~ News ~

First Plover Eggs of 2023 at Wells Beach

WELLSThe first Piping Plover egg in the State of Maine for 2023 has been spotted on Wells Beach by a Plover Monitor. Plovers began arriving at the end of March to Wells Beach, for their yearly migration north, and multiple nests have been spotted along the beaches of Wells.

The Piping Plover Program Monitors kicked off their 2023 season of volunteering with a training session that happened on April 15. The session reviewed best practices for plover monitoring and plan for the upcoming months. The meeting was headed by Lead Monitor, Suzanne Craig, and Volunteer and Communications Coordinator, Rebekah Kelley. Presenters also included Laura Williams, Wildlife Biologist and Conservation Assistant from Maine Audubon. The presenter topics ranged from Piping Plover basics, to navigating leash rules, to logging hours of volunteer time. The monitors expressed words of advice to the general public to ensure the safety and overall well-being of the endangered birds.

An informational session on Piping Plovers was held on Monday, April 26 at the Wells Public Library. Maine Audubon was present to educate volunteers about the endangered birds and how the public can help to protect them. Prospective volunteers also asked questions about participating in the Piping Plover Program as beach monitors. Those still interested in learning more about becoming a Plover monitor can email the Wells Volunteer Coordinator at rkelly@wellstown.org.

The following are a few tips and guidelines when shar-

USS North Dakota at PNS

ing the beach with local plover residents:

Stay clear of fenced areas marked with “Restricted Area” signs. Observe the birds from a distance.

If there is a hole that someone has enjoyed digging but has abandoned for the day, fill the hole in so no chicks can get inadvertently trapped inside.

Keep dogs leashed and all pets far away from nesting areas. Roaming dogs and cats are among the top threats to Plover eggs.

Fly kites well away from nesting areas. Plovers mistake them for predators and leave their nests to ward off “intruders.”

Take trash and food scraps back when leaving the beach for the day, and dispose properly off the beach. Garbage attracts animals that prey on plover eggs and chicks.

Notify Maine Audubon, at 207-245-2353, of any disturbances to nesting areas.

For more information, visit www.maineaudubon.org/ volunteer. Photo from Maine Audubon website.

PAVING &

KITTERYVirginia-class attack submarine USS North Dakota (SSN 784) along with over 130 crewmembers arrived at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (PNS) on Friday, April 28. While at the shipyard, North Dakota will undergo approximately $347M worth of system upgrades and scheduled maintenance work. North Dakota’s maintenance availability is scheduled for approximately 33 months.

North Dakota is the second U.S. warship commissioned under the name “North Dakota,” the first being World War I battleship USS North Dakota (BB-29). North Dakota is more than 377 feet long and can displace nearly 7,900 tons. The contract to build North Dakota was awarded to the Electric Boat division of General Dynamics in Groton, on August 14, 2003 and was commissioned on October 25, 2014.

North Dakota is the first of eight Virginia-class Block III submarines. Block III platforms were redesigned to increase operational flexibility and lower acquisition costs with most notable changes in sonar and weapon delivery systems.

North Dakota’s Commanding Officer is Cmdr. Robert Edmonson III. He assumed command on February 12, 2021. North Dakota’s host community is York.

For more information, visit www.navsea.navy.mil/home/ shipyards/portsmouth.

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Town of Kittery Updates

Fort Foster Open for Season

Fort Foster Park will reopen for weekends only 10 a.m. - 7 p.m., beginning May 6 throughout May.

The gate will remain closed during the week with limited parking outside the park on Pocahontas Road for walk-in access. From Memorial Day, May 29, through Labor Day, September 4, the park will be open daily for its regular season. Passes can be purchased at the Kittery Town Hall Customer Service Center or online. FMI: www. kitteryme.gov/fort-foster-park.

Town of Wells Updates

Beach Parking Passes

The days are getting longer, the weather is getting warmer, flowers are blooming and beach days are right around the corner!

Wells Beach Parking Pass online sales have begun, and in-person sales will begin on May 15. FMI: www.wellstown.org/835/beachparking-passes.

