Girls on the Run is up and running! The 2025 season for the Berwick team begins Sunday, March 30 and runs through Sunday, June 1. The program culminates with the girls completing a celebratory 5K event at the end of the season. Practices will be held on Sundays and Wednesdays from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at Memorial Field at Berwick Recreation Department. This program is open to girls in third through fifth grade.
Girls on the Run is an international nonprofit that offers local running programs designed to strengthen girls’ social, emotional, physical, and behavioral skills. The curriculum helps participants build confidence, deepen relationships, and successfully navigate life experiences. The 10-week program incorporates physical activity to unlock essen-
tial life skills, encourage personal development, foster meaningful connections with others, and contribute to the community. Volunteer coaches work to increase self-confidence, develop healthy relationships, and help the girls feel good about themselves, inside and out. Throughout the season, coaches use a structured curriculum to engage teams in fun and interactive lessons.
Girls on the Run’s Heart & Sole program for sixth- to eighthgrade girls provides a positive, structured space uniquely designed to meet the needs of this
York Parks & Rec Launches Surf Club
YORKLocal surfer Sean Dandley, in partnership with York Parks and Recreation Director Peter Murray, is launching a new project for area teens: the York Surf Club. Dandley and his wife, Jane, have already donated $10,000 in startup funds to launch the club, with plans for continued annual donations if it succeeds.
Although the club’s plans
are still in the early stages, Murray and Dandley will hold meetings to gather input from interested teens in the area. Activities are expected to begin in midMay, with most events taking place at Long Sands Beach.
Prospective members must complete several tasks to receive the full benefits of club membership. All must pass a swim test, which includes swimming 100 yards, treading water for 60 seconds, and pulling themselves onto a surfboard in overhead water. Swim tests will be held in April, with dates to be determined. The club will also hold weekly land training sessions in late April and early May to cover basic surfing techniques, preparing participants to get in the water by mid-May. Surfing lessons will be provided based on each participant’s experience and progress. These weekly meetups will offer a fun opportunity for instructors and experienced surfers to help newcomers develop skills, from the basics to intermediate techniques.
Benefits of joining the York Surf Club include learning to
age group and is open to everyone, regardless of athletic ability. The lessons are girl-centered, encouraging participants to use their voices while learning problem-solving techniques, overcoming obstacles, setting boundaries, and asking for and providing help when needed.
Girls on the Run Maine has served thousands of girls at over 150 sites across the state since 2012. The nonprofit organization is always seeking volunteer coaches to facilitate the program
See GIRLS on page 12 . . .
surf, receiving fully outfitted surf gear after passing the swim test, enjoying free surfing lessons, and building camaraderie with fellow club members. Those who do not already own a surfboard will receive an epoxy surfboard to use. Members will also receive a York Surf Club sweatshirt and have the chance to develop new friendships while having fun surfing.
For those interested in joining the club, preliminary meetings will be held at York High School in the Alumni Room on Thursday, March 27, and Monday, March 31, at 2:15 p.m. While long-term plans for the club will be developed with participants, a general outline for 2025 has been created to help jump-start the club.
For more information, visit www.yorkparksandrec.org/clubs and click on the link under “York Surf Club.”
First Annual Super Plunge to Benefit Special Olympics Maine
OGUNQUIT -
The Maine Law Enforcement Torch Run, a grassroots fundraising program benefiting Special Olympics Maine, is excited to announce its first annual Super Plunge event on Saturday, March 29, and Sunday, March 30, at the Norseman Resort in Ogunquit. The Super Plunge is not your average dip, but rather a test of endurance, dedication, and heart, supporting Special Olympics programs across the state.
The 24-hour challenge will see 15 brave plungers take an icy dive into the Atlantic every hour on the hour for 24 hours. All proceeds from the event will support Special Olympics Maine, empowering athletes with intellectual disabilities through sports
and year-round opportunities. Each plunger has committed to raising a minimum of $2,400. One local business owner, Scottie Vogel (pictured below) of Crew Ogunquit and
Stay; for Life Hosts Men’s Health Event
WELLS -
The community is invited to attend a powerful public presentation on men’s mental health awareness and suicide prevention, hosted by the Maine-based suicide prevention organization Stay; For Life. The event will take place on Wednesday, March 26 at 6:30 p.m. in the Wells High School Auditorium. Admission is free, with donations welcome to support the non-profit organization and their mental health initiatives.
The evening will feature Angela Whitten (pictured), cofounder and executive director of Stay; For Life. Angela will share her personal journey as a mother who lost her son to suicide. She will offer profound insights into the critical importance of mental health awareness and provide attendees with practical strategies and free resources to navigate difficult situations, including suicidal ideation.
This presentation is open to all and aims to foster a supportive and informed community. While Angela will present with thought-
fulness and sensitivity on the subjects of mental health and suicide, it is recommended that attendees be at least 13 years old. This event offers valuable insight and hope to those impacted by mental health challenges, whether personally or through a loved one.
Stay; for Life is a Mainebased 501(c)3 non-profit organization founded after 18-year-old Trent Gibson took his own life in 2022. Its mission is to save lives by advocating for men’s mental health and suicide prevention.
Wells High School is located at 200 Sanford Road in Wells. For more information, visit www.stayforlife.org, email stayforlife2022@gmail.com or call 207-608-1141.
See PLUNGE on page 12 . . .
~ News ~
Annual Fundraiser for Haitian School “Trust in Education” Program
SEACOAST -
A book group from the Seacoast area is an unlikely host for a group of Haitian musicians coming to town. After all, most book groups read books, drink wine, or talk about politics and family.
But eight women from southern Maine and New Hampshire, who have been meeting to talk books since 2008, have become organizers of an annual fundraiser that has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for a school in northern Haiti.
This year, the 15th annual Caribbean Nights Party for Haiti on April 4 at 3S ArtSpace in Portsmouth, NH, will feature a band of more than a dozen Haitian musicians.
“For the first time ever, we are bringing Rara music, the festival music of Haiti, to the Seacoast,” said Agnes Charlesworth of Kittery, a member of the book group who has traveled several times to the school. “With everything going on in Haiti and for Haitians in America, we are excited to be able to introduce
MULCH MADNESS
some of the rich culture of this beautiful Caribbean country.”
In the past, the fundraiser for Life and Hope, the nonprofit that runs the Eben Ezer School, featured Combo Sabrosa, a popular Latin band from Boston led by Matt Jenson, a University of New Hampshire alum.
This year, Jenson will return as DJ Cklockwize to offer Latin, reggae, and other dance tunes in a second set following the performance by Rara Kandjanwou.
“The fundraiser for Life and Hope has been etched into stone for me each year as I see people in the Seacoast dancing for such a good cause,” said Jenson. “I’m glad to come back this year to see this awesome Haitian group and to help the members of the book group put on another fantastic happening.”
The first event for Life and Hope was organized in 2010, the year Haiti suffered an immense earthquake that leveled communities and killed more than 200,000 people in the southern part of the country. The dance brings in anywhere from $10,000 to $20,000 a year, as well as new sponsors.
The Eben Ezer School in Milot, just outside Haiti’s second-largest town of Cap Haitien, has an annual budget of about
KENNEBUNKPORTJillian Nunan and her son, Clayton, recently attended Kennebunkport Consolidated School’s (KCS) kindergarten field trip to the Kennebunkport Conservation Trust (KCT) headquarters and Emmons Preserve in early March. Jillian and Clayton, along with other students, began their lesson indoors before heading outside to apply their science skills. This is one of several partnerships between KCS and KCT held throughout the year through KCT’s Trust in Education program.
Trust in Education provides nature-based field trips for
$40,000 to educate 500 students.
Since then, the Eben Ezer School has grown from under 100 students, largely through the generosity of Seacoast supporters. More than 100 families have sponsored students for $220 a year, and 15 local sponsors each pay a teacher’s salary of $1,500 annually.
The school was founded in 2003 by Lucia Anglade, a Haitian American who grew up on the land that now holds the school. After Anglade moved to the United States and became a citizen, she wanted to give something back to her homeland and
students is RSU 21, which serves Kennebunkport, Kennebunk, and Arundel. The program also brings customized lessons into classrooms to meet the needs of educators, including homeschool programs.
Whether students are learning about magnets and forces or biospheres, Trust in Education creates tailored in-school programs to support teachers’ curriculum needs.
For more information about K-12 programming through the KCT, email Education Coordinator Jenna Van Haren at jenna@kporttrust.org, or visit www.kporttrust.org/educate.
received permission from her siblings to raze the family home and build a school.
“We love that this school is run by a Haitian woman for her own community,” said Joanne Stella of Portsmouth, a member of the book group who has helped organize the event from the start. “Our job is not to tell her how to do things in her own culture and country, but rather to help her have the resources to build a school and educate children.”
See SCHOOL on page 4 . . .
from page 2
Profits from the party will go toward bringing electricity into classrooms to support fans and computers. Once wired, the rooms will also be brighter.
It was Stella’s family background that helped spur the book group to run the fundraiser. The group was discussing ways to raise money when Stella mentioned her family’s history of organizing antique shows and other events.
The rest of the book club jumped on board after hearing stories of the school from Charlesworth and Amy Miller of South Berwick, who first met Lucia in 2007 during a visit to Haiti with her family.
Each year, on the day of the fundraiser, book group members create a tropical paradise at 3S and organize the event.
“The night is for a great cause, and directed to a country that this year is facing particular-
ly hard times,” noted Dr. Susan Murray of Kittery, a book group member who ran a clinic at the school in 2016.
“Even though we recognize the challenges and even tragedies facing Haiti, we work to make this fundraiser a celebration of local supporters, whose efforts serve a wonderful community in Haiti,” said Celeste Ledoux of Portsmouth, also a group member and an accountant who handles money for the event.
The Caribbean Nights Party for Haiti begins at 7 p.m. with a slideshow about the school. At 8 p.m., Rara Kandjanwou will bring the crowd alive, and at 9 p.m., DJ Cklockwize will begin spinning Latin, reggae, and other dance tunes. 3S ArtSpace is located at 319 Vaughan Street in Portsmouth, NH. Tickets are $30 in advance and $40 at the door. For more information, visit www. lifeandhopehaiti.org.
Photo of Eben Ezer School below.
Animal Welfare Society
KENNEBUNK -
Why are big dogs the best?
Dogs come in all shapes and sizes, but this week, the Animal Welfare Society (AWS) is highlighting what makes larger-thanaverage dogs so wonderful. For this week’s Pet of the Week, AWS is featuring not just one, but all six of its incredible big dogs.
What is considered a “big” dog? While breed standards vary, veterinarians typically define a large dog as one weighing more than 50 lbs.
Caleb’s Opus
WELLSCome meet puppies at Waggerstown! Caleb’s Opus is partnering with Waggerstown to host a meet-and-greet with the rescue’s available puppies. Waggerstown has generously allowed Caleb’s Opus’ rescue team to use its grooming lobby to showcase puppies ready for adoption. Finding foster and permanent homes for rescue dogs takes a community effort, and the teams from both organizations are working together to make it happen.
The public is invited to meet the adoptable puppies (such as Teeter, pictured above) on Sunday, March 23, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Waggerstown, 1517 Post Road in Wells. The event will take place in Waggerstown’s grooming building, located in the same parking lot.
Caleb’s Opus is grateful for Waggerstown’s generosity and its decade-long commitment to the community. This partnership helps Caleb’s Opus connect rescue dogs with loving homes.
Caleb’s Opus is a small, foster-based rescue team dedicated to securing loving homes and families for the misplaced, abandoned, and homeless dogs who need help the most.
Caleb’s Opus is seeking foster homes for puppies and adult dogs awaiting adoption. The rescue provides all necessary supplies at no cost; fosters simply offer care, love, and companionship. Even occasional fostering, a few times a year, can make a significant impact and help save a dog’s life. Those interested in fostering are encouraged to reach out for more information. Thank you!
Big Dog, Big Heart
While their size may be large, big dogs are often bred to be loyal, loving, and gentle. Many were originally bred to assist humans – think Saint Bernards or Newfoundlands – and make fantastic companions. Big dogs have plenty of affection to share, just like Peaches (pictured), who has an endless amount of love to give.
They are Adventurous
Dogs of all sizes can be fun and energetic, but big dogs don’t mind getting dirty! They can be gentle with humans while also tolerating rougher play and are often built for swimming and running. Many have coats that withstand the elements, making them great companions for those with an adventurous spirit. AWS’ friend Bruno is an active
~ Pets ~
dog who can’t wait to find his new hiking partner.
They are Great Watchdogs
With their size and natural loyalty, larger breeds make excellent watchdogs. Always ready to keep an eye on things, a big dog will be the first to alert you to any activity around the home. They will be sure to let you know when a package arrives! AWS knows Cleo will be on the lookout in her new home.
There’s More to Love
AWS knows a big dog equals a big heart, and with
Safe Haven Humane Society
WELLS -
Over the years, Safe Haven has taken in many abused cats in need of special homes, always working to find them the best families. Danica and Obie are two more innocent creatures who endured terrible abuse, and their stories deserve to be told.
