food!

Feast on Traditional Mexican Cuisine this Cinco de Mayo

NATIONWIDECinco de Mayo is a festive occasion that celebrates Mexican culture and food. Cinco de Mayo commemorates a minor Mexican victory over France that took place on May 5, 1862 at the Battle of Puebla. While it has never been a big deal in Mexico – especially in comparison to other celebrations of Mexico’s independence –Cinco de Mayo has become a festive phenomenon north of the border.

When it comes to food and beverage, many people see Cinco de Mayo as an excuse to indulge in too many margaritas and dine on tacos. Those who prefer more authentic fare may want to explore further. Pork loin is a quintessential Mexican dish. It can be prepared in many ways with rich spices. This recipe for “Stuffed Loin of Pork” from “The Complete Mexican, South American & Caribbean Cookbook” (Metro Books) by Jane Milton, Jenni Fleetwood and Marina Filippelli, is stuffed with a ground pork mixture to make it even more savory.

Maine Coast Fishermen’s Assoc.’s Monkfish Stew Wins Food Award

Statewide

Maine Coast Monkfish

Stuffed Loin of Pork

Serves 6

3-3 1/2 lbs. boneless pork loin, butterflied and ready for stuffing

For Stuffing

1/3 c. raisins

1/2 c. dry white wine

1 Tbsp. vegetable oil

1 onion, sliced

2 garlic cloves, crushed

1/2 tsp. ground cloves

1 tsp. ground cinnamon

1-1/4 lbs. ground pork

2/3 c. vegetable stock

2 tomatoes

1/2 c. chopped almonds

1/2 c. teaspoon each salt and ground black pepper

Town of Wells NOTICE

The Registrar of Voters will register voters in the Town Clerk’s Office at 208 Sanford Road, Wells during regular business hours

Monday-Friday 8am-4pm & Tuesdays: May 16th & June 6th until 6pm ~ F.M.I. 646-2882 ~

WE NEED YOUR BLACK-N-WHITE AD!

Due to the press, the Weekly Sentinel must use black-n-white only on pages 5,6,11,12 when we make a 32-page newspaper.

Would you like to run a black-n-white ad which would guarantee placement in the first half of the newspaper?

These include our feature pages (pets, obituaries, food, garden, tech) which already draw special attention!

If so, please contact us ASAP: (207) 646-8448 or ads@theweeklysentinel.com

Stew, a product of the Maine Coast Fishermen’s Association (MCFA) was recently awarded a 2023 Good Food Award. The San Francisco-based Good Food Foundation awards the Good Food Awards each year based on criteria including taste, sustainability, and local sourcing. Maine Coast Monkfish Stew was chosen from over 1750 submissions to receive this prestigious award.

Maine Coast Fishermen’s Association is a non-profit that

Directions

1. Make the stuffing. Put the raisins and wine in a bowl, set aside. Heat the oil in a large pan, add the onion and garlic, and cook for 5 minutes over low heat.

2. Add the cloves and cinnamon, then the pork. Cook, stirring, until the pork has browned. Add the stock. Simmer, stirring frequently, for 20 minutes.

3. While the pork is simmering, peel the tomatoes. Cut a cross in the bottom of each tomato, then put them both in a heatproof bowl. Pour in boiling water to cover. Leave the tomatoes in this water for three minutes, then lift them out on a slotted spoon and plunge them into a bowl of cold water. Drain. The skins will have begun to peel back from the crosses.

4. Remove the skins completely, then chop the flesh.

5. Stir the tomatoes and almonds into the pork mixture, add the raisins and wine. Cook until the mixture is reduced to a works to identify and foster ways to rebuild the fisheries of the Gulf of Maine and sustain Maine’s fishing communities for future generations. MCFA worked with Hurricane’s Premium Soups and Chowders of Greene, to create Maine Coast Monkfish Stew as a way to introduce consumers to monkfish and to create revenue for its Fishermen Feeding Mainers (FFM) fish donation program. The Stew combines sustainably harvested Maine monkfish with local potatoes, carrots, cream and lobster stock to create a fla- thick sauce. Let cool.