Friday, May 5

Free First Fridays at OMAA 5-8 p.m. at Ogunquit Museum of American Art, 543 Shore Rd., Ogunquit. Free admission to all visitors. Come and enjoy OMAA’s galleries and grounds! Made possible with generous support from The Nine Wicket Fund at the Maine Community Foundation. FMI: www.ogunquitmuseum.org.

Saturday, May 6

Coffee, Tea and Snacks with Friends and Horses

9-11 a.m. at Dark Horse Ranch, 61 Lower Guinea Rd., Lebanon. Coffee, tea and snacks for vet- erans and first responders, with equine friends. Dress accordingly, as it can get cold in the barn! The Ranch is collecting recyclables as an ongoing fundraiser to support Maine Recovery Ranch. Feel free to bring returnables. FMI: darkhorseranch61@gmail.com or 562-396-7997.

Community Open House

10 a.m. - 12 p.m. at Old York Research Center at Beech Ridge, 96 Beech Ridge Rd., York. Get a first look at Old York’s new research center! Renovations are now complete. The building has been transformed into a top-notch facility accommodating Old York’s archival and library collections, reading room, and storage for object collections. FMI: www. oldyork.org.

First Annual Power Wheels Nationals Race

10 a.m. - 4 p.m. at Memorial Field parking lot, 25 Sweetster St., Berwick. Dust off the Power Wheels and let’s go racing! For kids ages 2-8. Food trucks and vendors will be on hand for snacks and treats.

Registration is required. FMI: https://berwickme.myrec.com/ info/activities/program_details.asp x?ProgramID=30923#activities.

May Crowning

1:30 p.m. at Franciscan Monastery, 28 Beach Ave, Kennebunk.

May crowning, followed by First Saturday devotions, a recitation of the Rosary, the Litany of Mary, and more. FMI: www.portlanddiocese. org or 207-321-7810.

Sunday, May 7

“Jaws” at Dunaway Center

2 p.m. at Dunaway Center, 23 School St., Ogunquit. The classic

Spielberg thriller about a great white shark who attacks beachgoers at a summer resort town. “Jaws” is the final showing in the Dunaway’s Classic Film Festival, to be resumed winter 2023. Free admission and parking. FMI: www. ogunquitperformingarts.org.

Handbell Concert

3 p.m. at the Kittery Star Theater, 120 Rogers Rd., Kittery. The Granite State Ringers will show- case original pieces composed especially for handbells, as well as many familiar songs like “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” and “Sweet

See MAY 7 on page 4 . . .

Caroline.” An afternoon of musical fun! Tickets are $20, and can be purchased online or at the door. FMI: www.granitestateringers.org.

Tuesday, May 9

Spring Medicare Savings Program Workshop

1-2:30 p.m., online. CAHC’s online Spring Medicare Savings Program workshop. For individuals with Medicare who wonder about programs that can help them with costs. Attendees will learn eligibility guidelines and screening methods. They will practice eligibility scenarios and learn how to apply. $20. Space is limited. FMI: hroy@mainecahc.org, helpline@ mainecahc.org, 1-800-965-7476.

The Future of CMP: Public or Private Ownership?

6:30-8 p.m. at Star Theatre at the Kittery Community Center, 120 Rogers Rd., Kittery. Public forum to address whether Central Maine Power should become a publiclyowned utility or remain private. This issue is on the ballot in November and will impact all Mainers. Free to the public. Representatives from both Maine Affordable Energy Coalition and Our Power Maine will make their arguments. State Senator Mark Lawrence moderates. FMI: kitterydems@gmail.com or 617-224-6960.

Wednesday, May 10

York County Republicans

5:30-8:30 p.m. at Alfred Town Hall, 16 Saco Rd., Alfred. Municipal Development Committee (MDC) meeting

5:30-6:30 p.m. Doors open 6:30 p.m. for 7-8:30 p.m. business meeting. Guest speaker to discuss running for and serving on area school boards. All those interested are invited to attend. FMI: communications@yorkgop. org, jbn.duprie@gmail.com, 207468-2395.

