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Friday, March 22, 2024 Volume 20 • Issue No. 12
Mandy Sumner By Susan Gallagher, Staff Writer NORTH BERWICK The depths of the ocean call to Mandy Sumner. She answers by diving deeper and ever deeper, immersing herself in the water she so loves. This world champion freediver burst onto the scene in 2014 at the age of 36 and has been making waves in the sport ever since. A North Berwick native, Sumner garnered headlines earlier this month by setting the new Guinness World Record for the longest bi-fin swim under ice by a woman in a swimsuit - no wetsuit. The now 46-year-old achieved this triumph on Saturday, March 2 at Lake Mysutjernet in Norway. To set the record, the intrepid Sumner swam 75 meters (246 feet) under 19 inches of ice in 35-degree water. She explains how she dealt with
Deep Water Diva to Hawaii for work. Here, she discovered scuba diving, and at the suggestion of friends, gave freediving a try. She immediately fell in love with the thrilling sport and set out to learn everything she could about it. When she realized she was a natural, she decided to pursue it further. “I wanted to see how far I could go,” she says. “I still want to know how far I can go. I like challenges.” The neophyte freediver began competing in 2014 and finished as the top woman in only her second competition. This was a harbinger of things to come. In 2015, Sumner won the first and only gold medal for the United States in freediving with a dive to 58 meters (190 feet) with no fins in the Depth World Championships
the frigid Norwegian water. “You have to overcome it,” she says. “You need to disconnect your brain from your body a little bit.” The intense sport of freediving is not for the faint of heart. It involves diving under water as deep as you can - or swimming under ice for distance - without the use of breathing apparatus. Also called breath-hold diving, this sport requires great mental toughness as well as physical ability. “That’s what’s so special about freediving,” Sumner says. “It’s so much about the mind, not just physical fitness.” Sumner’s foray into freediving came about seemingly by chance, although fate may have lent a guiding hand. In 2009, looking to capitalize on her University of Southern Maine degree in Geoscience, also known as Earth Science, she moved
See DIVER on page 6 . . .
Empowering Women Leaders: Breaking Biases KITTERY Despite significant strides toward equality, women continue to face obstacles and challenges when seeking leadership roles in their workplace and community. In honor of Women’s History Month, the Town of Kittery is excited to host a new event that shines a light on the critical issue of gender bias in leadership and empowers women to claim their seat at the table. The event, titled “She’s Too Emotional: Overcoming Biases as Women Leaders and Claiming Your Seat at the Table,” will feature local women leaders in municipal government, public safety, small business owner-
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ship and the non-profit sector to discuss gender bias challenges in leadership and the impact it has on individuals and organizations. Through the stories and experiences of the day’s speakers, the organization aims to encourage women to embrace leadership roles, challenge stereotypes, and drive positive change in their communities. Each speaker brings a
Kittery Town Council Chairperson Judy Spiller. The public is invited to celebrate diversity, resilience, and the incredible power of women in leadership on Wednesday, March 27 at 6 p.m. at the Kittery Community Center Star Theatre, 120 Rogers Road, Kittery. For more information and to register, visit www.kitterycommunitycenter.org/freelectures.
Holy Week Services for 2024
Mary Church, 236 Eldridge Rd., Wells. FMI: www.holyspiritme.org or 207-646-5605.
Palm Sunday, March 24, hymn sing-along starts at 9:45 a.m., worship follows at 10 a.m.; Good Friday, March 29 at 6 p.m.; Easter Sunrise Service, March 31 at 6 a.m. at the end of Pier Road, Cape Porpoise. Church worship Hymn sing-along starts at 9:45 a.m., worship follows at 10 a.m. Rev. Sammie Maxwell will host a 15-minute noontime devotional service to celebrate Holy Week, Monday, March 25 – Friday March 29. FMI: www.churchonthecape. org.
Maundy Thursday, March 28, Mass and washing of the feet, 7 p.m. at St. Martha. Good Friday, March 29, Stations of the Cross, 3 p.m. at St. Martha; 3 p.m. at St. Mary. Liturgy, Passion, and Communion, 7 p.m. at St. Martha. Holy Saturday Easter Vigil, March 30, Lighting of Pascal Candles, RCIA, Mass, 8 p.m. at St. Mary. Easter Sunday, March 31, St. Martha at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m.; St. Mary at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m.
Beacon of Hope Cooperative Parish
Services at the Goodwins Mills United Methodist Church, 55 Church St., Lyman. The Beacon of Hope Cooperative Parish encompasses three congregations: Kennebunk Christ Church, West Kennebunk United Methodist Church, and Goodwins Mills United Methodist Church. FMI: 207-499-7438. Palm Sunday, March 24, 10 a.m.; Maundy Thursday, March 28, 6:30 p.m.; Holy Saturday Silent Prayer, March 30, 12- 6 p.m.; Easter Sunday, March 31, 10 a.m.
Congregational Church of Wells, 1695 Post Rd., Wells
Palm Sunday, March 24, 9:3010:30 a.m. service. Easter Sunday, March 31, 6 a.m. Sunrise Service at the Wells Gazebo, 331 Harbor Rd.; 7 a.m. Breakfast at the church; 9:30 a.m. Worship at the church. FMI: 207-910-6033 or www.wellscongregational.org.
Holy Spirit Parish
The Holy Spirit Parish encompasses St. Martha Church, 30 Portland Rd., Kennebunk and St.
Messiah in the Passover, Sunday, March 24 at 9:30 a.m. A demonstration showing how Jesus fulfilled the ancient feast of Passover, conducted by Mitch Forman of Chosen People Ministries. FMI: capeneddickbaptistchurch@ gmail.com or 207-363-3566.
Parish of the Ascension of the Lord
The Parish of the Ascension of the Lord encompasses three congregations: St. Christopher’s, 4 Bar-
Church on the Cape, 3 Langsford Rd., Cape Porpoise
Home & Business 12-15
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Library News
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Messiah Christian Church, 2700 Post Rd., Wells
Easter Sunday, March 31, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Service, then continental breakfast, and Easter Egg Hunt for children 10 years of age and younger; 6 p.m. Stations of the Cross. FMI: 207-985 -9287 or www.messiahchristianchurch.org.
Cape Neddick Baptist Church, 34 River Rd., Cape Neddick
Arts & Entertainment 10
Finance & Career
unique perspective and story, providing invaluable insights and inspiration for aspiring women leaders. Speakers will include: Kittery Town Manager Kendra Amaral; Black Heritage Trail NH Executive Director JerriAnne Boggis; Portsmouth City Manager Karen Conard; Kittery Firefighter Kellie Huddleston; Kittery Aroma Joe’s Branch Owner Maryna Shuliakouskaya;
See EASTER on page 22 . . .
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Section This Week!
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featuring guest columnist
Cheryl Farley
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