6. Preheat the oven to 350 F. Open out the pork loin and trim it neatly. Season the pork stuffing with salt and pepper to taste. Spread on the surface of the meat in a neat layer, taking it right to the edges and keeping it as even as possible.

7. Roll up the pork loin carefully and tie it at intervals with kitchen string. Weigh the pork and calculate the cooking time at 30 minutes per pound, plus another 30 minutes.

8. Put the stuffed pork loin in a roasting pan, season with salt and pepper, and roast for the calculated time. When the loin is cooked, transfer it to a meat platter, place a tent of aluminum foil over it, and let it stand for 10 minutes before carving and serving with the roasted vegetables of choice.

Article and recipe courtesy of MetroCreative. The Weekly Sentinel does not endorse any products or services suggested by articles from MetroCreative.

Computers4Vets

is a 501(c)3 non-profit that helps veterans who can’t afford a computer system. Seeking desktops, laptops, netbooks, or tablets... whether they work or not. Accessories also accepted, such as keyboards, mouses, cables, old software, which can be reused. Monitors and printers accepted in working order only. Hard drives will be thoroughly cleaned to a DoD level. All donations are tax deductible. Know a veteran in need of a computer?

Contact Mark Grimshaw at 603-734-2340 or computers4vets@comcast.net and visit www.computers4vets.org.

vorful and nutritious meal that is ready to serve.

All proceeds from the sale of Maine Coast Monkfish Stew directly support MCFA’s Fishermen Feeding Mainers fish donation program where MCFA purchases fish from Maine fishermen at a fair price and donates it to schools and food banks throughout the state. Over the last two years, the program has donated over 800,000 seafood meals to more than 60 community groups from Millinocket to Kittery and kept more than 15 boats fishing for sustainably harvested local seafood.

MCFA’s Executive Director, Ben Martens notes that, “This project and award would not have been possible without Maine’s fishermen who land some of the best seafood in the world and the amazing team at Hurricane’s Premium Soups and Chowders who developed the recipe and produced the stew. We are thrilled to be able to share this award with them.”

MCFA celebrated this honor at an event at Maine Beer Company in Freeport, which is one of six other Maine companies to win Good Food Awards. The event, included tastings by the winning Maine companies and organizations.

Maine Coast Monkfish Stew is available for purchase in a frozen 16 oz. heat and serve pouch, and in larger ½ gallon pouches for restaurants, caterers and events. The boxed product can be found at over 60 locations throughout the state, including many seafood retailers and most Hannaford stores.

The Maine Coast Fishermen’s Association is an industry-led nonprofit working to enhance the ecological and financial sustainability of Maine fisheries through advocacy, education, outreach, and collaborative research projects. MCFA provides a voice for community-based fishermen while identifying and fostering ways to restore the Gulf of Maine and sustain Maine’s historic fishing communities for future generations.

For more information, visit www.mainecoastfishermen. org/monkfishstew.

Berwick Public Library

Plant Sale

Saturday, May 20, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the library. Proceeds to benefit the library. The association is seeking plant donations: perennial and annual fl owers, herb and vegetable seedlings, and houseplants. Donations should be potted and labeled with a general description. Plants can be dropped off outside the library on May 18-19, or May 20 before 8:45 a.m. Please be aware of invasive plants prohibited for sale in the state of Maine – see www.maine.gov for the full list. The library will also be conducting a container swap ahead of the sale for potting. Those who have extra plant pots to share can be drop them off outside the library, to the left of the entrance.

Amazon Smile for the Library

Visit www.smile.amazon.com to choose the Berwick Library Association as a favorite charity. Amazon will donate 0.5% of purchase totals to the library.

Nifty Needleworkers

Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m.

Sing and Play Wednesdays at 10 a.m. Geared towards younger children, singing and movement activities, and play.

Social Seniors

Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. Hot chocolate, coffee, tea, goodies, and, good conversation! Games and puzzles available, and plenty of great books and magazines to peruse and discuss.

Minecraft Wednesdays at 4 p.m.

Boards, Builds & Books

Thursdays at 4 p.m. LEGO challenge, STEAM activity and books.

Story Time Fridays at 10:30 a.m.

