The Sarah Orne Jewett House is all dressed up for Independence Day. Historic New England staff used photos from the 1936 Berwick Day Parade as inspiration.

Sarah Orne Jewett House is located at 5 Portland Street in South Berwick, Me. It is open June 1 through October 15, Friday through Sunday with tours at 11 a.m., noon, 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m. and 4 p.m.  Admission: $5, Historic New England members and South Berwick residents free.
For more information, contact  (207) 384-2454 or visit www.historicnewengland.org.

Harvey Reid at Hamilton House on Sunday, July 6

Historic New England kicks off its Sundays in the Garden Concert Series at Hamilton House with a performance by Harvey Reid on July 6.  A  local favorite, Reid has garnered national recognition as one of the treasures of American acoustic music.  Reid’s music includes a range of influences from folk to rockabilly and a vast repertoire of traditional and contemporary songs, which he weaves seamlessly together with his own compositions and wry humor.

The gardens of the Hamilton House provide a picturesque setting for these relaxed late-afternoon concerts.  Pack your picnic basket and enjoy great music in a beautiful setting.

The concert begins at 4:00 p.m.  Admission is $8 for adults, $7 for seniors, $4 for Historic New England members and children, free for Historic New England Garden and Landscape Members.  Concert goers are welcome to bring their own chair or blanket and picnicking is encouraged.  In case of rain, concerts are held in the garden cottage.

Hamilton House is open for tours the day of the concerts with tours leaving from the garden cottage at 11, 12, 1, 2, 3, and 4 pm.  House tours are $8 for adults, $7 for seniors, $4 for children, and free to Historic New England members.  The price of the house tour is not included with concert admission.

Hamilton House is located on Vaughan’s Lane, adjacent to Vaughn Woods, a mile off Route 236 in South Berwick.  For more information Historic New England at (207) 384-2454 or visit www.historicnewengland.org.

South Berwick Strawberry Festival
Saturday, June 28, 2008

Always the last Saturday in June, the South Berwick Strawberry Festival officially kicks off summer. The kids are out of school, camps are open and the weather is getting warm. All over town one can see the bright red, white, and green strawberry flags that not only line the main streets, but can also be seen flying from many houses.   The day is filled with food, entertainment, games, and crafts.

For thirty-two consecutive years hundreds of volunteers from South Berwick have come together to put together a South Berwick tradition. As always, official Festival activities will take place only on the grounds of Central School, on Main Street, in the center of town. A stop at the Strawberry Festival Information Booth is a must to find out more about the day’s schedule for the entertainers, as well as where all the various activities are located and to purchase strawberry festival memorabilia.

This year, the Strawberry Festival Committee is pleased to announce that they will serve their Strawberry Shortcake and Cheesecake on biodegradable bowls, plates and spoons.  We have collaborated with BIOSMART- a company that sells sugar cane Bagasse tableware.  Bagasse is the biomass remaining after sugarcane stalks are crushed to extract their juices. 

Read below to get all the information and find out what to see, do, and how to get involved: (more…)

South Berwick resident Mary Lou Bagley is a woman of many talents: visual artist, writer, storyteller and actress. This summer she is busy with at least two of her talents.

She is in rehearsal as the Reverend Mother, Mary Regina, for Nunsense, the premiere show of the inaugural season of the Vacationland Theater Co. in Sanford/Springvale, ME. They’ve gathered a fine professional cast and it runs from July 4th (with a free opening night performance) through July 26, 2008. Details at www.vacationlandtheater.com or call 1-866-584-0770. There is reserved seating and air conditioning.

Mary Lou will also be part of a group show at the Haley Art Gallery in Kittery called “Beyond the Ordinary” from June 21 through August. She will be showing 3 art quilts and 2 assemblage pieces in the show.

