The Hawthorn

The Hawthorn
Summer 2016
Beautiful Homes, Gourmet Tastings
Featured On Annual Kitchen Tour
The annual Merryspring Kitchen Tour will take place on Wednesday, August 3,
from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. This year's Tour invites you into eight private midcoast
homes, several with views of the water, for a gourmet tasting from a talented local chef in each kitchen. A total of 16 restaurants, caterers, and food purveyors
are participating in this years tour.
Merryspring encourages you to bring your friends and houseguests on this popular
summertime tour, which is generously sponsored by EBS Style Solutions.
Each kitchen on the tour has its own personality and will give you an inspiring look
at what creative homeowners can do, together with skilled designers, builders,
and craftspeople. The chefs at work in each kitchen will give you a sampling of the
remarkable, ever-expanding culinary choices available in our midcoast area.
For a complete list of homes and chefs on the 2016 tour, please go to page 7.

AUGUST 3, 2016
9:30 AM TO 3:30 PM
CAMDENROCKPORT

MAINE

VISIT 8 UNIQUE MIDCOAST KITCHENS AND

ENJOY TASTINGS FROM TALENTED AREA CHEFS

Bonus features this year include a special tasting of Fiore Artisan Olive Oils & VineSponsored by
gars at EBS Style Solutions remodeled showroom; a chance to buy raffle tickets to
win dinner at Francine Bistro in Camden, a basket of gourmet foods from Stonewall Kitchen, or a gift certificate from Surroundings; and an opportunity to purchase The International Seafood Collection 10 recipe postcards inspired by international cuisines.
Tickets for the Tour are on sale now. You can save $10 off the regular ticket price of $40 by purchasing your ticket(s) in advance by
Tuesday, Aug. 2, at any of the following locations: Surroundings, Once a Tree, or Zoot Coffee in Camden; The Market Basket in
Rockport; Atlantic Baking Company in Rockland; The Good Table in Belfast; and Rising Tide Community Market in Damariscotta.
You can also purchase $30 advance tickets by visiting the Merryspring office on Conway Road in Camden on Monday or Tuesday
before the Tour. Advance tickets may also be ordered by calling Merryspring at (207) 236-2239 or sending an email to
info@merryspring.org. Tickets will be held at Merryspring for pick-up the day of the tour.
On the day of the Tour, tickets are $40 and may be purchased at any of the kitchens or at Merryspring Nature Center. Tickets for
an individual kitchen are not available.
This years tour has been extended a full hour, so you have plenty of
time to visit all the kitchens. Please go in any order you choose, and at
your own pace, but please carpool as much as possible. Extra parking
for kitchens 1 and 2 is available at the First Congregational Church on
Elm Street, and at the Children's House Montessori School on Pleasant
Street. Shuttle buses must be taken for kitchen 4 and can be boarded
at Camden Hills State Park.
No photos are allowed on the Tour, and properties are not handicapped-accessible.

David Clough Photography, Rockland

All proceeds from the Kitchen Tour support Merryspring Nature Center,
its 66 acres of gardens and nature trails that open free of charge to the
public every day, and its year-round program of nature education talks,
classes, and workshops.

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The Hawthorn

Merryspring
Nature Center

Presidents Letter

P.O. Box 893, Camden, ME 04843

Tel: (207) 236-2239
Fax: (207) 230-0663
Email: info@merryspring.org
www.merryspring.org

The Merryspring Kitchen Tour takes place on Wednesday,

August 3. Always a summertime treat for midcoast residents and visitors alike, the Kitchen Tour is Merrysprings
largest fundraiser of the year. Its truly one special day.

By Ray Andresen

Putting together the Kitchen Tour, however, is much

more than a one-day affair. The process begins in January,
Merrysprings mission is to practice,
teach, and advocate sound principles and it takes a dedicated group of volunteers to plan and
organize and pull off such a complicated endeavor. We
of ecology, conservation, and horticulture in order to protect our
not only have to locate eight generous homeowners who
natural environment and to provide
are willing to show off their exciting new or unique kitchnatural landscapes and cultivated
ens, we also have to find enough local chefs and caterers
areas for public enjoyment.
to prepare tasty samples of their culinary delights for
Hours of Operation
Tour-goers to enjoy at every stop.
Mission Statement

The park is open free of charge from

dawn to dusk every day of the year.
Our offices and library are open
Tuesday through Friday from 9 a.m.
to 2 p.m., or by appointment.