Danica’s story: A man thought it was “good enough” for a cat to live as a mouser in his dark, dirt-floor garage. So he tossed a sweet two-year old kitty inside and locked the door. This poor cat lived in the garage as a mouser for ten years until someone discovered her plight, and he was forced to surrender the then 12 year old traumatized cat.
The garage was filthy, leaving Danica with nowhere to live but in the bare rafters, year after year. There were no windows. It was cold, dark, lonely, and frightening.
Poor Danica never knew kindness. She had no companionship, no blankets to keep her warm at night – only mice, misery, and food occasionally tossed onto the filthy dirt floor.
After she was rescued, Danica received 10 years of overdue medical care. Though she has healed physically, the sad tiger kitty remains traumatized and haunted by her past.
Danica is now 15. She finds solace in Safe Haven’s sunny farmhouse and adores the bright, warm light that streams through the windows. Her health is good except for arthritis, for which she receives a monthly pain injection to stay comfortable.
Danica remains fearful
and cautious, still reacting to the trauma of spending 10 years alone, trapped in a garage. She lost a decade of her life there, cheated out of anything good.
Her primary comfort now is the sun porch and the companionship of her best friends, Obie and LaVerne. Volunteers continue to gently coax Danica out of her fear and depression. Recently, she has been hiding less and responding to treats, but she still has a long journey ahead. The hope is that she will experience happiness in her lifetime.
Obie’s story: Obie arrived at Safe Haven as an injured feral with facial cuts and scars, a disease-ravaged ear, fractured teeth, a filthy, tick-infested coat, and a bullet lodged somewhere inside him.
In all the years of rescue work at Safe Haven, no cat has had a sadder, more hopeless face or a more battle-worn body than poor Obie.
Safe Haven has had this wonderful survivor for a couple of years now, and he and Danica have developed a special bond. Despite being only 5 years old, Obie suffers from arthritis due to being shot and receives a monthly pain injection from the vet. Obie is beautiful, with long, blond and white fur.
their size, there’s even more to love. They may take up extra space on the couch or bed, but these snuggly dogs make excellent weighted blankets during cuddle time. Who wouldn’t want a big hug and a snuggle session with a bundle of love? AWS’ pal Link can’t wait to find his perfect snuggle partner.
They are Great Companions
Now that the benefits of big dogs are clear, AWS wants to introduce the big dogs currently waiting to be adopted.
Lettie, 5 years old, 58 lbs., is an affectionate and fun dog who loves being outside and going on adventures. Peaches, 5 years old, 58 lbs., is a wonderful companion for someone looking for a sweet, active, and fun dog.
Link, 4 years old, 61 lbs., is a lovable dog who enjoys snuggling.
Emjay, 5 years old, 68 lbs., is a gentle soul with an easygoing
personality, looking for a family that matches her relaxed nature. Cleo, 2 years old, 55 lbs., is an energetic dog eager for a life full of playtime and adventure. Bruno, 1 year old, 54 lbs., is a friendly and playful young pup with a loving personality and makes an excellent companion. In addition to finding forever homes for their animals, AWS is also looking for foster families. All dogs thrive with some time away from the kennels and time with a family, and the big dogs at AWS are often the ones who need it most. Call AWS today, or stop in to meet the big boys and girls in person! Thank you!
He is more confident now but still a bit shy. He plays, loves catnip, and enjoys the company of the caregivers. With love, he will continue to grow happier and more confident.
Danica and Obie share the sunny living room of the farmhouse with LaVerne, a 2-year-old tortoiseshell who arrived last year and, a day later, gave birth to four kittens. All of her kittens have been adopted, and now she has formed a loving friendship with both Danica and Obie.
The three are bonded, and Safe Haven would like to keep them together. The team understands that finding someone willing to adopt three cats, two of whom were abused and remain fearful, is a challenge. However, they hope that telling their stories will reach the right
person. Safe Haven would continue to cover the cost of Danica and Obie’s monthly pain injections, preferably from their vet. These poor cats deserve happiness and lots of love. Help Safe Haven find it for them! Call the shelter or fill out an application online. Thank you!
Marshwood’s Riley Smith Represents SRTC State Capitol
SOUTH BERWICK -
On Wednesday, February 5, Marshwood High School junior Riley Smith represented Sanford Regional Technical Center (SRTC) at the Maine State Capitol in Augusta to help launch Career and Technical Education Month.
Clean Energy Jobs Continue to Grow in Maine
STATEWIDE -
state’s economy in 2023.
During the event, Riley had the opportunity to meet and engage with Maine legislators, state leaders, and staff. She currently serves as Secretary of SRTC’s SkillsUSA chapter, a national organization that prepares students to become skilled professionals, career-ready leaders, and responsible community members.
The Governor’s Energy Office (GEO) recently announced that clean energy jobs are continuing to grow in Maine, according to the latest Maine Clean Energy Industry Report.
Later this year, Riley will compete in the SkillsUSA competition in Bangor, demonstrating the skills she has developed in the Digital Design program. Strong performance at this event could lead to national-level competition or scholarship opportunities.
Congratulations, Riley!
The report, an independent analysis that uses data from the U.S. Department of Energy, finds that clean energy jobs in Maine have reached nearly 15,600, growing at a rate nearly twice that of the state’s overall workforce since 2019. Clean energy jobs are on the rise in nearly all Maine counties, with rural counties experiencing the most growth.
According to the report, Somerset County has the highest percentage of clean energy jobs compared to its total workforce; Piscataquis County experienced a 46% increase in clean energy jobs between 2020 and 2023, the largest in the state; and Penobscot County added 335 total clean energy jobs between 2020 and 2023, the most of any county.
The report, commissioned annually by GEO to analyze the sector’s workforce, has found that the growth of Maine’s clean energy sector has outpaced that of other New England states to contribute nearly $3 billion to the
Legislation to Modernize Ocean Mapping for Boat Navigation
NATIONWIDE -
U.S. Senators Angus King (I-ME) and Ted Cruz (R-TX) recently introduced bipartisan legislation to modernize mapping information on public oceans in an effort to improve public safety and provide navigation guidance through a user-friendly smartphone app. The Modernizing Access to Our Public Oceans (MAPOceans) Act would require the federal government to standardize and digitize ocean recreation and navigation data, creating a centralized resource to ensure safe and responsible recreation for sportsmen and women.
The bill would direct the consolidation and digitization of
boating and recreational fishing information for federally managed marine waters and fisheries administered by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
By leveraging modern technology found in smartphone applications, the MAPOceans Act will provide anglers, boaters, and other users with the information they need to safely and legally enjoy offshore waters and federal saltwater fisheries.
“Maine’s Atlantic coastline is an incredible natural treasure and one that attracts outdoor enthusiasts from around the country. If you want to enjoy the water, there should be an app for
Please join us at our next monthly NORTH BERWICK REPUBLICAN COMMITTEE
Wednesday, March 26
Doors open at 6:15pm Meeting starts at 6:30pm
Open to all registered North Berwick Republicans
NORTH BERWICK TOWN HALL
21 Main St, Room 212 on the Second Floor
For more information, email northberwickgop@gmail.com
Mark Rouillard, Chair, 207-432-1777
Ernie Houle, Vice Chair, 207-676-3168
Kelly Rouillard, Secretary & Treasurer, 207-459-6530
that purpose,” said King. “The bipartisan MAPOceans Act would combine all the available information about ocean recreation and navigation into a one-stop resource containing information about ocean recreation and navigation that you can hold in the palm of your hand. From deepsea anglers to sailors and lobstermen, this legislation ensures that every person seeking adventure in Maine has the opportunity to do so safely and responsibly.”
“Many Texans and Americans enjoy recreational fishing and boating, but it can be difficult to find reliable information about
access to waterways and restricted areas,” said Cruz. “I am proud to lead the effort to ensure anglers, boaters, and other users have easy access to accurate information... so they can focus on appreciating what America’s beautiful waterways have to offer.”
The MAPOceans Act marks a significant step forward in modernizing ocean management and enhancing public access to vital navigation information. By utilizing modern technology, this bipartisan legislation aims to improve safety and sustainability for recreational users of the nation’s oceans.
New Bill Aims to Secure Critical Mineral Supply Chains
NATIONWIDE -
Bipartisan legislation was recently introduced in the Senate to secure U.S. access to critical mineral supply chains and reduce China’s influence on America’s economy. The Critical Minerals Security Act would direct the U.S. Department of the Interior to assess the global supply and ownership of critical minerals, assist U.S. companies in divesting foreign critical mineral operations, and develop a method for sharing intellectual property related to clean mining and processing technologies with U.S. allies and partners.
Critical minerals such as lithium, nickel, cobalt, and rare earth elements are essential for
“The clean energy sector is playing an increasingly important role in Maine’s economy, contributing billions and providing a steady stream of good job opportunities for Maine people,” said Dan Burgess, Director of the Maine Governor’s Energy Office. “Recent growth in Maine’s clean energy economy has not only helped to reduce energy costs for Maine people and businesses but has also created important new career pathways and opportunities for people with different skills from across the state.”
“Maine’s growing clean energy workforce offers a wide variety of quality career opportunities, with pathways to in-demand occupations such as electricians, heat pump installers, and weatherization technicians,” said Labor Commissioner Laura Fortman. “We are seeing a deep interest in these skilled trades… that both meet employer needs and advance Maine’s climate and housing goals.… Registered apprenticeships are particularly effective in connecting people with these opportunities.”
The report analyzes employment across five key clean energy sectors: energy efficiency, clean power generation, transportation, grid and storage, and renewable fuels. Of those sectors, the largest was energy efficiency, which accounted for more than 9,000 jobs, or nearly 60% of Maine’s clean energy workforce. Energy efficiency jobs include heat pump installation and maintenance, weatherization services, and traditional HVAC, among other related professions.
military equipment and defense systems, as well as emerging technologies like electric vehicles and power grid storage. China currently dominates the mining, processing, and manufacturing of most of these minerals, raising significant economic and national security concerns. The legislation aims to secure a reliable supply of these critical minerals for the United States.
“Critical minerals are essential to America’s national security and energy resiliency since these raw materials are used to power everything from complex military technologies to personal goods like smartphones,” said Senator
See MINERALS on page 11 . . .
Supported by the Governor’s Maine Jobs & Recovery Plan, GEO launched the Clean Energy Partnership, working with other state agencies, employers, schools and colleges, and workforce training organizations to expand employment opportunities in the clean energy sector to reach Governor Mills’ goal of 30,000 clean energy jobs by 2030.
Through the partnership, GEO supports workforce training programs to equip Maine workers with skills for clean energy careers. Since 2022, GEO has awarded nearly $5 million in grants for workforce development, attracting new workers, providing training and upskilling, and facilitating entry into the clean energy job market. In 2023, the office awarded $1.3 million in grants to support clean energy innovation through business accelerator and incubator programs statewide.
Last year, GEO launched the Maine Clean Energy Jobs Network, an online job board that connects jobs seekers with Maine-based clean energy employers and training programs. The website currently lists dozens of open positions, employers, and training opportunities located across the state. For more information, visit www.maine.gov/energy.
Town of Eliot
Eliot Food Pantry
Thursdays, 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. and 5:30-6:30 p.m. at t he Eliot Baptist Church, 912 Dow Hwy. (Rte. 236), Eliot. Donations accepted at the same time and place. FMI: 207-748-1248.
Towns of Kennebunk & Kennebunkport
Cards & Camaraderie
Community Game Night Thursdays, 6-8 p.m. and Fridays, 9-11 a.m. at The Center, 175 Port Rd., Kennebunk. Enjoy games at the center, or bring one along! No
skills required, open to all adults in the community. Sign-ups appreciated. FMI: 207-204-0004 or karleensideas@gmail.com.
efforts in Kittery, share feedback, and help shape the future of transportation in the area. FMI: www. safespeedskittery.com.
el Church Hall, 6 Whipple Rd., Kittery. In-person and take-out meals. FMI: 207-439-0442.
Town of North Berwick
Clam Digging Season Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only, with a limit of one peck per week. FMI: https://tinyurl.com/ KbptShellfish2025 or contact Shellfish Warden Everett Leach at 207-608-1163.
Communications Survey
North Berwick Food Pantry
Free Community Soup
10 a.m. - 12 p.m. at St. David’s Episcopal Church, 138 York St., Kennebunk. Held on the fourth Tuesday of each month. Upcoming: March 25.
Town of Kittery
Public Workshop and Survey
Tuesday, March 25, 5:30-7 p.m. at Kittery Community Center’s STAR Theatre, 120 Rogers Rd., Kittery. Interactive workshop to learn about traffic calming and parking
The Town of Kittery is conducting a brief survey to better understand how residents receive and share information from the town. The feedback will help town offi cials enhance communication efforts and keep the public informed. FMI: www.surveymonkey.com/r/ vm3hwcc.
Clam Digging Season
Now until April 30. Clamming licenses are required, and are available at the Kittery Town Clerk offices, 200 Rogers Rd., Kittery and online. FMI: www.kitteryme.gov/ shellfish-conservation-committee or Shellfish Warden Chuck Moran at cmoran@kitteryme.org.