Library Software

The Berwick Public Library is using new library software called Polaris. The online catalog has been updated. FMI: www.mils. polarislibrary.com/polaris.

Bendable Maine

Bendable Maine is a resource that includes content on a wide variety of subjects, including job skills, cooking healthier meals, personal finance, home repair, technology, even foraging for mushrooms. Most resources are free to Maine residents. FMI: www.maine.bendable.com.

Videos Available

Videos of past library presentations and seminar are available through the library’s website blog link.

For More Information

Call the library at 207-698-5737 or visit www.berwick.lib.me.us.

D.A. Hurd Library

Senior Potluck Luncheons

At the North Berwick Rec. Community Center on the second Monday of the month at 10 a.m. Please join for coffee and social time. Next event is May 8.

Recipe Swap

Share a favorite special recipe with the library, to be compiled for the “All Together Now” summer reading program and for additional programs related to the recipe swap this summer. Recipe cards are available to pick up at the circulation desk.

Birding Backpacks

York County Audubon Birding

Backpacks are available at the library for patrons from the Martha Sawyer Community, Lebanon, South Berwick Public, Berwick Public, and D.A. Hurd libraries to borrow for a week at a time. A special thanks to York County Audubon for their generosity.

Borrow Instruments

Continuum Arts Collective has donated instruments for the library’s “Try Before You Apply” partnership program. Instruments are available for all North Berwick residents to borrow for a week. K-12 students who borrow them can then apply for their own at www.continuumarts.org/apply.

Library Kits

STEM kits include astronomy, create-a-chain-reaction, engineering, gaming, human body, hydraulics engineering, metal detecting, natural disasters, 4-H galactic quest, rocks-gemstones-minerals, and littleBits Coding. There are also backyard game kits, several game kits, and an audio kit for audiobooks. Patrons may check-out a kit for one week.

Indoor Book Sale

May 8-13. Books priced by donation.

Story Time Mondays at 10:30 a.m. in the children’s room.

Teen-YA Weekly Book Group Mondays at 4 p.m.

LEGO Club

Tuesdays, 4:30-5:30 p.m.

Weekly Crafts

Tuesdays, 5-6:30 p.m. in the children’s room.

Cribbage Crew

Tuesdays, 5-7 p.m.

Nonfiction Book Club

Tuesdays at 6 p.m.

Teen-YA Book & Craft Group Wednesdays at 2 p.m. Alternat- ing book discussions and crafts, includes snacks.

Hand & Machine Sewing

Thursdays, 1:30-3 p.m.

See HURD on page 8 . . .

Weekly Games

Thursdays, 5-6:30 p.m. in the children’s room.

For More Information

Call the library at 207-676-2215 or visit www.dahurdlibrary.org.

Graves Memorial Public Library

Story Time

Fridays at 10 a.m. A year-round program that includes stories, fi nger plays, songs, and crafts. Designed for children ages 0-5; however, all ages are welcome. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to participate. No registration is required.

Tech Help

Weekdays, 9:30-10:30 a.m. For those trying to set up a social media account, download a book, make a picture folder, learn how to add to a virtual shopping cart, etc. Staff members are here to help with technology needs, library staff is always happy to assist any time during library hours. No appointment necessary.

Walk-In Wireless

Free walk-in wireless access is available. Look for the network that says “Graves Memorial Library.”

For More Information

Call the library at 207-967-2778 or visit www.graveslibrary.org.

Kennebunk Free Library

May Day Book Sale

Saturday, May 6, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. in Hank’s Room and outside (weather permitting) and features four for $1 adult paperbacks. Come and support the library and get some great deals on gently-used books, CDs, DVDs, and puzzles.

Story Times

Mondays at 10 a.m. Join Miss Maria for songs, stories, thymes, and more.

Dragon Hunters and Treasure Seekers Guild

Mondays, 3:30-4:30 p.m. in the Hanks Room. Open to new and experienced players alike. Bring in a character from a previous game, make a new one, or use an existing character from the starter set. All other supplies will be provided. Ages 10 through teen; new players always encouraged.