Cancer Recovery Support

6 p.m. at Solfege Center for Healing, 28 Levesque Dr. Suite 9, Eliot. FMI: 978-857-7286.

American Legion Auxiliary Monthly Meeting

7 p.m. in the Berwick Town Hall on Sullivan St., downstairs meeting area. Masks optional. Women veterans and family are invited. This is a great opportunity to meet these fine ladies, discover their contributions to the community, and learn about upcoming projects. FMI: 207-698-1762 or 207-698-5258.

Friday, May 12

Frankie’s Birthday Bash

4-7 p.m. at Congdon’s Doughnuts, 1090 Post Rd., Wells. Join Frankie Hope’s family for a night of birthday fun, yard games, face painting and the Third Annual Giftaway!

50% of proceeds from the Basket Raffl e will go to benefi t Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital. A community barbecue is available for purchase during the party, with proceeds to benefit the Wells High School Music Boosters. The family thanks Congdons Doughnuts and The Wells High Music Boosters for their generosity and support.

Saturday, May 13

Mother’s Day Plant Sale

8 a.m. - 12 p.m. at First Parish Federated Church,150 Main St., South Berwick. Gorgeous hanging

. . . HOME from page 1

“One boy was actually sleeping under someone’s porch steps.” She sighs and adds, “This is an ongoing problem that people tend not to see. To make matters worse, these kids don’t want to bring attention to themselves, so they are somewhat floating under the radar.”

One Friday afternoon in 2017 proved to be the last straw for Austin. Three students showed up in her office on the same day, all with no place to go that night. She said to herself, “If we don’t do something about this, who will?” Susan realized that she was at a time in her life when she was able to say, “I can take this on.” plants, annuals, and perennials. FMI: fpfp.org@gmail.com or 207384-4091.

Like a stroke of fortune, a big yellow farmhouse across from the North Berwick Elementary School caught her eye one day. The home seemed to call out to her, and a bold idea was born. What a great place this would be, she thought, for a shelter home for these kids. The home happened to be for sale, and with help from the owners and generous support from the community, Austin was able to purchase the property. After much fundraising and renovation, the Ryan Home, named in honor of the family who sold the property, opened in January of 2020.

Gently Used Book Fair

8 a.m. - 12 p.m. at Saint David’s Episcopal Church, 138 York St. (Route 1). St. David’s is known for offering an eclectic and varied selection of books for all ages. This year, there will be three raffle basket offerings: A brand new Kindle, a humongous, very friendly stuffed black bear, and a basket of popular adult books! FMI: 207985-3073.

Migratory Bird Walk

9-11 a.m. at the South Berwick Town Forest. Follow Town Forest Road to the end. This World Migratory Bird Day, join the South Berwick Conservation Commission, walk town trails and listen/look for warblers, thrushes and more. Event is free and intended for adults but kids are welcome. RSVP to conservesb@outlook.com.

Spaghetti Supper

4:30-6 p.m. at Yorkshire Masonic Lodge, 101 High St. (Route 4), North Berwick. Homemade sauce, meatballs, salad, bread, beverage and dessert. “All You Can Eat” for $10. FMI: svett@comcast.net or 207-752-3337.

The sunny yellow house presents a cheerful façade. By the front door, a wooden porch swing invites new arrivals to relax and stay awhile. The interior of the home has a comfy, lived-in farmhouse feel, with spacious rooms and large windows that let in a profusion of light.

The home can house six teens between the ages of 14 and 19, although the younger ones are generally placed with host families. Some of the young people stay for a few months, some for years, depending on the need. Supervision is provided in the form of house parents, who live at the home and help with basic needs. There are rules to follow, just like in a family home, including attending school, doing chores, and showing respect for the home and the house parents.

Meg and Andy Fox have served as house parents since the home’s inception. A gentlemannered blue-eyed woman, Meg has her own childhood story to tell. “My mom got really sick when I was young,” she says.

“We ended up losing our house.” Her own experience gives her a feeling of kinship with the kids.

“When I was a kid,” she goes on to say, “I felt like nobody else was See RYAN on page 10 . . .