Peter Anthony balances on one foot, his free leg kicked out, right arm outstretched, left crooked at the elbow. A carpenter's charade for the pitches, slopes and slants of an old farmhouse. Peter is well acquainted with the rustic details of the Reserve's historic buildings. A volunteer since 2015 , he was instrumental in the big barn window restoration and can be found weekly in the maintenance shop doing all sorts of problem-solving and thoughtful repair.

After a plumbing leak buckled the floor of our volunteer resource room, or "docent" room as it is known, the staff looked around at the faded paint, tired cabinetry, and scary sink, and then looked to Peter to update the room with new cabinets and counter tops. 

No right angles? No problem! Well, maybe it wasn't that straightforward, but if anyone can make an involved project look easy and the end result beautiful, it is Peter. He had some help from a generous wood donation that came to the Reserve last year from the Smith-Valley family of Kennebunk. Among the pieces donated included striking spalted maple boards prized by woodworkers, which Peter used for cabinet doors and counter tops. Other thoughtful details include custom shelving, an elegant doorstop, custom-made shims and trim pieces. 

Cover it all with a bright surfer blue, finish with cheery green walls (all painted by volunteer Carolyn Broad), and this bright, functional space is now ready to support the many volunteers who keep the Reserve humming along during the busy summer season. 

Volunteers need a dedicated space of their own, somewhere to grab a coffee, prepare for a guided tour, share information, access a first aid kit or store a lunch. Many thanks to Peter, Carolyn and the Smith-Valley family for making this remodel possible, and beautiful!