OPA Offers Free Sunday Films in January

OGUNQUIT

-

Ogunquit Performing Arts

(OPA) announces the January schedule for its 21st Classic Film Festival, a Sunday afternoon alternative for those whose tastes run to viewing classic films.

The four January films, released between 1956 and 1964, offer a Burt Lancaster and friends “film festival.” Lancaster is joined by co-stars and supporting actors Lloyd Bridges, Kirk Douglas, David Niven, Fredric March, and actresses Katha- rine Hepburn, Rita Hayworth, Deborah Kerr, Ava Gardner and Rhonda Fleming. The films range across genres: westerns, romance, comedy, drama, and political thrillers, set in contemporary – of those times- or popular historic contexts. Lancaster plays to type: grifter/con man, attempted political coup leader, duplicitous alcoholic philanderer, and compromised “law man” in pursuit of justice, where the ends justify the means. The portrayal of women in these films plays to types of the times, with emerging glimpses of future women’s roles largely due to the portrayals of the powerful performances of the actresses.

The films are screened at the Dunaway Center’s community auditorium, 23 School Street, Ogunquit, Maine, Sunday afternoons at 2 p.m.

The Rainmaker (1956), Sunday, January 8

This film (pictured on left), loosely based on the real-life story of rainmaker Charles M. Hatfield, is adapted by N. Richard Nash from his 1954 play. The Rainmaker is set in drought-rid-

See FILMS on page 7 . . .

Seventh Annual Kennebunk Wild Blueberry Drop

KENNEBUNKThe blueberry is back! The Seventh Annual Kennebunk Wild Blueberry Drop will be live twice this year, at 9 p.m. for the “early bird” drop, and at midnight, for the main drop, both on Saturday, December 31. Both drops will take place from the bell tower of the First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church, 114 Main St., Kennebunk. There will be no indoor activities this year, but the Waterhouse Center will be open for skating until late. Bring skates and come on down!

Founded in 2015 by volunteers from the Town of Kennebunk, the Brick Store Museum, and the First Parish

Unitarian Universalist Church, this is New Year’s Eve Kennebunk (NYEKBK)’s seventh year creating a family-friendly event that brings the community together to celebrate the New Year.

Not able to join in-person?

The early-bird drop will be live- streamed on Facebook, weather and technology permitting. The virtual event is available to everyone free of charge.

The event is hosted by the First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church, the town of Kennebunk, and Brick Store Museum.

For more information and links to the live streams, visit New Year’s Eve Kennebunk at www.nyekbk.org, the Town of Kennebunk at www.kennebunkmaine.us, First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church at www.uukennebunk.org, the Brick Store Museum at www. brickstoremuseum.org, or on Facebook at www.facebook. com/nyekbk.

. . . DURHAM from page 1

He considers himself a physicist first, before any other of his professional monikers. “I can do anything as a physicist,” he says. “Physicists are very curious people.”

It is no wonder that he is a member of the Foundational Questions Institute, an organization that supports research on the fundamental questions of physics and cosmology. Durham is not disheartened by the lack of final answers to these questions. “I try to chip away at the big questions,” he says. “I am a speck of dust in the universe. Some questions are just too big, too much for humankind to solve.”

Durham’s academic journey did not end with his master’s in physics and would bring an unexpected diversion to his path by way of Scotland. While there earning a Ph.D. in Mathematics at the University of St. Andrews, he stumbled into a teaching job and, much to his surprise, found that he liked it. “I vowed never to be a teacher,” he says emphatically. “Everyone

Working With People

in my family was a teacher, so I was determined not to be.” His innate love of teaching, however, could no longer be denied.

Now a Professor and Chair of Physics at St. Anselm College, Durham strives to instill his own inquiring nature in his students. He vividly recalls two comments from former students about his class: “Physics taught me to question everything,” and “There are no free answers in Professor Durham’s class.” “When I hear these things,” Durham says with obvious satisfaction, “I know I’ve done my job.”