Membership Levels
Individual

$3549

Family

$5099

Friend

$100 249

Donor

$250499

Steward

$500999

Conservator

$1,0002,499

Partner

$2,5004,999

Patron

$5,000 or more

Keeping in Touch
You can sign up for our eUpdates at
www.merryspring.org to receive the
latest news on programs and events.
Or you can visit Merrysprings Facebook page, where you can check on
upcoming events. Please go to
www.tinyurl.com/merryspringfacebook/.

Board of Trustees
Ray Andresen, President
Sarah Rheault, Vice President
Richard Ailes, Treasurer
Kathleen Kull, Secretary
Scott Carlson
Kristen Lindquist
Karin Rector
Susan Shaw
Barton Wood

Staff
Toni Goodridge, Managing Director
Brett Willard, Program Director
Denise DeSpirito, Head Gardener
2016All Rights Reserved

On top of that, we have to find enough volunteers to

make the affair go as smoothly as possible for everyone
concerned. On Tour Day, a small army of 80 volunteers is
at work checking tickets, directing traffic, guiding visitors
through houses, assisting chefs, and answering questions.
Behind the scenes, other volunteers are running errands
or standing ready to fill in where needed.

Summer 2016

Inside this issue:

Kitchen Tour on August 3

Presidents Message

Remembering Ken Crane

Photo Montage

Events Calendar

Summer Ecology Camp

Outreach Success

Volunteer Party

Wish List

Kitchen Tour Info

Merryspring Reservations

How to Leave a Lasting

Legacy at Merryspring

Merryspring has a permanent

Endowment Fund to ensure that future generations will continue to enjoy
the wonders of nature being exhibited
and taught at your Nature Center. If
you would like to make a bequest that
So, while youre out enjoying this years Kitchen Tour, I
will increase this fund, please consult
hope you will join me in thanking my fellow Committee
your financial and legal advisors on
members Dorothea Graham, Edie Kyle, Carol Ann Rosa,
what method would be in your best
Doris Smart, and Mary Waltz and all of the other volun- interest and would fulfill your wishes.
teers and Merryspring supporters who have dedicated so For more information, please contact
much time and energy into making this years Tour a rous- us at (207) 236-2239 or send an email
ing, delicious success.
to info@merryspring.org.

Remembering Ken Crane

Merryspring lost one of its
biggest supporters and a
valued member of our
Board of Trustees on July 1
when Kennedy Crane III
passed away following a
brief struggle with acute
myeloid leukemia. A longtime Merryspring member
and always dependable volunteer, Ken contributed to
the Nature Center in many ways, perhaps none more
important than the 20 years he served on our Finance
Committee. His financial expertise, conservative approach to investing, and always sage advice will be
sorely missed.
I have had the privilege to serve as treasurer and be a
member of the Merryspring Finance Committee with
Ken for almost 10 years, said Richard Ailes. Ken always
provided the soundest and well-reasoned advice during
our monthly meetings. He shared his vast experience of
the nonprofit world coupled with his heartfelt dedication to the mission of Merryspring. In partnership with

Bart Wood, Ken always provided

steady, informed financial guidance
that has kept our wonderful Nature
Center fiscally healthy during difficult times.
Merryspring was just one of many
Midcoast nonprofit organizations
blessed by Kens participation and
dedication over the years. The list
includes the Farnsworth Art Museum, General Henry Knox Museum,
Good Tern Co-Op, Herring Gut
Learning Center, Oyster River Tennis
Club, Rockland Cemetery Association, and Rockland Public Library
Endowment Association.
A memorial service, attended by
more than 300 people, was held on
July 15 at the Owls Head Transportation Museum.

The Hawthorn

Summer 2016

Page 3

Recent Activity at Merryspring

Clockwise from upper left:

Bird walk with Kristen Lindquist

Tending the Perennial Garden with John Fromer
Tree Identification Workshop with Doug Johnson
Creating with Seaweed Workshop with Carly Weinberg
Daylily Day with Susan Shaw
Wildflower Walk with Coastal Mountains Nature Program
Rose Day with Susan Shaw and Patrisha McLean

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The Hawthorn

Summer 2016

2016 Events Calendar

SUMMER Tuesday Talks at Noon
Sponsored by

August 2
August 9
August 16
August 23
August 30
September 6

Grow Native! The Benefits for Birds, Bees and Our Environment Sharon Turner
Backyard Herbalism Denise DeSpirito
TBA
Storing the Summer Harvest Laura & Eric Evans
Tending the Perennial Garden in Mid Summer John Fromer
Getting Your Home Ready for Winter Kathleen Meil