Free Meal Thursdays 4-5 p.m. Thursdays at St. Rapha-
At the Mary Hurd Academy, 77 High St., North Berwick. Drivethrough pantry open Mondays, 3:30-5:30 p.m. Enter on High St. (Rte. 4) near the yurt. Open to all, not just town residents! FMI: nbfdpantry@gmail.com or find on Facebook.
Town of Ogunquit
Kindergarten Registration
Kindergarten registration for Wells and Ogunquit children will be ongoing throughout the month of March. Children who will be fi ve years of age on or before October 15, 2025 are eligible to register. Documents that cannot be uploaded online should be brought to the WES Main Office by the end of March. FMI: http://bit.ly/ weskinder or www.k12wocsd.net.
Show Me The Money!
Clam Digging Season
Sundays only until March 30. FMI: www.ogunquit.gov/239/shellfishlicense.
Ogunquit Tax Club
Applications for Ogunquit’sTax Club are now available. Applications are very brief and easy to fill out. FMI: www.ogunquit.gov/505/ property-tax-information.
Town of South Berwick
South Berwick
Community Food Pantry Thursdays, 6-7:30 p.m. and Fridays, 10-11:30 a.m. at 47 Ross St., South Berwick. The pantry serves South Berwick residents with food and household supplies. Registration required. FMI: southberwickfoodpantry@gmail.com, bpote@ sbpd.us, 207-384-4324, or 207651-5171.
Town of Wells
Kindergarten Registration
Kindergarten registration for Wells and Ogunquit children will be ongoing throughout the month of March. Children who will be fi ve years of age on or before October 15, 2025 are eligible to register. Documents that cannot be uploaded online should be brought to the WES Main Office by end of day Friday, March 28. FMI: http:// bit.ly/weskinder or www.k12wocsd.net.
Clam Digging Season
On select Mondays, Saturdays, and Sundays until March 30. Clamming licenses are required, and are available at the Wells Town Clerk offi ces, 208 Sanford
See WELLS on page 9 . . .
Rd., Wells. FMI: www.wellstown. org/1087/shellfi sh-information or 207-646-2882.
Town of York
Clam Digging Season
Sundays only until April 28. Clamming licenses are required, and are available at the York Town Clerk’s office, 186 York St., York. FMI: www.yorkmaine. org/609/2024-2025-clamminglicense or 207-363-1003.
Monthly Happenings
Dementia Support Group
4-5:30 p.m. at Home Instead, 71 Post Rd., Wells. Last Tuesday of the month. A free dementia support group offered by Home Instead and the Alzheimer’s Association. RSVP required. Upcoming: March 25. FMI: 207-641-1155.
OPTIONS Clinic
9:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. at the Wells Police Dept., 1563 Post Rd., Wells. Second and fourth Wednesday of the month. Education and resources for overdose prevention. Contact for dates. FMI: www. knowyouroptions.me, www.sweetser.org, lmbailey@sweetser.org, or 207-468-4015.
TREE Meeting
Every other Saturday at the Kittery Community Center, 120 Rogers Rd., Kittery. TREE (Thrive, Recover, Educate, Empower) is a group for people healing from or dealing with a narcissist. FMI: kitterytree@ gmail.com.
Weekly Happenings
Nordic Pole Walks
Mondays at 9 a.m. at Hope Woods, Kennebunk. Participants meet instructors at the trailhead of Hope Woods at the end of Hope Trail Lane off Barnard St. Poles provided. Free, registration appreciated. FMI: https://kennebunkportme.myrec.com.
Wells-Kennebunk Pickleball
Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. at Messiah Christian Church, 2700 Post Rd. (Rte. 1), Wells. Monday
~ Calendar of Events ~
and Wednesday: beginner-intermediate; Tuesday and Thursday: advanced; Friday: intermediateadvanced. $5 per person. All are welcome. FMI: 207-985-9287.
HiSET and ESL Classes in Kittery
Mondays, 12-2 p.m., Tuesdays, and Thursdays, 6-8 p.m. at Kittery Adult Education, 12 Williams Ave., Kittery. Free for Maine residents. FMI: 207-351-0167.
Tobacco & Nicotine Support
Mondays, 6-7:30 p.m. at St. David’s Episcopal Church, 138 York St., Kennebunk. In-person group provides information and supportive resources to those trying to quit. Free and confidential. FMI: edward.perka@yahoo.com.
Virtual Morning Yoga
Tuesdays until April 29, 8-9:15 a.m., via Zoom. Begin your day with a gentle Hatha yoga class designed to increase strength, fl exibility, endurance, focus, and concentration. Nine-week series for $108/$90. Registration required at suzanne@wellsnerr.org, www.wellsreserve.org/calendar, or 207-646-1555.
HiSET and ESL Classes in South Berwick
Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. at Marshwood High School, 260 Dow Hwy., South Berwick. Register any time with Marshwood Adult & Community Education. FMI: 207-351-0167.
TOPS Weekly Meetings
Tuesdays, 5 p.m. at Bethel Christian Church, 129 Main St., North Berwick. TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) is a non-profit weight loss support group. FMI: 207475-6735.
Stay; Man to Man Peer Support Group
Tuesdays, 6:30-7:30 p.m., in the barn at Laudholm Farm, 342 Laudholm Farm Rd., Wells. A comfortable, destigmatized environment for men to meet and chat about issues on their minds. Discussions are low-key, nonjudgemental, and laid-back. Organized by Stay; For Life. Free. FMI: www.stayforlife.org or stayforlife2022@gmail.com.
Moderate Exercise Classes
Wednesdays an d Fridays, 9-10 a.m. at Dunaway Center Auditorium, 23 School St., Ogunquit. Emphasis on balance, strength, training, and laughter. No sign-up necessary. Free. All are welcome. FMI: 207-361-8100.
GriefShare Wednesdays, 10-11:30 a.m. at
Cape Neddick Baptist Church, 34 River Rd., Cape Neddick. Faithbased seminar and support group for those suffering from the loss of a loved one. No cost or obligation to attend any or all sessions. Meets weekly through April 2. FMI and to register: www.griefshare. org/findagroup.
GriefShare Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. at the First Baptist Church, 130 Main St., South Berwick. FMI and to register: www.griefshare.org/findagroup.
Overeaters Anonymous Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. at First Federated Parish Church, 150 Main St., South Berwick; Fridays at 9 a.m. at First Parish Church
Hall, 180 York St., York. For those who struggle with food, weight, or unwanted food behaviors. Free. FMI: www.oa.org.
Trailblazers Line Dancing Thursdays, 9:30 a.m. at the Trailblazers, 102 Bills Ln., Wells. $5 per person. FMI: 207-468-9747 or 207-468-2588.
Bluegrass Jam Band
Every other Saturday, 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. at Rice Public Library, 8 Wentworth St., Kittery. Bluegrass and country musicians get together to jam! Sessions open to the public - bring your instrument and start picking! Upcoming:
See WEEKLY on page 10 . . .
March 22, April 5. FMI: thomjsorrentino@gmail.com.
~ Calendar of Events ~
Friday, March 21
Benefit Spaghetti Supper
5-7
p.m. at The Kittery Lions Club, 117 State Rd., Kittery. Spaghetti,
meatballs, salad, bread, dessert, coffee, and tea. $10 for adults, $5 for children. All proceeds go to local Special Olympics. FMI: 207703-3032.
Painting & Carpentry
If you can drop off your vehicle, we can usually get you in and serviced within a day or two – along with a limited number of while-you-wait appointments every day for oil changes and state inspections. Just call or text for an appointment.
STATE INSPECTIONS TO ALL VETERANS AND FIRST RESPONDERS – THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!
We always have 40-60 reasonably-priced good cars for sale too. With our 33 years in business here at Village Motors, feel free to give us a try! Thank you, Steve “Hoaty” Houghton, Managing Partner
Friday, March 21 –
Saturday, March 22
The Wizard of Oz at WHS At Olenn Performing Arts Center at Wells High School (WHS), 200 Sanford Rd., Wells. The Wells Players present the enchanting stage adaptation of “The Wizard of Oz.” FMI for showtimes and tickets: https://tinyurl.com/WizardOfOzWHS or 207-646-7011.
Saturday, March 22
Beginning Watercolor with Bill Paarlberg
9 a.m. - 12 p.m. at the The Kittery Art Association, 2 Walker St., Kittery. Beginner watercolor class covers the basics, from using a brush and palette to mixing paint and making basic marks and washes. Step-by-step demonstrations and one-on-one help will build confidence to continue learning and painting. Registration required at www.kitteryartassociation.org/events or 207-451-9384.
Free Microchip, Rabies Vaccine Clinic
9 a.m. - 12 p.m. at Animal Welfare Society, 46 Holland Rd., Kennebunk. Dogs and cats over 12 weeks of age can receive a microchip, a rabies vaccine, or both. Free, donations always welcome and appreciated. Attendees should choose a time slot as well as which services their pets will need. Drop-ins welcome, as supplies last. FMI and to RSVP: www. animalwelfaresociety.org or 207292-2424.
Chowder Fest
At the American Legion Post 56, 647 Rte. 1, Meadow Brook Plaza, York. By donation only. FMI: www. ramsdellrogers.56.com or 207363-0376.
Curbside Café
5:30-6 p.m. at the First Congregational Church of Eliot, 1361 State Rd., Eliot. Eat in or go online to order ahead for pick up! Featuring Jeremy’s Shepherd’s Pie, a dinner roll, and a piece of homemade cake (chocolate, white, or carrot).
$12. Order ahead at www.eliotucc. org or join us in the fellowship hall. All proceeds go to the church’s ministries. FMI: 207-439-1105.
Saturday, March 22 – Sunday, March 23
Maine Maple Weekend
Maple syrup producers across
the state open their doors to the public for tours, games, and product sampling. A fun weekend of activities for the whole family! FMI: https://tinyurl.com/MaineMaple2025.
Sunday, March 23
Show Me The Money!
2 p.m. at York Elks Lodge #2788, 1704 Rte. 1, Cape Neddick. Doors open at 1 p.m. 20 games, $1 per card, Queen of Hearts 50/50 raffle, complimentary food at half-time, cash bar. FMI: 207-361-2788.
Good News Film Festival: Re-Greening the Desert” 4 p.m. at First Parish UU Church of Kennebunk, 114 Main St., Kennebunk. “Green Gold” highlights large-scale ecosystem restoration projects in China, Africa, South America, and the Middle East, showcasing their benefits for people and the planet. Plus “Food Forward” – Meet the food rebels who are growing food in cities. Part of an ongoing film series shown every Sunday at First Parish UUC until April 20. Free. FMI: www.uukennebunk.org or 207-985-3700.
Tuesday, March 25
2025 Medicare Options Info 1-2 p.m. at Spaulding Center, 175 Port Rd., Kennebunk. Kathy Kotakis of the Senior Planning Center provides information about United Healthcare Medicare plans. Free. RSVP required at 207-332-6732.
Free Lenten Soup To Go 4-5:30 p.m. at Union Congregational Church, 18 Church St., York. FMI: yb18crew@gmail.com or 207363-4821.
Cribbage Night
5-7 p.m. at the Wells Reserve at Laudholm, 342 Laudholm Farm Rd., Wells. A fun night of Cribbage. All playing levels welcome. Registration required at www.wellsreserve.org/calendar or 207-6461555.
Wednesday, March 26
Stitches of Death: Mourning Needlework and Women’s Education in Early America
6 p.m. via Zoom. Jamie L. Brummitt of the University of North Carolina Wilmington explores mourning pieces: needlework created by young women in academies from
See MAR.26 on page 11 . . .
Karen J. Hanson, 84
OGUNQUIT – Karen J. Hanson, of Grasshopper Lane, passed away at her home on Friday, March 7, 2025, surrounded by her family.
Born November 15, 1940, the daughter of Fred and Velma Jordan. Karen and her husband, Robert, owned and operated the Gorges Grant Hotel, the Juniper Hill Inn, and the Milestone.
Karen was predeceased by her husband, Robert Hanson, in 2011, and brother David Jordon.
She is survived by her children, Shari L. Hanson of Wells, David F. Hanson of York, David R. Hanson of York, and Robert C. Hanson of Kennebunkport; seven grandchildren; and sister Joyce Williams from Indiana.
Calling hours will be held on Saturday, March 29, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Bibber Memorial Chapel, 111 Chapel Street, in Wells. Burial will be at a later date at Hillside Cemetery in North Berwick.
To share a memory or leave a message of condolence, visit Karen’s Book of Memories page at www.bibberfuneral.com.
Arrangements are in the care of Bibber Memorial Chapel, 111 Chapel Road, in Wells.
Max A. Mitchell, 80
WELLS – Kind, good-natured, bold, spontaneous, and unconventional, Max saw the best in people. He would point out talents people might not even realize they had.
Max loved the open road and the sense of freedom he experienced in the natural world. He would take off with a small
~ Obituaries & News ~
backpack to seek great adventures, meals, lodging, and rides in unlikely places – including a “hitch” in a small plane with a doctor and amateur pilot.
Max loved sharing his time and his stories with people. He loved the Bush in Alaska, where he taught grades K-12, and Mexico.
He was a high school drum major and student council president, with a quick wit and fearless nature, though shy and reclusive.