Despite his identity as a man of science, Ian is not without religious facets. “I am a spiritual guy,” he says in a serious tone. While he was raised Catholic and teaches at a Catholic institution, he considers himself a “Unitarian Druid.” Unitarian for 20 years now, he wears a sheepish grin when he says, “A little sliver of me is always Catholic.” As for the Druidry, he goes on to See STARS on page 5 . . .

Southern Maine’s Largest Weekly Circulation

952 Post Road, Suite 10 Wells, ME 04090 (207) 646-8448 / 384-5500 Toll FREE: (877) 646-8448 Fax: (207) 646-8477 www.theweeklysentinel.com

Deadlines:

Ads & News: Monday 12 Noon

Classifieds: Tuesday 4 pm for following Friday publication

Publisher: Carol A. Brennan publisher@theweeklysentinel.com

Operations Manager: Dan Brennan publisher@theweeklysentinel.com

Art Director: Raina Keim Graphic Designer: John Crommett ads@theweeklysentinel.com

Copy Editor: John Crommett editor@theweeklysentinel.com

Account Managers: Carol Brennan Dan Brennan Kevin Cox ads@theweeklysentinel.com

Contributing Writers: Nancye Tuttle Gina Carbone Susan Gallagher Lemmo editor@theweeklysentinel.com

Errors & Omissions:

The advertiser agrees that the publisher shall not be liable for damages arising out of errors in advertisements beyond the amount paid for the space actually occupied by that portion of the advertisement in which the error occurred, whether such error is due to the negligence of the publisher’s employees or otherwise, and there shall be no liability for non-insertion of any advertisement beyond the amount paid for such advertisement.

Town of Kittery Updates

New Business Hours

Like many area employers, neighboring municipalities and local businesses, the Town of Kittery has been working hard to adapt to post-pandemic hiring and retention challenges. In an effort to meet those challenges, the Town of Kittery is excited to announce our new business hours. Beginning Tuesday, January 3, the Town of Kittery will observe the following

Friday, December 30

Overeaters Anonymous

9 a.m. at First Parish Church Hall, 180 York St., York. For those who struggle with food, weight or unwanted food behaviors. Local Overeaters Anonymous meets weekly on Fridays for fellowship and support, free of cost. FMI: www.oa.org.

Volunteer Camps

-

- 1:30 p.m. Customer service center only on Fridays. Many town hall and customer service center related services and resources are available online.

Resource Recovery Facility

Business Hours

Monday: Closed; Tuesday: 9: a.m. - 4 p.m.; Wednesday: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., Hazardous Waste hours are 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. on Wednesdays; Thursday: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.; Friday: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.; Saturday: 7:15 a.m. - 2:15 p.m.. Hazardous Waste hours are 7:15 a.m. - 2:15 p.m. on Saturdays; Sunday: Closed.

Town of Wells Update

Town Hall Closed

Monday, January 2, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. in observance of New Year’s Day.

Town of York Update

York Adult Education Closed Classes to resume Tuesday, January 3. FMI: www.yorkadulteducation.org.

9 a.m. - 12 p.m. at Animal Welfare Society, 46 Holland Rd., Kennebunkport. Youth will experience how many helping hands it takes to keep AWS running smoothly. Tasks vary based on the Adoption Center’s daily needs, and often include cleaning animal spaces, preparing meals and visiting with dogs and cats. By participating directly with the animals, children see firsthand how they make a difference. Half Day Helpers, grades

2-5. $30. FMI: www.animalwelfaresociety.org/events.

Sunday, January 1

Chicken Shoot

2 p.m. at York Elks Lodge #278 8, 1704 Route 1, Cape Neddick. Offering chicken, steak, lobsters, and appetizers, but feel free to bring an appetizer to share as well. $10 per card. FMI: 207-361-2788 or elks2788@yahoo.com.

