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Friday, July 24, 2026 Volume 21 • Issue No. 30
Hal Kushner to Introduce Ken Burns at Graves Library Event
Left: Hal-Kushner (photo credit: www.vvmf.org). Right: Ken Burns (photo credit: Stephanie Berger).
KENNEBUNK Longtime summer resident Hal Kushner, a friend of Graves Memorial Library, will appear on “207,” News Center Maine’s weeknight news magazine program, Monday, July 27, at 7 p.m. on WCSH-TV 6. Kushner, a retired medical doctor and retired U.S. Army officer, will be interviewed by 207 show host Rob Caldwell. The reason: Kushner is largely responsible for bringing author Ken Burns to Kennebunk for his sold-out appearance July 30 at Kennebunk High School. Kushner served in Vietnam
as a noncombatant after earning his medical degree. He was captured by the Viet Cong in 1967 and spent nearly 2,000 days in various prison camps, including the infamous Saigon Hilton, where U.S. Senator John McCain of Arizona was also a prisoner. Kushner worked with Burns on his “The Vietnam War” documentary, which aired on PBS in 2017. Kushner was interviewed over nine consecutive hours at his home in Cape Porpoise in 2011. Kushner had tried for 10 or 12 years to get Burns to come to Kennebunk and speak. “I think Ken finally relented the 1,346th
time I asked him,” he quips. He reminded Burns that he was turning 85 this summer and that if he was coming, “he better make it soon.” As fate would have it, Caldwell interviewed Kushner on his 85th birthday, June 30, at his home. Kushner will introduce Burns at the July 30 program, the third in a series of Graves Library events celebrating America’s 250th anniversary, officially known as the nation’s semiquincentennial. Caldwell will interview the iconic documentarian. For more information, visit www.graveslibrary.org or call 207-967-2778.
‘Bring Your Lawn Chairs to Sullivan Square’: A Tradition with a Twist SEACOAST Bring Your Lawn Chairs to Sullivan Square returns Saturday, Aug. 1, from 4 to 8 p.m., bringing music, arts, and activities to the Berwicks, Somersworth, and Rollinsford, NH. The free summer concert and variety show will feature local bands, performers, artists, and other entertainers in a familyfriendly, all-ages event. Held in Sullivan Square overlooking the bridge between Berwick and Somersworth, the festival combines traditional small-town celebrations with contemporary twists. The event will include local food, face painting, a Makers’ Market,
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chalk drawing on the Town Hall steps, and other activities. “We’ve created a summer festival with deep DNA. ‘Lawn Chairs’ feels as though it has been happening since the 1880s as we’ve continued the work started by Berwick Heritage Days,” said event organizers. “We, of course, include modern, exciting touches, such as food trucks and fortune tellers. Every-
SBPL Launches E-Bike Program SOUTH BERWICK There’s something special about summertime in South Berwick. It’s the season for taking the scenic route, discovering a new favorite spot, or finding a reason to spend a little more time outdoors. This year, the South Berwick Public Library is making those summer adventures even easier with the newest addition to its Library of Things collection: two Electra Townie Go! electric bicycles. For those interested in trying an e-bike for the first time, exploring South Berwick by bicycle, or leaving the car at home for an afternoon, the library’s new lending program offers a new way to experience the town. With pedal-assist technology helping riders
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thing in the festival is authentic, with a true sense of place—but with a decidedly carney bent.” Envision Berwick is seeking volunteers to help in the event. Those interested in volunteering, becoming a food vendor, or participating in the Makers’ Market can learn more at www. lawnchairsberwick.com. A rain date is scheduled for Sunday, Aug. 2.
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tackle hills and travel farther with less effort, e-bikes make cycling approachable for riders of many experience levels. The program also supports the Town of South Berwick’s vision for expanding transportation options and encouraging residents to explore the town in new ways. As work continues on the town’s Active Transportation Plan, initiatives like this promote biking, walking, and other forms
of transportation while helping connect residents with local businesses, parks, and public spaces. Adults 18 and older with a South Berwick Public Library card in good standing may borrow one of the library’s two e-bikes for up to three days. Each checkout includes a helmet, bike lock, backpack, and battery charger. Before taking an e-bike home, borrowers will sign a waiver and watch a brief instructional and safety video at the library to ensure they are comfortable and prepared for their ride. The South Berwick Public Library is located at 27 Young St., South Berwick. For more information, visit www.southberwickmaine.org/library, email sbpl@southberwicklibrary. org, or call 207-384-3308.
Big Catch at Little Beach OGUNQUIT On Sat urday, July 11, 8-year-old Michael Gabriel noticed a large fish swimming in the shallow waters off Little Beach in Ogunquit. An avid young fisherman, Gabriel’s inSee CATCH on page 5...
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