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Friday, August 22, 2025 Volume 21 • Issue No. 34
Cindy’s Challenge Supports Cancer Patients, Families KENNEBUNKPORT Caring Community Cuisine, a 501(c)3 non-profit dedicated to nourishing families battling cancer, is proud to announce Cindy’s Challenge, a new fundraising event scheduled for Saturday, August 30. The ride/ run/walk event will take place along the beautiful Kennebunkport coastline. Cindy’s Challenge is held in loving memory of Cindy Weidner (pictured), a local figure who lived with pancreatic cancer with remarkable courage, grace, and class for two and a half years. Weidner was fortunate to have a dedicated caregiver who ensured
all her needs were met, including consistent, nutritious meals. It was her heartfelt wish that others facing similar battles would receive the same essential support. Net proceeds from Cindy’s Challenge will directly benefit Caring Community Cuisine, providing restaurant-quality, hand-delivered meals to cancer warriors and their families, offering crucial family nutrition and human interaction during their fight. “Cindy’s spirit of resilience and compassion is the driving force behind this event,” said a spokesperson for Caring Community Cuisine. “She under-
stood the profound impact that consistent, comforting meals and shared moments can have during such a challenging time. Through Cindy’s Challenge, we aim to extend that same vital support to more families in our community, allowing them to focus on healing and connection.” Participants can choose from several events for all fitness levels: a run/walk of about 5 kilometers and cycling routes of 25, 40, or 62 miles. All events will start at the Caring Community Cuisine Cafe, 2 Pier Road, Kennebunkport. Start times are staggered to allow participants to gather at a local coastal garden
for a celebratory reception with food and beverages, highlighting the hospitality of Caring Community Cuisine. For those who wish to show ongoing support for the Caring Community Cuisine mission, custom “CCC Colors” cycling and running apparel is available. The collection is available in the Verge Team Store at shop. vergesport.com/us-en/account/ teamstorelog i n ( pa ssword: CCCCkit2025). For more information about Cindy’s Challenge and to register, visit www.runsignup.com/ race/me/kennebunkport/cindyschallenge.
New Town Hall Opens with Expanded Services, Upgrades ELIOT The Town of Eliot will host a dedication ceremony for its newly renovated town hall at 1333 State Road on Thursday, August 28, at 4:30 p.m. The public is invited to attend. The facility has nearly doubled in size to 7,890 square feet and will house municipal offices for the Town Clerk/Treasurer, Planning, Code Enforcement, Assessor, Land Use, Finance, and the Town Manager. The fully accessible town hall will accommodate meetings and provide access remotely or by appointment. It has been thoughtfully planned and designed for energy efficiency, with LED lighting throughout and
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one of the most efficient heating and cooling systems available. Parking has nearly doubled to 84 spaces, and new safety lighting, CCTV, and longstanding drainage issues have been addressed. The new town hall includes a larger space for services in the Town Clerk’s office, a kiosk with a virtual receptionist, and a drive-up window for limited transactions and residents with mobility limitations. These upgrades are intended to provide better service to the public. The dedication ceremony will be led by Select Board Chair William Widi, Budget Com-
YORK COUNTY Fire officials across York County are urging residents to refrain from all outdoor burning as the region faces extreme fire danger. None of the county’s 29 municipalities, nor the Maine Forest Service, are presently issuing burn permits. Recent wildfires have highlighted the risks, including a recent blaze in Biddeford that burned a foot deep into the forest floor, requiring firefighters to dig out the fire by hand, and another fire in Acton, started by a campfire, that consumed eight acres over several days. York County Emergency Management Agency Deputy
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2, at 8:30 a.m. Tours will be accommodated as staff are available, and residents may also view the building during Eliot Festival
Days on Saturday, September 27. For more information, email townmanager@eliotme. gov or call 207-451-1205.
York County Officials Warn: Fire Risk is High
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mittee Chair Gene Wypyski, and Building Committee Chair Bradford Swanson, who will offer their remarks. State Rep. Michelle Meyer will also attend and provide congratulatory comments. Lita Semarau of Port City Architects and Matt Cook of Allied Cook Construction, along with several subcontractors, will be present to recognize the success of this $4.4 million public investment. The temporary town hall at 28 Levesque Drive will permanently close Wednesday, August 27, at 3:30 p.m. The renovated town hall will open for service Tuesday, September
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Director Megan Arsenault described the fire risk on August 15 as high to very high. While some areas received light rain on Thursday, August 14, many communities remain dry. National Weather Service meteorologist Donald Dumont said upcoming showers are expected to be minimal, with only about a tenth of an inch forecast over the next 10 days.
Maine Forest Service Lt. George Harris said the agency is fully staffed, days off have been canceled, and coordination with neighboring regions is in place. The Maine Air National Guard is also available if needed. County fire chiefs are considering local restrictions on outdoor fires, even though statewide conditions have not yet prompted
a full burn ban. County Fire Administrator Roger Hooper said departments are working to discourage any outdoor burning, including campfires. Arundel Arundel Fire and Rescue issues updates on burning bans for the area. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/p/ arundel-fire-rescue. The Berwicks As of August 19, the Town of Berwick is not issuing open burning or campfire permits. Residents should check with the Berwick Fire Department at 207See FIRE on page 4 . . .
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