There is no question that we have officially entered August, as temperatures soar and crowds flock to the beaches to beat the heat. Outside of soaking in the sun at the Wells beaches, there is lots going on in other areas of town. Parks and Recreation summer camps work to stay cool while having a blast, summer concerts ring through the night every weekend, Fiscal Year 2023 closes, and much more. Read on to learn about how Wells is sizzling through the summer months.

Wells 9th annual HarborFest, which took place on Saturday, July 29th at Wells Harbor Community Park, was an incredible day of fun and community for visitors of all ages. Crowds came out to enjoy the sunny day and the many activities, including kite building, glitter tattoos, sand art, crabbing, pony petting, Fire and Police Department demos, and carnival games. Wells Ocean Rescue joined the event this year, and put on a thrilling jet ski demonstration, where they treated the crowd to a water rescue simulation.

One of the most popular contests at HarborFest is the longstanding tradition of the International Lobster Trap Toss, which boasts cash prizes and international acclaim! Men and women compete in categories to test their throwing abilities, and contestants admit that it is much harder than it looks. The men's reigning champion this year is Tom Eighney, from Wakefield, MA with a score of 50 feet and 10 inches. The winner in the female category is Megan Levesque, from NH, with a score of 33 feet and 6 inches. Many thanks to Fisherman's Catch Restaurant for sponsoring the event.

For those that worked up an appetite from the lobster trap throwing, there was plenty of food to enjoy. Wells Rotary hosted a cookout and served up their typical fare of burgers, dogs, and ice cream, which is always a crowd favorite. Fahrenheit 225 BBQ served up classic Southern dishes, such as barbeque ribs, mac and cheese and pulled pork. There were plenty of other food vendors serving delicious treats throughout the day and no one went hungry.

Those whose appetites were larger than a standard hamburger, could participate in the 9th Annual Doughnut Eating Contest, sponsored by Congdon's Doughnuts. Contestants put their stomachs to the ultimate test to see who could eat the most doughnuts in 10 minutes. Crowds cheered as the contestants inhaled the food, in what has become the biggest spectacle to observe at HarborFest. Jonathan Ciampa & Patrick Lemiuex tied for first place and put down an impressive 9 doughnuts in the allotted time. The runner up was Joshua Evans, who ate a total of 8 doughnuts. The winners were treated to cash prizes from Congdon's Doughnuts, though they might need a few days before craving a doughnut again.

Whether you came to eat doughnuts, enjoy the live music by Atlantic Harmonies, the live dancing by Northern Explosions Dance Studio, shop the many vendor booths, pet the ponies, jump in the bounce house, or just meander through the activities and take in the ocean views, we know everyone left with great memories and a good time. It's special to be able to come together as a community and join in on the magic that is HarborFest.

Thank you to all those who came out to share in the fun. Most importantly, thank you to our incredible sponsors and volunteers who made this event possible. Our volunteers helped support the event and ensured that everything ran smoothly. Our generous sponsors help fund the activities and the event would not be possible without them. Thank you to Kennebunk Savings, Poland Springs, York County Community Action Corp., Partner's Bank, Fisherman's Catch Restaurant, Renewal by Anderson, Save Our Shores Maine, Webhannet River Bait & Tackle, Rotary Club of Wells, and Congdon's Doughnuts…we couldn’t have done it without you!

This Spring and early Summer were certainly dreary, with lots of rain and dark skies. Now that the sun has finally found Wells, Public Works is running to try to catch up with all the rain delayed activities. Once the sun came out, you could almost see the vegetation growing. We started out with a strong roadside mowing effort, when unfortunately, our mower broke down. It is out being repaired and we are searching for other options to get this back on track. It is discouraging for Public Works as well as our residents and visitors to see our roadsides in need of attention while we wait on the mower repairs.  

Another area where Public Works seasonal projects have been slowed due to extenuating circumstances are our beaches. The Piping Plovers had a strong season, and to protect their nests, our beach raking activity had to stay 150’ away from their nests. The chicks have now fledged, or gotten past the critical age for their survival, so the beach tractor and rake can be working when the tides are favorable. This too, is a priority so we can return the beaches to our typical standards. We know there have been numerous concerns about the seaweed on the beaches, but had to keep the endangered Piping Plovers as a priority over the beach maintenance temporarily.

