Spring is in bloom and the Town is buzzing with activity these days! The warmer temps bring with it the start of beach parking pass sales, plover eggs, proposed ordinance changes for the June election and more. Memorial Day is on the horizon as well, and preparations for the Memorial Day Parade are in progress. Now that Spring has officially sprung, read on to learn about a historic grant awarded to the Town of Wells, find fulfilling seasonal employment opportunities, brush up on a proposed multi-use community center, enjoy upcoming Library programs and more!

Important Dates:

• May 4th and 5th: Maine Coast Marathon, 1/2 Marathon & 5K
• May 12: Mother's Day
• May 13: Absentee Ballots for the June 11th Primary Election available
• May 20: In-Person Beach Parking Pass Sales begin
• May 27: Memorial Day Parade, 9 AM; Town Hall Offices Closed

The days are getting longer, the weather is getting warmer, flowers are blooming and dare we say, beach days are right around the corner! With that, Beach Parking Pass online sales have begun, and in-person sales will begin on May 20th.

Online Beach Parking Pass Portal

For those who are looking to purchase their Beach Parking Passes online, use the link to our online Parking Pass Portal.

Before starting the process make sure you have the following information:

• ID Number - From your tax bill this is the parcel number. Enter exactly as shown on the bill.
• Last name from tax bill.
• If you are a new owner and haven’t received a tax bill in your name please contact the Assessor’s Office at (207) 646-6081. Within 24 hours of the Assessor’s Office verifying that you are eligible for a beach sticker, your online account will become active.
• If you are not a new owner or did not purchase a sticker last year and are experiencing difficulty accessing your account after you have correctly entered your ID Number and Last Name, please contact the the Assessor's Office at (207) 646-6081. Within 24 hours of the Assessor's Office verifying that you are eligible for a beach sticker your online account will become active.
•  Vehicle Registration you are requesting the sticker for. Beach stickers are not transferable. Sticker must be affixed to the exterior bottom left hand side of assigned vehicle rear window.
• Registered Owner Information and Relationship to Driver.
• Credit Card for payment ($40.00 per sticker).
• You will need to create an account in order to request your beach sticker. 

In-Person Beach Parking Pass Sales

Beach Parking Pass sales will begin in-person, starting May 20th. Passes can be purchased in the Finance Department of the Wells Town Hall during regular business hours.

For residents and taxpayers that will be purchasing their beach parking passes in person, for faster processing please make sure to bring:

• completed Beach Sticker by Mail request form
• all vehicle registrations you want stickers for
• proof of veteran/service member status if applicable

Beach Sticker Location

The Beach sticker has been relocated to the rear window of the vehicle and should no longer be affixed to the front windshield. Before affixing sticker to vehicle, make sure that the rear window or bumper (as applicable) has been properly cleaned. 

• The sticker MUST be affixed to the exterior bottom left-hand side (driver's side) of the rear window. 
• For vehicles without a permanent rear window, the sticker MUST be affixed to the left-hand side (driver's side) of the rear bumper.
• Motorcycles that have windshields MUST affix the sticker to the windshield.
• Motorcycles and scooters without windshields must affix the sticker on the left side so it is visible to the Community Service Officer.
• The sticker must be visible and completely legible all times while parked in one of the Town of Wells Municipal Parking Lots. If not properly displayed, vehicle may be issued a parking ticket.

Timeshare Owners and Veterans

Beach stickers for Timeshare Owners are only available for purchase in office or by mail. The sticker is only valid for the week being occupied by the Timeshare Owner.

Veteran/Current Armed Forces Service Member Beach Sticker

The fee for a Veteran/Current Armed Forces Service Member beach sticker is $20.00. These are only available for purchase in the office or by mail. Vehicle must be registered to the Veteran or Current Armed Forces Service Member or their spouse. Proof of being a Veteran or Current Armed Forces Service Member is required (ie DD 214 or Active Service Member ID).

Please note that the line for the Finance Office will be cut off at 3:00 PM. Thank you for your cooperation.  

Funds are aimed to assist with habitat restoration and salt marsh resilience, includuing restoring the Drakes Island Road bridge

On April 22nd 2024, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced the distribution of $123 million to support state coastal management programs and national estuarine research reserves from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act. This funding is intended to support coastal habitat restoration planning, engineering, and design projects, and implementation and land conservation projects.

