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Friday, March 6, 2026 Volume 21 • Issue No. 10
Jonathan’s Turns 50, Invites Community to Share Stories OGUNQUIT In 2026, Jonathan’s Ogunquit celebrates a remarkable milestone: 50 years of live music, exceptional dining, and community connection on Maine’s southern coast. Since first opening its doors in 1976, Jonathan’s has grown from a local restaurant into one of Ogunquit’s most beloved gathering places. For five decades, it has welcomed generations of guests—from first dates and anniversary dinners to packed concerts, comedy nights, and milestone celebrations. Guests who once came as young couples now return with children and grandchildren, creating a living
timeline of memories woven into the fabric of the town. Over the years, Jonathan’s has hosted nationally touring musicians, legendary comedians, regional favorites, and rising stars—all while main-
taining an intimate, welcoming atmosphere that makes every night feel personal. Beyond entertainment, Jonathan’s has contributed to Ogunquit’s vibrant tourism economy, drawing visitors year-round and supporting
local employment, artists, vendors, and hospitality partners. “Reaching 50 years in the restaurant and entertainment industry is something truly special,” said owner Jonathan West. “It speaks to the loyalty of our guests, the dedication of our staff, and the strength of Ogunquit as a destination. We’re incredibly grateful—and we can’t wait to celebrate this year with everyone who helped make it possible.” “We know that our history isn’t just measured in years—it’s measured in people,” said West’s eldest daughter, Caitlan Etchevers, who oversees operations at the venue. “The couples who
got engaged here. The families who celebrate every summer with us. The guests who have seen dozens of shows. Jonathan’s belongs to this community, and we want to honor that.” Etchevers has worked alongside her father since childhood, serving juice at bus breakfasts, working coat check on New Year’s Eve, and washing dishes while standing on milk crates in the kitchen. She now manages marketing, entertainment bookings, and oversees operations and finances as the family transitions more responsibilities to her. See JONATHANS on page 3...
Microplastics Presentation at York Public Library YORK Microplastics are plastic particles measuring less than five millimeters across. They are intentionally added to a wide range of consumer and commercial products, including cosmetics, detergents, paints, medicines, diapers and pesticides. Over time, these tiny particles enter the environment and have been linked in some studies to potential health risks, including impacts on fertility and an increased risk of certain cancers. York Public Library, York Ready for Climate Action and York Land Trust are partnering with the Blue Ocean Society to host a presentation on the
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hidden world of microplastics. The program will introduce participants to the concept of microplastics, how they enter the environment, and the potential risks they pose to marine ecosystems, wildlife, and human health. The presentation takes place Wednesday, March 11, from 4 to 5 p.m. at York Public Library, 15 Long Sands Rd., York. It’s free to attend, and ad-
KENNEBUNK Are you ready for some serious spring cleaning after a long, snowy winter? Want to reduce landfill waste—and enjoy a Congdon’s Donut while you’re at it? Have your closets, linen closets, basement or garage slowly filled up with textiles and footwear you no longer use? Maybe you’ve received gifts you don’t wear, or your older items have been replaced with new ones. Perhaps you’re downsizing, or sorting through children’s and teen clothing that no longer fits. Maybe those old linens and blankets no longer match your style. St. Dav id’s Episcopa l Church’s semiannual textile drives have received strong support from local residents and businesses for more than
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highlights practical actions that support resilience and environmental stewardship in one of the world’s fastest-warming ocean regions. For more information and to register, visit www.yorkpubliclibrary.org/climate, email info@yorkpubliclibrar y.org, or call 207-363-2818. For more information on Blue Ocean Society, visit www.blueoceansociety.org.
Spring Cleaning for a Cause: Textile Drive Returns
Arts & Entertainment 10-11 Calendar
vance registration is suggested. Registration closes March 11 at 10 a.m. The event is part of the fifth annual 2026 Climate Change Series. This year’s theme, “Tides of Change: Our Coast, Our Future,” features programming from February through April that examines how a warming climate is reshaping marine ecosystems, coastal communities, and livelihoods. The series also
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two years, collecting textiles and footwear during the past five events. Residents from Kennebunk, Kennebunkport, Wells, Arundel, Ogunquit, Berwick, and York have helped the church keep more than 20 tons of unwanted or unused textiles and footwear out of area landfills. All items are repurposed, recycled or repaired for reuse, helping Mother Earth to breathe a little bit easier. Some proceeds from the day’s event are then
donated by the church’s Social Justice Council to area agencies and nonprofits who serve those in need. Everyone wins. Donors gain storage space back while Mother Earth breathes a sign of relief. Area agencies such as Community Outreach Services, Laudholm Farm, and the Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project receive funds to help fulfill their missions. And, the first 40 donors who stop in receive a
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Congdon’s Wooden Nickel, good for one for a free donut. Carrying donated items in sturdy bags also “burns calories.” The textile drive takes place Saturday, March 21, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Quest Fitness parking lot, 2 Livewell Dr., Kennebunk. There, volunteers accept clean textiles in strong plastic bags and clean, unwanted footwear in separate sturdy bags. For those unable to make that date, St. David’s is also accepting donations until March 15 at the church office, 138 York St., Kennebunk. Drop-off times are Tuesday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. St. David’s asks anyone donating at the church to call ahead. For more information, email rsmoot0427@gmail.com or call 207-985-3073.
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