Kathy Powell, owner and innkeeper of PineCrest Inn, at 91 South Street, is proud of her military experience as a former USAF military spouse and as the mother of an active-duty son currently serving in the Air Force. She celebrates her veteran dad’s service in the US Army, and her many family members and friends who have also served. She and her husband had been stationed in D.C., at the Pentagon when American Airlines Flight 77 was hijacked and crashed into the Pentagon on Sept. 11, 2021, a day that is engraved upon her family’s memory forever.
Powell bought the Inn in 2017, and since 2021 has participated in a national program called B&Bs for Vets which makes it possible for active duty or retired vets or reservists to have a free night’s stay during Veterans Day Weekend. The organization, an off-shoot of the Association of Lodging Professionals, aims to express heartfelt gratitude by offering generous discounts and/or free night accommodations at participating bed and breakfasts, inns, and other independent lodging properties nationwide. This is made possible through the generosity of the participating owners. There are currently only two lodgings in Maine which offer this benefit and a total of eleven in New England. For more info, please visit https://bandbsforvets.org/.
Photo Credit: Kathy PowellA welcome letter and floral arrangement welcome Vets in their rooms at PineCrest Inn.
PineCrest Inn, a gracious classic built in 1800, has 6 well-appointed guest rooms, which Powell reserves for qualified vets during Veterans Day weekend. Her honored guests are warmly welcomed with an earlier check-in, served a small Happy Hour prior to their heading out to dine in Gorham at our many great restaurants, such as MK Kitchen and others. Powell assists all her guests with making reservations, if necessary. The guests awake the next morning to the smell of coffee and warm baked goods, and are served a delicious full home-cooked breakfast. Powell, says, “This is the time I love the most during their stay… listening as the vets mingle, connect, and begin to share their stories and experiences together.”
The vets are also greeted with a patriotic-themed floral arrangement in their guest rooms, made and donated this year by local florist, Gorham Village Floral, along with a welcome note thanking them for their outstanding service on behalf of us all. In the past, Sullivan’s Bakery has also donated cookies for the vets to enjoy. The PineCrest Inn feels blessed to honor our veterans each year and make their stay a memorable and special experience, and it is certainly a highlight for its innkeeper to be able to give back in appreciation.
Each year, Powell also honors veterans by donating wreaths as part of the Wreaths Across America program.
For more information on the Inn, visit www.pinecrestmaine.com. They are here to also host your visiting family and friends throughout the year and to host small special events like anniversaries and baby or bridal showers.