working collaboratively to create, rehearse, and perform physical theater pieces that explore and share their scientific understanding of frogs.
At first glance, it looks like art class. In reality, it’s so much more.
Those bird sculptures represent weeks of scientific research. The fossil carvings require students to master new vocabulary and complex concepts. The posters are lessons in history, communication, and civic engagement. Along the way, students are learning how to collaborate, solve problems, present their ideas, and trust their own voices.
In Side x Side programs like these, art is simply the vehicle. The destination is confidence, connection, and a deeper love of learning. Founded more than a decade ago, the Maine-based nonprofit pairs professional teaching artists with classroom educators to bring arts-integrated learning into schools across the state. Since its founding, Side x Side has reached more than 19,000 students, trained dozens of teaching artists, and partnered with hundreds of classroom teachers. Its roots began with one simple observation: not every child learns the same way.
"I was shocked and sort of heartbroken," recalls Executive Director Beth Wilbur Van Mierlo. "I saw kids that weren't engaging no matter what the teachers did. When we started bringing artists into classrooms, what we noticed right away was that all the kids started engaging."
That observation eventually led to a groundbreaking federal grant that allowed Side x Side to expand arts-integrated programming throughout Portland's elementary schools. Rather than treating art as a separate subject, Side x Side weaves creativity directly into classroom learning, turning science, literacy, history, and math lessons into hands-on experiences.
In one recent project at Talbot Elementary, first-grade students studied birds as part of their literacy and science curriculum. They researched species, completed scientific drawings, wrote reports and riddles, and ultimately created detailed paper mâché bird sculptures. For first-grade teacher Ms. Melanie, who struggled in school herself, the experience was transformative. "I know firsthand that kids don't just learn from teachers talking at them," she says. "They need to do something hands-on."
The project was Melanie's first experience working with Side x Side. When she applied for a grant to support the bird unit, she admits she wondered whether first graders could really pull off such an ambitious project. In retrospect, "they nailed it," she says. "The kids were so engaged."
“I hope that every kid can experience a deep sense of self and accomplishment and pride.”
Of course, it wasn't the finished birds that stuck with her most. It was watching students who had spent much of the year on the sidelines suddenly find a way in. "We've got some kids who rarely participate during the school year," she says. "And they've made a bird. They've written a riddle. It makes me emotional because I finally got to see them come alive. They built something from start to finish, and they’re so proud."
That reaction is one Side x Side staff members hear often. Arts Integration Specialist and Program Manager Meghan Scribner emphasizes that artistic expression provides students with multiple ways to demonstrate what they know. "Using art makes lessons more accessible to students who learn differently," she says. "Instead of completing a written test or a single report, students can show the breadth of knowledge they're actually capturing."
The approach is deeply personal for Wilbur Van Mierlo, who was diagnosed with dyslexia as a child. She remembers what it felt like to know the answers while unsure how to demonstrate her knowledge through traditional methods. It’s one reason why she’s passionate about arts integration and its ability to change lives. "These programs shift the whole dynamic in a classroom," she says. "Children who have come to believe they aren't smart because they don't excel on traditional tests often discover something transformative: they are deeply intelligent. When given opportunities to express their learning through storytelling, art, scientific inquiry, and creative problem-solving, they can showcase their knowledge in ways that reflect their true abilities. That realization changes not only how others see them, but how they see themselves. And that changes everything."
Former Talbot Elementary teacher and Side x Side board member Jes Ellis has seen that transformation firsthand. "There is a positive impact on every kid," she says, “but the kids that struggle most in school derive the greatest benefit because they experience success and pride and they feel seen." For students who battle with reading, language acquisition, emotional regulation, or self-confidence, arts-based learning often unlocks something traditional instruction cannot.
“When given opportunities to express their learning through storytelling, art, scientific inquiry, and creative problemsolving, students can showcase their knowledge in ways that reflect their true abilities.”
The paper mâché birds may be long gone by next school year, but the lessons tend to stick around. Ms. Melanie watched her students develop patience as they worked through a multi-step creative process— and that’s just one of the new skills they’ll take with them to second grade. They also learned how to accept feedback, collaborate with classmates, and revise their work when things didn't go according to plan. "Art isn't always one and done," she says. "They had to learn that there are multiple steps, and it might not look right the first time. They had to think, 'How can I make it better?'"
Ellis points to many of the soft skills that students gain through Side x Side programs. "Communication, collaboration, revision," she lists. Those lessons matter because they mirror the realities of adulthood. Creativity requires experimentation; growth requires persistence; success often follows failure.
That growth doesn't happen by accident. Side x Side's teaching artists receive extensive training in classroom management, trauma-informed practices, social-emotional learning, and current curriculum standards. The goal isn't simply to teach art—it's to create spaces where children feel safe enough to take risks, make mistakes, and try again. In this environment, learning becomes something students experience together rather than something delivered to them.
Side x Side founder Beth Wilbur Van Mierlo
As Development Manager Linda Shary points out, one of the most remarkable outcomes is the sense of community that develops. "They're watching their peers do the same thing," she says. "The feeling of community in the classroom and having each other's back is really something you can feel when you walk in."
