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Your Community Newspaper Serving: ARUNDEL, BERWICK, CAPE NEDDICK, ELIOT, KENNEBUNK, KENNEBUNKPORT, KITTERY, KITTERY POINT, MOODY, NORTH BERWICK, OGUNQUIT, SOUTH BERWICK, WELLS, YORK & YORK HARBOR
Friday, May 9, 2025 Volume 21 • Issue No. 19
Wild Baby Birthday Bash Welcomes Spring Babies CAPE NEDDICK Each spring, the Center for Wildlife (CFW) treats hundreds of orphaned baby birds and mammals from across the Seacoast region. Among the most commonly admitted animals are baby squirrels. Depending on their age, baby squirrels require round-theclock care, with hand-feeding sessions that can take up to 10 minutes per animal. On average, each squirrel receives three feedings per day – about 30 minutes of care daily. Most are admitted around five weeks old and stay for approximately 10 weeks
before they are ready for release. That adds up to roughly 210 hand feedings – or 35 hours of care – per squirrel. Baby birds require even more intensive attention. When admitted, they typically need to be hand-fed every 30 minutes
from sunrise to sunset. During the busiest weeks, the Center may care for more than 100 baby birds at once. As a nonprofit organization, CFW relies upon the support of the community to care for baby animals in need. Those interested
in supporting the care of injured and orphaned babies are invited to join CFW for their annual Wild Baby Birthday Bash on Saturday, May 17 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The annual fundraising event will feature a variety of activities, including seasonal adaptations educational programs, nature-based crafts, guided plant and tree identification walks, baby animal feeding demonstrations, refreshments with a cake cutting, and more. This event is free with suggested donation, and community members are encouraged to explore CFW’s wish list and bring
wild animal birthday gifts with them for this special event. As the largest and only wildlife center of its kind in the Seacoast region, the Center for Wildlife admits over 2,000 injured wild animals annually, fields 15,000 calls on its Wildlife Assistance Hotline, and presents more than 400 environmental education programs to 10,000 community members – all without state or federal funding. Center for Wildlife is located at 375 Mountain Road in Cape Neddick. For more information, visit www.thecenterforwildlife. org or call 207-361-1400.
Seacoast Wheelers: The Power of The Ride Changes Lives By Karen Marie Arel Contributing Writer KITTERYSometimes it only takes a small spark to set off an adventure that changes lives. For Jim White of Seacoast Wheelers in Kittery, that spark came when he saw a photo of a Van Raam OPair wheelchair trike in Bicycling magazine. He was drawn to the image and the difference it could make for others – especially those whose view of the world was limited to a bedroom window. White believed everyone knows someone living in a nursing home, in assisted living or dealing with mobility issues. For some, the world out-
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side is nearly off-limits; traveling along the seaside or countryside is possible only from inside a vehicle. But what if White could open their world and offer them the chance to ride a bike in a new way? They would be settled into a comfortable seat, a helmet on their head, feeling the sun on their face and the salt air – or the fragrance of fresh flowers – flowing through their senses. He imagined offering rides to those who would savor the freedom and perhaps add to the memories they hold close to their hearts. As the idea for Seacoast Wheelers began to take shape,
KENNEBUNK T he M i ld red L. Day School’s Best Buddies chapter has been named Elementary School Chapter of the Year by the nonprofit organization’s Maine chapter, just eight months after its formation. The chapter, comprised of 27 members, received the honor on Sunday, May 4 during the annual Friendship Walk at Cheverus High School in Portland. The recognition comes from Best Buddies Maine, the statewide chapter of Best Buddies International, a nonprofit dedicated to creating one-to-one friendships and inclusive opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
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recently purchased OPair trikes, which are manufactured in the Netherlands. The OPair trikes are multi-speed, one-seater vehicles with electric-assist pedaling. The rear half of the tricycle frame attaches via quick-release hardware to a uniquely designed, standalone wheelchair. When connected, the two sections tilt slightly back, lifting the front guide wheels off the
ground. This produces a relaxed, See WHEELERS on page 3 . . .
Mildred L. Day’s “Best Buddies” Wins Award
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Jim reached out to people he knew, including Kittery Town Manager Kendra Amaral, and the First Parish Congregational Church in York. The more people he spoke with, the more positive responses he received and soon after, Seacoast Wheelers was born. Jim became vice president of the newly formed, soon-tobe nonprofit, so he set his sights on finding a president. His next stop was a meeting with Steve Gerhartz, owner of Seacoast EBikes in Newington, NH. Jim asked Steve if he could service and support Seacoast E-Bikes’
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Through programs in schools, communities and virtual spaces, Best Buddies fosters social inclusion, independence, employment, and leadership development for individuals with and without IDD. “This is a huge achievement for any chapter, but especially for one as new and close-knit as ours,” said Denise Dupuis, a chapter faculty advisor and
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STEM teacher at Mildred L. Day. “We’re beyond proud of the kindness, spirit, and dedication our students have shown.” Best Buddies International will formally honor the Mildred L. Day Elementary chapter at the organization’s Leadership Conference this July in Indiana. Maine Regional School Unit 21 includes six schools across Arundel, Kennebunk and Ken-
nebunkport: Kennebunk Elementary School (pre-K through grade 2), Kennebunkport Consolidated School (K–5), Mildred L. Day School (K–5), Sea Road School (grades 3–5), Middle School of the Kennebunks (grades 6–8) and Kennebunk High School (grades 9–12). RSU 21 aims to help each student reach their full potential in an academically challenging, supportive and safe environment. Graduates are prepared to demonstrate and apply essential knowledge and skills across a content-rich curriculum. For more information, visit www.rsu21.net. For more information about Best Buddies Maine, visit www.bestbuddies. org/maine.
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