Experience a rare opportunity to interact with dozens of artisans in studios as varied as the artists themselves. On exhibit and for sale will be paintings, photography, fiber arts, paper & book arts, jewelry, glass works, mixed-media, collage and assemblage, clocks, children’s books, journals and apparel. Throw in an exotic wandering dance troupe (performances at 12pm and 2 pm), guest musicians such as Seacoast violinist Sam Goodall and flutist Cynthia Chatis (11am), and art stations for children to create their own Mother’s Day cards, and you have a perfect day out for Mom and/or the whole family…

Be sure to check out South Berwick artists’ studios, including Mary Lou Bagley, James Vaughn, Tim Tiebout, and others. (Stop in at my studio and say hi –Molly #452)

For more information: www.millartists.com

You may know Andrew Mendola in his role as Stocking and Checkout Specialist at Nature’s Way Market. He is the person who keeps the shelves stocked and knows where everything is at the market. He has worked there since it opened in November 2007. At the beginning he spent a lot of time in the cellar trying to work out the logistics of storage, stock rotation, and fitting everything into the store. Now you are more likely to see him upstairs helping to make sure everything is where it is supposed to be and helping customers find what they need.

What you may not know about Andrew is that he is a musician who plays lead guitar in the jam band Superfrog. Andrew has been playing guitar for a while but became more serious and focused about his music after attending a week long seminar at Berklee College of Music. Superfrog has had a busy calendar this spring playing shows all over New England, including at Bourbon’s and the Blue Mermaid in Portsmouth and the Brick House in Dover. You can find out more about the band at www.superfrogmusic.com and hear music from the band. (I’m listening to the band while I write this–they are very talented)

At nineteen, Andrew has lived in South Berwick his whole life. He likes his job at Nature’s Way Market and plans to continue pursuing his career in music. This summer he will participate in a five-week program at Berklee College of music where he will be immersed in all aspects of performance. From there he’s ready to see where his music takes him.

Superfrog will be doing an acoustic show at the Blue Mermaid in Portsmouth on May 9. Check out their website for all the details. I also heard a rumor that Superfrog may be performing in South Berwick during the Strawberry Festival.

There is magic in the air in South Berwick and writer Victoria Kent and illustrator James Vaughn have teamed up to capture it in their new children’s book, The Magic of Mrs. Magee. The two have brought their unique talent and world view to collaborate on a story about fanciful creatures and their magical gifts.

Victoria Kent, who goes by V.E. Kent discovered or, depending on how you look at it, was discovered by the book’s main character, Mrs. Magee, when V.E. offered to be the entertainment at a friend’s child’s birthday party. For the party she transformed into the Irish fortune teller Maggie Magee who told each child a fortune designed to help them value the special gift that they each possess. Not only did the children respond to the character of Maggie Magee, but adults were also intrigued. V.E. began making more appearances as Mrs. Magee and began to weave a story around the character. She also realized that her alter ego allowed her to speak to children in a direct and honest way that encourages self appreciation without being condescending.

The character of Mrs. Magee haunted V.E. and she began forming the story into a book. The collaboration with James Vaughn began when V.E. chanced upon one of his intricate pencil drawings that was displayed at SoBo Book & Bean. She bought the artwork and called James.

(more…)

South Berwick Budget Update: An overview of the proposed 2009 budget is posted on the town web site. The Town Council has reduced the Manager’s recommended budget of $6,202,517 to $5,763,795. The Public Hearing on the Budget is scheduled for April 14, 2008 at 6:30 pm.

Help honor Veterans: You can help honor those who have served and sacrificed for our country by donating to the VFW’s memorial cemetery to help with the purchase of flag holders and flags for this year’s Memorial Day observance. Find out more…

Well water testing: The South Berwick Conservation Commission is sponsoring well water testing for South Berwick residents and the testing kits are now available at town hall. Find out more…

Community Chorus at South Berwick: There are still two more performances of the CCSB spring concert, “From a Poet’s Pen,” a concert of choral music inspired by poetry and verses. I went last night and it was a wonderful performance. The theme of poetry inspired music offered a varied program that made the night fly by. CCSB premiered “Spheres,” a commissioned piece from composer Charles Kaufman. If I was better at describing music I might be able to hint at the way this piece wove together voices, words, and music into passages of quiet subtlety and passages of soaring complexity–it was a treat. Don’t miss this opportunity. Find out more…