Spanish Conversation Group

Mondays, 5:30-6:30 p.m. An opportunity to practice conversational Spanish with educator and native Spanish-speaker Eva Hernandez. Eva is looking forward to getting to know people in the community through this new program. Registration is appreciated but not required. This program is free and wheelchair accessible.

Email Basics Class

Thursday, May 11 at 2 p.m. Participants will learn the basics of using email, and look at navigating, composing, replying, working with attachments and more, with handson class participation. Bring an email address and password and a device to access the internet.

Course courtesy of the National Digital Equity Center, a nationally recognized organization with a mission to close the digital divide across the U.S. FMI: www.digitalequitycenter.org/classes/class/ email-basics/?instance_id=2981.

Fiber Arts Group

Fridays at 10:30 a.m. Knit, crochet, embroider, and chat. Show off knitting creations, get tips on crochet technique, chat with old friends and make some new ones. All ages and levels of ability are encouraged to join.

For More Information

Call the library at 207-985-2173 or visit www.kennebunklibrary.org.

Ogunquit...

Memorial Library

Gabby Gathering

Thursday, May 11 at 2:30 p.m. Shannon Briggs will present on “The Front Porch Project,” a community initiative based on the belief that everyone can, and should, become more aware of how to help support children and families in their community.

May Book Club

Tuesday, May 16 at 10:30 a.m. We will be discussing “The Candy House,” by Jennifer Egan. Please RSVP if attending.

Ogunquit Historic Group

Wednesday, May 17, 2:30-4 p.m. Meets monthly to document the formal and informal history of Ogunquit. Bring knowledge and memories and join the discussion.

Book Arts Group

Saturdays, 9:30-11:30 a.m. This is an established group that meets weekly at the library and welcomes interested newcomers to learn about the art of bookbinding. Please call ahead to make sure the group is meeting.

For More Information

Call the library at 207-646-9024 or visit www.ogunquitlibrary.com.

Rice Public Library

Story Time

Tuesdays and Fridays at 10:30 a.m. on the second fl oor. Stories, play, and a small take-home craft or coloring page. Open to 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. All that is needed is imagination!

Teen Crafternoon

Wednesdays at 4 p.m. fl oor L, in the Makerspace. Ages 12-18. An afternoon of crafts with resident crafting queen, Greta.

For More Information

Call the library at 207-439-1553 or visit www.rice.lib.me.us.

South Berwick Public Library

Coding for Beginners Wednesdays, 3-4 p.m. Using Python and the pygame module, participants learn basic principles of computer programing while creating their own games.

Dungeons & Dragons

Teens meet on Wednesdays, 5-7 p.m all ages meet on Saturdays, 12-2 p.m. The fantasy tabletop role-playing game! No experience is required. Come to the library or call ahead to register.

Annual Book Sale

Thursday, May 11 - Saturday, May 13, come browse the library’s annual book sale with a wide selection of gently used bargain price books organized by Friends of The Library. Checks or cash only.

Crafternoon

Fridays, 12-5 p.m. Children ages six and up are welcome for afternoon crafts. Simplified crafts are provided for younger children.

Family D&D

Saturdays, 12-2 p.m. Spots are open, registration required in advance.

For More Information

Call the library at 207-384-3308 or visit www.southberwicklibrary.org.

Wells Public Library

Mother Goose Story Time

Mondays at 10:30 a.m. Children up to 24 months and their caregivers engage in lap activities, rhymes, songs, and finger-plays. Feel free to bring a blanket to sit on and dress for the weather, as we may be outside.

See WELLS on page 9 . . .

. . . WELLS from page 8

Teen Collaborative Crafting:

CD Suncatcher

Wednesday, May 10 at 1:15 p.m.

Give old CDs new life! All materials and snacks provided. For students in grade 5 and up. This free event is sponsored by the Friends of the Wells Public Library.

TAB: Teen Advisory Board

Thursday, May 11 at 3 p.m. Teens in grade 5 and up are welcome to join TAB to voice input and ideas about teen programs, space, and materials and exercise their leadership skills. Community service hours available for each meeting, as well as potential other opportunities in upcoming events. New members welcome!