Sound Meditation for the New Year

2-3 p.m. at the Dance Hall Kittery, 7 Walker St., Kittery, with Peggo Horstmann Hodes. Bring a yoga mat, blankets, or pillow. FMI and to register: vibrantvoice@gmail.com or 603-496-2984.

Sunday, January 8

ISHRA Winter Social

Join the Isles of Shoals Historical and Research Association (ISHRA) at their annual Winter Social Gathering at First Congre - gational Church of Kittery Point, 23 Pepperrell Rd., Kittery. ISHRA provides information relating to the history of the Isles of Shoals. Potluck supper including chowder.

Bring something to share! Snow date is Sunday, January 15. FMI: www.eventbrite.com/e/ishra-winter-social-gathering-2023-tickets or 207-558-5760.

Berwick Public Library

Holiday Hours

The library will be closed Saturday, December 31 for New Year’s Eve.

Genealogy Club Returns

January 6

Genie Club will meet at the library the first Friday of every month, 1:30-3:30 p.m. The library has access to genealogy sites like Ancestry.com. There is also a collection of genealogy books to use. Volunteer Laurie Jackson will be on hand to help.

Amazon Smile Supports the Library Visit www.smile.amazon.com to choose the Berwick Library Association as a favorite charity. Amazon will donate 0.5% of purchase totals to the library.

Winter Coat Drive

During library business hours, drop off new or gently worn, clean winter coats through mid-January. Women’s and children’s coats preferred, and hats and gloves are welcome.

For More Information

Call the library at 207-698-5737 or visit contact the library at www. berwick.lib.me.us.

D.A. Hurd Library

Holiday Hours

The library is closed on Monday, January 2, in observance of New Year’s Day.

For More Information

Call the library at 207-676-2215 or visit www.dahurdlibrary.org.

Ogunquit Memorial Library

Holiday Hours

The library will be closed New Year’s Eve, Saturday, December 31. The library will be also closed on Mondays through May 2023.

January Book Club

Tuesday, January 17, 11 a.m.-12 p.m. The Book Club will be discussing “Crossroads,” by Jonathan Franzen. Copies for borrowing are available at the library. Please RSVP if attending.

For More Information

Call the library at 207-646-9024 or visit www.ogunquitlibrary.com.

Wells Public Library

Fiber Arts

Friday, December 30 at 10:30 a.m. Been crafting during the past few months? Join over Zoom to show off knitting creations, get tips on crochet techniques, chat with old friends, and make some new ones. All ages and levels of ability are encouraged. FMI and the Zoom link: Stefanie Claydon at sclaydon@wellstown.org or 207-646-8181.

Fiction Book Club

Tuesday, January 3 at 6 p.m. The Fiction Book Club is a new book group that will meet on the fi rst Tuesday of every month, open to all adults. Chat about books, share favorite book/s/authors, and discover new favorites. January’s read features “Arsenic and Adobo,” by Mia P. Manansala. Meetings will be held in the Community Room.

Efficiency Maine

Thursday, January 5 at 1:30 p.m. Efficiency Maine is a public benefi ts fund that provides rebates on weatherization, efficiency heating, and the purchase of electric vehicles. Talk will cover rebates and financing programs offered, with a focus on heat pumps and heat pump water heaters for a more fuel-efficient household. Audience questions encouraged.

Random Fandom: Wellness Lab

Wednesday, January 11 at 1:15 p.m. Capture your inner Zen master through yoga, mandala coloring, and a mantra Morse code bracelet. Snacks will be provided. For students in grade 5 and up. Free, sponsored by the Friends of the Wells Public Library.

Teen Game Tournament: GimKit Live Wednesday, January 18 at 1:15 p.m. Kahoot meets Among Us meets other RPG. Fun trivia games. Bring your own device- a Chromebook or phone will work perfectly! (Of COURSE there are prizes!) Prizes and snacks provided. For students in grade 5 and up. Free, sponsored by the Friends of the Wells Public Library.