A sense of belonging may be the organization's most important contribution at a time when many young people are grappling with isolation and mental health challenges. “As we confront the many issues affecting youth mental health, we've witnessed the arts create opportunities for connection, self-expression, and joy,” says Wilbur Van Mierlo. “Time and again, we've seen creative experiences help people feel more engaged, more confident, and more connected to one another. That kind of healing and community-building is invaluable."
As federal and arts funding becomes increasingly uncertain, sustaining programs like Side x Side depends heavily on community support. Shary says the need is greater than ever. "It's really important for folks to understand how vital it is to support the arts," she says. "That's how we're going to sustain this."
Wilbur Van Mierlo agrees. While grants helped launch the organization, today's programs rely on local donors, community partners, and supporters who believe in the power of arts education. "It's not just about donating, it's also about showing up: coming to celebrations of learning, seeing what's happening in your schools, creating those relationships."
When asked what she hopes every child in Maine experiences through arts integration, Wilbur Van Mierlo doesn't hesitate. "I hope that every kid can experience that deep sense of self and accomplishment and pride, and know that they have beautiful gifts to bring to the world."
ARTICLE BY BECCA ABRAMSON
Walk This Way
FIVE SCENIC ROUTES FOR DOG OWNERS LOOKING TO SHAKE UP THEIR ROUTINE
Capisic Pond Park
Part nature escape, part neighborhood secret, this park feels worlds away from the city. Winding trails, wooden boardwalks, and abundant wildlife make it a favorite for curious pups eager to follow every new scent.
Presumpscot River Preserve
When summer heats up, this shady riverside route is a go-to for those in-theknow. Gentle trails wind through the woods alongside the Presumpscot River, offering a peaceful alternative to busier paths.
Mackworth Island
This coastal gem packs a lot into a 1.5-mile loop. Expect rocky shoreline views, wooded trails, and salty sea breezes as you circle the island.
Step beneath the canopy of one of Portland’s last old-growth forests and the city noise quickly fades away. Shaded trails and soft footing make Baxter Woods a peaceful retreat for dogs and humans alike.
Hinckley Park
With forested trails, pond views, and plenty of routes to mix and match, Hinckley Park keeps every walk interesting. It’s easy to see why South Portland dog owners return again and again.
Baxter Woods
246 Eastern Promenade
Where Casco Bay Meets Your Front Door
The first address of its kind in over fifty years— perched above the bay on Portland’s most iconic stretch of coastline. Thirteen residences conceived for those who demand the exceptional. Only six remain.
Please
Karen McMann: 207-650-7471 Harry McMann: 207-749-6688 246easternprom.com
Homemade Dog Food
ARTICLE BY AMY TINNIN
PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
My two pugs are more than pets—they’re part of the family. That’s why I started making their food at home, and it’s been one of the most popular posts on my blog. You may be surprised just how easy this recipe is. I add all the ingredients to my slow-cooker to cook, and my dogs love it. If you decide to try this recipe for your pet, please consult your veterinarian. Every dog has different needs based on age, weight, and any health issues. You can even share this recipe with your vet to see if any changes are needed. The ingredients are flexible and can be easily swapped to substitute the turkey for chicken or beef, and even try different dog-safe vegetables. Making dog food at home isn’t hard—it just takes a little planning, and my dogs love it.
Slow Cooker Homemade Dog Food
INGREDIENTS:
• 3 lbs ground turkey (85% lean)
• 1¼ cups frozen sweet potatoes
• 1½ cups frozen peas and carrots
• 1 cup frozen spinach
• 1½ cups uncooked brown or white rice
• 4 cups water
DIRECTIONS:
1. Add all ingredients to a slow cooker.
2. Break up the ground turkey and mix all the ingredients.
3. Cover and cook on High for 3–4 hours or Low for 6 hours, stirring occasionally.
Note: My dog food was ready in 3½ hours on High. Let cool completely before serving. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freeze for later use.
STAY CONNECTED TO YOUR COMMUNITY
Recipe from Amy Tinnin - A Cup Full of Sass
Inspiration for your best local life.
Good news happening right in your neighborhood.
TREY & KATIE KENNEDY
ON MARRIAGE, KIDS, AND THE COMEDY OF REAL LIFE
Trey Kennedy makes a living finding comedy in regular life. Marriage. Toddlers. Yoga pants. The Thursday-night scramble between school dropoffs, soccer practice, and whatever has to be done by morning. Twelve years in, it shows: millions of followers across every platform, three stand-up specials, a sold-out Relatable Tour, and a style of humor fans send each other captioned, “Are you watching me?” He delivers the kind of comedy that travels because everyone’s living some version of it.
Katie, his wife of six years, is a former biomedical engineer who also built a modeling career. She’s now raising their kids and co-hosting Correct Opinions alongside Trey — the show where the two of them swap takes on marriage, parenting, and whatever came up that week.