We are proud to announce that the Town of Wells is the recipient of approximately $2.87 million in funding, aimed towards habitat restoration and protection to enhance salt marsh resilience to sea level rise in the Wells Research Reserve. This project will acquire a conservation easement for 9.5 acres of salt marsh and 8.5 acres of freshwater wetlands and uplands and restore the marsh’s tidal hydrology. The Town of Wells and the Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve will partner to restore the protected marsh by replacing a failing and undersized municipal roadway crossing on Drakes Island. The new bridge at Drakes Island will be more resilient to extreme storm events, improve safety for motorists and pedestrians, and allow for the migration of tidal marsh as sea level rise progresses.

On April 22nd, representatives from the White House, Maine government, as well as local municipalities came together at Scarborough marsh for a press conference to announce the recipients who have been awarded this grant. Wells Select Board member, Bob Foley, Town Consultant, Carol Murray, and members from Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve attended the event to celebrate this achievement.

Executive Director of the Wells Reserve, Paul Dest shared, “The Drakes Island project represents the best of what the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has to offer Maine and the nation: It will construct a new bridge that will withstand future rising seas and storms, develop a plan to restore tidal habitats for a range of wildlife species, and protect a beautiful keystone parcel that connects to a landscape of conservation lands in one of Maine’s fastest growing communities.”

The Town of Wells would like to thank our Town Consultant, Carol Murray, for her efforts in obtaining these grant funds. We look forward to the vast improvements that this funding will provide for Wells residents and the community as a whole.

Imagine a bright, chilly winter’s day and you’re cutting across a smooth ice surface on an outdoor, covered rink in the center of Wells, laughing with family and friends. Imagine a sunny morning in July at the same place, browsing at the farmer’s market, considering a variety of veggies for your family’s evening meal. Imagine a friendly yet competitive pickleball match on that same surface. Or imagine proudly watching one of your kids performing at an event produced by one of the three schools located nearby.

The Friends of Wells Founders Park, a volunteer workgroup of Wells residents and town officials, have been working since January to bring those dreams to reality with the creation of a multi-use, year-round, outdoor covered pavilion. The Wells Founders Park Community Center, an idea long in the making, is beginning to take shape on the town owned parcel of land on Route 109 between the Wells Town Hall and the Wells Elementary School. The proposed center will share the parcel with the historic John Wells House. The center represents a significant step toward the establishment of a vibrant town center in an area that already includes town hall, three schools, the public library, and the York Hospital ambulatory medical facility, all linked by a sidewalk and served by a multitude of parking areas. The town’s Public Safety Building and the Wells Activity Center are nearby.

Community Center Details

The structure itself will include a 120 by 200-foot concrete pad, including an 80 by 150-foot area that will serve as an ice-skating rink. There will be a roof covering the majority of the concrete pad and the structure will include bathrooms, a garage, and a utilities room. It will be open-sided with room outside the covered area for picnic tables. Parking is available at the town hall as well as the elementary school.

As a year-round enterprise, uses envisioned includes skating, of course, but also pickle ball, the farmer’s market, craft shows, concerts, and school activities, as well as being available for rental for private gatherings.

The work group, which is headed by Selectmen Bob Foley and John MacLeod and includes Brenda Piecuch, Timothy Wheeler, Lilly Hager, Peter Hill, Jim Kanak, Danielle DeFelice, Ryan Liberty, Marc Cuthbertson, Michael Braniff, and David MacKenzie, is attempting to raise an initial $2 million to fund the project, including $1.7 million for the estimated cost of the building and the remainder for incidentals and to establish an endowment to fund annual maintenance costs. As mentioned earlier, the land is already owned by the town so there is no cost involved in obtaining the parcel.

Fundraising

A broad, grass roots fundraising effort is planned, targeting local businesses, service organizations, foundations, and, most importantly, town residents. In-kind donations have been received and/or promised for the building design concept, clearing the land in preparation for building, receipt of building materials at cost, and organizing the fundraising and publicity effort.

An initial and immediate task is to educate voters about the need to rezone the parcel in question to general business from residential commercial, bringing it in line with neighboring parcels and allowing the project to obtain a waiver on building height that’s necessary due to the slope of the roof that’s needed, similar to the waiver granted for the public safety building. That will be a question that appears on the June town meeting ballot.

It's important to note that the planning group is not a formal committee of the town, although the town will support the project by administering funds. Donations will be tax deductible and can be made to the town with a note designating the funds for the Wells Founders Park Community Center. A Facebook page has been created that will track the project’s progress and going forward, plans to accept online donations. No donation is too small (or too large). Time is of the essence: the goal is to have the facility operating by the summer of 2025, an ambitious goal to be sure.