The paving program also suffered delays because of the weather, but that has caught up. Pavement markings were about 2 months behind schedule, and the painting contractor has been working every night that it is dry enough to paint. This is the time of year that we try to get updated and new signs installed, but that has been delayed because of a lack of staff. That staff shortage has also significantly impacted our work to maintain the over 250 veteran cemeteries around town.

Public Works continues to push forward despite the setbacks

Public Works staffs a crew of four, as well as a foreman. Between allowing our equipment operators their well-deserved vacations, a long-standing vacancy, and multiple staff on medical leave, our staff is working tirelessly to keep up with their many demands. This labor situation is being experienced by every business, whether public or private. 

It is disheartening to talk with residents, visitors and businesses of Wells and not be able to provide services to the high standards that we are known for due to the weather, staff shortages, equipment failures and circumstances outside of our control. I appreciate the patience that the public has had with Public Works. Our staff are eager to catch up and have been frustrated due to the setbacks we have experienced. I know things will level out, as I assure both the staff as well as the public.  People that have stopped or called to thank them for the work they do, have been greatly appreciated. 

I want to take this chance to thank our wonderful staff for facing challenges that are not easy to face day after day.

Warm sunshine and cool ocean breezes are two of the best things about August. Enjoying the air conditioning and awesome programs at the library are two more!

• Summer reading ends Saturday, August 19^th, so keep filling out those reading logs!
• Children’s programming will take a well-deserved break starting August 21^st and will resume in September.
• The Friends of the Library will hold their monthly book sale on Saturday, August 19^th from 10:15 am – 12:30 pm. Get some great bargains and help support library programming!

As the month of July comes to an end, department staff are busy working on closing fiscal year 2023, preparing for audit, and getting ready to start the tax lien process for delinquent 2023 taxes, all while still completing daily tasks of processing motor vehicle transactions, beach stickers and transfer station passes. 

Staff will sending out the required certified mailing of the 30 Day Notice of Lien for delinquent 2023 real estate taxes at the beginning of August. These letters are sent to inform taxpayers that if the taxes remain unpaid 30 days past the date of the notice that a lien will be placed on the taxpayers property. Residents and taxpayers can always call the office to check the status of their tax account.

New to Wells? Welcome!

With all the new residents we have in Wells, here is some information to assist you in registering your vehicle in your new hometown.

If you still have questions, feel free to give the Finance Department a call at 207-646-5113.

The weather has been challenging but Summer Day Camp has been successful! We have over 250 children in all our camps this year. The staff has been exceptional in being flexible with their activities any given day as we all know that Maine weather is unique and challenging at times. 

Given the abundant rainy weather we have experienced this summer, the children and staff have dealt with multiple days of indoor crowded activities but they are making it through! They are troopers!

The summer camp children and the general public are enjoying the newly installed playground equipment at the Walter Marsh Recreation Area. The two bears are a big hit!

The summer programs Golf, Tennis, Adult Fitness, Field Hockey Camp and Summer Day Camp have had great participation and enthusiasm. Youth and Peewee soccer will be starting at the end of August and Field Hockey, Little Kickers, and Archery will begin the first week of September.

We are currently working on our upcoming Fall programs and are really looking forward to our largest event of the year – The Annual Haunted Hayride on October 26^th!

Over the past several weeks, the Code Office has been receiving phone calls from residents regarding work that has been done in their homes that they are not satisfied with. After investigation, it is found that the contractor did not obtain any permits and many times has done work outside the scope of their expertise. This work has included plumbing, electrical, gas and HVAC work without having the correct licensing or any licensing in the State of Maine

Here are some rules of thumb:

