Let’s Party!
When
Saturday, June 14, 2025
1:00 - 5:00 pm
Where
The party will be held at the McKernan Inn in South Portland, Maine, overlooking beautiful, Casco Bay.
122 McKernan Drive
South Portland, Maine 04106
We have other activities that we welcome you to join during the weekend.
Please read the “celebration activities” section on this page.
Celebration Activities
Celebration Activities
Free parking is available in Fort Williams Park in the Overflow Parking Lot. For the walking tour and yoga, there is slightly closer parking available for an hourly rate.
Walking Tour of Fort Williams Park
Join Garry Gribble, Dottie’s son-in-law, and Dottie herself!
Fort Williams Park, Cape Elizabeth
Friday, June 13, 3:00 - 4:00 pm
Meet at Portland Head Light
Let’s start this party weekend with a walk in the park - Fort Williams Park, that is! Join Dottie and Garry for a walking tour of Fort Williams, home to the iconic Portland Head Light, said to be the most photographed lighthouse in the world!
The walk will start at Portland Head Light, so after parking, head to the beacon!
Free parking is available in the "Overflow Parking.” For the GPS location of this lot, click here.
For GPS location of the closest paid parking, click here.
Bird Watching Walk
Join Gary and Mike, two of Dottie’s sons, on a birding walk in Cape Elizabeth!
Robinson Woods, Cape Elizabeth
Saturday, June 14, 8:00-9:15 am
Join Gary and Mike Gray on a Birding Hike in Robinson Woods Preserve on Saturday, June 14th at 8:00am. We will explore a 1.5-mile loop trail near Cape Elizabeth, Maine. Generally considered an easy route, it is a popular trail for birding. It takes an average of 30 min to complete but with all our really exciting activities, it may take more like an hour.
Gary and Mike have zero (nada, nil) experience at bird watching, so expectations should be very low. However, Prizes Will Be Awarded!!! We hope you can join us.
After yoga class in Fort Williams Park, we will be serving orange juice and/or mimosas.
Pull-in parking is available on Shore Road. For the GPS location, click here.
Outdoor Yoga
Join Sandy, Dottie’s daughter, for yoga for all ages and abilities!
Fort Williams Park, Cape Elizabeth
Saturday, June 14, 9:30-10:30 am
Goddard Mansion Lawn
As part of Dottie’s birthday celebration, I hope you will join me for yoga with views of Casco Bay and the Ram Island Ledge Light. I have my 200 hour yoga certification and will guide you through a yoga flow suitable for all levels, i.e., I can help make the flow both easier and more challenging!
We hope to be outside, so we won’t need mats (maybe just a beach towel). If you are driving, or just like to bring extra luggage, please feel free to bring a mat or two, blocks if you have them, and something comfortable to wear.
Free parking is available in the "Overflow Parking.” For the GPS location of this lot, click here.
For the GPS location of the closest paid parking, click here.
Pickleball!
Join Bobby, Dottie’s son, and Jim Baygents, Dottie’s son-in-law, along with local pickleball pro, Dave Cousins.
Fort Williams Park, Cape Elizabeth
Sunday, June 15, 3:00-5:00 pm
Tennis Courts at Fort Williams Park
One last get-together! Players of all levels, grab your paddle and meet us at the courts! Bobby, Jim, and Dave will facilitate group play for all levels. We have plenty of paddles for anyone who needs one so just be sure to come with proper footwear! We will round up some lawn chairs as spectators are encouraged to attend! Hecklers are especially welcome!
Free parking is available in the "Overflow Parking.” For the GPS location of this lot, click here. This parking lot it the closest to the courts. To get as close as possible, drive to the far end.
Frequently Asked Questions
Gifts?
Your presence is gift enough! Should you wish to bring something, a card would be a wonderful contribution to the celebration.
In lieu of a gift, we invite you to support organizations that Dottie has chosen to honor her birthday, if you desire.
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Dottie attends programming at the Samuel L. Cohen Center - Adult Day Program weekly, engaging in activities from noodle hockey to music and art. The Center has provided Dottie with wonderful recreational activities, exercise sessions, and social opportunities since her move to Maine. Dottie enjoys winning Bingo and spending time with peers.
To donate, visit the website for the Southern Maine Agency on Aging (SMAAA), and click the “donate” button. In the comment box, write “Dottie’s 100th” and check the Tribute Gift Box. Using this code will direct all donations to support the programming Dottie has selected.
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The National Senior Games and its organizing association have held special meaning to Dottie for many years. Having participated in the games every year from 1987 - 2019, Dottie has made a wonderful community of friends among the athletes.
We invite you to make a donation in honor of “Dottie Gray’s 100th Birthday”, which can be included at the very end of the donation form. To make a donation, please click here!
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Calling all animals lovers! Help support the St. Louis Zoo by becoming a Zoo Parent. All donations go toward the daily feeding and care of the animal residents.
Dottie has been a longtime supporter of the St. Louis Zoo. From family visits to the annual Make Tracks through the Zoo 5k, Dottie has loved spending time at the Zoo. Support the their mission for wildlife conservation by becoming a Zoo Parent in honor of Dottie’s birthday.
For more information, please click here!
When should I RSVP?
Early RSVPs are always appreciated. However, we understand that attending the party may require significant planning. We ask attendees to RSVP no later than May 18, 2025.
Is parking available?
The McKernan Inn offers convenient onsite parking, including handicap accessible parking.
Is the inn accessible?
The McKernan Inn is fully ADA accessible.
How do we get to the party?
The easiest way to access the party venue is by car. There are many rental car options in the Greater Portland Area. Other options include ride shares, such as Uber or Lyft or Taxis.
Another option is a water taxi! Foggs Water Taxi offers convenient charters that pick-up right in the Old Port in Downtown Portland and can arrive conveniently at the docks at the Inn.
How should I dress?
We invite you to dress comfortably for a summer afternoon in Maine! Since we will be near the water, we suggest dressing in layers to ensure comfort.
Will there be food?
Light refreshments, including hors d'oeuvres and beverages, will be provided.
Where should I stay?
We have compiled a list of suggestions on the Travel page of this site. The Travel page is coming soon! Check back later for this information.