Godspell at Marshwooh High School: There is one more performance tonight of Marshwood’s production of Godspell. I heard yesterday from someone who saw it that this just might be the best production Marshwood has ever done. Find out more…

“From a Poet’s Pen”
A concert of choral music inspired by poetry and verses from throughout the centuries and around the globe, the program includes settings of contemporary texts, the Psalms, Native American writings, classical and folk text, Thoreau, Whitman and other American poets and more. Also included is music by Brahms and Mennin. For this concert, the Community Chorus at South Berwick commissioned Charles Kaufmann of Portland, Maine, for an original composition using text by a contemporary Maine poet. Mr. Kaufmann has chosen for his work “Spheres”, the poem by University of Maine professor, Constance Hunting (1932-2006). Read more about “Spheres.”

Friday, April 4 at 8:00pm, Whipple Arts Theater, Berwick Academy, South Berwick, ME

Saturday, April 5 at 7:30pm, St. Joseph’s Catholic Church,Dover, NH

Sunday, April 6 at 3:00pm, Christ Church Episcopal, Portsmouth, NH

Tickets are $10 at the door, $8 for students and seniors. Advance tickets at $8 are available at P. Gagnon and Sons, 215 Main St., South Berwick; Gary’s Guitars, 800 Islington St., Portsmouth; and York Flower Shop, 241 York Street, York. More info at CCSB web site.

On April 3, 4, and 5^th Marshwood High School presents Godspell, one of the biggest Broadway successes of all time. The show is based on the gospel of Saint Matthew and is the story of Jesus and his disciples. The Marshwood production takes a modern look at Godspell,–and as societal divisions persist and current events echo those when Godspell first opened in the 70’s, during the height of the Vietnam War—-that message resonates still. Set in an urban, graffiti filled, back alley, with a rock band positioned behind chain link fence, Marshwood’s modern day version shows how a community can be formed around a humble young man with a simple and profound message.

Marshwood uses the same music which includes; “Day by Day,” “All Good Gifts,” “Save the People” and “By My Side,” but with a more modern day rock feel. Junior Dakota Fisher, portrays Jesus, as a gentle, yet charismatic young leader in the present day. Judas, played by junior Michael Aldrich, is Jesus’ follower and disciple, until he ultimately betrays him symbolizing the importance that society has place on money and vanity. All the other disciples, also played by Marshwood students, portray roles you might find in modern day society; i.e. waitress, mechanic, homeless person, environmentalist, rocker, college student, etc…

“The production of Godspell, seems to be the biggest challenge I’ve faced so far in putting on a high school musical,” states director Tanya West. “It was not so much about memorizing their lines as much as it was about their journey of understanding the script and the songs, the lessons they were learning and the community they built together. It was important that, while rehearsing almost every day for the last 3 months, each student eventually discover their own meaning or interpretation of the Godspell script and its underlying message. I wanted them to find their own voice and discover how they could positively contribute to the community.”

This 17 student ensemble cast, will perform onstage at the Wesley E. Kennedy Performing Arts Center located within Marshwood High School for three nights only - April 3rd, 4th and 5th - show times: 7:00 pm. You can purchase tickets online at www.msad35.net or at the Marshwood High school main office located on 260 Route 236 South Berwick, Maine 03908. For more information call the high school at (207) 384-4500.

South Berwick is home to artists, writers, and performers. Here are some news stories about some of them:

Susan Poulin:
Susan Poulin fights ennui in ‘Peggy Lee’
Portsmouth Herald News - Portsmouth,NH,USA
And as with any subject the South Berwick, Maine, resident turns her eye on — poignant, pop or both — it’s explored in a warm, amusing and empathetic manner …

VE Kent & Jim Vaughn:
Author visits Portsmouth toy store
Foster’s Daily Democrat
Author VE Kent of South Berwick, Maine, in disguise as Irish fortune teller Maggie Magee, looked closely at the open palm of …

Nicholson Baker:
‘Human Smoke’
New York Times
Nicholson Baker’s pacifist history of World War II is an eloquent and passionate assault on the idea that targeting civilians can ever be justified.

A Profile of Nicholson Baker
New York Times

Local author’s ‘Human Smoke’ offers new look at World War II
Foster’s Daily Democrat
Not everyone in this town knows Nicholson Baker.

