July & August
2019 Newsletter
Greetings!

Since 1990, the Center, its Board of Trustees, the staff and all of our members have been working toward creating a warm and welcoming environment. We are a staple in the community ensuring that all who want to join, regardless of financial position, can be a part of our Center family.

The Center was founded through the foresight and generosity of Hank and Annie Spaulding, and the family remains actively involved to this day. Anyone who supports the organization - our members who view us as their home away from home, our volunteers who dedicate their time and energy, our donors who provide financial support, or businesses who provide sponsorships to Center events – they all know how important our services and programs are and what a difference they make in our community.

As we approach our 30th anniversary we will continue to evolve the Center while always remaining inclusive, welcoming and dynamic. The Board will continue to look ahead at the challenges confronting the Center, including demographic changes, which will put added pressure on our facilities.  Accordingly, the Center is experiencing change including new personnel and facility expansion. Please know that the Board and staff are dedicated to ensuring that our great programming, services, fundraising and special events continue to be available, while ensuring the fiscal viability of the Center for years to come.

Although change can be uncomfortable, change can create opportunities. The Board is working hard to fill the Executive Director position as quickly as is sensible and feasible through both interim and permanent solutions. We continue to support Carol and Natalie in their major projects and operations. We hope that you will continue to see the growth and potential that the Center has for our members – both existing and new.

If any of you want to speak or contact any of the Board of Trustees directly, we can arrange that at your request. This can be done by contacting our Board secretary, Gail Hackett Clarke at gailhackett@mac.com or 203-524-7657 with a request for a meeting on what matter you would like to discuss. Thank you again for your support as we work through this transition.  We will continue to do our best to serve the membership and the community.

Best regards,

Gail Hackett Clarke
Board of Trustees
The Center
Staff
Carol Bousquet
Marketing & Communications Manager

Natalie Kfoury
Membership & Volunteer Engagement Coordinator

Center Hours
Monday-Thursday:
9:00-4:00
Friday :
9:00-1:00

Volunteer With Us!
The Center is always in need of dedicated volunteers. If interested, please click here to contact Natalie Kfoury.

FISH Ride Program
Our FISH Transportation Program volunteer drivers provide rides to area residents who need to get to medical appointments. To register for the program or sign-up as a driver, please call us at 207-967-8514.

Monthly Calendars
To find monthly calendars, go to seniorcenterkennebunk.org and click on "Newsletter/ Calendar" at the top.
Special Sign-Ups
American Mah Jongg Lessons - We will hold another 3-week session of two classes per week July 9, 11, 16, 19, 23, and 25 from 1:00-3:00 p.m. Cost is $40 for members, $50 for nonmembers. The Mah Jongg book and 2019 playing card are available on Amazon or at the shop Make it KPT in lower village. Deadline for sign-up and payment is July 1.