• Make sure you have a contract for any work over $3,000.00.
• If they only accept cash or tell you that they are having problems with their bank, that should raise a red flag.
• If they tell you that they have taken care of permitting with the Town, ask to see the permits. It should be posted in the front window.
• If the contractor is going to move or install any plumbing or heating appliance, ask to see his/her State License to perform those tasks. If he/she does not have a license to work in that discipline, that means it is not their professional trade. If it was, they would have that license.
• A “Handy Person” should not be installing, altering, or moving any of the plumbing/electrical, gas and/oil appliances. The professional trades person has a license in that trade for a reason.  
• Currently, on social media there are several small local contractors advertising to build decks, do light plumbing, electrical and carpentry. A “jack of all trades” so to speak. Be very aware of these individuals. We do not recognize these individuals applying for any permits or being on any job sites in the Town of Wells.  
• If a contractor touches a piece of lumber, a permit is most likely needed. This includes prefabricated sheds. A phone call to the Code Office is free: 207-646-5187.
• The Code Office is here to oversee that the work being done at your home meets the required minimum standards of codes to include life-safety for codes that have been adopted in the State of Maine and the Town of Wells.

Ultimately, using properly licensed trade people and proper permitting protects you as the property owner if someone is injured on the property. In the past, investigators have come to the Town and requested permitting records to try and determine liability. The investigators that have come to the Wells Code Office have included insurance investigators, legal firms, District Attorney’s Office, OSHA and State Fire Marshalls Office.      

What are sand dunes?

Coastal sand dunes are fragile and dynamic resources that only comprise about two percent of Maine’s coastline. These dunes act as natural barriers that protect the shorelines from storm events that cause erosion. They also provide vital habitat for a variety of wildlife and have natural scenic beauty that is enjoyed by many. Dunes can vary dramatically in shape and size depending on coastal conditions such as prevailing winds and the amount of sand available on a given beach. Overtime, sand dunes will grow, shrink, or move around as they are impacted by natural forces like storms or unnatural events like human interactions. 

Threats to dune vegetation

Though sand dunes can be damaged by severe storms, the greatest threat to dune vegetation comes from uncontrolled recreational use. Dune plants are specially evolved for the harsh conditions of coastal life, but these adaptations make them especially vulnerable to traffic. Frequent beach users, such as humans and dogs, can trample plants as they walk through them. This foot traffic leads to plant degradation and even death. Even light foot traffic can create “blowouts” that persist for years and leave the shoreline more vulnerable to erosion by wind and water.

Did you know that sand dunes are protected by the Department of Environmental Protection? By trespassing in a sand dune system, you could be violating Maine state law!

The best way to help preserve our dune systems are to stay clear of them. Always enter and exit the beach using only designated walkways and entrances. Call your pet away from the dunes before it enters them and make sure they are not defecating in them; do not let pets or kids play in the dune grass or sandy hills. Do not enter the dune system for any reason, including but not limited to: photography, metal detecting, pruning or removing plants (including invasive species), recreation or travel.

For more information regarding coastal sand dune rules and regulations, please visit www.Maine.gov.

The Wells Harbor Park Summer Concert Series will be continuing into the month of August, and through September 2nd, with concerts every Saturday evening from 6:00pm-8:00pm. So far, we've had wonderful turnout and great performances by all. The Club Soda Band, set to play on July 29th, was cancelled due to inclement weather, but all other concerts throughout the month of July have been a huge success.

The concerts are located at Hope Hobbs Gazebo, at Wells Harbor Community Park. There is plenty of parking, and all parking is free. Benches are available for first-come-first serve seating. Folding chairs and blankets are also welcome to be set-up.

The Summer Concert Series schedule for the remainder of the Summer is as follows:

August 5: J.C. and the Elvis Experience

August 12: Deep Blue C Studio Orchestra

August 19: The Rockin' Daddios

August 26: Dock Squares

September 2: Finest Kind Country Band

Come enjoy our beautiful summers on the Harbor!

WEAC member, Beth Widmayer, recently installed solar panels on her roof. Here’s some information about her experience that will help you get started. Beth is happy to answer any questions. Contact WEAC Chair, Beth Widmayer.

Getting started

My first step was to do a little research, and then to contact solar companies to get an estimate. I would suggest getting at least 3 quotes. Solar companies may be able to get you a price without even coming to your home (using their software and Google maps). In my case, I was surprised to find out that even though my roof is nowhere near perfect for solar, the savings were there and it made sense financially to go forward.

What will it cost?

In order to provide real-world examples of a typical solar installation in Wells, I asked my solar company, 603 Solar, to provide examples of two installations, one “average” and one “optimal”. The “average” house would be like mine (roof not oriented toward south; some shading). The “optimal house would be close to ideal (no shading, oriented close to south at right pitch).

