WELCOME TO AMERICA. The York Diversity Forum, York Adult and Community Education and Greater York Region Chamber of Commerce hosted a Seasonal Workers International Mixer at the York Senior Center on June 23 in an effort to welcome summer workers from Kazakhstan, Turkey, Poland, Russia and other places from around the world to York and to America. Pictured here is Guillermo Larrea with friends Viktoriya Koval, left, and Amina Narembekova. Both young women are from Kazakhstan while Larrea is part of the Diversity Forum's program to provide assistance to visiting workers, including used bicycles to provide a mode of transportation between jobs and housing locations. Larrea has fixed up all the bicycles that have been donated to the program to date, so that they are in good working order for people to use. Following the mixer, Selectman Ted Little described the event as "just a glorious time" and added that there is still a need for housing options and bicycles. He urged anyone who might have a bicycle to donate, or ideas on housing options, to contact members of the Diversity Forum at igive@maine.rr.com or 363-4214, Ext. 2113.
Photo by Tori Rasche

STARBURST SPANGLED SKIES. With the Fourth of July just a few days away, there are many vantage points in York County for viewing fireworks this season. However, fireworks like those seen here at a past Ogunquit fireworks show will not be on view this year, as the  Ogunquit Spirit Committee has announced, with regrets, that there will not be a fireworks display this year. Fireworks fans will be able to view public displays in Kennebunk, off Gooch's Beach, at 9 p.m. on July 5, as well as in front of Palace Playland in Old Orchard Beach on both July 3 and 4 at 9:30 p.m. In York, those in York Harbor or strolling along Harbor Beach on the evening of July 5 may witness the annual display put on for members of the York Harbor Reading Room, which is scheduled for July 5 at 9 p.m. with fireworks by Atlas Advanced Pyrotechnics, according to information compiled by the Maine State Fire Marshal. In nearby Portsmouth, N.H., the annual fireworks display will be July 3 at the South Mill Pond, located across from Portsmouth City Hall, beginning at 9:15 p.m. The rain date is Saturday, July 5.
Photo by Tori Rasche

INCOMING FRESHMEN. Flexing their might, members of the Class of 2012 are seen here celebrating their rise from middle school to high school after the Eighth-Grade Finale ceremony, which was held on June 19 at York Middle School. The 2007-2008 academic year came to an end the following day, Friday, June 20. The first day of the new school year for students in elementary and middle school - as well as for York High School's new freshmen class - is set for Sept. 2, while students in grades 10 through 12 will return to York High School on Sept. 3.
Photo by Tori Rasche

ENDINGS AND BEGINNINGS. York Middle School Principal Stephen Bishop bids a fond farewell to the eighth-grade class during their finale celebration, which was held at the school on June 19.
Photo by Tori Rasche

BUCKET BRIGADE. Three businesses located at York's Meadowbrook Plaza - The UPS Store, Rizzo's Sandwich Shop and Curves  have put buckets on their counters to accept donations for The York Community Food Pantry. The contributions are picked up weekly by Food Pantry Director Tom Whalen, who said the "bucket brigade" is a great way of providing an ongoing influx of dollars to help sustain cash flow for the pantry throughout the year. Pictured here are Steve Rizzo of Rizzo's Sandwich Shop, Tina Bach of Curves - also runs an annual food drive throughout the month of March and collects turkeys for the pantry during the holidays - and Derek Perretti of The UPS Store. Any business owners interested in helping out by displaying a York Food Pantry bucket at their establishments are urged to call Whalen at 363-4056.
Courtesy photo

GIVING SOMETHING BACK. York Brownie Troop 221 visited the Center for Wildlife in Cape Neddick on June 11 to present a $100 donation to the center from funds earned through their Girl Scout Cookie sales. Pictured here are members of the troop with Center for Wildlife Executive Director Karen McElmurry.
Courtesy photo

LIGHT OF HOPE. Jill Porter of Springvale poses with her luminaria at the Relay For Life of York County, which was held on June 13 and 14 at Wells High School. The event was one of 16 community relays in Maine and it raised over $75,000 for the American Cancer Society's research, advocacy, education and patient services. For more about the American Cancer Society, visit http://www.cancer.org/.
Courtesy photo