The Year Without a Summer

Author Event: Joseph Hardy

Tuesday, May 9 at 2 p.m. In 1815, a massive eruption in Indonesia had a ripple effect around the world, causing wintery weather in June across New England. Local author Joseph Hardy will discuss the disaster and his new book, “The Year Without a Summer.”

For More Information

Call the library at 207-646-8181 or visit www.wellslibrary.org.

William Fogg Library

LEGO Club

Wednesdays at 3:30 p.m. Bring young master builders to the Kent Room to build creations based on the week’s provided theme, or do their own thing and show off their skills!

Meditation Group

Online, Thursdays, 9:30-10:30 a.m.

Hook with Books Sewing

Thursdays, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. For those who love to sew, knit, quilt, or hook. Bring in a project. Chat, share knowledge, and learn to- gether.

Story Time Schedules

Baby/Toddler: Thursdays at 10:30 a.m.; School Age: Thursdays at 2 p.m.; World Citizens: Saturdays at 10:30 a.m. International stories and songs that feature a different country each month.

For More Information

Call the library at 207-439-9437 or visit www.williamfogglibrary.org.

York Public Library

Stories at York Land Trust

Mondays, 10:30-11:30 a.m. at York Land Trust headquarters, 1 Long Neck Marsh Rd., York. Join a YPL librarian for stories, songs and rhymes at York Land Trust headquarters. The group meets inside for stories and an activity, and may venture out into the garden depending on the weather. Registration required, please list names and ages of each child attending.

YPL Walking Club

Mondays, 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. Join a rotating selection of favorite librarians for a guided walk around town. Tour starts at the library lobby. Call ahead for further info and to RSVP.

A Matter of Balance

Wednesdays and Fridays, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. In partnership with Southern Maine Agency on Aging, a nationally recognized program designed to help reduce fall risks, exercise to increase strength and balance, and learn self-advocacy for independence. Discussionbased class with the goal of learning from fellow participants. Free. FMI: 207-396-6578 or www. smaaa.org.

Teen Advisory Group (TAG) Select Fridays, 3-4:30 p.m. Help make a difference! TAG is a group of teens that work to improve the YA spaces, programming, and library collections. Members can also earn volunteer/community

Frankie Hope Norton

5/12/17 - 2/14/20

You should be turning 6 and having a big birthday party with your classmates, family, and friends. We can’t do that but we are celebrating it with Mama’s gift giveaway in your honor. It will be great to see kids smile and have a fun time!

Miss you always, Love Dada, Mama, your sisters, family, and friends.

Join us for Frankie’s Birthday Bash!

Friday 5/12, 4-7pm at Congdon’s Doughnuts, Wells Gift-away! Yard games! Face painting! Basket raffle and 50/50 to benefit Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital!

Community BBQ to benefit Wells H.S. Music Boosters!

. . . MAYFEST from page 1

Confirmed Mayfest Vendors include: New Hampshire Mushroom Company LLC, Tiny Roots Organic Farm, Two Toad Farm, Great Bay Farm, Dogpatch Farm, A House For ME, August Block Farm, Budden Bun, Cassie’s Canning Cabinet, Chef’s Cove Catering, Kate’s, Kittylamb, Knife and Plow, Renee by the Bay, Shimmerwood Beverages, Shirley’s Famous Puppy Treats, Sugarmomma’s Maple Farm, The Pastry Pair, The Spicy Shark, Valicenti Pasta Farm, Vida Tortilla Cicco. Body Care, He Be G-Bees, Leave No Trace Refillery, Sarandipity Soap Co, The Art of Seeing Beyond ~ Celebrating the Beauty Within the Overlooked, Bad Bisque Ceramics, Earth Metalworks, Ersilia Design, Junie Bee Designs, Nubble Light Candle, On a Roll Handmade Chunky Knit Blankets, Re-fabrications by Kim, Salty River Farm, Tide To Maine, Wildewood Handcrafted Goods, and Obsidian Edge Sharpening. Situated in the parking lot of Post Office Square, the KCM service hours, as well as a letter of participation, which looks awesome on college applications. May dates: May 5, 19. For More Information Call the library at 207-363-2818 or visit www.yorkpubliclibrary.org. layout flows into the outdoor seating of Tributary Brewing Company and Blue Mermaid, creating a fun block party vibe.

