News

 

There are just five more months separating us from the 110^th summer in KBIA’s history! How fast time seems to fly! It feels as if it was just yesterday that I began my new position as Executive Director of KBIA, back in November, yet, it seems that I have only blinked and here I am in the year 2020, writing to you about summer programming that is fast approaching!

 

I am truly thrilled to be back at KBIA. Growing up in Kennebunk, my first memories of the ocean are of Mother’s Beach and the playground, and just last summer it came full circle when my daughter had her first ocean experience playing in the waves at Mother’s Beach as well. My family’s experience echoes that of so many others that have made Kennebunk Beach a part of their own family traditions for generations. Standing amongst it all has been KBIA – a gathering place long before I knew it and will continue to be for many years to come. KBIA is a wonderful institution, dedicated to providing quality programming for youth and helping to preserve the Cove and its surroundings for all children and families who visit our campus.

 

There are some very exciting things in the works for the summer – we have purchased two new stand up paddleboards and plan to purchase new kayaks as well. Our Board president John Bauman has been managing a significant number of facilities and grounds improvements; things will be in wonderful shape come June! There will also be a few new classes, including a mixed media inspired writing course for ages 11+, and an afternoon storytime for toddlers! We are so excited for the Annual Day at the Beach 1K and 5K. Not only are we celebrating Maine’s 200th birthday this year but it is also the 110th anniversary of our beloved KBIA. Stay tuned for race updates this spring as we are planning our best race yet! Lastly, we will be using a texting system called OneCall this summer to notify you of any weather or class cancellations as soon as possible. Of course, more details on all these updates will be in the upcoming registration guide (available online on March 31).

 

In this 2020 season, I hope you will return to KBIA as a member and join me in embracing the spirit of inclusiveness and stewardship that epitomizes KBIA. Membership helps to support KBIA’s operations and remains an important part of our financial health and stability as a nonprofit organization. Our 2020 membership form can be found on our website here and is also attached to this email.

 

Membership is a vital part of our operations, but is still just one piece of the pie. If you are so moved, instead of asking you to join at a higher membership level, KBIA welcomes donations to some of our ongoing initiatives. As a community dedicated to our local community, we fundraise annually to support two main reserves – our facilities and scholarship funds. To remain a strong and safe institution, our seaside facilities need constant attention. Likewise, to honor our commitment to the local community, our scholarship fund provides the KBIA experience to local students who embody the KBIA spirit. A donation of any amount to either of these funds would help us to make a difference in the KBIA community and the Kennebunk community at large. Please visit the “How to Donate” section of our website to learn more.

 

As a member, I encourage you to reach out to me. I am new in this role, but I am eager and willing to speak with you. I hope that every day of the summer I will be given the opportunity to learn new stories from families about current and past KBIA experiences – with 110 years of operations, there must be thousands! I hope to see you at KBIA this summer!

 

Best,

 

Mimi Fox

Executive Director

 

(207) 967-2180

 

 

(207) 967-2180

 

Fall Greetings Members of KBIA,

 

I hope you all had a nice weekend and are prepping up for a great Thanksgiving. I wanted to reach out with an update before the holidays. Mimi has settled in beautifully in her new Executive Director role and has been hard at work hiring staff and putting the final touches on the membership directory. She will be following up with her own update later in the week.

 

On the facilities front, I reported last summer that we were going to be replacing the floor in Smith House. However, after having our contractors examine the existing floor, it appears the work we did back in 2011 is holding up very well and it is not necessary to replace at this time. With the funds that were earmarked for that project, we are going to tackle an extensive punch list of items that need to be addressed. We have already replaced the two badly rusted doors at Smith and are putting in a new “snack shack” window this week. We also have repaired all the rotted trim, and are hoping for a fresh coat of paint and installation of new gutters before the weather turns. We will be doing the same at Strong Cottage in the spring.

             

In addition to the two houses, some of the other projects planned in the new year include a new bubble wrap pool cover, repairing the pool gate, new steps to the beach from the playground, and new flooring in the Strong Cottage reading room.

             

Also, our newly formed Programming Committee is working on new class ideas and will be sending out a survey to get membership input on a variety of topics. Finally, the Finance Committee will be wrapping up what looks to be a very positive year for KBIA, and we will be turning our focus to the 2020 budget after the first of the year!

 

Hoping that you and your families have a wonderful Thanksgiving and a happy and healthy holiday season!

 

Warm Regards,

 

John Bauman

(207) 967-2180

 

Hello again! I am thrilled to be back working within the KBIA community – it truly feels like coming home. This is the first of many messages I will be sending to you, but this one is particularly exciting because it is my first as Executive Director! We have been working diligently behind the scenes during this off season to get the 2020 summer planning underway. There are many new developments in the works, including some new kayaks on the horizon, and I’m happy to share that the new membership directory should also be arriving in your mailboxes soon (if it is not there already)!

 

I truly hope to get to know all of you better over the next year. Please know that my “door” is always open, whether it be an e-mail during the winter months, or you’d like to pop by the office once we are open for our 2020 summer season. Being a part of KBIA has always been about community and I look forward to building on the passion, dedication, and warmth of our community alongside you.

 

(207) 967-2180

 

 

My youngest son learned to swim in the old KBIA pool, my daughter’s first job was at KBIA, and my older son became enchanted with surfing at KBIA. The sheer beauty of the location consistently amazes me – but it is the people that make the place special.

 

I have been fortunate to work with wonderful faculty and counselors – and work with numerous members who serve on KBIA’s all-volunteer board. The Board thinks of KBIA all year long and has encouraged me, mentored me, and compelled me to cultivate KBIA as the place it inherently is, and always will be — a wonderful place to be a child.  

 

I am particularly thankful to have been able to work with some wonderful folks who have served as President of the Board during my tenure: Andy Harrington, Dave Stevenson, Seana Wood, Shannon Beer, David Sweetser, and John Bauman. Additionally, I have been supported by three wonderful individuals as the Program Administrator: Judy Jurevic, Mimi Meserve (now Mimi Fox) and Jessica Meserve.

 

It is bittersweet as I write to the community for the last time as Executive Director. But, I am excited to observe KBIA from afar, and to see what the next stage of its growth will be. I have complete confidence that Mimi will do an amazing job, as I have seen firsthand her work ethic, love for KBIA, and her passion for teaching and children. 

 

My personal information (address, email, and cell) will be included in the Membership Directory – and Mimi will always know where to reach me if you need to find me. 

 

I hope to see you at the Beach,

 

–Martin

(207) 967-2180