Delivering fresh flowers at over 70 years old, Max went the extra mile, his deep basso voice singing “Happy Birthday.” He had the natural white hair, beard, and twinkling eyes of Santa Claus.
Many will remember Max for his long walks along Tatnic Hill, always acknowledging passersby with a wave or friendly words. He had equine, canine, and feline friends, along with an old white pine that he visited faithfully. Max wore a beautiful red winter jacket, professionally embroidered with “God Wins Thru Love.”
You will be missed, Max. Max A. Mitchell 11/6/1944 – 2/6/2025
Norman P. Schieren Sr., 93
ARUNDEL – N orman
“Norm” P. Schieren Sr., of Arundel, passed away peacefully at home on March 3, 2025, with his son and daughter at his side.
Norm was born in New York, NY, on November 30, 1931 where he grew up with his parents and six siblings, who have all predeceased him.
In 1958 after serving in the U.S. Army, Norm moved to Maine with his wife and their two small children to live the “good life” on a farm. He worked in woodworking by day and farmed in the evenings and weekends. He was a very hard worker, and completed his career working for Hussey Seating after 21 years.
Norm’s free time was spent with family. He loved hunting, fishing, and metal detecting. He
taught us all how to fish, especially his granddaughters, Julia E. Tito and Sarah V. Pickering. They spent many hours together pulling in the “big ones.” Norm was also renowned for his joke telling.
Later in life when he could no longer hunt, fish, or detect, he could be seen sitting out on his deck bird watching, waving at everyone who passed by. He was known as “Eagle Eye” by his granddaughters, since not much got past him!
Norm is survived by his ex-wife Charlotte H. Schieren, who remained a close partner for over 70 years; son Norman “Normie” P. Schieren Jr., a U.S. Navy career veteran; daughter Cheryl S. Clark, a nurse; sonin-law Michael T. Clark; eight grandchildren, six great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
A private family Celebration of Life will be held on his farm later this summer.
To share a memory or leave a message of condolence, visit Norm’s Book of Memories page at www.bibberfuneral.com. Arrangements are in the care of Bibber Memorial Chapel, 67 Summer Street, in Kennebunk.
Roy L. Wilson, Sr., 82
WELLS – Roy Wilson Sr. passed away on March 12, 2025, surrounded by his family, after a brief illness.
Roy was born on July 27, 1942, to Mary (Falcone) Wilson and George Wilson, in Portland. After graduating from New Britain High School in Connecticut, Roy enlisted in the Air Force where he served as a meteorologist until 1963. After fulfilling his duties, he started a career in Connecticut at WT Grants, becoming a district manager until the company closed.
Having an affinity for entrepreneurship, Roy created and operated several successful businesses. With a desire to return to Maine to raise his family, Roy moved his wife and children to Wells in 1979, where he resided for the remainder of his life. Roy
was an avid golfer and loved to cook. He received the most joy, however, spending time with his family.
He is survived by his wife of over 60 years, Patricia (Salamon) Wilson; son Roy Jr. and his wife Karen Troost Wilson; daughter Trisha Wilson; and his beloved grandsons who were the light of his life, Matthew and Jacob Wilson.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Make-A Wish Foundation of Maine at www.wish.org/ maine.
To share a memory or leave a message of condolence, visit Roy’s Book of Memories page at www.bibberfuneral.com. Arrangements are in care of Bibber
. . . MINERALS from page 6
Angus King, who co-wrote the legislation. “The bipartisan Critical Minerals Security Act would help us better understand and leverage the rare earth minerals supply chain, while also reducing our continued reliance on China for these minerals.”
The Critical Minerals Security Act would require the U.S. Secretary of the Interior to submit a report to Congress within one year of enactment and every two years thereafter on critical mineral and rare earth element (REE) resources worldwide. The report would cover resources controlled by the U.S., allies, partners, or foreign entities of concern; mines producing these minerals, including output estimates; foreign entities involved in mining; U.S. and allied entities in mining; collaboration opportunities with countries where foreign entities control operations; cases where entities were forced to divest due to foreign ownership concerns; instances where foreign entities acquired divested operations; and cases where foreign entities took over operations without government rulings.
U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), Mark Warner (D-VA), Todd Young (R-IN), James Lankford (R-OK), and John Hickenlooper (D-CO) also support the legislation.
Service for Michael T. Worrick-Soule
YORK – Michael T. Worrick-Soule passed away on Thursday, January 23, 2025. A service will be held on Saturday, March 29, 2025 at 1 p.m., at St. George’s Episcopal Church in York Harbor.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Michael’s memory to the Animal Welfare Society, P.O. Box 43, West Kennebunk, ME 04094 (www.animalwelfaresociety.org).
the 1790s to the 1850s. Brummitt examines their rise and decline and how women used them to preserve memories of the deceased. Free. FMI and to register: www. oldyork.org/events.
North Berwick
Republican Committee
6:30 p.m. at North Berwick Town Hall, 21 Main St., Room 212. Doors open at 6:15 p.m. Open to all registered North Berwick Republicans. FMI: northberwickgop@ gmail.com.
French-Canadian to FrancoAmerican: Identity and Migration in New England 7-8 p.m. at First Parish Federated Church, 150 Main St., South Berwick. Educator Camden Martin discusses the migration of nearly a million French-Canadians who left their homeland for New England, navigating a largely Anglo-Protestant culture while maintaining their language and customs. Free. Donations gratefully accepted. FMI: www.oldberwick.org, info@oldberwick.org, or 207-384-0000.
Thursday, March 27
Preschool Story Hour with Lyn Smith
10:30-11:30 a.m. at the Wells Reserve at Laudholm, 342 Laudholm Farm Rd., Wells. Local author Lyn Smith reads from her two picture books, “A Porcupine’s Promenade-An Encounter in the Winter Woods” and “What Makes an Opossum Tick?” Each story will be followed by a craft and songs. For ages 3-5 and their caregivers. Free, registration required at suzanne@wellsnerr.org, www. . . . MAR.26 from page 10
See MAR.27 on page 12 . . .
Memorial Chapel, 111 Chapel Road, in Wells.
People and Business Profiles
Rotary Clubs Of Kittery Join Adopt-A-Shelf Program
KITTERY
-
Working together, the Rotary Clubs of Kittery have joined the community rotation of recurring support for Footprints Food Pantry at Mainspring in Kittery. In January, over 100 lbs. of ground coffee were delivered to stock the shelves at the new location.
Footprints Food Pantry serves individuals and families in Kittery, Eliot, and nearby areas. One of their current programs asks community organizations to “Adopt a Shelf” of a different commodity each
month.
SOUTH BERWICKSouth Berwick Memorial VFW Post 5744 has launched a dedicated website, www. vfw5744.org, to improve communications with its members and provide an important reference for anyone wanting to learn more about the post. Webmaster Michael St. Pierre said that
members will be better able to track scheduled programs and activities and access meeting agendas and minutes. Citizens will be able to use the website to determine when and where patriotic observances are held. Nonmember veterans can learn about the post and see if they qualify for membership.
ELIOT -
On Friday, February 14, Senator Mark Lawrence of Eliot was reappointed to the MaineCanadian Legislative Advisory Commission by Senate President Mattie Daughtry of Brunswick.
“As the Senate chair of the Legislature’s Franco-American caucus, I take great pride in our state’s positive relationship with Canada. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Legislature and our neighbors to the north to move our regions forward,” said Lawrence. “My family, like many Maine families, has deep Franco roots, and I am excited to continue furthering our collaboration and partnership.”
The Maine-Canadian Legislative Advisory Commission advises the director of the MaineCanadian Legislative Advisory
from page 11
wellsreserve.org/calendar or 207646-1555.
Tree Grafting Workshop
5-6:30 p.m. at Nooney Farm, 22 Stevenson Rd., Kittery. Hands-on workshop with Cornelius Murphy of Foraculture, LLC and Kittery Land Trust. Participants learn grafting techniques to create their own fruit tree. $15 materials fee covers rootstock. All other supplies provided; participants may bring their own pruners, knives, gloves, etc., if desired. FMI and to register: www.kitterylandtrust. weebly.com/upcoming-events.
Wells Republican Town Committee
6-8 p.m. at the Wells Public Library, 1434 Post Rd., Wells. Door open 6 p.m., meeting 6:30 p.m. Meeting will focus on June elections, announced candidates, and ballot questions. Donations requested for Easter basket for St. Mary’s Ecumenical food pantry. Refreshments available. FMI: nford.wellsgop@gmail.com or 207-468-2395.
Saturday, March 29
The Kittery Rotary After Hours Club and the Rotary Club of Kittery have jointly committed to participating in the rotation. Those interested in helping can leave a message on the organization’s Facebook page or contact a local Rotarian. Monetary donations are also accepted, and the clubs will shop on behalf of donors.
For more information, visit www.kitteryrotary.org.
Sen. Mark Lawrence Reappointed to Maine-Canadian Legislative Advisory Commission
Office on the director’s duties and powers. The commission also assists the director in fostering increased cooperation between Maine and Canada, particularly between the Maine State Legislature and Canada’s legislative bodies. Finally, it supports the director in promoting economic, cultural, and educational exchanges between Maine and the Canadian provinces.
The Senate president ap -
National Vietnam War Veterans Day Observance
10-11:30 a.m. at Berwick Town Hall, 11 Sullivan St., Berwick. Join American Legion Post #79 for their annual National Vietnam War Veterans Day observance to honor Vietnam-era veterans, their families, and those who gave all. The names of Maine veterans who perished in the conflict will be read by District 1 Service Officer Lynn Rendell. FMI: www.berwickmelegionpost79.org.
Landing School Open House
1-3 p.m. at The Landing School of Boatbuilding & Design, 286 River Rd., Arundel. Learn about the marine industry at the Landing School’s open houses. The Landing School offers nine-month diploma programs in composite boatbuilding, marine systems, wooden boatbuilding, and yacht design. FMI: www.landingschool. edu or 207-985-7976.
Sunday, March 30
Parent Café
11 a.m. at First Parish Fellowship Hall, 180 York St., York. Parent
points six members: two for a term of one year and four who must be senators and serve from the date of appointment until their term in the Legislature expires. At least one member must be fluent in French, which Lawrence is.
Lawrence has served as a member of the Commission since 2019.
For more information, visit www.mainesenate.org.
. . PLUNGE from page 1
The Front Porch, will participate in the plunge as part of his efforts to raise money for the program.
The Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics is the movement’s largest grassroots fundraiser and public awareness initiative. At its core,
Café explores the challenges of parenthood, offering insights on building family resilience. Presented by Shannon Briggs of Kids Free to Grow in York County and Sally Manninen, director of community health at York Hospital. An engaging, informal, and fun event. FMI: eric@firstparishyork.net.
Good News Film Festival: “Join or Die”
4 p.m. at First Parish UU Church of Kennebunk, 114 Main St., Kennebunk. The decline of American communities presents a challenge to our democracy, but by rebuilding social capital through civic activities and clubs, we can help address the current crisis. Part of an ongoing film series shown every Sunday at First Parish UUC until April 20. Free. FMI: www.uukennebunk.org or 207-985-3700.
Poetry Open Mic
4:30-5 p.m. at the York Art Association, 394 York St., York. Hosted by the York Art Association. Signups for five-minute readings at the start of the event. FMI: www. yorkartassociation.com/events or 207-363-4049.
KITTERY -
Three Kittery nonprofits recently held their Annual “Souper” Bowl competition to see which group could collect the most cans of soup. The three organizations who participated were the Kittery Lions Club, the Kittery Rotary After Hours Club, and the Kittery Rotary
the Torch Run is an actual running event, where officers and athletes carry the Flame of Hope to the opening ceremonies of local Special Olympics competitions, as well as state and national games. Annually, more than 85,000 dedicated law enforcement officers participate in the Torch Run across 35 nations, 12 Canadian provinces, and 50 U.S. states, raising over $500 million since its inception in 1981.
The public is invited to come out and show their support for the plungers as they take on this challenge head-on. There is also still time to sign up as a sponsor for the event. Businesses
and provide critical leadership to its participants.
Based in Charlotte, NC, Girls on the Run is a nonprofit with local councils in all 50 states and Canada. Founded in 1996 with 13 girls, the organization has now benefited more than two million participants. The program helps girls in third through eighth grade develop social, emotional, and physical skills. With the largest 5K series by number of events, Girls on the Run hosts over 330 5Ks annually. It is recognized as a top research-based
Morning Club. Narrowly winning this year was the Kittery Rotary Morning Club! The big winner is Footprints Food Pantry at Mainspring in Kittery, where a total of 483 cans of soup were donated.
For more information, visit www.kitteryrotary.org.
donating $500 or more can sponsor a plunger and have their logo featured on the plunger’s shirt, while donations of $1,000 or more will be recognized as event sponsors.
The Super Plunge is an extreme challenge with an even greater purpose – helping Special Olympics Maine athletes thrive through sports, inclusion, and community support.
The Norsemen Resort is located at 135 Beach Street in Ogunquit. For more information and to sponsor, visit www.somaine.org/the-first-ever-superplunge or call Special Olympics Maine at 207-879-0489
program by Harvard University and the National Afterschool Association (NAA) as one of the most influential after-school programs. Girls on the Run is offered at more than 13,000 sites across the U.S.
