Water district unveils updated site, adds live stream gauge

The Kennebunk, Kennebunkport and Wells Water District recently announces that its Web site, www.kkw.org has been reformatted, allowing all updates to be made by its staff, resulting in more timely news and notices.  

Also, a direct link to the recently installed United States Geological Survey’s Branch Brook stream gauge allows for public, real-time viewing of the water flow rate within Branch Brook. The stream’s flow rate following rain events is quite revealing.  For example, July 2’s rain resulted in more than 150 million gallons passing through Branch Brook in one day.

In addition to this update, several Web site sections have been upgraded and expanded. Of particular note is that of “Engineering and Distribution,” which will be of great help to individuals, contractors and developers that are considering the installation of a water service or a water main extension. 

Book offers tales of Kennebunks

The Kennebunks – the phrase evokes peace, ocean breezes and small-town pride. In her collection of vignettes, Kennebunk town historian Kathleen Ostrander reveals another side of the area’s allure: its rich and varied past. From an account of the amateur astronomer whose name now graces the Bates College Observatory to the origins of Kennebunk’s encyclopedic Walker Diaries, Ostrander offers a tour of the area’s historical highlights. She notes the mysterious creature once said to live in the Kennebunk River, treasures hidden in fireplaces and under floorboards and the scandalous murder trial of 1866, during which the wife of deceased doctor, drunk and temperance supporter Charles Swett was imprisoned on the testimony of her own daughter.

Through quirky tales and serious sketches, Ostrander offers an affectionate portrait of the Kennebunks sure to charm and inform. The book is available in bookstores throughout the area.

Astronomers meet at lodge

The Astronomical Society of Northern New England (ASNNE) meets July 10 at the Masonic Lodge in West Kennebunk, at 7:30 p.m. Beginners’ class is at 6:30 p.m. Non-member admission is $5. Albert Heinrich, the speaker that evening will be describing how man’s knowledge of the stars lead to creation of calendars. Measuring time isn’t as simple as it seems.

To arrive at the lodge, take Route 35 toward Kennebunk’s south entrance to Interstate-95. At the light, go straight ahead, keeping the corner convenience store on the right. The Masonic lodge is less than a mile beyond the light. The lodge is set back on the right across the street from a small wooden church, before the red flashing light. 

For more information, visit ww.asnne.org.

Kennebunk Free Library offers online geneology resource

The Kennebunk Free Library recently announced patrons now have full, free, in-house access to the world’s largest genealogy Web site, www.Ancestry.com. Used by both amateur and professional genealogists, this Web site gives access to more than 4,000 databases and five billion names. The site is useful for beginning researchers as well as for advanced researchers, as it contains more than 28,000 national and international title listings. Along with the library’s designation as a family search center and its own genealogy print resources, the library is becoming one of the go-to places for genealogical research in the community. 

This significant resource has been donated to the library by Pam Eagleson, patron, former trustee, and certified genealogist.

“Genealogical research, a passion for many, can become expensive,” Eagleson said. “Ancestry.com is the leading subscription Web site for those conducting genealogical research. I hope that many library patrons will benefit from this offering.”

For more information, call the library at 985-2173 or visit www.kennebunklibrary.org.

Atlantic Hall hosts musical act

Mac McHale and The Radio Gang, present a benefit concert at 7 p.m., Saturday, July 11 at Atlantic Hall in Cape Porpoise. The Radio Gang is well-known throughout the area for their rousing renditions of traditional country, gospel, and songs that tell stories about America. 

Tickets for this event are $10 in advance and $12 at the door. Advance tickets can be purchased at The Cape Porpoise Library. Call 967-5668 for more information.