Trey has been at this longer than people realize. An Edmond, Oklahoma kid who grew up playing basketball described himself as a “shy kid who never thought he’d be an entertainer.” He started making videos while attending Oklahoma State University. After building millions of followers on Vine before the platform shut down, he gave himself six months on Instagram and Facebook to see whether he could rebuild from zero. He did. Stand-up soon followed. His first special, Are You For Real?, streams on YouTube; the second, Grow Up, on Amazon Prime; the third, built around the Relatable Tour, wrapped earlier this year. “I’ve been trying to be funny every week for like twelve years now,” he says. A slow climb, made one bit at a time.
ARTICLE BY KALI KASPRZYK
JANIE
“I’ve been trying to be funny every week for like twelve years now.”
Most of what Trey writes lately starts in his own kitchen. Thomas is three and a half, and he is, in his father’s words, “a movie.” He narrates his own life from the moment his eyes open and mispronounces words in ways his parents now repeat to each other because no one else would believe them. His younger sister, Eva, is what Katie calls “the calm one.” With a third now in the mix, the Kennedys are officially outnumbered.
After six years of marriage, Trey and Katie have learned that the partnership runs best when it gets its own time on the calendar. So once a week, they leave the kids with a sitter and go out for coffee. “You need a system,” Katie says. “It’s about taking time to look each other in the eye. Not the kids. Not the cameras. Just each other.”
The same instinct shapes the work. Most of Trey’s trial and error happens onstage or on Instagram, but the first read is always Katie’s. “There’s only been one time ever I’ve had to be like, ‘you’re not doing that,’” she says. The rest of the time, she just laughs first.
FEATURING TREY & KATIE KENNEDY
Trey and Katie talk about marriage, parenting, and the moments that don’t make the Instagram feed.
Watch or listen to the full conversation wherever you get your podcasts.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY
JONES HAIR & MAKEUP BY MIKAYLA CRANE
AUGUST 2026
AUGUST 7TH-9TH
Guster on the Ocean
Thompson’s Point & Merrill Auditorium
Guster’s On The Ocean returns this year for a family-friendly waterfront festival celebrating music, community, and Maine’s coastal charm. Enjoy performances by Guster and special guests, harbor cruises, kayak tours, a 5K, kids activities, a service project with Reverb, and more at Thompson’s Point and Merrill Auditorium.
AUGUST 13TH-22ND PCMF 2026
Summer Festival
Stevens Square Theater
The Portland Chamber Music Festival’s Summer Festival offers a series of inspiring concerts featuring acclaimed musicians from around the world. Held at the Stevens Square Theater, the festival showcases beloved chamber music masterpieces alongside contemporary works, offering audiences an unforgettable celebration of artistry, collaboration, and live performance.
AUGUST 15TH
Rock Hill Rescue Presents the Amazing Acro-Cats
The Hill Arts | 7:00 PM
The Amazing Acro-Cats are pouncing back into The Hill Arts—and yes, it’s as wild, hilarious, and jaw-dropping as it sounds. Get ready for a one-ofa-kind purrformance featuring real rescue cats doing the impossible. Every whisker you see on stage belongs to a former orphan, rescue, or stray. The tour supports Rock Cats Rescue, a nonprofit that’s helped find homes for 330+ kittens and counting.
INTRODUCING
The Intervale Extension Table
The Intervale Table features a clean, purposeful design in solid American hardwood, suited for everyday meals and larger gatherings. Self-storing leaves allow easy expansion while maintaining a refined, uncluttered look—built for a lifetime at home.
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events
CONTINUED
AUGUST 21ST-23RD
Jurassic Quest
Cross Insurance Arena
Embark on a journey where North America's largest moving, roaring, and breathing dinosaurs come alive in a fully immersive walk-through experience. Discovery awaits at every turn as families dig for fossils, meet adorable baby dinos, ride life-sized giants, and let their creativity soar in LEGO-themed play zones.
AUGUST 22ND
Tandem Coffee Roasters
Tasting and Tour
122 Anderson Street | 9:00 AM
Join the Tandem team for a cupping session featuring a variety of their latest coffee offerings. You'll learn about the process that they use to evaluate coffee as their barista guides you step by step through the experience. You'll also have the opportunity to ask questions and learn a thing or two about your own palette. Slurping encouraged!
AUGUST 29TH
Building Rock Row
Quarryside at Rock Row | 1:00 PM
Head to Rock Row for a day of getting your hands dirty and learning about construction. Quarryside at Rock Row will transform into a kid-friendly “construction zone” for the afternoon with a child-sized construction playground complete with ridable, usable equipment from Little Digger and a touch-a-truck experience with local construction partners.
We provide everything you need to close on your home, including title searches, title insurance, and more.
FLEXIBLE CLOSING TO BETTER ACCOMMODATE YOUR SCHEDULE
• IF REQUESTED, WE WILL COME TO YOU!
• EXPERIENCED, KNOWLEDGEABLE PERSONNEL
• OUR
EFFORTLESS AND ENJOYABLE
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