KCM accepts SNAP and EBT, and participates in Maine Harvest Bucks, offering a 1-to-1 match.

KCM still needs info booth volunteers for the upcoming season on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. This role entails handing out kid’s club vouchers, answering questions, and selling raffle tickets to various events. This is a great opportunity to get outside, meet new people and be a part of Kittery’s vibrant community of vendors and makers. KCM is also looking for a couple more board members. For more information, email kitterycommunitymarket@gmail.com.

Sunday, June 4 is the official opening day for the regular season of Kittery Community Market. The big day will feature over 35 vendors and live music from local favorites Jake Davis and the Whiskey Stones.

KCM is located at 10 Shapleigh Road, Kittery. For more information, visit www.kitterycommunitymarket.com.

Flowers By Christine

York Adult Education Seeking Course Proposals

YORKYork Adult Education going through this. Now, I look back and realize that I was not alone in my situation.”

(YAE) is putting together a new line-up of classes for the 20232024 school year, and invites the public to submit course proposals for adult education courses in art, health, community building, and technology.

A high school teacher for more than two decades, Meg has always gravitated toward teens who need a little extra support. “There were times when I wished I could bring them home with me, and give them a safe place,” she says. She smiles when she adds, “And so now, that is kind of what we are doing here at the Ryan Home.” She admits it is a lot of work, especially emotional work, but says, “It’s great to know we are providing a stable place for kids to be.”

Fox realizes the lack of understanding that exists regarding

In order for YAE to evaluate ideas for a class, course proposal forms need to be filled out and submitted before Tuesday, June 6. The form has all the important questions needed to determine if a proposal meets with YAE’s mission, and if so, to then get the class advertised, the the homeless. “Homelessness can happen to anyone,” she stresses.

“People tend to think of the stereotypical bum, but anyone who doesn’t have a stable living situation can be considered homeless.”

As to the root causes of this crisis, there are many, but Director Susan Austin breaks it down into the most prevalent: the opioid epidemic, substance abuse in the home, mental health issues, and lack of affordable housing. In addition, she has seen many cases where the family structure has simply broken down. “The kids don’t feel supported at home,” she says.

“Kids are making decisions they

LANDSCAPE SUPPLY & GARDEN CENTER

students registered, and the class up and running. Enrichment courses start Monday, October

2. Please note, the first step to teaching for YAE is to turn in a proposal for a class that is in line with our mission and is a community need. Then, interviews, reference checks, and back- are not ready for. Sometimes it’s not a good decision to leave their families, but sometimes it’s their only choice.”

Raiden is one of the Ryan Home’s success stories. At 18, eager to begin his senior year at Noble High School, his situation at home had become untenable for him. While he had a wonderful relationship with his mom, a sibling’s mental health issues were causing Raiden to feel unsafe.

In September of 2021, he found his safe haven at the Ryan Home, where he would live until completing high school. From there, he was off to an apprenticeship in heavy machinery op- ground checks are conducted before any approval of courses. Some course ideas YAE is looking to offer include: Mocktail mixology; improv comedy; DIY home decor; foodie photography; creative writing; yoga for stress relief; small space gardening; dance fitness; podcasting; calligraphy; model railroading; giving during gaming; upcycling eration and is now working full time.

It is this kind of successful transition the organization strives for. Susan Austin is effusive about the promise she sees in these kids. “I’ve always loved teens,” she says. “I see them as our future.” It is the future of each of these teens that is the primary focus of the Ryan Home.

Austin is quick to emphasize the inclusion of parents in this equation. “Whenever possible,” she states, “we work on reunification with the parents. Our goal is not to separate kids from their families.” She adds in a serious tone, “We never want parents to feel they are not part of the system with us.”

Looking back on 2022, the organization is proud of its accomplishments. Over the course of the year, they housed four students, successfully transitioning three of them into life after high school. One student happily reunited with mom, one found the security of financial independence in full-time employment. Another transitioned into a Portland adult program and is searching for employment opportunities while developing important life skills.

