We took our own advice and played hooky Monday afternoon and took Jack and Rose for a ride south. It was a beautiful, sunny winter day so we headed to the Marginal Way in Ogunquit. If you haven't done this before, you should really add it to your must-do list the next time you are in Maine.
The Marginal Way is a paved footpath running approximately 1 1/4 miles between Perkins Cove and Ogunquit Beach. The path meanders along the rugged cliff line of the Atlantic Ocean with breathtaking views at every turn. It is a little hilly in places but there are plenty of benches for you and your scalawags to rest and enjoy the scenery. Park in Perkins Cove or in town and pick up the path on Shore Road near the Anchorage by the Sea.
Dogs are welcome on the path October 1st - March 31st and must be leashed (for their safety and yours!). The rest of the year dogs are not permitted on the path.
After walking the Marginal Way, if your dog still has some energy left, stop by the Ogunquit Dog Park. Open from 7am until dusk every day, the dog park is fully fenced with a separate area for small dogs. It is just a short drive from Route 1 and downtown Ogunquit.
Winters in Maine can be long but they don't have to be boring! Get out there and have some winter fun with your best pals. Don't forget your camera!
PET COMMUNICATOR SARA MOORE is coming to the HOUNDS TOOTH INN June 5th & July 10th, from 10am to 2pm. This is a wonderful opportunity to get some insight of your canines state of mind.
Sara Moore is becoming well known throughout New England as a gifted Animal Communicator and Reiki Practitioner. She has been helping people, shelters and rescue organizations better understand what animals are thinking and giving them a voice of their own. You can bring your pet or a picture of a pet, either living or deceased, along with questions for Sara. This is not a replacement for licensed veterinary care or training, but is a wonderful compliment to both. For more information on services provided by Sara, go to www.saramoorereiki.com.
Reservations should be done in advance by emailing sbeagen@gmail.com or calling (603)986-9421. Payment in advance using PayPal is preferred. Please notify Sara via email if using PayPal. Payment by cash/check is accepted day of event. $25.00 for 15 minutes.
Looking for some unique and special gifts this holiday season? You may want to check out the Annual Kennebunk-Kennebunkport Chamber Online Auction. Over 200 items have been donated by local businesses and bidding is in full swing.
Here's a sampling of some of the items you'll find...
Private cooking class at The White Barn Inn
$50 gift certificate toward an original art purchase from Santora Fine Art
Two tickets to any 2011 show at The Ogunquit Playhouse
Two-night getaway to the Captain Lord Mansion
And the list goes on and on...
Of course, all of you dog lovers will want to bid on Scalawags' donation of a collar and leash set (valued at $55!). The set includes a size medium (16-24") dog collar and 6' leash in the classic Historic American Flag design from Maine's very own Belted Cow Company.
It's time again for the Gathering of the Scarecrows in The Kennbunks. This year's activities include:
Monday, October 11th (1-5pm) Scarecrow Craft Fair at The Nonantum Resort
Tuesday, October 12th - Friday, October 15th Vote for your favorite Scarecrow! Enter the name of your favorite scarecrow in the big orange pumpkin located in front of the Colonial Pharmacy in the center of Dock Square. Ballots available at Scalawags too.
Saturday, October 16th (1-3pm) Gathering of the Scarecrows Parade Begins at the monument in Dock Square and travels to The Green on Ocean Avenue. Activities for all ages will be available.
Sunday, October 17th (1pm) Wicked 5K Road Race & 1 Mile Fun Run Starts at The Nonantum Resort and ends at Federal Jacks Register online at www.raceit.com (keyword wicked); registration day of the event begins at 11am at The Nonantum.
Wow! Did you see that dog? We expect we will be hearing that exclamation a lot over the next several days. The Northeast Regional Leonberger Club has chosen Kennebunkport, Maine, to host its Fall 2010 Regional Specialty Show. The "Leos & Lobsters" event will take place Saturday, October 2nd at The Colony Hotel.
If you are not familiar with this breed, you are in for a special treat. They are big, beautiful creatures with soulful eyes and a gentle demeanor. Leonbergers originated in Leonberg, Germany, in the 1800s and were bred to be family and farm dogs. Leonbergers are calm with an even temperament and are good learners.
