Other Educational Programs
A Puritan Named Kennedy and the Biblical Basis of Democracy: A Celebration of Freedom from the 17th Century until today.
On July 10th Rev. Richard Hyde will present a program in Porter Hall. Rev. Hyde will discuss the philosophical and theological concepts in the opening lines from President Kennedy’s Inaugural Address. Rev. Hyde holds a PhD from University of California Berkeley and an MPA from Harvard Kennedy School. He is currently the Pastor of Community Church in San Carlos, California. Cost: FREE
Creating Your Own Resin Pendant
Use glass, glitter, charms, and more to create your own unique pendant to take home. Open to all ages, but under 10 must be accompanied by an adult. Instructor: local resin artist Pam Chute. Maximum 16 participants, so please register in advance at the OPA office for this very popular class.
No cost, sponsored by the William & Elsie Hurter Education Fund.
July 13, 7:00 – 8:30 PM
July 14, 9:00 – 10:30 AM
July 14, 7:00-8:30 PM
August 3, 7:00- 8:30 PM
August 4, 9:00- 10:30 AM
August 4, 7:00 – 8:30 PM
Environment & Natural Resources
July 2, 7:00 pm: What’s Being Done to Conserve Guild Park- This is a two- part program geared to families that want to learn more about the plants and wildlife in the park. We’ll meet at 6:00 PM in front of Jordan Hall for a walk in the park led by Ruth Leavitt, a certified Maine Master Naturalist. Then at 7:00 pm we gather back at Jordan Hall for a presentation on the management plan for the park led by members of Environmental and Natural Resources Committee. Free
July 9, 7:00 pm: “Change in Saco Bay: Storms, Erosion and Sea Level Rise” Led by UNE Faculty Will Kochitzky and his students to discuss changing coastal landscapes in Southern Maine. Held at Jordan Hall. Free
July 23, 7:00 pm: “Ocean Park’s Marshes, The New Salt Road Tidal Gate and our Climate Resiliency” Learn about Ocean Park’s vulnerability to climate change and how other communities are addressing this issue in a program led by planners, Karina Graeter and Melanie Nash from the Southern Maine Planning & Development Commission and the Town of Old Orchard Beach. SMPDC will share how municipalities are responding to their first regional coastal resilience plan for Southern Maine published in November 2023 “Climate Ready Coast”. To be held in Jordan Hall. Free
August 6, 7:00 pm: “Demystifying the Tide Gate and the Water Around Ocean Park” Don Hoenig and Mark Lauritano of the Environment and Natural Resources Committee, will lead a program on the purpose of the tide gate, findings from the OOB 2025 Marsh Study, and what Ocean Parkers can do to improve the water quality in our marshes and the beach. To be held in Jordan Hall. Free
Traveling Sketchbook Workshops
Join renowned Maine artist, Mary Byrom, for an interactive 2-part Watercolor “Traveling Sketchbook” introduction and workshop to learn the joy of capturing your surroundings in Ocean Park through sketching and painting. Ideal for all levels of ability and all ages – families welcome. All materials provided. Sponsored by the William & Elsie Hurter Education Fund.
Registration required by June 27 for the July 9/10 class and by July 25 for the July 30/31 class. Stop by the OPA office to register.
July 8/9 class:
July 8, 10:30 – 11:30 AM: Intro to Traveling Sketchbook at Jakeman Hall. Registration required- inquire at the office.
July 9, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Traveling Sketchbook Workshop on the Library lawn (Porter Hall if rain).
Now that you have an introduction on what a “traveling sketchbook” is, bring your materials and meet on the Library lawn (Porter Hall if rain) to begin your sketching adventure – with guidance from Mary! The showcase will begin around 11:30 am as families and friends are invited to meet the artist and talk about the work created during this program.
Showcase/meet the artist is 11:30 AM – 12:00 PM.
July 29/30 class
July 29, 10:30 – 11:30 AM: Introduction to Traveling Sketchbook at Jakeman Hall. Registration required by July 25.
July 30, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Traveling Sketchbook Workshop on the Library lawn (Jordan Hall if rain). Showcase/meet the artist is 11:30 AM – 12:00 PM.