With the last day of school behind us, it is safe to say that Summer has officially arrived in Wells! Summer affords an abundance of amusements and activity that can only be accessed this time of year. In Wells, this means the revival of the outdoor Summer Concert Series, summer camps in session, Harborfest on the horizon , Summer reading at the library and so much more! Read on for the many ways that Wells is splashing into Summer. |
|
Torch Runners race across Maine for a great cause
Jo-Ann Putnam, Chief of Police
|
|
On May 20th the Maine Criminal Justice Academy had its largest graduating class in the program’s history.
After completing the 18-week program, Officer Ethan Matt was one of the nearly 70 graduates from the 41st Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLEPT) class. The 18-week intensive residential training program teaches and trains the cadets to deal with the rigors of the job. The 41st BLETP represents 43 State, Municipal, and County law enforcement agencies that span from Caribou to Kittery.
Officer Matt had his badge pinned on by his brother, Detective Nicholas Matt of the Wells, ME Police Department.
|
|
The Maine Law Enforcement Torch Run that benefits the Special Olympics traveled through Southern Maine on Wednesday, June 8th. Members of our department, pictured here, received the torch from the Ogunquit Police Department at the town line to continue the torch's journey north, running the 7 miles to the Kennebunk line. The benefit run will conclude on Friday, June 10th at the University of Maine in Orono.
For more information on the Special Olympics of Maine and other benefit events you can visit their website.
|
|
Oceans of options for book lovers of all ages!
Cindy Appleby, Library Director
|
|
School’s out, summer is here, and there are Oceans of Possibilities to explore! Our summer reading program is for all ages from 3 years old and up, including adults!
Sign-up begins Wednesday, June 15th.
Our Summer Reading Kick-off is Saturday, June 18th, 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Games, face painting, crafts, and more!
Steve Corning will perform at 11:00 a.m. at the kick-off! His variety show features fast-paced juggling routines, mind-blowing escape artistry, comedy magic, contortion, balancing, LED light manipulation, and nearly endless amazing stunts, all mixed with a hearty dose of comedy. Be prepared for non-stop entertainment and tons of laughter.
Story times begin anew on Monday, June 20th.
Mondays at 10:30 a.m.
-
Books at the Beach: Story Time in the Gazebo at the Harbor (weather permitting)
Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m.
Check out our calendar. Programs include Thursday Crafty Kids, a Maine Audubon Loon program, Chewonki, cartooning, and so much more to do this summer!
We are grateful to the Friends of the Wells Public Library who provide the funding for our summer reading program.
Please welcome our new cataloguer, Tess, next time you’re in the library. She is working to get those new materials catalogued, processed and out on the floor for patrons.
And a big “thank you” to the firefighters, police officers and EMTs who brought their emergency vehicles to our Touch a Truck event on May 26th. We had 93 adults and children turn out to meet these first responders and to learn more about the important services they provide.
|
|
A Message from Shoreline Explorer
Deb Paradis, Shoreline Explorer Project Manager
|
|
"Dear Valued Shoreline Explorer Supporter,
As with many other transit providers and businesses nationwide, YCCAC’s Transportation Program has been impacted by the current labor shortage relative to the hiring of qualified CDL drivers, which has resulted in both the reduction and suspension of services in recent months.
With regard to the 2022 Shoreline Explorer season, it is with great disappointment that we must inform our sponsors, supporters and riders that YCCAC has made the very difficult decision to suspend services for the season. We hope that you understand that this decision is not made lightly as we know it may impose a burden on some. However, without enough drivers to operate the vehicles, we simply cannot provide an efficient and effective service.
The suspended services include the BLUE 4 and 4b trolleys that operate between Wells and Kennebunk’s Lower Village and the PURPLE Line shuttle which operates between Perkins Cove and York Short Sands Beach.
The ORANGE Line service that runs between Sanford and Wells, 7 days/week, will continue to operate with an added stop at Wells Beach for the summer season.
Those of you who have already sent your sponsorship payments will be receiving a reimbursement in the coming weeks. Again, we apologize for the inconvenience this service disruption may cause.
We wish you all a successful summer and look forward to seeing you again next season."
Deb Paradis
Shoreline Explorer Project Manager
|
|
|
|
Wells Needs You! Volunteer Today |
Volunteers are a vital and essential part of the Town of Wells community. We have many vacancies at the moment for Boards and Committees. Listed here are various openings available. Please visit our website for the full listing of vacancies.
Become a volunteer with the Town of Wells today! Your abilities and your passion can make a big difference. Join your friends and neighbors to make Wells not only the friendliest Town but also the best town to live, work and play in Maine.
|
|
To start making a difference in our community and easily submit your volunteer application online today, simply scan the QR code or navigate to the online application. If you would like to apply through our form, please complete the Volunteer Application and return by email or to the Wells Town Office
|
|
3-Question Interview: Drive COMBINED gas and electric?
Wells Energy Advisory Committee
|
|
Here’s another short interview with Wells residents who have taken steps to reduce their carbon footprint.
|
|
|
PLUG-IN HYBRID CAR with Wells residents, Linda Stathoplos and John Lillibridge
1. Why did you decide to buy a plug-in hybrid?
We wanted an electric vehicle but we were making a lot of long trips and needed a car that we could run on electricity locally, but use gas for long trips, since EV charging stations weren’t readily available when we bought the car. We found the basic model Chevy Volt met our needs. We bought it in 2015 for $27,500 (after the $7,500 federal tax incentive.) In general, it’s served us well. It can fit 4 adults comfortably and handles well. The heating system however is a little anemic. (This issue has been addressed in models available now).