We have been lucky to get to know a few of the Leonberger "locals" over the years. Angie and Breanna (pictured below) along with sister Kona (a newfie) are Scalawags regulars. They are truly a wonderful breed and we are very excited to have so many visit us this weekend.
Leonbergers were officially recognized by the American Kennel Club this year as part of the Working Group.
The Animal Welfare Society (AWS) of West Kennebunk is hosting its first annual art auction to benefit the shelter. Art lovers and animal lovers won't want to miss this event.
The auction has been generously underwritten by anonymous donors as well as area businesses including food donations by the Village Food Market in Ogunquit and food preparation by the White Barn Inn. Entertainment will be provided by Jara Goodrich of the Portland Symphony Orchestra and Howard Koeppel will be the auctioneer.
Local and national artists have donated over 65 pieces of artwork for the auction so there surely will be something for everyone. It is a great opportunity to purchase a new piece of artwork and help animals in need!
Please plan ahead as tickets will go fast. Stop by the Scalawags or call us at 207.967.2775 to reserve yours!
Event Details:
Where: Chase Hill Event Center (12 Chase Hill Rd., Lower Village Kennebunk)
When: Sunday, May 23rd
Time: Champagne reception and preview begins at 3:30pm and the bidding begins at 5:00pm
The Kennebunk Dog Park Steering Committee met this past week for the first time this year. Here are a few updates you may be interested in:
Spring Clean-Up - Sunday, May 2nd at 4:00pm
Please stop by the park if you can spare a half hour, hour or more to help clean up debris, dog waste, work on the flower gardens, spread wood chips, etc. If you use the park on a regular basis, it's a nice way to give back.
Fundraising Bricks Installation - Sunday, May 2nd at 4:00pm
The park is ready to install the first batch of engraved bricks! The bricks will be installed in the entrance area of the park for all to see. Bricks are available for purchase through The Animal Welfare Society in West Kennebunk and proceeds from brick sales are used for the ongoing maintenance of the park. Stop by Scalawags if you would like to see a sample brick.
Donations Welcome!
The Kennebunk Dog Park is open to local residents and visitors alike. If you are passing through The Kennebunks this summer to points north in Maine, the park is a great place to exercise your dog. It is only a few miles from the Kennebunk exit on I-95 and it is completed fenced with areas for large and small dogs. If you stop, please consider putting a donation in the donation box by the entrance. The park is funded 100% by donations so every dollar or two helps!
Next Meeting - Wednesday, May 19th at 6pm
The Kennebunk Dog Park Steering Committee is made up of volunteers and everyone is welcome to join. The next meeting will be held on May 19 at 6pm at the Boston House at The Animal Welfare Society.
One of the best things about moving to Maine three years ago has been the opportunity to share the area's sandy beaches with my dogs. Jack and Rose are the most joyful when they are running on the beach. No other activity makes them as happy and there is no place they would rather be than at their favorite place, Goose Rocks Beach (GRB).
Unfortunately, several home owners have sued the Town of Kennebunkport to prevent public access to the vast majority of Goose Rocks Beach. This turn of events is distressing to me on so many levels.
As a resident of Kennebunkport the thought of losing access to one of the town's best assets makes me question whether I would want to continue to live here. I also nervously wonder what will happen to my home's value and appeal should I decide to move.
As a shop owner in Kennebunkport, I think about all of the visitors who flock to Southern Maine in large part because of the beautiful beaches. If these people are not allowed to enjoy GRB as they have for so many years in the past, they will find other destinations for their family vacations and romantic getaways. If these visitors don't come, what will become of our hotels, restaurants and shops and the people who work in them?
As a dog owner, it makes me really sad to think Jack, Rose and I would never be welcome again to take a long walk on Goose Rocks Beach. Our GRB adventures would just be memories of eight paws and ten toes in the sand.
As a resident, shop owner and dog owner, I support the Save Our Beaches organization and its efforts. Save Our Beaches is a group of concerned citizens whose goal is to maintain the long established history of public access and use of Goose Rocks Beach for recreation and enjoyment.