I also asked for financing data for these 2 examples. Both solar systems are sized for an average Maine electric bill of about $287/month.

Note: I’ve used 603 Solar for this example in order to get current information. This is not an endorsement of any one company, and I urge you to talk to several.

Average House

Current electricity cost: $286.83/month

Cost of solar financed over 12 years with 30% FTC applied within 12 mos.: $307.63/mo.

Cost of solar financed over 20 years with 30% FTC applied within 12 mos.: $261.72/mo.

Payback period (ROI period) if paid cash: 9.43 years

View the Wells Solar Example for an average house.  View example financing options for an average house.

Optimal House

Current electricity cost: $286.83/month

Cost of solar financed over 12 years with 30% FTC applied within 12 mos.: $239.20/mo.

Cost of solar financed over 20 years with 30% FTC applied within 12 mos.: $203.50/mo.

Payback period (ROI period) if paid cash: 7.07 years

View the Wells Solar Example for an optimal house.   View financing options for an optimal house.

Note

• Loans are no down-payment
• Solar panels are expected to produce for at least 25 years. If you finance over 12 years, all electricity produced after the 12 years is free (except for the CMP basic charge which is $ 13.66/mo. currently.)
• Your monthly financing fee will remain fixed, while it is likely that electricity costs will go up.

Other things to consider

• By installing solar you’ll be doing a great favor to the environment!
• You might consider installing a system big enough to cover future electric needs (such as the addition of heat pumps and/or EV charging).
• HOW MUCH MAINTENANCE OR UPKEEP IS REQUIRED? The good news is that grid-tied solar electric systems require little maintenance during their lifespan to keep your solar system running.
• The age and condition of your roof will have to be evaluated by the solar companies giving you quotes to determine if solar panels can safely be added.
• Even without contacting a solar company, you can use this tool to get an idea of what the solar production on your roof will be. 

The Wells Reserve at Laudholm's August programs have been announced, and offer something for the whole family. Most programs are free of charge, though registration is required. These programs fill up quickly, so be sure to make your reservation. We'll see you at the Reserve!

Saturday, August 5, 7:30-9:30am

Bird Walk-

York County Audubon birders lead a guided walk around the Wells Reserve property. Beginners welcome. Please bring binoculars if you have them. Free with site admission. Registration required.

Monday, August 7, 12-1pm

A Summer of Stewardship -

Chloe March, a conservation intern at the Wells Reserve, explains the challenges and successes of removing invasive species from several sites at the reserve this summer. Her work has been supported by the Maine Coast Heritage Trust Richard G. Rockefeller Conservation Internship Program. $5 suggested donation. Registration required.

Monday, August 7, 4-5pm

Portal of Awareness Walk-

Learn about compassion and mindfulness from author, therapist, compassion educator, and grief worker Elizabeth Straka, then participate in a guided walk. We will meet at the gazebo, transition to another area to discuss principles of compassion and elements of awareness, then take a facilitated walk. The program lasts about 1 hour. Free with site admission.

Tuesday, August 8, 10am-12pm

Explore the Shore-

The treasures we find on the beach can tell us stories about the land, the ocean, and the beach itself. While strolling Laudholm Beach, we will explore questions about the sand, the wrack line, and found objects. Free with site admission. Registration required.

Wednesday, August 9, 10am-12pm

Drawing Together-

Gather at the Wells Reserve for a morning of plein air drawing and shared creativity. Participants will support and inspire each other in the process and simple pleasure of observational sketching. Bring your own drawing materials or purchase an inexpensive creativity kit on the day of the program. Organizer Laura Jaquays is an artist and educator who has taught creative wellness for nearly 30 years to support long-term illness, mental health and resilience, hospice care, and K-12 education. For ages 8 and up; children must be accompanied by an adult. Free with site admission. Registration required.

Thursday, August 10, 10-11:30am

Laudholm’s Farming Past-

Delve into the rich history of the Wells Reserve at Laudholm, from homestead to farmland to estuarine reserve. This docent-led walk covers about ½ mile. Free with site admission. Registration required.

If you have submission requests for The Wells Connector, please contact us at 207-361-8130 or by email.