For more information, visit www.girlsontherunmaine.org/ programs, email head coach Bethany Raffaele at bethany. raffaele81@gmail.com, or call 207-747-5677. For more information about volunteer coaching opportunities, visit www.girlsontherunmaine.org/coach.
. . . GIRLS from page 1
.
"Souper Bowl" Benefits Food Pantry
~ Arts & Entertainment ~
“History Talks” at Kittery Historical &
KITTERY
The Kittery Historical & Naval Society presents its third History Talks lecture of 2025, “The General and the Prince,” by D. Allan Kerr. The event will take place Thursday, March 27, at 7 p.m. at the Kittery Community Center’s Star Theatre. Kerr, a Kittery historian, is known for his expertise in the region’s maritime and military history.
The story of Kittery native General William Whipple reflects the Colonial struggle for independence from England nearly 250 years ago. The story of the general and his enslaved manservant, Prince, embodies a young country’s fight for independence while at the same time
coming to terms with the human rights violations tied with slave ownership.
Whipple, born in Kittery in 1730, had a rather adventurous life. He started his maritime career as a cabin boy and went on to become a merchant sea captain, a brigadier general in the New Hampshire militia during the Revolutionary War, and a member of the Second Continental Congress. He manned a cannon at the Battle of Saratoga and helped negotiate the surrender of British forces there, one of the war’s most pivotal campaigns. He signed the Declaration of Independence, the only native Mainer who can make this claim. Whipple’s surviving
New Project Documents Diverse History of Kennebunk Area
KENNEBUNK –
The Just History Project website, an initiative aimed at uncovering and documenting the often-overlooked histories of Black, Indigenous, and people of color in Kennebunk and the surrounding towns of Wells, Kennebunkport, and Arundel, is scheduled for launch by the Brick Store Museum on Wednesday, March 26, at 7 p.m. The site shares the stories of those who lived in the region before European colonization and through periods of enslavement and oppression.
The complex relationships between interconnected groups dramatically shaped the region’s past, and continue to have impact today. Through extensive research now published in the database, the project has uncovered hundreds of names and stories of people whose lives were previously undocumented or forgotten.
“This project has been years in the making and is an example of how history can expand to tell every person’s story,” said the museum’s Executive Director Cynthia Walker. “The more we know about all people who lived in our region – the stories, the struggles, and the resilience – the more we can understand the complexities of history. I give my thanks to the dedicated volunteers fueling this work and documenting these stories, much of which has been fragmented or
lost. Everyone, across time and space, has a right to be a part of our shared history.”
The website includes information based in primary and secondary source research on those who lived in the area during the Colonial era, when enslavement existed in Southern Maine and throughout New England, extending through the mid-twentieth century. Though slavery in the North did not match the scale of that in the South, it was still a reality for many living in the region. Even after slavery was
See DIVERSE on page 27 . . .
Naval Society
correspondence shows him to be a man of honor, integrity, and determination, with the foresight to
Hours: Weds-Fri 12-5 & Sat 10:30-4:30 952 Post Rd, Unit #9 Wells, Me 04090 207-361-9905
recognize that the new country would need a strong navy. Whipple was also a coowner of a ship that, on occasion, transported slaves to Amer-
Call For New
Here’s your opportunity to exhibit and sell your art at events sponsored by the Art Guild of the Kennebunks!
For more information about jurying, contact Judith Kinsman Arneson, Membership Chairperson: judithkinsman@gmail.com
Applications can be found on the website at www.artguildofthekennebunks.com or by scanning the QR code.
Art Guild of the Kennebunks
All fine art to be juried into the Guild includes oil, watercolor, pastel, pen and ink, pencil, mixed media, and sculpture.
The guild sponsors several exhibitions each year including a special awards show in August.
It offers opportunities to present artwork for sale and to participate in programs, workshops, and events presented to members throughout the year.
ica. He enslaved a young African American named Prince, who became Whipple’s manservant
See NAVAL on page 27
~ Arts & Entertainment ~
Marshwood Drama Program Heads to States
SOUTH BERWICKCongratulations to Marshwood High School’s Drama Club cast and crew, who finished second in the Maine Drama Festival regional competition, held in Saco. With the runner-up award, the team has now qualified for the state competition this Friday, March 21, and Saturday, March 22, at Camden Hills Regional High School. The team
performed the one-act play “Citizens United,” by Kate Cortesi. For more information, visit www.rsu35.org/o/mhs/article/2075833 or www.facebook. com/medramafest.
Piano Trio Showcase at UCC
KENNEBUNKOn Friday, March 28 at 7 p.m., musicians, Maya French,
Nathaniel Taylor, and Chris Staknys, will perform as a Piano Trio at the First Parish
CAMP SNO-MO
UU Church of Kennebunk. The program will include selections by Brahms, Esmail, and an original composition by Staknys.
Johannes Brahms’ Piano Trio No. 1 in B Major was written in 1854, when the composer was twenty years old. Thirtyfive years later, in 1889, he decided to republish the work with substantial revisions. Brahms wrote to pianist and composer Clara Schumann, “I have rewritten my B major Trio and can now call it Op. 108 instead of Op. 8. It will not be so dreary as before – but will it be better?”
The daughter of Indian immigrants, Reena Esmail (b. 1983) is one of the most respected young composers in the United States. Esmail’s music blends elements of Indian and Western classical music. In each movement of her Piano Trio, specific collections of tones appear, known in Indian music as “raags.”
Maya French is a violinist, the managing director, and a co-artistic director for Palaver Strings. She has spent the last decade helping the ensemble and organization expand equitable opportunities for string players and collaborators while guiding Palaver’s sustainable growth through a shared leadership model.
French has studied and performed at Kronberg Academy, Tanglewood, Conservatorium van Amsterdam, Bay Chamber Concerts’ Screen Door Festival, Orford Music Academy, Manchester Music Festival, and Kinhaven Music School. She is a graduate of the
Boston University School of Music and is certified as a teacher of the Suzuki violin method and Music Learning Theory, an early childhood music education approach.
She maintains a busy chamber music and chamber orchestra performance schedule, along with a teaching studio through Palaver. French is dedicated to using classical music as a catalyst for social change and community building.
Nathaniel Taylor is establishing himself as a passionate and charismatic performer through a variety of classical and nonclassical engagements. He has appeared as a soloist with the Lexington Symphony, Vista Philharmonic, and the Boston Conservatory Symphony Orchestra.
In October 2020, Taylor collaborated with cellist Yo-Yo Ma on the IDAGIO network, performing a duet of the spiritual “Nobody Knows the Trouble I’ve Seen.” He is a member of Palaver Strings, a conductorless string ensemble based in Portland. From 2022 to 2024, he was the guest cellist for Sons of Serendip, a classical crossover quartet that placed fourth on America’s Got Talent.
Taylor is an advocate for diversity and representation and frequently mentors the next generation of musicians. He received an artist diploma from the Boston Conservatory at Berklee, where he studied with Rhonda Rider and Patrice Jackson.
Chris Staknys is a pianist and composer from Falmouth. He graduated from Juilliard in 2018 with a Bachelor of Music in piano performance. Allan Kozinn, former music critic for The New York Times, praised his playing for its “dexterity and dramatic phrase shaping.”
In 2014, Staknys was featured on NPR’s “From the Top” radio show. As a member of contemporary ensembles, including AXIOM and the New Juilliard Ensemble, he has performed at venues such as Carnegie Hall and Alice Tully Hall. In 2021, he was selected as a vocal accompanist for Juilliard’s Marcus Institute Fellowship.
He currently serves as music director for First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church in Kennebunk and as a collaborative pianist at the University of Southern Maine.
A $25 donation is requested at the door. First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church Of Kennebunk is located at 114 Main Street in Kennebunk.
For more information, visit www.uukennebunk.org.
Left to right: Director Josh Livingston, Adrian Mulcahey, Alex Morris, Lee Burns, Carter Siebach, Summer Brown, Liam Young, Jacob Cardoza, Baer Gray, Nora Widerstrom, Cameron Tierney, Autumn Baldwin, Sophia St. Cyr, Hamilton Siebach, August Conley, Landin Napolitano, William Gilbert, Sam Wakefield, Set Builder Sam St. Cyr.
“Follow
WELLS
-
~ Arts & Entertainment ~
the Yellow Brick Road” with the Wells Players
The Wells Players at Wells High School will present the enchanting stage adaptation of “The Wizard of Oz” on Friday, March 21 at 6:30 p.m. and Saturday, March 22 at 2 p.m. in the Olenn Performing Arts Center at Wells High School.
This musical is based on the original children’s fantasy novel, “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz,” written by L. Frank Baum, published in 1900. In 1939, the book was made into a motion picture by MGM, “The Wizard of Oz.” Years later, it was adapted for the stage by John Kane for the Royal Shakespeare Company. Popular numbers in both the film adaptation and the stage play include “Over the Rainbow” and “Follow the Yellow Brick Road.”
The story brings to life the character of Dorothy, a young girl swept away by a tornado to the magical land of Oz, and who is trying to find her way back home to Kansas. She travels the Yellow Brick Road to find the Wizard of Oz, whom she believes can help her return. Along her journey, she meets a scarecrow, a tin man, a cowardly lion, and numerous Munchkins.
This local high school interpretation is directed by Andrew Lopez, who has been directing stage productions at Wells High School for over twenty years. Others who helped make this play come to life include Producer Andrea Hernandez, Alex Bedirian (assistant director), Bailey Smith (musical director), Dianah Shelley (choreographer), and Judi
•
Brunch Buffet 9am-6pm on Sunday, April 20
Breakfast & Bakery Delights
Belgian Waffles with fresh berries & whipped cream • French Toast, Pancakes (chocolate chip & buttermilk) • Homemade Muffins, Croissants, Fresh Baked Danish & Grilled Banana Bread Gourmet Entrées
Honey Baked Ham with citrus & pineapple glaze • Petit Filet Mignon with garlic butter • Roasted Leg of Lamb (greek style with pan gravy)
Station: Choose from spinach, tomatoes, corned beef, sausage patties, ham, or salt cod.
Carlton’s Famous Omelet Station: Build your perfect omelet with Maine lobster, sausage, ham, mushrooms, green peppers, onions, tomatoes, spinach, and cheese.
Eggs any style also available!
Seafood Extravaganza
Gravlax & Shrimp Cocktail • Colombian Escabeche & Raw Bar Oysters
$55
Dion (costume designer). Lopez and Bedirian also designed the stage lighting for this show and created the colorful stage sets.
The main cast members, left to right: Elizabeth Nichols, Anne Michelle Randle, Pelé Allen, Livia DiDomenicantonio, Graeme Mertens, Elana Vennard, and Ava Sprague. Photo by Andrea Hernandez
~ Arts & Entertainment ~
OBHS “Talks History” Lasagna to Benefit Green & Beautiful Campaign
SOUTH BERWICK -
The Old Ber wick Historical Society (OBHS) invites the public to a compelling lecture by educator and Francophile Camden Martin, titled “From French Canadian to Franco-American: Identity and Migration in New England.” This free event will take place Wednesday, March 26, from 7 to 8 p.m. at First Parish Federated Church, 150 Main St., South Berwick. The presentation, by historian Camden Martin, is part of the historical society’s yearlong La Fête Française celebration and its ongoing Let’s Talk History lecture series.
Between 1840 and 1920, more than 1 million French Canadians emigrated from Canada to the United States, making them the second-largest immigrant group in Maine after English Americans. Many of these immigrants settled in Maine and throughout New England, shaping the region’s cultural and economic landscape. Two distinct groups emerged from this migration: French Canadians from Quebec, drawn by economic opportunities in New England’s mill towns, and Acadians, who were more agriculturally based in the St. John River Valley and had endured displacement and resettlement since the 18th century. Though their histories and identities were distinct, both groups carried with them their language, Catholic faith, and deep cultural traditions.
These communities took root in central and southern industrial centers such as South Berwick, Biddeford, Saco, Augusta, Lewiston, and Salmon Falls, where they built churches, schools, and tightly knit neighborhoods. Despite facing discrimination and linguistic marginalization, they maintained a strong sense of identity and community. Over time, economic shifts and mill closures led to the dispersal of some Franco-American communities. However, many descendants have continued to preserve their heritage and engage with it through genealogy research and cultural revitalization efforts.
In South Berwick and Salmon Falls, French Canadian families such as the Gagnons, Dubés, Roberges, and Michauds
“We are excited to bring a classic show to life on the stage and create performances that will have children and adults alike dancing and laughing in their seats,” commented Hernandez in an email. She noted that the production involved 55 students, including ten students from Wells Elementary School.
Admission for both performances is $6 for students and senior citizens, $9 for general admission. Wells High School is located at 200 Sanford Road in Wells.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit https:// tinyurl.com/WizardOfOzWHS or call 207-646-7011.
played a vital role in the region’s development, contributing to the mills, local businesses, and civic life. One historic immigrant neighborhood, known as Happy Valley, stretched along what is now Salmon Street, linking South Berwick to the mill village of Salmon Falls/Rollinsford, NH. Originally home to Irish immigrants, then French immigrants, Happy Valley became a diverse, working-class community in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, reflecting the complex and evolving nature of immigrant life in New England.