This issue impacts not only local residents but residents in coastal communities throughout the country as well as anyone who enjoys visiting our country's beautiful beach towns. If this happens here, it can happen (and has happened already) in other coastal communities.
Don't bury your head in the sand! Lend your support by visiting the Save Our Beaches, website at http://www.save-our-beaches.org and Facebook page.
Well, hot off the press is the official 2010 Visit The Kennebunks Guide! Published by the Kennebunk-Kennebunkport Chamber of Commerce, the VTK Guide includes everything you need to know to plan your 2010 trip to The Kennebunks.
This helpful publication includes resources for accommodations, restaurants, shopping, sports and so much more for the communities of Kennebunkport, Goose Rocks Beach, Cape Porpoise, Kennebunk, Kennebunk Beach and Arundel. There is even a "Pets Welcome" section (pps. 20-21) for folks traveling with pets. Be sure to look for Scalawags' ad on page 21.
The VTK Guides are available through the Chamber of Commerce or you can pick one up the next time you are in Scalawags. If you are shopping at http://www.scalawagsonline.com/, you can request a copy of the Guide with your order and we will be happy to send one to you.
It's amazing how a simple turn of a calendar page can inspire so much cleaning, purging, and organizing. It seems as if everyone I speak to lately is knee deep in their "new year's" projects and I am no exception.
I was organizing my inbox this afternoon and came across these helpful reminders from The Animal Welfare Society in West Kennebunk, Maine. Mark your new calendars with your own reminders if you can help with any of these initiatives or visit the AWS website for other shelter needs.
Even if you are not a "Mainer" please take a moment or two to find out if there are similar programs in place for animal shelters in your states.
The Kennebunk-Kennebunkport Chamber of Commerce 5th Annual Online Auction is LIVE and ready for your bids!
If you vacation in The Kennebunks, or even if you live in the area, you'll want to get in on these hot deals. You can bid on hotel getaways, restaurant meals, art, shopping, one-of-a-kind gifts and so much more. Have some fun and get your holiday shopping done at the same time!
Fido and Fluffy can win too...check out the $25.00 gift certificate to Scalawags!
'Tis the season for the 4th Annual 'Deck Your Halls' Wreath Display & Silent Auction at the Brick Store Museum...
This much anticipated holiday tradition is a great chance to get a unique seasonal wreath or centerpiece donated by an area business, artist or individual donor. This year the Museum has even added a Raffle for chances to win gift certificates and other merchandise. It just keeps getting bigger and better every year! Check out Scalawags' donation below.
2009 Deck Your Halls Wreath Display & Silent Auction Starts: Friday, December 4th, 3-5pm Ends: Saturday, December 5th, 10-2pm at the Brick Store Museum's Program Center 4 Dane Street, Kennebunk, Maine
All proceeds from the event benefit the Museum. To preview the wreaths and to learn more about this exciting event, click here.
Looking for something really fun to do this weekend? The Animal Welfare Society of West Kennebunk, Maine is hosting a HAUNTED WALK which is sure to be a frightfully good time for all.
The shelter has teamed up with "Behind the Scenes Charity," Halloween walk professionals to offer a very spooktacular guided tour through the shelter's haunted woods. Okay, first of all who knew there were Halloween walk professionals out there? Secondly, they're Halloween walk professionals so you know this is going to be really cool. There will also be live entertainment, a hot dog and bake sale, and of course, candy!
The details...
Date: Saturday, October 17th
Time: 6-8:30pm
Location: The Animal Welfare Society, Old Holland Road, West Kennebunk
Fee: $2.00 per person; $6.00 per family of 4 or more
A few notes...
There are two exits on the walk if someone needs to bail.
The shelter, and we agree, please leave your dog at home for this one.
PLEASE...Donations of canned dog and cat food are always welcome at the shelter (hint, hint)
Have you ever wondered where scarecrows go at the end of the growing season? Legends tell us that scarecrows begin to "gather" in October at a secret location to discuss the following growing season before being blow away by November's chilly winds.