Conversational French Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. An infor- mal approach to practicing or relearning French in person! Anyone with a French language interest can participate. Free, sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

For More Information

Call the library at 207-646-8181 or visit www.wellslibrary.org.

William Fogg Library

Holiday Hours

The library will be closed Saturday, December 31 for New Year’s Eve.

For More Information

Call the library at 207-439-9437 or visit www.williamfogglibrary.org.

York Public Library

A Matter of Balance

Wednesdays and Fridays, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. In partnership with Southern Maine Agency on Aging, a nationally recognized program designed to help reduce fall risks, exercise to increase strength and balance, and learn selfadvocacy for independence. This is a discussion-based class with the goal of learning from fellow participants. FMI: 207-396-6578 or www.smaaa.org.

Baby and Toddler Time Wednesdays, 10:30-11:30 a.m. in the children’s story-time area. Stories, songs, rhymes and lap bounces. For babies and toddlers and their caregivers. Please register to guarantee a spot and to receive a reminder email. Drop-ins welcome as space is available.

Conversational Italian Tuesdays, 6:30-8 p.m. in the Wheeler Room. Parliamo Italiano! The library is pleased to resume the group for casual conversation in Italian. Suitable for those with intermediate to advanced conversational skills in the Italian language.

For More Information

Call the library at 207-363-2818 or visit www.yorkpubliclibrary.org.

. . . STARS from page 2 say, “I also love exploring other religions and spiritualities.”

To this end, he has traveled to India to work with Tibetan monks and study Buddhism. In 2018 and 2019, he took part in the Science for Monks program initiated by the Dalai Lama to connect Buddhism and science. At the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives, Durham shared with the monks his knowledge of quantum mechanics, and they, in turn, taught him about Buddhism.

Behind Ian Durham’s professorial exterior and formidable intellect dwells his more fallible persona. He describes himself as having “innate Charlie Brown qualities.” Clarifying this, he adds, “absent-minded, a bit cluttered and perhaps a bit accident-prone.” Like Charlie, he is ever hopeful that Lucy will have changed, and won’t pull the football away as he is about to kick it. Deep down, however, he does not really expect a positive outcome. “I am an odd person,” he admits, “I am hopeful but also cynical.”

It is his hopeful side that he brings to the Astronomical Society of Northern New England. Of the organization he says simply, “We are just people who love the stars.” A member for the last 21 years, he is now both president and treasurer. Durham stresses that the society is not only for scientists like himself, but for anyone drawn by the allure of the night sky and its myriad stars.

ASNNE is unique among astronomical societies in that it operates its own observatory. Opened in 2001, the Starfield Observatory in Kennebunk is crowned with an unusual rolloff roof that allows a panoramic view of the night sky. Here, monthly star parties are held where all are welcome to view the heavens and learn more about the universe they inhabit. Two powerful telescopes enable participants to view planets, galaxies, constellations, nebulae and star clusters. Astrophotography is often included, offering the chance to forever preserve the celestial beauty.

In addition to hosting star parties, the society meets monthly at the New School in Kennebunk, where speakers share their astronomical knowledge with a rapt audience. Durham is humble about his expertise: “We just love looking at the stars and teaching other people about them.”

Incredibly, the busy professor manages to find spare time to take a break from his erudite pursuits. Whenever possible, he escapes to the great outdoors, where he enjoys fly fishing, hiking and canoeing. Here, the only questions he needs to ponder are the small ones.

As to the origins of the universe, Durham states that the

January Astronomy Club Meeting

KENNEBUNK -

The Astronomical Society of Northern New England (ASNNE) will hold its monthly meeting on Friday, January 6 at 7:30 p.m. at the New School, 38 York Street, Kennebunk. The business meeting, also open to the public, commences at 7 p.m.

The January meeting agenda includes: Bernie Reim’s

Big Bang Theory was proven 60 years ago, but, true to form, he digs deeper. “What caused the Big Bang Theory?” he asks. “It couldn’t have come from nothing.” Perhaps the answers lie beyond the stars, but Ian will keep an eye to the sky, and keep on searching.