For more information, visit www.oldberwick.org or call 207384-0000.
ELIOT -
Well known chef and baker Maryann Kane Nudd is putting on a lasagna dinner to benefit the William Fogg Library’s Green & Beautiful Campaign on Saturday, March 29. The event will be held at the Eliot Congregational Church on State Road and there will be two seatings: one at 5 p.m. and one at 6 p.m. A limited number of tickets may be available at the door.
The dinner features traditional lasagna or veggie/glutenfree lasagna, Maryann’s famous rolls, Caesar salad, beverage, and dessert. The children’s menu consists of mac ’n’ cheese, a fruit cup, a beverage, and dessert. Local
YORK -
The York River Stewardship Committee is accepting proposals for projects that support the York River Watershed Stewardship Plan. The plan aims to protect and enhance watershed resources, including natural and historic assets, water quality, and sustainable uses. Proposals are due by Wednesday, April 16.
The grant program, made possible through a partnership with the National Park Service’s Partnership Wild and Scenic Rivers Program, is in its second year. Municipalities and local organizations are encouraged to apply for funding to support activities that align with the stewardship plan’s objectives.
Funding requests can range from $1,000 to $10,000 per application. Projects should begin on or after July 1, 2025, and last up to 12 months, with extensions considered for demonstrated need. Funding is provided through a cooperative agreement with the Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve, which serves as the fiscal agent for the program. Awardees must comply with federal reporting and financial regulations and submit a final project report detailing accomplishments and expenditures.
music act The Stairwells will provide the entertainment, and there will also be a raffle table.
The event benefits the library’s Green & Beautiful Campaign, which aims to transform the library grounds while providing educational, environmental, and economic benefits. The campaign supports replanting trees lost over the years and introducing more fruit and flowering trees to support pollinators and wildlife. A new sensory garden at the historic Fogg Homestead will showcase how gardens of the past provided medicine, household aids, and food. The World War I veterans’ monument will receive new plantings, and plans
include a pollinator garden and additional benches.
The goal is to transform the library’s grounds into a true community resource where the public can connect with nature, enjoy bird-watching, take photographs, paint, have lunch, host family picnics, go for walks, or simply relax.
Tickets are $15 for adults and $7 for children, and are available at the library and at Happy Home on Route 236 in Eliot.
For more information, visit www.williamfogglibrary.org. To donate to the Green & Beautiful Campaign, visit https://tinyurl. com/FoggLibrary-GreenBeaut iful.
Funds will be distributed on a reimbursable basis, though startup funding may be available for entities that demonstrate need.
Eligible applicants include community-based nonprofit organizations, municipal boards and departments, schools, and water districts. Entities outside the York River watershed communities of Eliot, Kittery, South Berwick, and York may apply if their projects directly benefit the watershed and its communities. Each eligible entity may submit one proposal but may collaborate on multiple applications led by others.
Projects must align with the objectives outlined in the York River Watershed Stewardship Plan. Eligible activities include resource protection, habitat restoration, monitoring, education, planning, community engagement, and other stewardship initiatives. Applicants are responsible for securing necessary permits and approvals.
Funding cannot be used for membership recruitment, fundraising, private events, regulatory compliance, or lobbying. Projects should take place within the York River watershed or provide direct benefits to its resources and communities.
Interested applicant s are encouraged to contact Watershed Program Coordinator Jennifer Hunter, before applying to confirm eligibility and discuss project ideas.
Proposals may be submitted via email to jh.yorkriver@ gmail.com. A fillable application form is available at www.yorkrivermaine.org. If email submission is not possible, applicants should
contact Hunter to arrange an alternative submission method.
Mailed applications must be postmarked by the deadline and sent to the York River Stewardship Committee, c/o Wells Reserve, 342 Laudholm Farm Road, Wells, ME 04090. Information on previous grant recipients is available at www.yorkrivermaine.org.
~ Dining ~
PUZZLE ANSWERS
DAILY DEALS
Jenny’s Italian Market
Since 1965
Homemade pasta of all types by the “generous” pound Fresh red and white sauce in a variety of sizes And other specialties
Our pasta, sauce, and pre-made meals have no added sugar or preservatives! From Naples Italy, now making and selling in The Bistro at R&R Chocolate 913 Post Road, Wells, 04090 Open Mon-Sat 11-4
Berwick Public Library
Book Club Meeting
Saturday, March 22 at 10:30 a.m. “Leonard and Hungry Paul,” by Ronan Hession. New members always welcome, copies of the title available at the
Berwick Walkers
Mondays and Thursdays, 10:30 a.m. FMI and meeting places: berwickfal@gmail.com or 207619-3519.
Nifty Needleworkers
Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m.
Playgroup for Toddlers
~ Library News ~
Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m.
Social Seniors
Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. Hot chocolate, coffee, tea, games and puzzles, good conversation!
Minecraft Club
Wednesdays, 4-5 p.m.
LEGO Club Thursdays at 4 p.m.
Preschool Storytime Fridays at 10:30 a.m.
Math Tutoring Fridays, 3-5 p.m. Tutoring for grade school mathematics through col-
•
•
•
•
•
lege level. Sessions are up to one hour, by appointment only.
For More Information Call the library at 207-698-5737 or visit www.berwick.lib.me.us.
D.A.
Hurd Library
Logo Contest
The library is seeking a fresh, modern logo design! All ages are welcome to participate, and materials are available at the library for those interested in submitting a new design idea. Deadline for entries: Saturday, April 5. Stop. Sit. And… Read
Color, play a game, make a craft, etc. Drop-in the children’s room.
Adult Book Chat
Mondays at 10 a.m. Chat about books you recommend.
Storytime Mondays at 10:30 a.m. in the children’s room.
Tween Book Club Mondays at 3:30 p.m. Chat about group recommendations.
Coffee, Craft, and Chat Tuesdays, 1:30-3:30 p.m. Cubing Club
Tuesdays at 4:30 p.m.
Cribbage Crew Tuesdays at 5 p.m.
Yarn Divas Knitting and Crochet Club
Wednesdays, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. All are welcome.
Crafternoon Wednesdays, 2:30-4 p.m., for children.
Hand & Machine Sewing and Crafts with Kim Thursdays, 1:30-3 p.m., for adults. Science Club Thursdays, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Call the library at 207-676-2215 or visit www.dahurdlibrary.org.
Graves Memorial Library
Children’s Book Swap
Wednesday, March 26, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Join us for a children’s book swap! Bring gently used books your family no longer needs and trade them for new favorites. Parents can swap books too. Enjoy music, drinks, and a bookmarkmaking station!
Evening Book Group Thursday, March 27 at 5 p.m. This month, we are discussing “84 Charring Cross Road” by Helene Hanff. All are welcome to attend.
Monthly Family Movie Night Thursday, March 27 at 6:45 p.m. All are welcome, light refreshments served. Movie TBA.
Furry Tales Story Time Friday, March 28 at 10 a.m..In partnership with the Animal Welfare Society of Kennebunk. Preschoolers and their families explore the exciting world of animals with stories, playtime, crafts, songs, movement, and animal friends. Each visit is a new adventure!
Sharing for Shamrocks
The library is partnering with Community Gourmet in the month of March to provide much-needed
See GRAVES on page 26 . . .
~ Home & Business Services ~
Paul Thurston Masonry
YORK COUNTY -
Health & Fitness
Cornerstone VNA, a nonprofit home health and hospice care organization, is pleased to announce its expanded service area to Ogunquit, Shapleigh, and Wells. This expansion comes in response to requests from local hospitals and physicians seeking high-quality home health and hospice services for their patients in these communities. Cornerstone
VNA now proudly serves nearly 50 towns in New Hampshire and Maine.
“We are proud to provide expert care and a full range of services, from birth through end of life,” shares Cornerstone
VNA President and Chief Executive Officer Jennifer Ufkin.
“Expanding our reach allows us to meet the growing demand for home-based care, and we are grateful for the trust and support
“Tara at
of our community partners, patients, and families.”
As a recognized leader in home, hospice, and community services, Cornerstone VNA remains dedicated to providing exceptional care. With many of its clinicians holding certifications in wound and ostomy care, lymphedema, vestibular therapy, IV therapy, chronic care, and more, patients and families receive the most advanced care in the comfort of their homes.
for family caregiver satisfaction.
The organization is also a Level 5 We Honor Veterans Hospice Program, reflecting its deep commitment to honoring veterans at the end of life. In addition, the Home Care program at Cornerstone VNA has earned a 5-star rating for patient satisfaction from the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, while the Hospice Care program has earned a 4-star rating
For community members in the expanded area looking to make a meaningful impact, Cornerstone VNA welcomes new hospice, companion, and “A Matter of Balance” coach volunteers. Through the Circle of Caring volunteer program, individuals receive comprehensive training to ensure a rewarding and fulfilling experience.
Cornerstone VNA serves Rockingham, Strafford, Belknap, and Carroll counties in New Hampshire, and York
County in Maine. The awardwinning team provides care through five programs: Home Care, Hospice Care, Palliative Care, Life Care-Private Duty, and Community Care. For 112 years, Cornerstone VNA has been dedicated to helping families stay together at home, even during the challenges of aging, recovery, chronic or lifethreatening illnesses, or end-oflife care.
For more information, visit www.cornerstonevna.org or call 800-691-1133.
STATEWIDE
-
Finding Our Voices Backs Bill
Sixteen women from Finding Our Voices in York, Cumberland, Lincoln, Knox, Waldo, Kennebec, Franklin, and Hancock counties recently shared details of how they and their children were psychologically terrorized by intimate partners, in hopes of getting these tactics outlawed in Maine. The testimony was for LD 670, “An Act to Address Coercive Control in Domestic Abuse Cases,” and was provided both in person at the Monday, March 3 hearing at the Augusta State House and by written submission through the Maine State Legislature website. Sponsored by Representative Holly Rae Eaton (D-Deer Isle) and co-sponsored by Senator Rachel Talbot Ross (DCumberland) and eight other representatives, the bill would add coercive control to the definition of abuse and define the term “coercive control” in Protection From Abuse laws. The bill defines coercive control as “a pattern of behavior designed to dominate, isolate, manipulate, or exploit a person who is a dating partner or a family or household member.” Included in the description are “limiting access to finances, monitoring or restricting activities, isolating them from family and friends, intimidation, and exploiting vulnerabilities.”
To bolster the chances of LD670 passing and also to educate lawmakers about coercive
control, also known as “emotional abuse,” survivors with Finding Our Voices described devastating tactics used against them and their children by the person claiming to love them.
Patrisha McLean, CEO and founder of Finding Our Voices and a survivor of 29 years of domestic abuse, illustrated the insidiousness of coercive control by telling lawmakers how multiple women in Maine, while applying for the nonprofit’s free dental care program, explained that their teeth were rotten because they “were not allowed” to brush them. In response to a question from Judicial Committee Chair Anne Carney (D-Cumberland), McLean said that coercive control is often a precursor to physical violence, as it strips victims of their sense of self to the point where it becomes difficult to see a way out.
“Everyone needs to understand,” McLean said, “that emotional abuse IS abuse and every bit as devastating as physical abuse. Survivors in our community have wanted to get a coercive control bill passed in Maine for some time, especially as we have seen success in other countries and states, including Connecticut and Massachusetts. LD670 is an exciting and important step for Maine, and Maine women and children, and we are grateful to the sponsoring legislators for introducing it.”
Finding Our Voices is the grassroots non-profit empowering Maine women survivors of domestic abuse with bold destigmatizing public awareness campaigns, and resources that include financial assistance, online support groups, court-side emotional support, and access to free dental care. McLean also hosts a book club and podcast centered around domestic abuse.
For more information, visit www.findingourvoices. net, email Patrisha McLean at hello@findingourvoices.net, or call 207-322-6460.
Health & Fitness
Uninsured Mainers May Be Eligible for $35 Insulin
STATEWIDE -
The Office of the Maine Attorney General recently announced a settlement with the multinational pharmaceutical company Sanofi-Aventis U.S. LLC after scrutiny over its pricing of insulin products. Under the settlement, Mainers who are uninsured or who have commercial health in-
surance may be eligible to purchase monthly supplies of Sanofi insulin products through 2029 for $35 cash. The products covered include Admelog, Lantus, Toujeo, Apidra, and any biosimilar of these products that Sanofi markets in the United States.
In addition to the $35 monthly prescription rate, Sanofi has agreed to implement an en-
Legislation to Support the Health and Wellbeing of Family Caregivers
NATIONWIDE -
rollment message program to assist pharmacists and patients in determining eligibility for its low-cost insulin. The system will
U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) recently introduced bipartisan legislation to support the health and wellbeing of family caregivers. The Lifespan Respite Care Reauthorization Act of 2025 would reauthorize the Lifespan Respite Care Program through fiscal year 2030.
