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Friday, January 31, 2025 Volume 21 • Issue No. 5
Vin LoBello Named to National Lacrosse Hall of Fame OGUNQUIT & WELLS For decades, scores of guests enjoyed dining at Vincent’s Steak and Lobster House in Ogunquit, basking in the hospitality and culinary expertise of the restaurant’s proprietor, Vin LoBello. Few knew, however, that LoBello had an athletic presence that rivaled his excellence as a restauranteur. LoBello was a legendary figure in the development of the sport of lacrosse throughout New England for over 30 years, as a player and, later, a referee. His efforts to advance the sport were so notable that LoBello was formally inducted into the National Lacrosse Hall of Fame on Saturday, January 11 in a ceremony in Baltimore, MD. “My dad was involved with lacrosse for over 30 years,” said Wells resident Vinny LoBello,
who was a lacrosse player, official, and coach as well. “He was the Chief Referee of New England for 20 of those years. He was instrumental in developing regional chapters throughout New England and was in charge of supervising and scheduling 170 officials. His major task each
spring was assigning officials for every single college, prep, and high school game played in New England.” The senior LoBello, who passed away in October 1992, first played lacrosse at Worcester Academy in Massachusetts in 1950. He played collegiately at Nichols College and after that, decided he wanted to stay with the sport after graduation. He officiated his first game in 1953 at Amherst College. “He was truly a pioneer in New England,” Vinny LoBello said. “He planted the seeds that started the growth of the sport in all six states. He quickly grew up the ranks as an official and the sport began to flourish as well. He recruited people, contacting soccer, football, and basketball coaches and officials. He talked
to friends and neighbors about getting involved. He helped them with all aspects of officiating a game most of them had never seen, introducing them to the game, teaching rules and field techniques. Eventually, he and his friends grew the New England chapter into the largest lacrosse officials’ organization in the country.” The National Hall of Fame noted in its published induction acknowledgement that LoBello was “a truly great official” who “worked games at the high school, collegiate, post-collegiate club, and international levels during his career.” Among his other accomplishments, the Hall noted that LoBello officiated three North/ South College All Star games and many top college games in the
1960s and 1970s, including Ivy League games and Army-Navy contests. Indeed, the US Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association presents an annual sportsmanship award in LoBello’s name to a deserving team. That is not a surprise to the younger LoBello. “The most important thing to him was building relationships,” he said. “His warm personality, honest interest in each individual, and ability to always make people feel good about themselves was the key in gaining respect in New England. His integrity, honesty, and belief in sportsmanship paved the way.” To watch the broadcast of the induction ceremony in its full entirety, visit https://tinyurl. com/YouTube-LacrosseHall Fame2025. Article courtesy of Jim Kanak.
Cold-Water Dipping for Domestic Abuse Survivors STATEWIDE On Sunday, February 9, Maine oceans and lakes will be dotted with yellow as women wearing the color cold-dip at various locations and times across the state. The second annual event is a fundraiser for Finding Our Voices, the grassroots nonprofit providing peer support and resources to Maine women survivors of domestic abuse. The event promotes the well-being that comes from cold water and sisterhood while raising money for Maine’s women
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domestic abuse survivors. Dippers are encouraged to wear Finding Our Voices’ signature color: yellow. Patrisha McLean, CEO and founder of the nonprofit, said: “yellow is our color because we are survivors who have managed to cross over to the bright side of safety and freedom, shining a light for our sisters still in the dark.” Anyone wanting to join in can pick their own time and place that Sunday, or they may join the schedule of an existing group. Participants are invited to choose their own fundraising tactic, including donating directly through the Finding Our Voices website and creating a GoFundMe page. All genders are
Amy Hopkins of Saltwater Mountain Co. is rallying dippers again in 2025 to York Harbor Beach, this year at 4:30 p.m. Photo by Amy Hopkins.
welcome to participate, either by dipping themselves or by sponsoring and supporting a dipper. Saltwater Mountain Company will be dipping at York Harbor Beach at 9 a.m., while
Cold Water Queers will be dipping at Willard Beach in South Portland at 11 a.m. In 2024, more than 500 Maine dippers raised $10,000 for Finding Our Voices. McLean said the proxim-
ity to Valentine’s Day is just one of the reasons for the date of the group’s winter fundraiser. “Super Bowl Sunday, also February 9, is traditionally one of the most dangerous days of the year to be at home for women trapped in domestic abuse. Isolation and also the robbing of self-esteem are chief tactics abusers use to get and maintain control. So how beautiful that on a day when men’s violence to the women they are supposed to love peaks, women are gathering outdoors in a collective, healthy manner to express love for each other, and provide support for each other.” For more information and to sign up, visit www.findingourvoices.net/cold-water-dip-2025.
Kennebunk’s “Paint the Town Red” 2025 KENNEBUNK T he Ke n ne b u n k- Ke nnebunkport-Arundel Chamber of Commerce and the BiddefordSaco Chamber of Commerce will once again “Paint the Town Red” for romance and love throughout the month of February, when area shops, restaurants, and local landmarks are festively decorated in red to get everyone in the mood for loving.
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Throughout the month, participating restaurants are offering “red plate” specials, shops are holding “red tag” sales, and hotels in the region have created special “stay-and-play” packages for those looking to rest, relax, romance, and escape reality. In addition, there are numerous classes and experiences happening throughout the month that capture the heart of York County.
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In addition, area restaurants and businesses are offering a variety of Valentine’s Day tasting menus and dinner packages, romantic overnight packages, sweet holiday specials, candle making classes, wine tastings, and more! For more information and to see updated events for 2025, visit www.gokennebunks.com/ paintthetownred.
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