More information will be forthcoming as the project proceeds.

The Wells Finance Department will temporarily be operating with fewer personnel due to upcoming staffing changes. We will work hard to provide our usual speedy and efficient customer service, and look forward to serving our daily walk-in customers with the high standards we are known for upholding. We appreciate your patience as we navigate prioritizing speed of service during the temporary staffing changes. We will be working in the near future to replenish our staff to our regular numbers.

On Friday, May 3rd the second installment tax reminders will be mailed from the printer and will reflect amounts due as of April 30, 2024. Payments made on or after April 30, 2024 will not be reflected on the bill. The second installment of the 2024 taxes came due on April 26, 2024. Taxpayers have until June 10, 2024 to pay the second installment without incurring interest. For taxpayers that have not paid the first installment in full, interest has been adding daily to your account since December 12, 2023. 

With recent changes in staffing in the Finance Office, residents and taxpayers are strongly encouraged to purchase their resident/taxpayer beach stickers using the online portal to ensure receiving your sticker for Memorial Day Weekend and avoid waiting in long lines for service at Town Hall. 

• The beach sticker portal can be accessed by going to https://portal.permitsales.net/driverportal/wellstown. 
• For residents and taxpayers that will be purchasing a veteran/service member sticker, you can do that by mail or wait to purchase in person starting May 20th. The 2024 beach sticker by mail form can be found here: https://www.wellstown.org/DocumentCenter/View/7438/2024-Beach-Sticker-By-Mail-Form

Transfer Station Sticker Reminders

Seasonal residents, please note that you will be required to display a 2024 Transfer Station Sticker on your vehicle in order to use the Transfer Station facilities. 2023 stickers from last season will not be accepted.

Easily request your transfer station sticker through the By Mail Request Form or by visiting the Finance Department during regular business hours.

The big story this Spring is, of course, the Bell Buoy, which washed ashore during the April 4th Nor’ Easter. The Coast Guard was notified immediately, but were not able to remove it until April 22nd. The Coast Guard then made the decision that once removed, the buoy would not be replaced. A short 4 hour write-in campaign by Well’s residents and mooring holders convinced the Coast Guard to put the buoy back on station.

Custom Floats is in the process of delivering 50 new floats for the East side Marina. 44 have been launched and are temporarily in place waiting for chain kits for final attachment. The Harbor is in a bit of a holding pattern as we await the arrival of Pepperell Cove Marine to drive the pilings for the new floating dock layout. We are hoping our permits come this week, and Pepperell Cove Marine is ready to start on Monday, April 29th. Currently, we are repairing the old marina floats and launching them, to be ready for the new pilings.

After the full harbor dredge this winter, things are finally coming together for the opening of the harbor. Although we are a bit behind schedule because of all the storm and permitting delays, we are in high hopes of having the harbor 95% open by May 14th.

Article 16, Revisions to Life Care Facilities:

Life Care and Congregate Care ordinances changes to specify the property, building and occupancy requirements of such facilities (Lot size, Density, ADA requirements, Health services). The proposed changes have a retroactive date of January 23, 2024. One Life Care project is currently proposed and will be required to meet the new standards if approved.

Article 17, Revisions to Floodplain Management Ordinances:

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has published the final version of the revised Flood Insurance Rate Maps and required updates to Flood Ordinances. A Letter of Map Revision (LOMR) based on more detailed analysis and modelling of storm impacts and the characteristics of the Wells coastline was submitted by the Town and approved by FEMA. The LOMR effective date will coincide with the effective date of the FEMA Rate Maps.

Article 18, Revision to the Zoning Map of Wells:

The Board of Selectmen identified an area of inconsistency within Town of Wells and WOCSD properties located on Sanford Road of which a portion of the lots should be included in the General Business District versus the existing Residential Commercial District.

Celebrate spring with this month’s adult programs:

Gardening for Habitat

Tuesday, May 28 6:00 pm

Join Aaron Parker of Edgewood Nursery to explore gardening and landscaping with a eye towards creating and maintaining habitat for local wildlife. Gardening for wildlife habitat not only benefits other species, but is good for humans as well, as it is often low maintenance, low input and attracts birds and insects that are enjoyable to observe and interact with.

Adult Crafternoon

Thursday, May 30 2:00 pm

Join our Adult Services Librarian, Kim, to make pressed flower lanterns with dried flowers and mason jars! 