“What’s Up for the Month,” and the ever-popular “Astro Shorts,” where attendees and members share questions, activities, news and observations. Astro Shorts meetings always give way to lively and informative discussions.

ASNNE is a local association of amateur astronomers that meets at the New School on the first Friday of each month. Those interested in astronomy are welcome, from stargazers and hobbyists, to serious observers and astrophotographers, and those interested in astronomical theory. ASNNE also hosts Star Parties at the Talmage Observatory at Starfield, Route 35, West Kennebunk. For more information, visit www.asnne.org.

Marshwood Musicians Team Up for Project

BERWICKVermont musician Kevin Kareckas released an EP single on streaming platforms this past December, featuring retired Marshwood High School band teacher, Dave Miller, on saxophone. The EP features the title track “Oh Jen!” which is inspired by the true story of the artist unknowingly using a “used” wedding band when he got married. The ring was awkwardly discovered to match his aunt’s ring perfectly at a casual family dinner, just weeks after the wedding. Also seated at the table was a ringless uncle, who, decades earlier, lost the ring in the same field in which it was found. “Oh Jen!” is written from the perspective of Uncle Ed and features a bridge from the artist’s perspective, when he explains to his wife that he has decided to give his wedding ring back to his uncle.

The track features a shimmering alto sax solo by Dave Miller, a retired Marshwood concert band teacher and southern Maine-based, multi-instrumentalist. Miller was Kareckas’ middle school band conductor and taught him trumpet beginning in fourth grade. Kareckas ventured back from Vermont to his old home to reunite with Miller for the project.

Kareckas is a singer, songwriter, and producer, originally from South Berwick. A 2008 Marshwood graduate, he now lives in Vermont with his wife and newborn daughter.

“It was such an honor and treat to reconnect with Dave for this record,” said Kareckas. “Mr. Miller can be credited for why so much incredible music continues to pump out of the Marshwood community. Even in retirement, he still makes time to be the maestro.”

The EP plays out with a number of cover songs that Kareckas has recorded over the years in home studios across the Green Mountain State. For more information visit www.kevinkareckas.com.

Chorus

Rehearsals Begin

SOUTH BERWICKCommunity Chorus at South Berwick begins rehearsals for their spring concert on Monday, January 9 at First Federated Parish Church, 150 Main St., South Berwick. Under the direction of Dr. Nicolas Dosman, the chorus will be preparing pieces for their spring concerts on Saturday, April 1 and Sunday, April 2. The musical selections include pieces by Whitacre, Walker, and Shaw, reflecting the concert theme, “Love is in the Air.” New singers are always welcome to join. For more information, visit www.ccsb-sing.org.

FILMS from page 1 den Kansas during the Depression. A grifter/con man (Lancaster) promises to make rain for $100. The price is accepted by a local rancher, whose daughter (Katharine Hepburn) remains unmarried and considers herself “plain.” Belief in herself that she is beautiful and belief that rain will come, results in a somewhat surprising ending.

Seven Days in May (1964), Sunday, January 15

This film, based on the political thriller novel of the same name by authors Fletcher Knebel and Charles W. Bailey II, is set in the U.S. at the height of the Cold War/Communist threat. The Chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (Lancaster) hatches a plot for a military coup against the President (Fredric March) because the President has signed a nuclear disarmament treaty and the Generals fear a sneak Soviet attack. It is enlightening to view the film, or to read the book, in the context of the world order of today.

Separate Tables (1958), Sunday, January 22

This film, based on two one-act plays by Terence Rattigan, is set in Bournemouth, England, at the Beauregard Hotel during the off-season. Evocative of a “comedy of manners,” the secrets of several of the guests are exposed, setting off a cascade of events, both comedic and dramatic. Revelations result in a shifting of relationships and con-