One in five adults – 53 million people –in the United States provide long term care to persons who are aging, disabled, or chronically ill. In Maine, there are 166,000 family caregivers who provide 155 million hours of care to loved ones each year. Additionally, there are more than 5 million children in the U.S. who provide care for aging grandparents, parents, or siblings with disabilities.
keeping them healthy and families intact. This bill would help give family caregivers and their loved ones the support they need by ensuring that quality respite is available and accessible.”
“I was proud to serve as the primary caregiver for my grandmother as she got older, which is why I understand firsthand the financial and emotional strain of taking care of a loved one,” said Baldwin. “I’m proud to work with Republicans and Democrats to deliver some much-needed relief and support for family caregivers so that when Americans step up to keep their loved ones safe and well at home, they can be confident we have their backs.”
“While the benefits of family caregiving are plentiful, caregiving can take its toll. Respite – short-term care that offers individuals or family members temporary relief from the daily routine and stress of providing care – is a critical component to bolstering family stability and maintaining family caregiver health and well-being,” said Jill Kagan, MPH, Program Director of the ARCH National Respite Coalition.
“Caregivers provide an estimated $600 billion in uncompensated care each year. Yet, an astounding 85% of caregivers have not received any respite services at all. I saw this in my own family, where my mother took care of my father who was suffering from Alzheimer’s disease for eight years. Respite care was almost nonexistent for her, other than that provided by family members,” said Collins. “Respite care helps to reduce mental stress and physical health issues that caregivers may experience,
The Lifespan Respite Care Reauthorization Act of 2025 would reauthorize the Lifespan Respite Care Program at current
See CARE on page 26 . . .
alert pharmacists about the patient’s eligibility for this low-cost alternative at pharmacy counters throughout Maine when patients are filling their prescriptions.
Maine residents can inquire with their local pharmacist about the rate when filling prescriptions to explore potential savings through the new program.
For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/ MaineAG-Insulin.
Alex Kerbaugh, DMD
care packages for local seniors. Bring food items and help fi ll up the pot of gold! For every item donated, the library will will add a
~ Library News ~
shamrock to the windows. Contact the library for food items needed.
LEGO Club Tuesdays at 3:15 p.m. For elementary age students. Space is limited, registration required.
Chess Club Tuesdays, 2-4 p.m. All levels welcome.
Paint-by-Number Club Wednesdays at 12:15 p.m. Work on your own paint-by-number and
Weekly Recipe: Spring Vegetable Risotto Recipe
Ingredients:
1 cup Arborio rice
1 Tbsp. olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
4 cups vegetable broth (lowsodium)
1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
1 cup asparagus, chopped into
1” pieces
1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
1/2 cup spinach, chopped
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 Tbsp. butter
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh lemon zest (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
In a medium saucepan, heat the vegetable broth over low heat to keep it warm.
In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the rice and stir for 1-2 minutes until the rice is lightly toasted. Pour in the white wine (if using) and stir until it is mostly absorbed. Begin adding the warm broth, one ladleful at a time, stirring constantly. Wait until the liquid is mostly absorbed before adding the next ladleful. Continue this process for about 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender but still has a slight bite. While the rice is cooking, blanch
the asparagus and peas in boiling water for 2 minutes, then drain and set aside.
When the risotto is nearly done, stir in the blanched vegetables, spinach, Parmesan cheese, and butter. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and let sit for a couple of minutes. Garnish with fresh lemon zest, if desired.
make some new friends!
Portside Readers
Wednesdays at 7 p.m. on the library’s Facebook page, YouTube channel, and on the Town of Kennebunkport’s cable channel 1301. Stories, poems, tales, essays, drama, songs, and more.
Port Knitters
Wednesdays, 1-3 p.m. Bring in any current knitting project and supplies.
Stay and Play Fridays at 10:45 a.m.
For More Information
Call the library at 207-967-2778 or visit www.graveslibrary.org.
Kennebunk Free Library
Storytime
Mondays at 10 a.m. Songs, stories, thymes, and more.
Mah Jongg
Mondays, 12:30-3 p.m. and Wednesdays, 5:30-7:30 p.m. The library has three sets to use, or bring your own.
Dragon Hunters and Treasure Seekers Guild
Mondays, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Ages 10 to teen.
Spanish Conversation
Mondays, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Conversational Spanish with educator and native Spanish-speaker Eva Hernandez. Registration appreciated, not required.
In Stitches Tuesdays, 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. Masks required. All skill levels are welcome. Also meets on Zoom on the first Tuesday of every month. Upcoming Zoom: April 1.
Tech Time Tuesdays, 2-4 p.m., Thursdays and Fridays, 2-5 p.m. Learn to download eBooks and apps, make heads or tails of a new device, troubleshoot software, and more. Sign-up for 45-minute one-on-one appointments.
For More Information Call the library at 207-985-2173 or visit www.kennebunklibrary.org.
Ogunquit
Memorial Library
Seaside Speaker Series: Shred Event Friday, March 28, 10-11 a.m. The public is invited to bring in their
Health & Fitness
Pesticide Use Alert for Town of York
YORKYork residents will soon receive a brochure encouraging them to learn about and adopt the practices of integrated pest management (IPM), the official policy of both the town and the state of Maine. IPM aims to reduce pesticide misuse and overall use in landscape care. Pesticides can pose risks to children, pets, beneficial insects, birds, and other wildlife.
by a grant from the York River Stewardship Committee, the brochure aligns with a mandate in the latest York Comprehensive Plan to consider regulations for controlling and reducing pesticide use. While many Maine towns have passed ordinances restricting pesticides, voluntary adoption of IPM by residents could prevent the need for an ordinance in York.
. . . CARE from page 25
appropriations levels for five years (FY25-30) and clarify that youth caregivers under 18, who provide or assist with care for family members, are eligible for the program.
According to AARP, more than a third of family caregivers report wanting support like respite services, yet only 14% receive them, even as research indicates that caregivers who use respite have lower caregiver distress and better health and sense of wellbeing.
Developed by the Conservation Commission and funded
For more information, visit www.facebook.com/groups/ yorkhealthyyardscommunity.
Respite care provides temporary relief to caregivers from
their ongoing responsibilities. By protecting the health of caregivers, respite care decreases the need for professional long-term care and allows individuals who require care to remain at home.
To date, 38 states have received funding through the Lifespan Respite Care Program, which provides competitive grants to help states establish or enhance statewide respite resources and ensure quality respite is available and accessible to all family caregivers.
pioned legislation in 2020 to authorize the Lifespan Respite Care Program through fiscal year 2024. The Lifespan Respite Care Reauthorization Act of 2025 would reauthorize this programming through fiscal year 2030.
Collins and Baldwin cham-
In addition to the ARCH National Respite Coalition, this bill is endorsed by the Autism Society of America and the Alzheimer’s Association.
The complete text of the bill can found at https://tinyurl. com/FamilyCare-PDF.
See OML on page 29 . . .
and later played an important role in the history of Portsmouth, NH Prince holds a significant place in the city’s history due to his involvement in the local struggle for freedom and his connection to key historical figures. While much of his personal story remains undocumented, one of his most important roles is tied to the efforts of enslaved people in New England during the American Revolution.
Prince is believed to have
~ Classifieds & News ~
been freed after the wa r, likely influenced by the growing abolitionist sentiment and the broader fight for liberty. His story reflects the complex legacy of the American Revolution, where the struggle for independence from Britain coexisted with the institution of slavery.
Both Whipple and Prince lived in the Moffatt-Ladd House, a popular tourist attraction today. Prince also accompanied Whipple on his travels. He was by the general’s side at Saratoga and in Philadelphia in 1776 when Whipple signed the Declaration
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
To: Marianne Goodine or Michele Stivaletta-Noble, Keeley Lambert, Mike Livingston, resident of the Town of Wells, County of York, and State of Maine.
In the name of the State of Maine, you are hereby required to notify and warn the voters of the Town of Wells that the Board of Selectmen of said town will meet at the Municipal Building, 208 Sanford Road, Wells on the 1st day of April 2025 at 6:00 p.m. in the evening.
• The Board will conduct a public hearing on “An Ordinance to Amend Chapter 145 (Land Use) of the Code of the Town of Wells to Update Provisions Relating to Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and Affordable Housing.”
• The Board will conduct a joint public hearing with the Budget Review Committee on the FY’26 Municipal Budget and Warrant Articles. A copy of the proposed FY’26 Municipal Budget and Warrant Articles are available at the Town Hall and on the website at www.wellstown.org.
SELECT BOARD OF THE TOWN OF WELLS
abolished, many formerly enslaved individuals continued to work under conditions that mirrored involuntary servitude. The website also features information
of Independence. Together, they planted horse chestnuts they brought back to commemorate the signing. Today, one of those trees towers over Whipple’s Market Street property.
Though little is documented about Prince’s life, he remains a central figure in local legend, indicating that he, too, was a larger-than-life figure. One known fact is that in 1779, just three years after the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Prince and several other enslaved people from Portsmouth submitted a Petition for Freedom to the New Hampshire legislature. While the petition was tabled and never acted upon, it remains an eloquent and poignant argument for freedom.
on the Indigenous peoples who lived here, and their interaction with colonists who settled here. Bill Grabin of Kennebunk has been the lead researcher on the project. “When I began this project, I did not anticipate how many stories I would uncover and how many of the early settlers of our towns would be involved. I was particularly impacted by the primary source documents that I was able to locate,” he recalls. The goal of the Just History Project is not only to shine a light on these historical truths, but also to provide access to primary source documentation whenever possible. The project will continue to expand as new information is uncovered, continuously offering a more complete picture of the region’s past. The museum welcomes contributions regarding individuals that could be added, or related information.
The database includes hundreds of entries, along with a search and index page. The website also features a section for research articles that complement and expand on the information in the database. Designed as an educational resource, it serves students, researchers, and community members alike. Development of the technology behind the database was supported by a grant from the Kennebunk Savings Bank Foundation, with additional advisory contributions from the Museum’s community partner, BBsquared.
The Brick Store Museum is located at 117 Main Street in Kennebunk. For more information, visit www.brickstoremuseum.org/justhistory.
History Talks is a new lecture series featuring expert speakers sharing the stories of local people and places in Maine’s oldest town. All events will be held at 7 p.m. at the Kittery Community Center’s Star Theatre, located 120 Rogers Road. Members of the Kittery Historical & Naval Society attend free of charge. For nonmembers, a suggested donation of $5 is encouraged.
YORK WATER DISTRICT WATER MAIN FLUSHING PROGRAM
The York Water District will be conducting water main flushing for a period of 6 weeks starting 3/20/2025. Annual water main flushing is necessary to maintain high water quality throughout the distribution system. In some cases, to get through sensitive areas, flushing will occur around the clock. Dead-end water main flushing will continue into June. There will be some low pressure and discolored water during this time. The York Water District wishes to apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
For more information, call York Water District: 207-363-2265 FOR WEEKLY UPDATES PLEASE VISIT WWW.YORKWATERDISTRICT.ORG
Town of Eliot PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE
AUTHORITY: ELIOT SELECT BOARD
PLACE: ELIOT Temporary TOWN OFFICE 28 Levesque Drive, Unit #9 (Eliot Commons)
DATE/TIME: THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2025 at 5:30 PM
Notice is hereby given that the Select Board of the Town of Eliot, Maine will hold a public hearing on Thursday, March 27, 2025 at 5:30PM in said Town to hear public comment on the following:
1. Medical Cannabis Renewal License Application, 12 American Way, Organic Goods, CGR26284, William Dunphey.
The applicant has submitted a full application available for inspection at the Temporary Eliot Town Hall, 28 Levesque Drive, Unit #9 (Eliot Commons), Eliot, Maine and therefore compliant with Section 11-10(b) of the Eliot Code of Ordinances. Please email msullivan@eliotme.org to arrange an inspection of the application.
All interested persons are invited to attend the public hearing and will be given an opportunity to be heard at that time. Please refer to the Town of Eliot’s website (eliotme.org) for zoom instructions if you do not want to participate in person at the town office. If you cannot attend the meeting in person or zoom, and want to make comments in regards to the topic, please email any correspondence to the Town Manager prior to the meeting date at townmanager@eliotme.org. Copies of the renewal submittal is available at the town office for review.
For more information, visit www.kitterymuseum.org.
Storm Clean Up, Snow Removal, Tree Limb Removal. Call 207-351-2887.
Town of Kittery: Public Workshop TRAFFIC CALMING & PARKING
The Town of Kittery is studying potential traffic calming and parking measures to make getting around Kittery safer and more convenient. To share findings and solicit feedback, the town will be hosting an interactive public workshop on TUESDAY, MARCH 25, 5:30-7:00 P.M. at the STAR Theatre in the Kittery Community Center. Visit SAFESPEEDSKITTERY.COM for more information and to take the project survey.
The Town of Kittery does not discriminate based on age, race, disability, or other protected characteristics. Anyone needing special accommodations is encouraged to reach out to the project team in advance of the meeting. Please call 207-910-1108.
MUNICIPAL RESOURCES, INC. TO CONDUCT KITTERY 2025 REVALUATION
The assessing firm Municipal Resources, Inc. (MRI) has been hired by the Town of Kittery to begin a town wide revaluation. The purpose of the project is to bring property assessments in line with market conditions as of April 1, 2025. The town tax rate for 2025-2026 will be adjusted according to the new property assessment for the entire town.