September 13
September 20
September 27
October 4
October 11
October 18

Supporting Scallops Through Community Action Caitlin Cleaver

Backyard Herbalism Denise DeSpirito
A Photo Tour of the Galapagos Doug & Barbara James
Traditional Arts from the Maine Woods Kathleen Mundell
Tending the Perennial Garden in Late Fall John Fromer
Protecting the Megunticook Watershed Paul Leaper & Justin Twitchell

Free Family Workshops

August 4

Bug SafariTheres a whole world of activity in the soil and air around usa bugs world!
We will make our own simple bug boxes and then travel through the gardens and forest
to search for insects of all shapes and sizes.

August 18

Guided Nature Walk A walk through Merryspring to learn about the unique history
that shaped its landscape. 11a.m. 12 p.m.

October 20

Worm Bin Harvest Party with Jock Robie. Beginning vermiculturists and curious composters can learn how to harvest castings and make fertilizer from worm bins. 68 p.m.

Weekend Workshops

Sponsored by

August 13 &
October 15

Identifying Wild Mushrooms with Greg Marley. A fun opportunity to acquire the
skills you need to collect and identify common mushrooms in the presence of a master guide. 9 a.m.3 p.m. $70/$60 (members).

November 5

Creating with Herbs with herbalist Suzanne Stone. Create holiday crafts ahead of
the holiday season. Cost and time to be announced.

November 19

Fall Pruning with Travis Hamilton. A hands-on outdoor demonstration on how to

prune trees at the beginning of the dormant season. 10 a.m.12 p.m. $10/$5

Fall Fairy Festival

Families are invited to Merrysprings Fall Fairy Festival on Sunday, September 11,
from 1:003:00 p.m. Children can make a variety of fairy-inspired crafts as well as
build fairy houses in the woods. Author Liza Gardner Walsh will be on hand to sign
copies of her books, Fairy House Handbook and Fairy Garden Handbook. Enter a raffle for a signed copy of either book. Free to all.

The Hawthorn

Summer 2016

Page 5

Summer Ecology Camps

Were a Fun-Filled Success
Seventeen children from around the Midcoast area
came to Merryspring in June and July for two full
weeks of Summer Ecology Camps.
This was the third consecutive year Merryspring has
teamed up with our friends at Knox-Lincoln Soil &
Water Conservation District to provide an inexpensive, nature-themed summer experience for young
children; and it was the most successful yet.
Led by Merrysprings Brett Willard and KLSWCDs
Rebecca Jacobs and Devin Domeyer, the Summer
Ecology Camps were divided into two sessions:

Learning about vernal pools.

Eco-Explorers for children ages 7 to 9, and Little

Sprouts for younger children ages 4 to 6.
Earthworms benefit the ecosystem.

Activities included planting the childrens garden,

becoming water molecules, daily nature walks,
catching bugs, flipping over logs to look for amphibians, starting seeds, practicing bird calls, playing
games, identifying trees, nature journaling, learning
how to use a microscope, and building forts and fairy
houses. During each week, the young campers received a live beehive demonstration from local beekeeper Dave Edwards.

Building forts and fairy houses.

This collaboration between Merryspring and KLSWCD

has been beneficial to both organizations, allowing us
to combine staff and resources to reach and serve a
larger group of students and parents. Its part of the
mission of Knox-Lincoln SWCD to educate youth on
soil and water resources. says Rebecca Jacobs, Education Coordinator for KLSWCD. Our partnership
with Merryspring allows us to offer the program during the summer and at a location that is ideal for
hosting youth. We look forward to growing our youth
programming with Merryspring.
Brett Willard teaches the Eco Explorers
about frogs and other amphibians.

Dave Edwards gives a live honeybee hive demonstration.

Setting off for a hike.

Little Sprouts make paper snakes, then make their best hiss.