In addition, the Ryan Home currently has three students safely ensconced in host homes in the community. The nonprofit stresses that the term ‘family’ is flexible as it applies to host families. A family is not creative arts; mindful shopping; exercise classes such as functional training for balance and coordination, stress reducing exercises, exercises that people with asthma can do, and getting the most out of fitness and nutrition apps.

For further information, email lrobertson@yorkschools. org or call 207-363-7922 required to be typical, just welcoming.

Christmas of 2022 holds special memories for the Ryan Home. The kids received an abundance of thoughtful, warm gifts from benevolent donors. One young student was especially touched, noting that this was a Christmas she won’t forget because she felt so much care.

Going forward into 2023, another crucial and ambitious goal of the nonprofit is to spread awareness of teen homelessness.

“This is not just a problem here, in our school district,” Austin says.” It is in every single town.” She goes on to say, “We reach out to other towns and cities, and encourage them to do something like what we are doing.”

Fundraising is vital to the mission of the Ryan Home. “We survive on donations,” Austin says. She is awed by the extent of the support they have received.

“Watching our communities support this very little piece of the world has been inspiring,” she says. “The connections in this community have changed me. This gives me hope all the time.”

And it is hope, above all else, that the Ryan Home is giving to the teens they shelter. Hope for security, hope for a better life and hope for a bright future.

For more information, go to www.theryanhomeproject. org.

Steven M. Barber, 59

WELLS – Steven M. Barber, 59, of Wells, passed away unexpectedly on April 28, 2023 at York Hospital. Steven was born December 7, 1963 in Concord, MA, the son of Sharon Clark and Joseph Barber. He married his best friend, Deborah Amoling, on December 17, 1983, and they built their family and home in Wells. He earned his degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Massachusetts Lowell in 1992 and held a successful career in network engineering.

Steven was a loving, devoted father of four and was known by his family and friends for his goofy, thoughtful, and generous nature. He enjoyed collecting baseball cards and coins, listening to rock music, playing guitar, and spending time with his beloved late beagle, Bella. Most notably, he enjoyed looking after and spending quality time with his family.

He is predeceased by his wife Deborah Barber; his mother Sharon Clark; and his stepfather Ellis Clark.

He is survived by his father Joseph Barber and his wife Glenda Barber; son Michael and his wife Katie; grandchildren, Matthew and Josef; daughter Samantha and her husband Dana; daughter Lauren; youngest son Ryan; brothers, Joseph and Jason; and his long-time partner, Shawnda.

A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, May 5 at Bibber Memorial Chapel, 111 Chapel Road, Wells. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105. To share a memory or leave a message of condolence, visit Steven’s Book of Memories Page at www.bibberfuneral.com. Arrangements are in the care of Bibber Memorial Chapel, 111 Chapel Road, Wells.

Patrick McLaughlin, 75 NORTH BERWICK –

Patrick V. Joseph McLaughlin passed away Sunday, April 23, 2023, with his family by his side. He was 75 years old.

Pat was born and raised in North Berwick. He graduated a three-sport athlete from North Berwick High School in 1966 with a gang of characters who became lifelong friends. He attended the University of Maine in Orono where he met his future wife, Margaret Vincent. They both graduated in 1970 and married a few short months later.

Pat and Maggi enjoyed a long, loving marriage where they grew together, sharing and supporting each other’s interests and passions. They adventured all over the world, from Hawaii to Aruba to Whistler, Canada, but were always happy to return to their favorite place: a farm house they restored and called home.

They built a beautiful life together with their two children, Colin and Caitlin, who were the light of their dad’s life. Pat was born to be a dad, and his kids would tell you that you will never find a better one. He never missed one of his children’s games, traveling as far as New Jersey and back in a day to watch Colin play college lacrosse.

Pat was a man of great integrity, compassion, generosity, work ethic, and humor. He never shied away from a good time with a cold beer and a lot of laughs. He loved watching sports, especially baseball. And he looked forward to his yearly trips to Spring Training with Caite.

Pat had a successful career in sales management, beginning with John Hancock and ending with Farm Family Insurance and American National Insurance Company. A man with strong ethics, he prided himself on helping and caring for his clients. The people he worked with were important to Pat and many became wonderful friends.

