No matter the season, the Kennebunks have something for everyone to love. But while folks may be more familiar with our sandy beaches and balmy summer days, the area holds a special appeal in winter. That's when you'll find beautiful snowy landscapes that will entice you to try cross-country skiing, snowshoeing or sledding down a hill until your cheeks turn red. Or how about cozy days by the fire at a local inn or hotel with a good book, followed by a gourmet meal in one of our restaurants? Or a day spent shopping for treasures in our many unique stores, followed by a soothing spa treatment? The list goes on and on.

This month, area inns and hotels, restaurants, stores and more have come together to Paint the Town Red with special offers. There are 'red plate' specials at our eateries, 'red tag' specials in our stores and special romance packages at our accommodations. Plus, Kennebunk's Winterfest takes place Feb. 7, with ice skating, wagon rides, a soup contest and more!

Winterfest schedule

As I embark on my third week as the Chamber's new executive director, a few things stand out: First, how welcoming people have been to me in my new role and, second, all the good things happening in this community (and no, I'm not talking about the snow!). 

The Paint the Town Red initiative is just one example of the way our local businesses have embraced the concept of working together to bring more people out, whether they live here or are visiting, to enjoy all that winter in the Kennebunks has to offer.

And speaking of winter in the Kennebunks, Kennebunk's new Waterhouse Pavilion has turned into THE hot spot for cold-weather fun. Every day, the rink is filled with skaters young and old, enjoying Geraldine Waterhouse's vision for a place where all can gather. It's a true community asset.

Another community asset is the Chamber's own Experience the Kennebunks book, which goes out each year across the world to 70,000 people, and is available to thousands more in its digital format on our web site. We're busy finalizing the book this month, so if you want your business listing updated - or want to see if we can squeeze in a last-minute ad - give us a call at 967-0857 or drop us an email and we'll be happy to help.

We're also gearing up for the 2015 edition of our popular tourist map, which we'll distribute before Memorial Day. We still have some ad spots left, so please give us a call on those as well.

In fact, we really want to hear from you with anything - suggestions, kudos or concerns. Let us know how we can help you. After all, your business is our business.

Have a great February!

[email protected]

Maybe you've heard of it, but just aren't sure where it is, or what it has? Or maybe you've been lucky enough to see your neighbors' spiffy new kitchen and, when asking where they got it, they loftily replied, 'Oh, at the ReStore," and now you want to see what it's all about. Well, here's your chance. Our next Business After Hours will be held at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 18 at Habitat for Humanity's ReStore, 4 Industrial Way in Kennebunk. Come for food, drinks, some networking - and to take a peek at the fabulous finds the ReStore has to offer. Want more info and directions? Click here

The Lower Village Committee held its first "visioning session" on Jan. 29 at the Washington Hose Fire Station. Longtime resident Wayne Berry presented a slide show on the history of the area to a packed house, while business owner Bill Guay spoke about the challenges he sees, and Jeff Bonney spoke from a resident's perspective. After the presentations, those attending broke down into groups to discuss what they believe to be the boundaries of Lower Village. We were - quite literally! - all over the map. Want to be a part of this process? The next meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 26 at Washington Hose. Want to learn more? Click here

We are so happy to report that we had seven new members join us last month. They include: Re/Max Realty One, Johnston Insurance Agency, Mainely Murders, Hemlock Grove Campground, Mendez EyeWear and EyeCare, New Vision Custom Solutions, Arundel Masonic Lodge #76. Want to find out how you can join, or what the Chamber can do for you? 

If you attended the Jan. 29 Lower Village visioning process you would've heard longtime local resident Wayne Berry talk about the area being known as 'Taint Town, because it's not in Kennebunkport, and it's far from downtown Kennebunk. While many folks remember the nickname, there aren't too many signs of it left - unless you happen to be at Federal Jack's and order a 'Taint Town beer, that is. In any case, Captain Lord Mansion innkeeper Rick Litchfield offers a good explanation of the history on his blog, if you'd like to know more. To read Rick's Captain's Blog, click here

This seminar - starting at 6 p.m. at the Chamber office at 16 Water St. in Kennebunk - will cover the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and its role in enforcing ethical business practices for the last 112 years, as well as the most common tactics used by scam artists to obtain our personal information.  Our speaker will identify the major "red flags" we must all watch for, and the precautionary steps we can take to protect ourselves from falling victim.
 
Presented by Amy Schram, Senior Community Outreach Specialist
Better Business Bureau Serving Eastern MA, ME, RI & VT

The weather may have been plenty chilly, but inside the sentiments were warm as more than 80 of us gathered together Jan. 21 at Huntington Common to share great food AND great company. Huntington Common's Executive Director Paul Coco talked about Huntington's resident-centered philosophy. The senior independent living community delivers personalized living, service and care options to seniors, enabling them to live life on their own terms. To find out more about Huntington Common

The next meeting of the Mathew J. Lanigan Bridge Advisory Committee will take place at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 11 at the Village Fire Station in Kennebunkport. 

The Arundel Town Manager Search Committee is inviting Arundel citizens, businesses and organizations to either of two public meetings to be held on Monday, Feb. 9 and Monday, Feb. 23, both starting at 6:30 p.m. at the library in the Mildred L. Day School. The purpose of the meetings is to gather information on what the community believes are the major issues and challenges facing Arundel and to express what qualities, education, background and experience the new town manager should possess. Don Gerrish from Eaton Peabody Consulting Group will facilitate this meeting, and also present an overview of the process the committee will follow in selecting the new manager. If you are unable to attend, you can email your thoughts to [email protected].  

Maine business owners, creators, inventors, and entrepreneurs can compete for $30,000 by submitting a viable business proposal on the Gorham Savings Bank websitethrough March 1. An independent panel of judges will review all applications and select a group of semifinalists. Through a combination of community and panel votes, five finalists will be selected. These five finalists will pitch their idea at the live LaunchPad Competition on June 18, 2015, where $30,000 will be awarded to the winner! Find more information at https://launchpad.gorhamsavingsbank.com/

  

Yup, that's Office and Kiosk Manager Leanne Travers trying to dig her way into our Lower Village kiosk last week. We were attempting to hang some decorations for Paint the Town Red decorations. After a bit of shoveling, we did make it in!