Beach Bocce Summer League - We have three Wednesdays to play: July 31, August 14, and August 28 at 5:30 p.m. at Gooch's Beach. We will need at least 4 players to run a league. Cost is $15 per person. Sign up with Carol by July 22.
July Events
Please remember to sign up for any of the following programs that you are interested in attending. This will help us accurately plan for every program.
Please note that the Center will be closed on Thursday, July 4. We will also be closed on Thursday, July 18 in preparation for the Affairs to Remember Auction that night. There will be no morning activities at the Center on Friday, July 19.
NASA Talk - Tuesday, July 9, 1:00 p.m.
This summer marks the 50th anniversary of the successful Apollo 11 moon landing! We are honored to invite Scott Negley, a NASA Solar System Ambassador, to the Center to give a presentation about this monumental event in history and to discuss our future plans in space. Join us for this interesting talk! Refreshments will be served. Sign-up required.
Art Walk - Friday, July 12, 5:00-7:00 p.m.
Enjoy a summer evening stroll while popping in and out of the galleries of Lower Village. The Center will be a featured gallery this season and we will be showcasing a collection of paintings by accomplished Center artists. Stop by, have some refreshments, and see what your fellow members are creating!
SMAA - Wednesday, July 17, 12:30-3:30 p.m.
Meet privately with a representative from the Southern Maine Agency on Aging. Call 800-427-7411 to make an afternoon appointment.
Affairs to Remember Auction - Thursday, July 18, 6:00 p.m.
The Center holds special events to fund programming and outreach. We raise more than half of our operating budget through fundraising. Please join us for Affairs to Remember, our auction at the River Club on Ocean Avenue in Kennebunkport. Our Live Auction will feature adventures both domestic and abroad. Our Silent Auction will showcase local artisans, restaurants, golf outings, and more. Your $50 ticket comes with drinks, appetizers, and a chance at a $5000 prize.
Tickets available now! Visit the Center to purchase your ticket in advance of the event. You can also purchase your ticket online .
Book Club: "The Chilbury Ladies Choir" by Jennifer Ryan
Wednesday, July 24, 12:00 p.m.
All members welcome to discuss "The Chilbury Ladies Choir" by Jennifer Ryan. "As England becomes enmeshed in the early days of World War II and the men are away fighting, the women of Chilbury village forge an uncommon bond. They defy the Vicar’s stuffy edict to close the choir and instead “carry on singing,” resurrecting themselves as the Chilbury Ladies’ Choir. We come to know the home-front struggles of five unforgettable choir members: a timid widow devastated when her only son goes to fight; the older daughter of a local scion drawn to a mysterious artist; her younger sister pining over an impossible crush; a Jewish refugee from Czechoslovakia hiding a family secret; and a conniving midwife plotting to outrun her seedy past."
July Movie: "The Wife" - Friday, July 26, 1:00 p.m.
Join us for a showing of the powerful Oscar nominated film "The Wife" starring Glenn Close. Seating is limited, sign-up required.
Conversational French Group - Wednesday, July 31, 3:00 p.m.
Join Center members Michèle and Bevan Davies for conversations in French! Michèle is a native French-speaker, born in Normandy. She has lived in the U.S. for 40 years. Her husband speaks French as well. Come make conversation, dust off your French speaking skills, and enjoy free coffee and treats! Si gn-up required.
Walking Group - Wednesdays at 12:30 p.m.
The weather is getting warmer and physical activity is so important to our health! If you are looking for a walking buddy or group, look no further than the Center. Members are welcome and encouraged to meet at the Center on Wednesdays at 12:30 to go on walks together. Meet new friends and stay active! Walking group members will receive a free pedometer, water bottle, and exercise backpack courtesy of Harvard Pilgrim Health Care. See Natalie to pick yours up! If interested in joining this walking groups, please sign-up so we can anticipate number of participants.
Grief Support - Thursdays, 11:00 a.m.
We all have or will lose someone we love. As we age, loss becomes a more common experience and the grief that comes with it becomes a part of us. Self-care at this time includes having the support of others experiencing grief. Carol MacLeod, a retired advanced practiced nurse in psychiatry, has background in this area and leads the group.
The Grief Support Space is sponsored by the Bibber Family and Bibber Memorial Chapel. The Center is grateful for their support and Carol's leadership of this program that helps so many in need.  
August Events
Please remember to sign-up for any of the following programs that you are interested in attending. This will help us accurately plan for every program.
Luncheon at Atria - Wednesday, August 7, 2:00 p.m. Entrees are beef tenderloin with horseradish sauce, salmon baked with citrus caper butter sauce, or feta and spinach stuffed chicken breast. Appetizers, sides and desserts too. $8 pp; this luncheon is for members only. Limited to 25 guests. Payment and signup by July 31st.
Art Walk - Friday, August 9, 5:00-7:00 p.m.
Enjoy a summer evening stroll while popping in and out of the galleries of Lower Village. The Center will be a featured gallery this season and we will be showcasing a collection of paintings and other work by accomplished Center artists. Stop by, have some refreshments, and see what your fellow members are creating!
August Movie: "The Post" - Friday, August 16, 1:00 p.m.
Join us for a showing of the highly-acclaimed, Steven Spielberg-directed film "The Post" starring Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks. Seating is limited, sign-up required.
Mindfulness Workshop with Mandy - Tuesday, August 20, 10:00 a.m.
Join the Center's amazing yoga instructor Mandy Nelson for a wonderful workshop on mindfulness! This informative, fun, and refreshing workshop includes a follow-up class on Tuesday, September 3. Cost for workshop and materials is $15 for members, $20 for nonmembers, to be collected at the workshop. Space is limited, sign-up required.
SMAA - Wednesday, August 21, 12:30-3:30 p.m.
Meet privately with a representative from the Southern Maine Agency on Aging. Call 800-427-7411 to make an afternoon appointment.
Birds of Mousam River Presented By Ken Janes -
 Monday, August 26, 2:30 p.m.
After a 35-year career in General and Vascular surgery, Ken retired to Kennebunk Beach where he has continued his long interest in photography. An avid conservationist, his primary focus has been wildlife and bird photography. Several photos have been used by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Maine Audubon and many have been donated to local conservation groups. This presentation will discuss birds found in the Mousam River area. Free. Sign-up required.
Book Club: "Nomadland" by Jessica Bruder -
Wednesday, August 28, 12:00 p.m.
All members welcome to discuss "Nomadland" by Jessica Bruder. "Across the country, employers have discovered a new, low-cost labor pool, made up largely of transient older Americans. Finding that social security comes up short, often underwater on mortgages, these invisible casualties of the Great Recession have taken to the road by the tens of thousands in late-model RVs, travel trailers, and vans, forming a growing community of nomads.On frequently traveled routes between seasonal jobs, Jessica Bruder meets people from all walks of life. She hits the road to get to know her subjects more intimately."
Conversational French Group - Wednesday, August 28, 3:00 p.m.
Join Center members Michèle and Bevan Davies for conversations in French! Michèle is a native French-speaker, born in Normandy. She has lived in the U.S. for 40 years. Her husband speaks French as well. Come make conversation, dust off your French speaking skills, and enjoy free coffee and treats! Si gn-up required.
Walking Group - Wednesdays at 12:30 p.m.
The weather is getting warmer and physical activity is so important to our health! If you are looking for a walking buddy or group, look no further than the Center. Members are welcome and encouraged to meet at the Center on Wednesdays at 12:30 to go on walks together. Meet new friends and stay active! Walking group members will receive a free pedometer, water bottle, and exercise backpack courtesy of Harvard Pilgrim Health Care. See Natalie to pick yours up! If interested in joining this walking groups, please sign-up so we can anticipate number of participants.
Grief Support - Thursdays, 11:00 a.m.
We all have or will lose someone we love. As we age, loss becomes a more common experience and the grief that comes with it becomes a part of us. Self-care at this time includes having the support of others experiencing grief. Carol MacLeod, a retired advanced practiced nurse in psychiatry, has background in this area and leads the group. The Grief Support Space is sponsored by the Bibber Family and Bibber Memorial Chapel. The Center is grateful for their support and Carol's leadership of this program that helps many.  
Featured Sponsors of the Month
Volunteer Spotlight
Bob Blackmore
The Center is very thankful to have Bob Blackmore on our team! Bob has been teaching bridge lessons at the Center for many years. He is a wonderful volunteer for us in this capacity and we are so grateful that he has introduced so many Center and community members to the game of bridge.