Seacoast Entertainment: Controversial local author and national …
Portsmouth Herald
Nicholson Baker of South Berwick, Maine, recently released his latest book, “Human Smoke: The Beginnings of World War II, The End of Civilization,” a …

Susan is happy with her life. Really! At least she thought she was, until the strains of Peggy Lee’s, “Is That All There Is?” started reverberating in her head. Now she’s not so sure. Susan figures this may be as good a time as any to go searching for the meaning of life. She’s hoping this will take about seventy minutes, not counting intermission.

South Berwick’s Poolyle Productions presents the premiere of “Shutting Up Peggy Lee!”, the newest play from the team that brought you “Ida: Woman Who Runs With the Moose!,” “Spousal Deafness and Other Bones of Contention” and “In My Head I’m Thin.” Written and performed by Susan Poulin, with set design by Gordon Carlisle, “Shutting Up Peggy Lee!” is not really about becoming middle aged. It’s about reaching that point in your life where you feel like you’ve arrived, then realizing, “Now what?” Well, maybe it is about being middle aged. Only funnier.

“Shutting Up Peggy Lee!” runs March 28-30 and April 4-6 at The West End Studio Theatre, 959 Islington Street, Portsmouth, NH, Friday & Saturday at 8:00pm, and Sunday at 3:00pm. Tickets are $20, $18 for students and seniors. As seating is limited, reservations are strongly recommended. Call 207-384-4526 or email info@poolyle.com. For more on Poolyle Productions, check out their website at www.poolyle.com.

Susie Burke & David Surette will be appearing at the Elysium Arts Folk Club in the second of their Cabin Fever Concert Series. This intimate, “house concert”-style series features a creative collaboration with local or regional musicians; the informal and intimate format is designed to promote the innovative and the unexpected.

This Saturday, Susie and David’s guest will be bluegrassers Ellen Carlson, Matt Shipman and Todd Jones, of High Range.

Here are the details:
March 15, 2008, 8:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Elysium Arts Folk Club , Lower Mill, Front St., Rollinsford NH
Cost: $12.00 - Preorder tickets by email: info@elysiumarts.com or call: 603.743.4700

Local music lovers will have the opportunity to hear the first public performance of “Spheres”, a choral cantata by Charles Kaufmann of Portland, Maine, on April 4-6. The piece will be performed by the Community Chorus at South Berwick.

The Community Chorus at South Berwick commissioned the Kaufmann work, which is based on poetry by the late Constance Hunting, University of Maine professor and poet, as the centerpiece of its spring concert series, “From a Poet’s Pen”, featuring choral music inspired by poetic texts of many ages and cultures. Other selections range from the Psalms to Thoreau and Whitman, with music from Brahms, Schubert, Washburn, Parker and many others.

(more…)

Songwriters in the Round:
Jenn Adams
Dan Walker
Charlie Strater

Saturday, February 23, 2008, 8 PM

Elysium Arts Folk Club, Lower Mill, Rollinsford, NH

Tickets: $15, call 603.743.4700 to reserve seats

Joe Simes, who along with his wife Christine owns Elysium Arts, describes a folk club as a place where folk who love music can gather to hear performers from near and far. The Simes have created a venue in the Lower Mill in Rollinsford that is intimate and comfortable, where the music is the main focus. The Folk Club hosts all genres of music; their calendar includes folk, latin, jazz, electronica, and world music.
(more…)

Like the waterways that have defined South Berwick since it was first settled, the stream of creative people who have lived here have shaped the unique character of our little town. South Berwick is now home base to nationally recognized singer - songwriter Jenn Adams. Kansas born, Jenn lived in Montana and then Nashville before making her way to South Berwick last fall.

Jenn’s music is a fine blend of folk, jazz, and blues that combines her notable talent as a guitarist, her clear expressive voice, and lyrics that tell poetic stories of home, travel, and relationships. Jenn will be sharing the stage at the Elysium Folk Club in Rollinsford this Saturday night with Dan Walker and Charlie Strater in a Songwriter in the Round performance.
(more…)