Pat believed in the importance of giving back to his community. He coached youth sports, from little league to Babe Ruth. He served on several school boards and the town budget committee. Pat also sat on the Board of Directors at the York County Community Action Corp, was a member of the Sanford Elks Club, and a dedicated volunteer at the North Berwick Food Pantry. He had an inherent a way of making everyone he met feel special and valued. He would not hesitate to give the shirt off his back to someone in need.

The happiest moments of Pat’s life were times spent with those he loved. He cherished trips to his camp on Parker Pond in Fayette where he taught his grandchildren how to hit a ball, catch a fish, and live the good life in Maine. He was a loyal friend, a loving brother, and a devoted family man.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 52 years, Maggi; his two beloved children, Caitlin McLaughlin, and Colin McLaughlin and his wife Jennifer; his treasured grandchildren, Teagan and Cole McLaughlin; his adored sisters, Cherry McLaughlin, Kirby (Mike) Pierson and her husband Dale, and O’Regan McLaughlin and her partner Steven (Fez) Fessenden; his sisters-in-law, Miriam Vincent and Susan Vincent; brother-in-law Robert Vincent; many cousins, nieces, and nephews; and countless people he called friends.

We will forever miss Pat’s warm smile and stunning blue eyes, his witty sense of humor, and the genuine kindness he showed every person he met along his life journey.

Family and friends are invited to a celebration of Pat’s life on Saturday, May 6 at 2 p.m. at Spring Hill, 117 Pond Road, South Berwick. A eulogy will be given and memories of Pat will be shared around 3:30 p.m., followed by a light supper. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to the North Berwick Food Pantry (www.northberwickfoodpantry.com) or to a charity of choice in honor of Pat’s generous spirit.

Arthur A. Pass, 71 NORTH BERWICK –

Arthur A. Pass, 71, of North Berwick, passed away on April 25, 2023 after a valiant battle with cancer.

Arthur was born on October 16, 1951 in Oakland, CA. In 1957, Arthur and his family moved to Norwalk, CT, where he lived throughout his childhood. After graduating from Norwalk High School, Arthur went on to study Accounting and Computer Programming at Norwalk State Technical College and Central Connecticut State University. Arthur enjoyed his work as a Computer Programmer at the National Visa Center in Portsmouth, NH, where he worked for 27 years.

In 1992, he met his wife, Rossana Pass. They married in 1994 and went on to have two children, Amy and Melissa Pass.

Arthur spent his free time volunteering at Seacoast United in Hampton, NH, where he helped coach a soccer team. Arthur also enjoyed go-kart racing in his youth, woodworking, camping with his wife, and ice cream.

Arthur is predeceased by his parents, Ralph and Esther Pass, and his brother Richard Pass. He is survived by his wife Rossana, daughters, Amy and Melissa; his cat Eggroll; and his seven siblings, Joyce Pass, Carolyn (and Andrew) Aldrich,

Curtis (and Jan) Pass, Ronald Pass, Dennis (and Kristi) Pass, Daniel (and Pari) Pass, and Monica (and Ted) Judd.

Visitation hours were held on Saturday, April 29 at Eliot Baptist Church in Eliot, at 11:30 a.m., followed by a celebration of life and lunch at the church at 12:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages anyone who would like to donate to the financial assistance program for youth soccer players at FC Exeter-EYSA, PO Box 284, Exeter, NH 03833, the team Arthur helped coach, or Hyder Family Hospice House in Dover, NH, which provided Arthur and his family invaluable care and support during Arthur’s last week.

Arrangements are entrusted to Johnson Funeral Home, North Berwick, where condolences may be expressed at www. johnsonfuneralhomeme.com.

Nancy Tapley

Seamon, 78

YORK – Nancy Tapley

Seamon, 78, died peacefully at her home on April 15, 2023 after a brief illness with cancer. Nancy was born in York Hospital on August 30, 1944, to the late Catherine Mary Tapley and Virgil Morris Tapley. She attended York Schools and was a member of St. George’s Episcopal Church in York Harbor throughout her childhood. Nancy was always helping whoever she could, loved

See SEAMON on page 13 . . .