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Friday, February 24, 2023
Volume 19 • Issue No. 8
Rett’s Roost Fundraiser Ends with Polar Plunge YORK COUNTY The Second Annual “Behold the Cold” Polar Plunge, in support of Rett’s Roost Retreats, will be taking place both remotely and in-person at Ogunquit’s Main Beach on Sunday, March 5 at 11 a.m. Extreme weather alternative will be Sunday, March 12 at 11 a.m. The fundraiser officially kicked off on February 22, the eighth anniversary of Rett’s passing. In addition to the plunge, the following events leading up to it are also scheduled: Behold the Yoga Sunday, February 26, 12
p.m. at Yoga East, 2 State Road, Kittery, and Wednesday, March 1, 5:30 p.m. at Shilo Farm, 88 Beech Road, Eliot. A gentle practice to address seasonal affective disorder, anxiety, and depression. Virtual option and recording are also available. Donations for the “Behold the
Cold” campaign will also be accepted at both events. Community Pizza Night Tuesday, February 28 at Brickyard Hollow Brewery, 335 Main Street, Ogunquit. Profits from pizza sales to go directly to the “Behold the Cold” campaign.
Plunge in Solidarity Sunday, March 5, 11 a.m. at Ogunquit Main Beach. The organizers at Rett’s Roost love to promote self-care and easy, inexpensive ways to therapeutically support wellbeing during trying times. This “shocking” therapy of submerging into freezing cold water as a form of therapy can benefit many ailments and diseases, chronic pain, fatigue, and can mitigate anxiety and depression. Winters in Maine can be long and depressing; to maintain sanity, it is imperative to embrace the cold and dark months of the
Honoring Richard Perkins OGUNQUIT Ogunquit has lost a local icon, the legendary Richard Perkins, who passed away on Sunday, February 12, 2023 at age 92. Richard was part of the soul of our beautiful community. Many have had the pleasure to hear directly from him at his lectures at various town events. Friends and family remember him fondly, and are forever grateful for his contributions to our special little community. R ichard Perk ins came
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Arts & Entertainment Calendar of Events Classifieds Dining
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Home & Business 17-19 Library News
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ard met Robert Maurais, his business and life partner, and together, they made Ogunquit a destination for fine dining. Prince Charles, Julia Child, and Bette Davis, among numerous celebrities, all dined at one of their eight establishments. For 45 years, in place of a traditional advertisement, Richard wrote a weekly letter in The York County Star, updating readers with what had happened at the restaurant. He sometimes included a recipe for a favorite menu item. He signed the letters “How Rude,” two words now
closely associated with Richard. For a time they were even on his license plate. A documentary about his life and his restaurants titled, “How Rude,” was produced in 2011 and shown at
See RETT on page 2 . . . the Leavitt Theatre. In 2006, after almost 50 years in the restaurant business, Richard and Robert closed their last restaurant, Poor Richard’s Tavern, at 131 Shore Road. Ogunquit diners have been in mourning ever since, but not Richard. In 2016, Ogunquit named Richard its Outstanding Citizen, and in August 2018, the Ogunquit Select Board accepted a proclamation naming Richard Perkins the town’s Poet Laureate. At least five times a week, those fortunate folks on Richard’s mailing list, would have received an ode that would make See PERKINS on page 16 . . .
Annual Seacoast Environmental Film Festival KITTERY Saturday, March 4 is the day to get informed and energized about critical environmental issues at the 5th annual Seacoast Environmental Film Festival (SEFF). A benefit event for the Kittery Land Trust, SEFF is a full day of films, discussions, panels, exhibits, food and fun at the STAR Theatre at the Kittery Community Center. The event has grown to become an important coming-together of organizations, experts, businesses and activists from around the region who care about the environment,
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from a family of eight children, who were raised by his grandmother on an old saltwater farm in Wells. His father was a lobsterman and off season, his traps and buoys were stacked next to the barn. Richard’s first school had a wood stove for heat and featured two outhouses, one for the girls and one for the boys. After high school, Richard served as a licensed sea captain, operating a tour boat out of Perkins Cove. For several years he was also an artist’s model at The Art Students League of New York. In the mid-1950s, Rich-
year just as much as the warm summer months. “Behold the Cold” is the perfect annual fundraiser for Rett’s Roost. It is part of the organization’s mission to use nature to heal and to be fully present and aware of both the sorrow and the beauty all around. Participants can start their own fundraising page, with the goal of raising $222 or more. Prizes will be awarded to those who raise more than the $222 goal! The fundraiser will last for one-and-a-half weeks, and will
Obituaries
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Pets
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sustainability and conservation. “We are so excited for our 5th annual film festival,” says Lisa Linehan, Executive Director of Kittery Land Trust. “We have an interesting mix of films, speakers, exhibitors, and organi-
Health & Fitness
zations under one roof so people can connect and cross-pollinate their ideas and passions.” Linehan adds that “KLT’s hope is that these films get our seacoast community informed and inspired to act locally to protect our shared home.” SEFF gets underway at 8:30 a.m., with a caffeine kickoff sponsored by Beach Pea Bakery, Lil’s Café, and White Heron. The first block begins at 9:15 a.m. with “It’s Bean Too Hot” and “Seeding Change,” two films about businesses that are producing profits while they
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FINANCE & CAREER
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protect communities and the planet. The showings will be followed by a panel discussion with organic gardening specialist John Bochert, Eldredge Lumber and Hardware, and others. This block is sponsored by Placework and Veris Wealth Partners. The second block begins at 1:30 p.m., with the screening of “The Ocean Solution,” and “Maine Coast Harvest.” “The Ocean Solution” introduces Bren Smith, the ocean farming pioneer whose vertical kelp and See FILM on page 8 . . .
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