TO EVERYTHING THERE IS A SEASON. The 19^th-century Catalpa tree pictured here was recently removed from the River Road property in Cape Neddick where it stood for over a century. The tree had to be removed for safety reasons as its trunk had begun to split. Catalpa trees are reportedly quite rare in the local region, and the tree was planted by Charles Todd's grandfather in the late 1800s at the home where Charles and his wife Louise reside. The circumference of the trunk was over 16 feet, and the tree was 50 feet in height and 40 feet in breadth.
Photos courtesy of Sheri (Todd) Nadeau

OFF AND RUNNING. Children of all ages celebrated York Days with a burst of energy during the children's "Fun Run" portion of the Annual Amidon Family Dentistry York Days 5K Road Race, which began bright and early on July 27 at York High School as part of this two-week celebration of summer in York.
Photo by Tori Rasche

A GREAT ESCAPE. On National Children's Day, Aug. 3, Starlight Children's Foundation welcomed seriously ill children and their families to enjoy a worry-free day with a Great Escape at York's Wild Kingdom Zoo and Amusement Park. Seen here, children and their families feed the deer at York's Wild Kingdom during the special event. Families had the opportunity to receive free pony rides, elephant rides and mini golf and enjoyed a private picnic with ice cream at the zoo and amusement park. Starlight hosts Great Escape events like the one at York's Wild Kingdom to provide families with a chance to bond and recharge away from the hospital and medical treatments, while at the same time connecting with others facing similar challenges, so that no one feels alone. For 25 years, Starlight has dedicated itself to helping seriously ill children and their families cope with their pain, fear and isolation through entertainment, education and family activities. To learn more, visit www.starlight.org.
Courtesy photo

ELECTION 2008. Although the November election may still be months away, the Seacoast Democrats are urging residents to "Let's Wake It Up" and vote in 2008. The organization is hosting this event on Aug. 10 from 1 to 4 p.m. at Lobster in the Rough on Route 1 in York. The event will feature voter information and on-site registration; a chance to meet local and state candidates, with public appearances expected by Congressman Tom Allen, Maine State House candidates Jordan Landry and Henry Beck, Maine Rep. Dawn Hill, D-York, and community activist and retired superintendent Chuck Ott. Also stop by to hear live music with popular bands and musicians including Egotripmusic, Jenny O., Elsa Cross and Tino Pop-star; take part in the raffle with great items including a bicycle, and enjoy free watermelon and whoopie pies. This free event is open to the public. Recently, volunteers representing the Maine Democratic Party went door-to-door in 100 towns, asking questions about voters' preferences in this year's election. In York, the six volunteers pictured here - Victoria Simon, Katrina Hoop, Glen MacWilliams, Susan Glick, Ron McAllister, and Judith McAllister - went to several neighborhoods, listening to voters and handing out campaign literature in true grassroots fashion. "There are just 100 days left until Election Day," said McAllister, who is running for the Maine Legislature. "We are going out today as the York contingent of this important statewide effort to talk with voters. Some of us will be doing this every weekend between now and Nov. 4 to find out what matters most to the people of York, and how we can work together for change in November." For more, call the Seacoast Democrats at 363-9270.
Courtesy photo