Bob began playing bridge at 8-years-old. His family loved playing games and Bob credits his aptitude in math and analytical skills for his success at bridge. He played competitively in his 20s and taught bridge classes as an adult through the US Bridge Association. He was a teacher in the technical college system professionally.

Bob and his wife moved to Saco in 2000. After teaching for a few more years, Bob retired. He began teaching bridge again when he was looking for something to do to add structure to his life. After teaching friends from church how to play the game, Bob connected with the Center to teach a beginner bridge class. It became a great way to introduce folks to the Center and create friendships between the players. Many of Bob's students went on to create bridge groups that still play at the Center on a weekly basis.

"It doesn't matter if you're 20 or 50 or 90, your brain works. If you use it, it just keeps getting better. Bridge is a great way to use your brain and keep it going," said Bob. "The folks at the Center are always easy to work with. We have a lot of fun here; we work together and we have fun."

Many thanks to Bob for all of his support to the Center and the students he teaches! If you are interested in taking his class in the future, please let us know and we will keep you updated on when the class will be.
Welcome New Members!
Catherine Charles
William Chigas
Cindy Cox
Lynne Doughety
Maureen Gallagher Graham
Bruce Googins
Marianne Googins
Doris Jackson
Mary Lyons
Brude McClelland
Debbis McClelland
Jude O'Donnell
George Perkinson
Paula Roges
Jane Seigel
Tara Scopelliti
Mary Anne Wasileski
Karin Wendland Cole
July Birthdays
Lorraine Bartlett
Suzanne Boucher
Andrea Carey
Marleen Clark
Dave Conway
Sally Corey
Jean Elliott
Marianne Googins
Linda Hooper
Elizabeth Kiley
Rosalinda Lawson
Diane Mailhot
Kathy Marquis
Nancy McNelis
Helene Roberts
Jack Savona
Gary Singer
Jeanne Donovan Walsh

August Birthdays
Amanda Batson
Leslie Carlmark
Marlene Engdahl
Jule Gerrish
Roberta Horn
Evelyn Johnson
Claire Kolff
Carol Lane
Mary Lyons
Isabel Oleson
Jackie Samson
Albert Schuotheis
Paula Singer
Carol Spalding
Elayne Star
Special Thanks to Our Generous Sponsors
The Center | 175 Port Road, Kennebunk, ME 04043 | 207-967-8514 | www.seniorcenterkennebunk.org