The assessor’s certified assessment ratio for the town, currently below 80% of fair market value, is expected to be reset at 100% of fair market value. The revised assessment ratio will reset personal exemptions, such as Homestead and Veterans, to full value.
Here is a general outline of each phase of the project.
Phase One, Market Analysis and Valuation: A variety of resources will be used to analyze the real estate market. MRI will analyze recent property sales to determine what market factors influence property values. The current market rates for land and building values, demonstrated by property sales, will be used to establish new land and building values for all properties in the Town.
As part of this process MRI will visit all properties that have sold between April 1, 2023 and March 31, 2025. MRI will measure the exterior of those buildings and attempt to verify interior property details verbally or with an interior inspection. Owners of property sold between April 1, 2023 and March 31, 2025 will be sent letters requesting information about the sale and the condition of their property at the time of sale. MRI will also use information from the York County Registry of Deeds and local real estate professionals. MRI personnel working in the Town will have picture IDs and letters from the Town identifying them. Personnel information will also be registered with the Kittery Police Department.
During the market analysis and valuation, building values will be determined by comparing each property to others with similar characteristics. Land values will be determined based on the desirability of locations throughout the Town as demonstrated by the real estate market.
Phase Two, Field Review: During this review, properties are viewed in the field by assessors who double-check data for uniformity and accuracy.
Phase Three, Informal Hearings: Once Field Review is complete, a notice of preliminary assessed values will be mailed to each property owner. At this time, property owners will have an opportunity to discuss questions concerning the revaluation process, assessed values, or their property data with MRI personnel. After the informal hearings, adjustments to values will be made if needed, and assessments will be finalized and accepted by the Town.
Phases One and Two are expected to take place during the spring and early summer. Phase Three hearings are expected by mid-summer. New values will be reflected in the Fall 2025 tax bills.
For More Information about the Revaluation: Please contact Municipal Resources, Inc. at 603-279-0352 or the Town offices at 207-475-1306. Please check the Town website at https://www.kitteryme.gov/assessor for an FAQ section about revaluation.
CASIO KEYBOARD
CDP-130 with headphones. $200 • 207-363-2048
ACCOUNTING / TAXES
ACCOUNTING + TAX SOLUTIONS
PATTY GRAVES
Bookkeeping & Tax Preparation
Cyber Secure • 207-646-5244
pattygraves37@gmail.com
ITEMS WANTED
RECORDS WANTED I buy collections of recorded media and memorabilia. Call 603-918-8555 or email jpraineyrecords@gmail.com.
Stephen Zanichkowsky, York, ME Lic. #MSS60022769 • Insured 207-767-0966 • stephen@gwi.net I return all calls!
HELP WANTED
CLEANING PERSON
WANTED:
First floor for 1 person and 1 cat every two weeks! Call anytime: 207-337-1111 or 207-439-4715
Near Kittery / Eliot Line
PERSONAL ASSISTANT & HOUSE-SITTER in Fryberg Up to $15/hour. Please send resume to: linda27miller@outlook.com or text to 713-264-1306.
DOG LOVERS DREAM JOB!
Our dog daycare program runs Monday-Friday, flexible parttime hours. If you enjoy dogs and are comfortable managing groups of dogs indoors and out, come join our upbeat, fun team on our 7-acre facility in York. Call 207-363-0099, email info@itsadogsworld.me or visit www.itsadogsworld.me.
• HOUSEKEEPERS
CASHIER & STOCK PERSON
Part-time or full-time. Starting pay $17/hour, increased based on experience. Inquire within preferred at Ogunquit Trading Post 10,000 Gifts, 97 Post Road, Moody, ME 04054. FMI: Call 207-646-5654 or email clogan1@maine.rr.com.
ABACUS GALLERY
213 Main Street, Ogunquit
We are looking for full-time or part-time (4 days min.) energetic SALES ASSOCIATES. Must be available to work weekends and evenings during the summer tourist season. Please stop in for an application or call 207-646-0399.
Antiques * Silver * Gold * Coins CHRIS LORD ANTIQUES
One Item or Entire Estate. Cash paid for all antiques. Antique jewelry, coins, silver, gold, paintings, clocks, lamps, telephones, radios, phonographs, nautical items, weathervanes, dolls & toys, pottery, photography, military items, swords, advertising signs, fountain pens, bottles, tools, books & much much more! Buying antiques for over 20 years. Barn and Attic Clean-Out Also. (207) 233-5814 • ME & NH
Part-time. Saturday commitment 9:30am-3:30pm, May-Sept. Vacation rental home cleaning turnovers. Some mid-week cleanings. Possible end-of-season bonus!
• MAINTENANCE
In need of someone to work on guest issues and property repairs. Commitment to on-call availability May-Oct, and Saturdays June-Sept. Driver’s license required. Experience in hospitality and tech, and certifications preferred.
Competitive Pay!
Contact Elizabeth today at: 703-609-0332 elizabeth@getaway-vacations.com
Maintenance Person
Full time, year round position available. Medical and dental available for our full time employees. Pay commensurate with experience, but willing to train the right candidate. Apply in person to Misty Harbor Resort 60 Mile Road, Wells • www.mistyharborresort.com
FULL-TIME OPTICIAN
Patient-focused, busy, private Optometry practice with a 20-year reputation of excellence serving the vision needs in York County, Maine is growing and looking to add a fulltime Optician to our team.
Responsibilities: Interpreting prescriptions and accurately measuring PAT; Ordering correct lenses and shaping lenses to appropriate frame and fitting frame to lenses; Educating and assisting patients on lenses and frame material selection, UV protection, and scratch resistance options; Maintaining and supplying optical boutique area, and meeting with frame/lens reps.
Education: H. S. Diploma. Qualifications: Proficient in basic math, computer, and retail sales. Detail and fashion oriented with excellent customer service skills. Previous experience in medical office preferred but willing to train the right person.
Compensation: $17-20 per hour. Benefits: Health insurance, paid holiday and vacation/sick days. Free annual eye exam and glasses.
To Apply: Please send cover letter stating why you would be the best candidate and resume to:
York Family Eyecare 764 US Route 1, York, ME 03909
For prompt reply, please email: janet@yorkfamilyeyecare.com 207-363-7555
Musicals
old documents to securely shred, courtesy of Secure RMS. Martin Thornton from Secure RMS will be on hand to talk about how hospitals, banks, and government offi ces shred confi dential information. Free.
Tech Support
Wednesdays, 12-2 p.m. Bring in your technology questions or seek guidance for a device.
Book Arts Group
Saturdays, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
For More Information
Call the library at 207-646-9024 or visit www.ogunquitlibrary.com.
Rice Public Library
The History and Future of Star Island
Thursday, March 27 at 6 p.m.
Rice Public Library welcomes Star Island Corporation CEO Joe Watts for a presentation on Star Island and the Isles of Shoals as models for environmental stewardship and sustainability. Free.
Bluegrass Jam Band
Every other Saturday, 11:30 a.m.
- 1:30 p.m. Bluegrass and country musicians get together on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month to jam. Sessions are open to the public. Upcoming: March 22.
Storytime
Tuesdays and Fridays at 10:30 a.m. on the second fl oor. Stories, play, and a small take-home craft or coloring page. For children up to age 5 and their caregivers. No registration necessary.
LEGO Club
Wednesdays at 4 p.m. on the second fl oor. For builders ages 5-12. Casual, drop-in building and play.
Teen Crafternoon
Wednesdays at 4 p.m. For ages 12-18.
For More Information
Call the library at 207-439-1553 or visit www.rice.lib.me.us.
South Berwick
Public Library
“Artificial Intelligence and the Way Life Should Be”
Wednesday, March 26 at 5 p.m. Presented by Gray Cox.
Knitting Group
Tuesdays, 1-3 p.m.
Pre-K Storytime
Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m.
Free Help with Math
Wednesdays at 3 p.m.
Baby Storytime
Thursdays at 10:30 a.m.
LEGO Club
Thursdays, 1-4 p.m.
Crafternoon
Fridays, 12-4 p.m. A different craft every Friday!
Writer’s Group
Saturdays, 2-3 p.m.
For More Information
Call the library at 207-384-3308 or visit www.southberwicklibrary.org.
Wells Public Library
Bike Fix-It Clinic
Tuesday, March 25 at 5:30 p.m.
Join the Bicycle Coalition of Maine to learn how to maintain your bike, fix a flat, pump up a tire, change a chain or cable, make shifting adjustments, and more in a hands-on learning experience. Free, registration required at kswejkoski@ wellstown.org or call the library.
Teen Random Fandom:
~ Library News ~
Wednesday, March 26 at 1 p.m.
Musical-themed trivia, creative crafts, and more. Whether you’re a Broadway buff or just love a good tune, this event is sure to be a hit! For students in grade 5 and up. Free. FMI: ssmyke@wellstown.org or call the library.
Adult Crafternoon
Thursday, March 27 at 2 p.m. Join Kim in making some painted wine glasses! All supplies provided. Free. Registration required at kswejkoski@wellstown.org or call the library.
Teen Advisory Board
Thursday, March 27 at 2:30 p.m.
Help brainstorm program ideas, connect with your peers and promote a sense of belonging at WPL. For grades 5 and up, snacks provided. FMI: ssmyke@wellstown. org or call the library.
Junior Teen Advisory Board
Every other Thursday at 2:30 p.m.
For grades 5-8. Brainstorm program ideas, connect with peers, promote a sense of belonging. Join TAB make a difference in your community! Snacks provided. FMI: ssmyke@wellstown.org.
Upcoming: March 27, April 10.
Weekly Events
See website for details.
For More Information
Call the library at 207-646-8181 or visit www.wellslibrary.org.
William Fogg Library
Tax Preparation Services
The library is currently taking appointments for tax preparation services provided by AARP Foundation Tax Aide.
Toddler Storytime
Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m.
Baby Storytime Thursdays at 9 a.m.
Preschool Storytime Thursdays at 10:30 a.m.
School Age Storytime Thursdays at 2:30 p.m.
For More Information
Call the library at 207-439-9437 or visit www.williamfogglibrary.org.
York Public Library
Will it Waffle?
Tuesday, March 25, 3-4 p.m.
Happy International Waffl e Day! We’re mixing up ingredients for the waffle iron. Will it waffle? Let’s find out! For grades 5-12.
Working the Waterfront: Seafood Industry Adaptations
Wednesday, March 26, 6-7 p.m.
Part of the library’s 2025 Climate Change series, co-sponsored by York Public Library, York Ready for Climate Action, and York Land
Trust. Harbor Board Chair Mike Sinclair and shell+claw founder Mike Masi will talk on how climate impacts are changing their daily lives, work, and the region as a whole. Registration required at www.yorkpubliclibrary.org/calendar.
Virtual Author Talk: Jennifer Weiner
Wednesday, March 26 7-8 p.m.
New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Weiner chats about the signature emotional depth of her
books that has been inspiring readers toward self-discovery for decades. Additionally, Weiner will preview her forthcoming novel, “The Griffin Sister’s Greatest Hits,” on April 8. Contact the library for the Zoom link.
Library Closed Friday, March 28. The library will be closed all day for staff training.
For More Information Call the library at 207-363-2818 or visit www.yorkpubliclibrary.org.
Informed and Compassionate Legal Care
York: 279 York Street, York, ME 03909
Kennebunk: 2 Storer Street, Suite 403A, Kennebunk, ME 04043
Portland: 254 Commercial Street, Suite 245, Portland, ME 04101
Monday-Friday 9am-5pm, Saturday-Sunday Closed
Type of berry 15. Cows fattened for meat 18. A way to hoof it 20. Exaggerated a role 24. About two
26. Long upholstered seat
28. What employees earn
30. Fiber from a coconut husk 32. Digits
34. Polish by rubbing 35. Liquid body substances
37. Furniture with open shelves
38. Edible part of a chicken
Satisfy 42. Tool used to remove
Icelandic poems 45. Swiss village
Drunks
Evergreen plant genus
Light precipitation
An informal debt
an attached 2-story barn and ample parking courtesy of 2 driveways on the property. Custom designed & built in 2022, the 648 SQ FT layout captures views of wildlife, an open backyard and the river beyond. Oversized windows capitalize on southeast exposure to flood the home with sunlight. The floor plan boasts a contemporary kitchen with quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, wood floors, custom lighting and a breakfast bar. A custom tiled bathroom w/ full laundry and a bedroom w/ a large closet offers storage, convenience & comfort. The charming 4BR main house w/new metal roof and updated electrical retains period details including original wood flooring, built-ins, pocket doors & detailed trim while a farmhouse kitchen w/ open shelving, stainless steel appliances and a striking butcher block island are perfect for culinary adventures.The kitchen opens to a welcoming dining space perfect to host a large farmhouse table. Cozy up by the wood-burning fireplace in the strikingly expansive living room flooded with sunshine. There is plenty of space to grow in this home with multiple options for an in-home office, playroom and additional guest space. The impressive 2-story barn is the canvas for a workshop, hobby area or storage reflecting the farmhouse's historical roots while providing functional advantages. Walk to village for coffee, restaurants. Easy access to grocery, gas and main routes.