2. Have you had any maintenance issues?
Yes, the downside of the Volt is the complexity of having both EV & gas engine power sources. Ironically, all of the maintenance issues have been associated with the gas engine. The ‘check engine’ light has been problematic, one time resulting in an inability to drive at highway speeds. We’ve never had an issue with the EV parts. Also, the EV motor is strong, confident and reliable. The gas engine is weak and hesitant at times. But it gets the job done. Bottom Line: When we bought the Volt in late 2015, we needed the extra range provided by the gas engine. Nowadays, with improvements in EVSE infrastructure and EV ranges in excess of 200 miles, our next vehicle will be a pure EV. Why add the complexity & maintenance headaches & costs for the gas engine?
3. How’s the fuel efficiency and range?
We get around 40 mpg when running on gas. When running on electricity, we get between 2.5 and 4 miles per kWh. At today’s electricity prices, that works out to about 25 miles per $1.00, compare that to an average car running on gas which would only get about 7 miles per $1.00!
We charge the Volt mostly at home using the Level 1 (slow) charger that came with the car which takes all night to charge the battery from empty. We also put in a Level 2 (faster) charger that provides a full charge in 5 hours, if we need to refill more quickly. With a full charge we get 75 miles (summer) and 45 miles (winter).
We recently put solar panels on our roof, so we’re now driving on sunshine!
|
|
|
|
Did you know that many happy marriages have been performed at the Town Hall over the years? Pictured here is Town Clerk, Brenda Layman with a newly betrothed couple at a recent ceremony. Brenda performed the ceremony at the Town Hall and is honored to have the opportunity to help facilitate these happy unions and send off newlyweds with her warmest wishes.
These ceremonies must occur after regular Town Hall office hours and by appointment only. If you are interested in starting your happily ever after at the Wells Town Hall, please contact the Town Clerk's office for more information, either in person or by calling: (207)-646-5113 ext. 351.
|
|
|
|
Want to work for Wells? We are hiring! |
If you are interested in not only living in the Friendliest Town in Maine, but working for it too, there are openings that the Town of Wells is looking to fill! Browse the available offerings to see if there is a position that aligns with your skills, experiences and abilities.
|
|
|
|
Current Town of Wells Employment Opportunities include:
See below for details regarding the Full Time Police Officer listing, as well as the link to apply for that position and more!
|
|
WEB GIS Map allows for detailed area analysis
Mike Livingston, Town Planner and Engineer
|
You may not know that Wells has an Online Geographic Informational System (WebGIS), which is an interactive mapping application that runs in a web browser and provides the public with geographic data. Some of the data that is available includes: road center lines, property lot lines, zoning, utilities, floodplains, water features, contours, and much more. The Town of Wells has its own very detailed Web GIS Map located here, that can be used for a variety of different objectives, depending on the information you are seeking.
Multiple layers can be activated which can include Zoning, topography, aerial photos or satellite imagery. Drawings can be created and printed from the information. Areas and distances can be measured.
|
|
Tax maps are created and maintained by the Assessing Department through this Wells GIS program. Property data, including size and drawing of buildings, elements within buildings, age, condition and value of buildings, all detached structures such as garages, barns, gazebos, sheds, pools, etc, and size, shape, status, and value of the land is maintained by the Assessing Office and is updated on an on-going basis.
|
|
Please explore the Web GIS on the Town website by clicking below. |
|
Lifeguards resume seasonal duties
Mark Dupuis, Fire Chief
|
|
Lifeguards are back on the beach!
They will be patrolling the beaches on weekends from June 2nd until July 1st. Starting July 2nd they will be on the beach full time! You may notice them around a little more after June 21st as they start their two weeks of training. From rescue scenarios to helping protect the Piping Plovers and other marine life, they learn it all! We are all looking forward to getting the season started.
Lifeguard Captains Kyle, Nick and Zach were able to participate in Maine Healthy Beaches training this past month to help the Wells Volunteers with water testing. The Maine Healthy Beaches program has been established to ensure that Maine’s swimming waters remain safe and clean. We are delighted to be able to partner with this program to keep our beach goers protected.
Please join us in congratulating Firefighter Marc Cuthbertson on his promotion to the rank of Captain! He has been in the Acting Captain roll for over a year now and has 18 years of experience with Wells Fire Department. We are happy to have his years of fire knowledge as well as his ties to the community. Congratulations Captain Cuthbertson!
May 26th was a busy day for the Fire Department. We had the entire Wells Kindergarten class come by the station for a tour. Firefighters Connell, Litvinchyk, and Toth were eager to show the kids around and the kids were just as eager to see everything! The crew was also able to attend the Police and Firefighter party at the library that evening! They had an amazing turn out and everyone had a blast! We are always so excited to be able to participate in these types of events around the community!
|
|
Community Partners
Wells Ogunquit Senior Center
|
|
The Wells Ogunquit Senior Center frequently offers special fundraising events and trips to support the Center and for the enjoyment of their members and their friends. Here are some noteworthy events coming up this Summer.
-
Bingo is now being held every Wednesday evening, with doors opening at 4:30pm. Come ready to win! Food will be available for purchase.
-
There will be a Wine Raffle to support the Center. The drawing will be held on June 30th, and you do NOT have to be present at the drawing to win. Tickets are available for purchase at the Wells Ogunquit Senior Center: 300 Post Road, Wells Maine 04090.
-
The Wells Ogunquit Senior Center will be hosting a Yard Sale on July 16th, from 8:00am - 1:00pm. All proceeds will benefit the center. Please call (207) 646-7775 for more information.
|
|
If you have submission ideas or requests for The Wells Connector, please contact rkelley@wellstown.org. |
|
208 Sanford Road
Wells, ME 04090
207-646-5113
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