Registration for this event is required. Please call the library at 207-646-8181 or email Kim at kswejkoski@wellstown.org to register.

There’s a new story walk at the pier. Come read Grandma Drove the Lobsterboat by Katie Clark and enjoy the scenic harbor view!

Children’s programming will wrap up for the spring on May 30th and take a short hiatus to prepare for summer reading. The library has a lot of fun planned for this summer starting with our Kickoff on Saturday, June 15th. More information coming soon!

Our Maine Healthy Beaches program is seeking volunteers for the 2024 season. Volunteers will work to collect water samples at Wells Beaches once a week, typically on Tuesday mornings. The program runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Interested applicants can apply here.

Questions? Reach out to Meagan Sims at Maine Healthy Beaches at (207) 530-2518 or at meagan.sims@maine.go.

The first Piping Plover eggs of 2024 have been spotted on Wells Beach by Wells Plover Monitors and Maine Audubon. Plovers began arriving at the end of March to Wells Beach, for their yearly migration north, and multiple nests have been spotted along the beaches of Wells.

The Piping Plover Program Monitors kicked off their 2024 season of volunteering with a training session on April 25th to review best practices for plover monitoring and plan for the upcoming months. The meeting was headed by Lead Monitor, Suzanne Craig, and Volunteer and Communications Coordinator, Rebekah Kelley. Presenters included Laura Williams, Wildlife Biologist and Conservation Assistant from Maine Audubon, Chief John Lizanecz of the Ogunquit Police Department, and Wells Animal Control Officer, Ashley Johnston. The presenter topics ranged from Piping Plover basics, to navigating leash rules, to logging hours of volunteer time. The monitors expressed words of advice to the general public to ensure the safety and overall well-being of the endangered Piping Plovers. 

If you are interested in learning more about becoming a Plover Monitor, you can email our Volunteer Coordinator or apply here.

Here is what you can do to share the beach with our local plover residents.

• Stay clear of fenced areas marked with “Restricted Area” signs. Observe the birds from a distance.
• If you see a hole that someone has enjoyed digging but abandoned for the day, fill the hole in so no chicks are inadvertently trapped.
• Keep dogs leashed and all pets far away from nesting areas. Roaming dogs and cats are among the top threats to the eggs of Plovers.
• Fly kites well away from nesting areas. Plovers mistake them for predators and leave their nests to ward off “intruders.”
• Take your trash and food scraps with you when you leave the beach for the day. Garbage attracts animals that prey on plover eggs and chicks.
• Notify Maine Audubon, at 207-245-2353, of any disturbances to nesting areas.

For more information on the Piping Plover species and how you can take part in helping protect and grow their endangered population, you can read the following article or visit Maine Audubon.

We at the Wells Police Department believe in taking proactive steps to raise awareness about mental health during Mental Health Awareness Month. Opening up conversations about mental health can be challenging, but it's crucial for promoting understanding and support within communities.

Starting a conversation about mental health can be as simple as expressing concern and offering support. Here are a few suggestions for initiating that discussion respectfully:

1. Express concern: Go to the individual in a private and comfortable setting. Let them know that you've noticed changes in their behavior or mood, and that you're there to listen and offer support.
2. Be non-judgmental: Avoid making assumptions or passing judgment. Instead, approach the conversation with empathy and understanding. Let the person know that it's okay to talk about what they're going through without fear of judgment.
3. Use open-ended questions: Encourage the individual to share their thoughts and feelings by asking open-ended questions. For example, you could ask, "How have you been feeling lately?" or "Is there anything on your mind that you'd like to talk about?"
4. Listen actively: Practice active listening by giving the person your full attention. Validate their feelings and experiences and avoid interrupting or offering unsolicited advice.
5. Offer support: Let the individual know that you're there to support them, whether that means listening, providing resources, or helping them find professional help if needed.

Regarding tips for helping someone in a mental health crisis, it's essential to prioritize their safety and well-being. Some general guidelines include:

1. Stay calm: Remain calm and composed, even if the situation feels overwhelming. Your calm demeanor can help reassure the person in crisis. If you need to take a step back, encourage the person to go with you to a specialist to further their help.
2. Listen actively: Allow the person to express themselves without judgment. Listen attentively to their concerns and validate their feelings.
3. Offer reassurance: Provide reassurance that they're not alone and that help is available. Remind them that their feelings are valid and that they can get through this.
4. Encourage professional help: If the person is in immediate danger or experiencing severe distress, encourage them to seek help from a mental health professional or crisis hotline. Offer to assist them in finding resources or making appointments if needed. If you need to, call the Wells Police Department and allow us to assist you.
5. Stay with them: If it's safe to do so, stay with the person until they feel calmer or until help arrives. Your presence can provide comfort and support during a difficult time.