Page 6

The Hawthorn

Summer 2016

Youth Outreach Efforts Reach over 300

Students in 2016, More to Come
If youve visited the Nature Center on a nice day this spring, theres a
chance you may have come across large groups of children being led on a
nature walk or playing games in the garden. Since January of this year,
Merryspring has reached over 300 students through outreach programs
both at the park and in classrooms.
Youth outreach is one part of our mission to educate about horticulture
and our environment. Merryspring provides an excellent place for field
trips year-round, providing a classroom, nature trails, and gardens.
Field trips introduce Merryspring to many local students for the first time,
providing a close-to-school resource to learn outside in a diverse landscape. Since January, weve provided field trips to many local schools,
Friendship Village School
scouting, and afterschool group; working with educators to tie outdoor
experiences into their own science lessons. With school groups weve explored vernal pools, gone birding, and studied wildlife
habitat.
Many field trips also act as service learning projects, with kids helping to get the
gardens ready for spring, paint murals, or do trail work.
Of course, not all of our outreach takes place within the boundaries of the park.
Weve brought nature programs to the Coastal Childrens Museum, a frequent
partner in education. This winter we partnered with Partners for Enrichment, and
brought an outdoor tracking and early signs of spring program to 6th. 7th, and
8th grade classes of Lincolnville, Appleton, and Hope.
Its been a busy year for outreach at Merryspring, but were not done yet! We
look forward to the school year starting later this summer and welcome back
Midcoast area students to continue exploring their world at Merryspring Nature
Center. For information on how to set up a classroom visit, field trip, or service
project, please contact our Program Director Brett Willard at 236-2239 or education@merryspring.org.

Wish List

Union Elementary School

Volunteer Appreciation Party Coming Up

Merryspring will hold its annual Volunteer Appreciation Party on Friday,
October 7 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. If youre already a Merryspring volunteer,
or would like to become one, please mark this date on your calendar and
come to the party.
Over the years, Merrysprings volunteers have made tremendous contributions to the success and financial stability of our Nature Center, to its beautiful gardens and
grounds, and to the
varied natureeducation programming we conduct.
But we can always use
more volunteers. Currently, we are looking
for extra help with trail
maintenance, gardening, and brush-clearing.

Merryspring could use the following items:

Childrens microscope
Laser pointer
Small table and chairs (childrens size)
Small supply cabinet for Rose Cottage
Small seed trays
Childrens size garden gloves
Portable display case/table
Wood chipper
Little Giant step ladder
Certified organic compost (10 yards)
Dark mulch (5 yards)
Hand-held grinder for sharpening blades
Small chain saw (16 bar)
Standard and metric socket set
Metric and standard wrenches (up to 1/8)
Metal labels for plant specimens
Storage shed
If you would like to purchase, donate or contribute funds for any of the above, please contact
the Merryspring office.

Camden-Rockport Middle School volunteers

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Summer 2016

Page 7

Kitchen Tour Information

This years gracious hosts and talented chefs are:
1 48 CHESTNUT STREET, CAMDEN, SALLY & ALLEN FERNALD
AM CHEF: Kerry Altiero of Caf Miranda, Rockland
PM CHEF: Katherine White, Private Chef, Camden
This elegant three-story townhouse looks out over waterfront
rooftops to Camden Harbor and the islands.
2 6 WOOD STREET, CAMDEN, KATE & ALEX COHEN
AM CHEF: Scott Yakovenko of The Rhumbline, Camden &
The Slipway, Thomaston
PM CHEF: Vicki Murray of Laugh Loud, Smile Big Cupcakes,
Rockport
This lovely old Federal home, on one of Camdens largest in-town
lots, displays a colletion of the work of a number of prominent
Maine artists.
3 5 DILLINGHAM POINT, CAMDEN
AM CHEF: Jennifer Thieme of Blue Sky Cantina, Rockport
PM CHEF: Laura Cabot of Laura Cabot Catering, Waldoboro
Tucked into a secluded spot on Camden Harbor, this new home
brings the beauty of its natural setting indoors.
4 169 BELFAST ROAD, CAMDEN, THEOLA & DAVE GELERMAN
AM CHEF: Dirk Yeaton of Pig + Poet, Camden
PM CHEF: Uncle Willys Candy Shoppe, Camden
This spacious kitchen has eye-catching architectural details, and
the home has a panoramic view toward Camden Harbor.
5 20 PLEASANT RIDGE, CAMDEN, THERESA & JEFF DAVIS
AM CHEF: Josh Hixson of 40 Paper, Camden & 3 Crow, Rockland
PM CHEF: Cathe Morrill of State of Maine Cheese, Rockport
An intriguing patchwork of European floor tiles and eclectic decorative art give this home a flair all its own.

