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Friday, April 3, 2026 Volume 21 • Issue No. 14
York Rotary Launches 26th Annual “Car With A Cause” YORK The Rotary Club of York has announced the off icial kickoff of its 2026 “Car With A Cause” raff le. A launch party will take place Saturday, April 11, marking the start of the organization’s signature fundraising campaign, now in its 26th year. The initiative has grown from a single inspired idea into one of southern Maine’s most recognized and successful charitable raffles. Powered by volunteer Rotarians and community supporters, the program has become Rotary’s largest annual fundraiser, helping fuel a wide range of local and global charitable initiatives.
The 2023 winner of Cars With A Cause received the keys from Sales Manager Tim Thomas of Berlin City Lexus of Portland and York Rotary President Ben Lovell.
“This isn’t just a raffle, it’s a tradition of generosity,” said one York Rotary member. “For 26 years, our community has come together around a shared
purpose: to create meaningful, lasting impact.” Since its inception, Car With A Cause has demonstrated the power of grassroots philan-
thropy. With 100% volunteer participation, the fundraiser reflects Rotary’s enduring mission: neighbors helping neighbors, and communities supporting communities. Proceeds directly support the Rotary Club of York Maine Charitable Foundation, a 501(c)3 organization that funds vital programs including youth initiatives, local nonprofits, food security efforts, international aid projects, and more. The April 11 kickoff will officially launch ticket sales for the 2026 raffle, giving the public an opportunity to celebrate, connect, and be among the first to participate in this year’s cam-
paign. A limited number of tickets is already available for purchase through Rotary members and select local partners. Guests at the kickoff party can expect a first look at the 2026 featured vehicle, food from Walker’s Maine, and music by 3 Shades of Gray. The event will also offer opportunities for community networking and celebration, as well as ways to support York Rotary’s charitable mission. Each year, Rotary selects a standout vehicle to raffle, with the drawing held in October during York’s Harvestfest. With See CAR on page 19...
Purple Heart Recipients to be Honored at National Event NEWBURGH, NY Two area Purple Heart recipients will be recognized during the 2026 Purple Heart Patriot Project mission, taking place April 27– May 1. U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Daniel Contois (left photo) and U.S. Army Spc. Michael Webster (right photo) will represent Maine as part of a multiday tribute honoring the courage and sacrifice of America’s combat-wounded. The Purple Heart Patriot Project is a program of the National Purple Heart Honor Mission. Selected from hundreds of nominees for their courage and service, both in combat and their communities, the annual all-ex-
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WELLS A growing number of communities across the country are installing “wind phones,” simple outdoor telephones that provide grieving individuals a dedicated space to speak to loved ones who have died. These phones are not connected to any network; instead, they offer a peaceful, intentional environment for expressing thoughts, memories, and emotions out loud. Wind phones originated in Japan in 2010, created by artist Itaru Sasaki in memory of his cousin, who died in the 2011
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through the decades.” “These Patriot Project missions recognize the sacrifices made by our Purple Heart recipients and honor those who never made it home. They provide an invaluable opportunity for these heroes to bond with other combat wounded to help with healing, understanding and, of course, know that this nation will never forget their sacrifice,” said National Purple Heart Honor Mission Executive Director Colonel Russell O. Vernon (Ret). “We look forward to honoring Daniel and Michael for their courage and service.” Contois and Webster were nominated for the special recogni-
tion by Kittery Police Department Lt. John Desjardins. The Patriot Project honorees include men and women from all branches of military service. Asked what his service
meant to him, Contois said, “It was an honor to serve my country and serve with some of the best people on this planet. I saw See PURPLE on page 2...
Wind Phones Connect with Loved Ones
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penses-paid, Honor Flight–style tribute brings together Purple Heart recipients from conflicts across generations. The five-day itinerary includes visits to historic sites such as the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, a private tour of the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor, and the 9/11 Memorial, with additional tribute events planned. “Daniel, Michael, and their fellow Patriot Project honorees represent the best of the best our country has to offer,” said Jeremy McVey, chairman of the National Purple Heart Honor Mission. “These honorees represent a true cross-section of America and the diversity of our combat wounded
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Tohoku earthquake and tsunami. The concept is a simple, disconnected telephone booth where
visitors can speak to lost loved ones, finding comfort and reflection through the act of “calling”
Karen Muller, on a wind phone at Wells Reserve, sends a message to her son.
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them. Since then, wind phones have inspired similar installations around the world as a tool for grief, remembrance, and healing. Hal and Karen Muller of Wells have been instrumental in raising awareness about wind phones in southern Maine, where several have been established in recent years. Visitors often use the phones to share unspoken sentiments, provide life updates, or simply say the name of someone they miss, facilitating a unique healing process. See PHONE on page 20...
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