The York Independent - News - September 19, 2008

September 19 - October 9, 2008

News

FIRST RESPONDERS HONORED. Members of the Professional Firefighters of Maine, International Association of Firefighters, Maine Fire Chiefs Association, Maine Troopers Association and Maine Ambulance Association joined Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, as her First Responder Bus Tour rolled through the local area on Sept. 5. The tour, intended to honor the sacrifice of Maine's brave first responders and Collins' support for the men and women who serve as firefighters, police officers, EMTs and paramedics, began with a rally outside the gates at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard and continued in the local area with stops at the York Fire Department in York Village, the York Beach Fire Department the Ogunquit Fire Department. Collins, seen here outside the York Beach Fire Station with Rep. Windol Weaver and former legislators Mary Andrews and Brad Moulton, local members of the Republican party seeking election to the Maine Legislature in November, told the many firefighters and police who were on hand at her stops around town that, "The men and women who serve as our first responders are always on the front lines protecting our communities, our children, our families, our friends and loved ones. They put their lives on the line for us. That is why I have always been a strong advocate in the U.S. Senate on their behalf. Our government has an obligation to honor their sacrifice, and to ensure that they have the resources and support necessary to do their jobs."
Photo by Jennifer L. Saunders

COASTAL CLEANUP! Allie Hayford, York's Adopt-A-Beach Coordinator for Blue Ocean Society for Marine Conservation, has been coordinating the International Coastal Cleanup at all of York's public beaches, and volunteers are invited to take part in the next event, set for Sept. 20 at the Long Beach bathhouse at 1 p.m., and for an upcoming Short Sands Beach cleanup, with the date and time to be announced. The International Coastal Cleanup is a cleanup of oceans, rivers and waterways all over the world during the third week of September. Hayford has been working diligently to clean York's beaches and ocean and has hosted numerous cleanups over the past two years, including one with local Girl Scouts and members of York's Coastal Clovers 4-H Club, pictured here. Hayford said she plans to share the data on the cleanup efforts and seek community input on ways to reduce the sources of York's ocean pollution problem. For more information, contact Allie Hayford at dhayford@maine.rr.com or 361-1790.
Courtesy photo

Wells -In a ceremony held on July 23, 2008, Dr. Charles Lyons, president of York County Community College joined other Maine Community College presidents in pledging their support of the National Guard and Reserve as essential to the strength of our nation and the well-being of our communities.

Dr. Lyons, pictured with Major Stephen Hatt, pledged that York County Community College, its managers and supervisors and department heads will have the tools they need to effectively manage those employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve.

York County Community College, established in 1994, is one of seven community colleges in the Maine Community College System. The college enrolls over 1,000 students in associate degrees and transfer programs and over 1,600 individuals in non-credit continuing education.

Town Topics

The future of York Beach: Residents and selectmen split on zoning plan

The York Beach zoning proposal is headed to a townwide vote in November, but questions linger over whether there were conflicts of interest involved in its approval, and what the plan could mean for the town's future.

Board of Selectmen approve zoning articles for November warrant

At its most recent meeting, the Board of Selectmen voted to forward a long list of zoning ordinances to the November ballot and also heard updates on several local issues.

Recent York fire serves as reminder of importance of smoke detectors

A devastating blaze at a Seabury Road home has local fire officials urging residents to be aware of the importance of having working smoke detection equipment in their homes.

Local police respond to multiple incidents in the weeks since summer’s end

From the murder of a Wells man by a local resident on Sept. 2 to multiple serious motor vehicle incidents, the end of what is known as the busy summer season has anything but quieted down for the York Police Department.

Sign of the times: York Water District to begin four-day work week

It is a trend that is beginning to gain momentum across the country: the move for municipalities, businesses and even some school districts to four-day weeks.

Water main flushing begins Sept. 22

The York Water District will be flushing its water mains for a period of four weeks starting Sept. 22.

Plan for new YCSA facility moves forward

At its most recent meeting, the Planning Board approved, with conditions, the proposal for a new York Community Service Association facility on Route 1.

BMV Mobile Licensing Unit moving to the new home of York’s American Legion

Deputy Secretary of State Catherine Curtis of the Bureau of Motor Vehicles has announced that the mobile license unit, now making regular visits to the town of York, will be operating from the new American Legion Hall location at 9 Hannaford Drive starting in October.

Girl Scouts information meetings set for October

Have you ever wanted to find out more about joining a local Girl Scout troop?

York Water District restoration of former Highland Towing property continues

Work to restore the former site of Highland Towing, which is located within the town's watershed, took another step forward with the recent demolition of the primary residence on the property.

School Notes

An important letter from the superintendent

The priority of the York School Department is to provide for the safety and protection of our students.

YCCC takes part in national benchmark study

Officials at York County Community College have announced their participation in a national Adult Career Pathways (ACP) Manufacturing and Logistics Benchmark Study.

Southern Maine Currents

Mount A to the Sea, MCHT help preserve Gerrish Island property for generations to come

The pristine beauty of 400 acres of undeveloped land on Gerrish Island will remain just as it is today.

Maine’s Alpaca Open Farm Weekend set for Sept. 27 and 28

More than half of the 70 members of the Maine Alpaca Association will be open to the public throughout the weekend of Sept. 27 and 28 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days. Currently, here are now nearly 2,000 alpacas on over 100 farms in Maine.

Local author Michael Nugent to speak Sept. 23

Wells-Ogunquit Adult Community Education, the Friends of the Wells Public Library and the Historical Society of Wells and Ogunquit will host an evening with local author Michael Nugent on Sept. 23.

USS New Hampshire Commissioning Ceremony coming to the shipyard in October

The USS New Hampshire, the fifth in the Navy's new Virginia Class submarine fleet, will be commissioned at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in October and an estimated 8,000 to 10,000 visitors and honored guests are expected to attend.

Sixth Annual Fall Farm Fun Day at the Youth Enrichment Center at Hilton-Winn Farm set for Oct. 11

The Youth Enrichment Center at Hilton-Winn Farm is getting ready to celebrate its Sixth Annual Fall Farm Fun Day.

Local Democratic candidates go "Green" while campaigning

Doing their part to be a little more environmentally friendly, Sen. Peter Bowman, D-Kittery, and Maine House of Representatives candidate Ron McAllister are "going green" as they go door-to-door in town.

Child Abuse Council presents awards at annual event

The Board of Directors and guests of the Child Abuse Prevention Council of York County recently welcomed new board members and honored a number of local individuals and businesses that have shown outstanding commitment to the cause of child abuse prevention.