6 250 MELVIN HEIGHTS ROAD, CAMDEN, NEALL & STEVE JOHNSON

AM CHEF: Sherrie Gibson & Ashley Seelig of FOG Bar & Caf,
Rockland
PM CHEF: Susan Boivin of MSAD 28, Camden & Rockport
This kitchen in this graceful new home overlooks a living/dining
area ornamented with prized family heirlooms.
7 16 LEDGEWOOD DRIVE, ROCKPORT, MAUREEN EGAN &
TIM SEYMOUR
AM CHEF: Natalie Hill of The Market Basket, Rockport
PM CHEF: Katie Capra of The Red Barn Baking Company,
Lincolnville
These homeowners lovingly built an old farm-house kitchen into
their modern home, in a restful garden setting.
8 12 OCEAN VIEW LANE, ROCKPORT, SHEILA DAVENPORT
CHEF ALL DAY: Sarah Bleecker-Greer and Andrew Flamm of
Bleecker & Flamm Maine Street Meats, Rockport
This striking kitchen reflects the homeowners love of rich colors
and materials, and world travel. From the family room, you can
see all the way to Acadia.

Special Treat at EBS

Be sure to stop at EBS Style Solutions on Limerock Street in
Camden between 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. for a sample tasting
of extra-virgin olive oils and balsamic vinegars, presented by
Pat O'Brien of Fiore Artisan Olive Oils & Vinegars in Rockland.

Kitchen Tour Supporters

Generous contributions from Supporters of the Kitchen Tour, many of whom have their excellent services and products on display in the kitchens,
are an invaluable source of support for Merryspring. Please help us thank these supporters with your patronage.

FRIENDS OF THE TOUR

Carol A. Witham Advanced Health
& Fitness Specialist, Rockport
David C. Olivas, DDS, Rockport
* Francine Bistro, Camden
Jack McKenney Studio/Gallery,
Camden
* Stonewall Kitchen, Camden
* Surroundings, Camden
The Good Table, Belfast

APPLIANCES
Brown Appliance & Mattress, Inc.,
Ellsworth
Kelseys Appliance & Sleep
Center, W. Rockport

ARCHITECTS
Christopher Glass, Architect,
Camden
Christian Fasoldt Architect,
Camden
Peter T. Gross Architects, PA,
Camden

Scholz & Barclay Architecture,

Camden
Silverio Architecture & Design,
Lincolnville

BUILDERS
Crestwood Kitchen & Bath
Design Center, Rockport
Harbor Builders Associates,
Tenants Harbor
Lorraine Construction, Rockport
Phi Home Designs, Rockport

CABINETRY
Bench Dogs Inc., Rockland
EBS Style Solutions, Camden
The Rockport Company,
Rockport

CARPENTRY
Evergreen Ridge Carpentry,
Rockport
Pine Ridge Carpentry, Hope

LANDSCAPE DESIGN/
INSTALLATION SERVICES

DESIGN/DECORATING
Amy Fisher, Voila! Home Design,
Camden
EBS Style Solutions, Camden
Interiors by Janis Stone, Belfast
Margo Moore Interiors, Camden

FINISHES/MASONRY

Jackson Landscaping Services,

Camden
Lee Schneller Fine Gardens,
S. Thomaston
* TREEKEEPERS LLCJohnson's
Arboriculture, Camden

A.E. Sampson & Son, Ltd.,

Warren
Cayouette Flooring, Inc.,
Rockport
Distinctive Tile & Design,
Rockland
Freshwater Stone, Orland
*
The Granite Shop, Sedgwick
Lanphere & Son Stonework &
Masonery, Appleton
Maine Stone Design Center, Veazie
Smith & May, Inc.Hearth &
Patio Showroom, W. Rockport
Steve Caron Painting, Brooks

* Thank you very much for your extra support!

LIGHTING
Lighting Concepts, Lewiston

PLUMBING/PLUMBING
FIXTURES/ELECTRIC
Fixtures...Designer Plumbing
Showroom, W. Rockport
Hedstrom Electric, Camden
Pierces Plumbing & Electric,
Lincolnville
Rockport Mechanical, Rockport

SPECIAL APPOINTMENT
Rockport Steel, Rockport

P.O. Box 893

Camden, ME 04843

Reserve Merryspring for Your Event

Remember to think of Merryspring when you or your friends
are planning a wedding, memorial service, meeting, or party.
Conveniently located near Route 1 in Camden and Rockport,
Merryspring offers a secluded, quiet location for your event.
Stunning gardens and an outdoor hexagon are perfect for
small ceremonies. A well-tended lawn bordered by flower
beds filled with spectacular color from June through September will accommodate a tent for up to 200 guests. And the
meeting room inside the Ross Center can accommodate up
to 50 people.