This year the scarecrows have selected The Kennebunks for their secret gathering spot. Come "meet" the scarecrows as they gather outside of local businesses throughout Kennebunk and Kennebunkport this week (October 11-17th). Each one is unique and has been named.
If you would like to get involved in the gathering, you can collect the names of all of the scarecrows for a chance to win prizes. Entry forms are available at participating businesses (including Scalawags). Record the names of all of the scarecrows on the back of the entry form and drop it off by Friday, October 16th at Colonial Pharmacy in Kennebunkport or at the Garden Street Market in Kennebunk.
On Saturday, October 17th at 3pm, the scarecrows will parade to the Village Green from Dock Square, Kennebunkport as they depart for the season. Once there, parade goers are invited to stay for food, live entertainment, prizes and more.
Drop by Scalawags this week to see our scarecrow friend. We will be open daily 10-5pm.
FMI...call The Kennebunk-Kennebunkport Chamber of Commerce at 207.967.0857.
This year marks the 10th Anniversary of Take Your Dog To Work Day. Created by Pet Sitters International (PSI), the purpose of TYDTWD is to encourage and promote pet adoptions.
So why should your company agree to participate? Studies show that pets in the workplace boost employee morale, productivity and even sales! It also has the potential to become a huge PR opportunity for your company as well. Need even more ammunition to get the greenlight from your boss? Check out this list from PSI:
Top 10 Things to Say to Convince Your Boss to Take Part in TYDTWDay
10. The squirrels in the neighborhood deserve a break. 9. Wagging tails work great when the a/c is on the fritz. 8. With a dog as your passenger, you???ll be able to use the car pool lane. 7. It???s a great way to lick the work day blahs! 6. My dog thinks you???re grrrrrrreat! 5. Meetings end as soon as Rover starts staring at the conference room door. 4. You can blame those missing reports on one of your employees??? dogs. 3. It???s the leash you can do. 2. Finally, someone at your office will actually be working like a dog. AND THE NUMBER ONE REASON TO TAKE YOUR DOG TO WORK??? 1. Friday, June 26, is Take Your Dog To Work Day®!
Go to www.takeyourdog.com to educate yourself about the event, get tips on how to run a successful event and to register your business to win prizes from the event's sponsors.
Start planning your company's first annual Take Your Dog To Work Day now!
Just a shout out to everyone who has stopped by Scalawags this holiday season so far! We had an awesome turnout last weekend, the first weekend of Kennebunkport's 27th (yup 27th) annual Christmas Prelude celebration. The weather was nippy on Saturday but the town was full of silly-hat wearin' folks having a silly time. There was so much going on...lots of art and craft shows (at least 6), a hat parade, lobster bake, tree lightings (at least 3), historic tours and trolley rides, holiday shopping at Scalawags...and so much more. We won't name names, but we know of a few Scalawaggers who started a new "Prelude pub-crawl" tradition. Cheers to the gals of GRB!
On Sunday we woke up to the light dusting of snow we had been wishing for before the BIG weekend. It looked sooooo beautiful and was the icing on the cake so to speak to a perfect Prelude weekend. (For a complete schedule of this year's festivities, visit http://www.christmasprelude.com/.)
In case you didn't hear, Kennebunkport ranked #2 in HGTV's Top 10 Christmas Towns program which is airing throughout this month. We even beat out the North Pole. Kudos to the local KBA group for creating Christmas Prelude and keeping it alive all of these years. If you want to see clips of the special, go to HGTV.com and you'll get a good taste of Christmas in Kennebunkport. Of course the best way to experience it, is to come next year. Book your hotel reservations NOW because this was an extremely popular event even before the HGTV program. Christmas Prelude 2009 falls on December 4-13th (always the first two weekends of December).
For those of you here this weekend, you get extra credit for ruffin' it with the ice storm. Most of the Kennebunkport shops and hotels were without power on Friday. Many of us in the area are still without power in our homes but shopping resumed on Saturday with most of the shops having electricity restored.
WE REALLY, REALLY APPRECIATE our from away friends' and local friends' patronage this holiday season. It's been a tough year all around and it is very heart-warming to see so many familiar faces stop by. Thank you and we wish you a happy, healthy, treat-filled 2009!
