GIVING BACK. Ask 11-year-old Stephen Carr what he wants to be when he grows up, and there is no hesitation in his response. This York Middle School student hopes to follow in the footsteps of his grandfather and become a professional firefighter. And with such a calling, Stephen has been learning all he can from the firefighters here in town. To thank them for their willingness to teach him about what they do, even though he has a couple of more years before he can become a junior firefighter, Stephen organized a cookout on Sept. 21 to raise money for the York Fire Department. With donations from family, friends and neighbors who took part in the event, Stephen was able to surprise York Fire Chief Chris Balentine, pictured here, with a check for $1,355 for the department at its monthly meeting on Oct. 2. Stephen said he is really impressed with York's professional and volunteer firefighters and is looking forward to a future day when he can join them. As he put it, "I can't wait to have the sirens blaring and me driving the truck."
Photo by Jennifer L. Saunders

PINWHEELS FOR PEACE. Sunday School students at Union Congregational Church in York Beach were among those taking part in the United Nations' International Day of Peace on Sept. 21, which is defined as a "global holiday when individuals, communities, nations and governments highlight efforts to end conflict and promote peace." At Union Congregational Church, the students decorated the pinwheels in honor of the day, while members of the congregation were able to write messages of peace and tolerance to be displayed on one side of each pinwheel. Following the Sunday service, the pinwheels were "planted" in front of the landmark York Beach church, as seen here. Established by U.N. resolution in 1982, the International Day of Peace is now celebrated around the world, and was also honored by several groups in York, including students at York Middle School.
Courtesy photo