By promoting open conversations about mental health and offering support to those in need, we can help reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness and create more supportive communities. Again, we want to emphasize that if a situation is becoming too dangerous, and you need immediate help, call 9-1-1 for assistance. If the situation is one in which someone is open to talking to a specialist, but does not want to leave their house, calling 9-8-8 is available.

Race Weekend is almost upon us! For the third year in a row, Wells will be hosting the Maine Coast Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K. We are anticipating upwards of 4,000 runners this weekend.

The Maine Coast Marathon, Half Marathon, & 5K have the following start times:

• Marathon start: Sunday, May 5th at 7:30 AM
• Half Marathon start: Saturday, May 4th at 7:00 AM
• 5K start: Saturday, May 4th at 7:30 AM

Spectators may use the finish area shuttle service from 7:00 AM to 12:30 PM on Saturday and 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM on Sunday from the following locations only:

• York County Community College: 112 College Dr, Wells, ME 
• Wells Junior High School: 1470 Post Rd, Wells, ME
• Beach Acres Campground: 67 Eldridge Rd, Wells, ME



Details about the event, to include recommended spectator viewing areas can be found below.

We invite you to join the Town of Wells for the 2024 Memorial Day Parade, taking place on Monday, May 27th, at 9 AM, as we honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country and our freedoms and all who serve, past and present. The parade will begin at Wells High School, located at 200 Sanford Road, continue East on Sanford Road (Route 109) to Post Road (Route 1) and continue South on US 1 to Ocean View Cemetery.

We invite all veterans and active military service members to participate in the 2024 Wells Memorial Day Parade. RSVP's are recommended but not required. Those interested in participating are welcome to meet at 8:30AM at the Wells High School Parking Lot.



Please contact the Volunteer Coordinator at 207-361-8130, or by email with questions or to reserve your spot.

Spring has sprung and so has the potential for an increased fire danger. While the winter and early spring gave us some snow and rainy days, we have already had some elevated fire danger days in our area. The Maine Forest Service updates their Wildfire Danger report on a daily basis. We do not allow burn permits to be issued on days that have a High, Very High, or Extreme Fire Danger. Did you know that the Maine Forest Service has new open burning laws as of October 25, 2023? Thank you for obeying all of the rules and regulations for your safety and protection of our forest resources.

The 2024 Wells Beach Cleanup, which took place on Saturday, April 27th, was an incredible, record-breaking success. The event is sponsored by the Wells Police Department and spearheaded by Dispatcher Saundra Skoczen. This year, a record number of people joined the event, with a record total amount of trash removed from the beaches. 373 people registered for the event and there were another 56 people that joined from walking up to the tables and registering, for a grand total of 429 people who came out to support this event and our amazing Wells community!

The totals for trash collection are:

• Wells Beach- 1,620 pounds
• Wells Harbor- 400 pounds
• Drakes island- 2,240 pounds

...for a grand total of 4,260 pounds of trash removed!

Volunteers met at the Wells Activity Center to gather supplies and enjoy refreshments. Piping Plover monitors and Animal Control Officer, Ashley Johnston, were also in attendance, to alert volunteers of the proximity of Piping Plover nests, and instruct them on how to act in a way that would not disturb the endangered species during the clean up event.

Volunteers walked the shores of Wells Beach, Drakes Island Beach, and Wells Harbor Community Park, as well as adjacent parking areas and roadways, and were able to clear over 4,000 pounds of trash from the areas.

We would like to extend a special thank you to Congdon's Doughnuts for a massive donut donation, to Hannaford Supermarkets for donating hundreds of cookies, to Poland Springs Water for donating 600 bottles of water, and to LitterPic Inc. for the amazing donation of 100 safety vets to keep everyone safe. Additionally, thank you to the Wells Fire Department, who spent several hours collecting trash from the designated trash drop off points. And finally, thank you to all those who came out to share in the success of the day, care for our beaches, and support our community.

The Town of Wells is now hiring for a variety of seasonal positions.

Summer Reserve Police Officers and Community Service Officers

• The Town of Wells is now accepting applications for the positions of Summer Reserve Police Officers & Community Service Officers (CSO), for the 2024 season. The police positions include bike, foot, or cruiser patrol. Officers are required to work various shifts including nights, weekends and holidays. The community service officers will support police operations and work in the beach areas assisting citizens with parking and other duties to include town ordinance enforcement. 
• All positions have an anticipated start in mid-May 2024. 

Camp Counselors for Grades 1-6

• We are looking for Summer Camp Counselors to supervise young campers to make sure they learn and have fun. The most important of all Camp Counselor duties is to ensure campers are always safe. You’ll be responsible for overseeing camper games and activities. The job duties of a Camp Counselor also include organizing summer camp games, educating campers, ensuring campers are following rules and setting up equipment. If you love to work with children, are patient, enjoy working outdoors, energetic, and stern when needed, we’d like to meet you!  

Seasonal Lifeguards

• Wells Ocean Rescue – Wells Fire Department is seeking qualified individuals for the 2024 season. Season starts July 1st and ends September 4th with a typical workday from 7:45am-4:30pm.
• Hourly Wage starting at $18.00 an hour depending on years of experience with an Ocean Rescue Squad.

Wells Ocean Rescue is now hiring for the 2024 season. Wells lifeguards watch over the tens of thousands of visitors to our beautiful beaches from June through September. This is a fulfilling position, in which you play a critical role in ensuring the safety of others and are a key member of our community.

Applicants must be 16 years of age.

Interested in applying? Fill out an application below and email it to employment@wellstown.org

• Employment Application

Chicken Piccata with Pasta is a classic Italian dish, combining sautéed chicken breasts with a warm buttery lemon sauce and capers. Quick and delicious, this one will soon be on your regular meal rotation!  Prep time: 15 minutes, cook time: 15 minutes, total time to prepare: 30 minutes, for a quick, easy, and tasty Spring dinner. Serves 6.

Chicken Piccata with Pasta

Ingredients

• 2 pounds skinless, boneless, chicken tenders, lightly pounded thin
•  kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper - to taste
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour - or more, as needed
• 3 Tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 Tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic - minced
• 1/3 cup lemon juice - freshly squeezed (about 2 lemons)
• 2 teaspoons lemon zest
• 1 cup lower-sodium chicken broth
• 2 Tablespoons capers - strained from jar (and rinsed, if desired)
• 8-12 oz. thin spaghetti - or more

Directions:

1. Season the chicken tenders with salt and pepper to taste. Dredge each piece of chicken in flour, and set on a plate.
2. Using a large cast iron skillet, heat two tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat. Add half of the chicken and cook until golden brown on both sides, cooking until it's cooked through completely. It should read 160 degrees on a digital thermometer. Set the chicken on a clean plate. Repeat with remaining pieces of chicken.
3. Leave the drippings in the pan, reduce heat (make sure the pan is NOT TOO HOT!), and add the butter. When butter is melted, add minced garlic and stir for about a minute. Then add the lemon juice, lemon zest, chicken broth, and capers. Simmer until it partially reduces, about 7-8 minutes. Check seasonings and adjust if necessary.
4.  Meanwhile, cook pasta according to the packaged directions. Strain.
5. To serve, divide pasta among serving bowls. Add chicken, and then drizzle with the warm sauce.

Nutrition: Calories: 483kcal | Carbohydrates: 36g | Protein: 39g | Fat: 20g 

Note: Leftovers are delicious, so you may want to double this recipe! Store leftovers in an airtight container for several days. We like to meal prep and add to individual containers with lids.

MAY 2024 PROGRAMS

WELLS RESERVE AT LAUDHOLM

Wells Reserve May 2024 Public Programs

Saturday, May 4, 8-10am

Early Spring Migration Bird Walk.

Join naturalist, ornithologist, and Bowdoin College Professor Emeritus, Nat Wheelwright, on a nature walk to explore springtime birds at the Reserve. Spring is a wonderful time to learn about birds, as migrants return and males begin to sing in earnest, defending their territories and attracting mates. With practice, you’ll learn to recognize different species by their songs, calls, and distinct behaviors. Rain date: May 5. $8/$6. Registration required.

Saturday, May 4, 1:00pm – 3:30pm

Of Cows and Crabs – the Evolution of the Wells Reserve at Laudholm.

Delve into the stories of what these historic buildings were and are today! The Wells Reserve at Laudholm is a place of coastal research, stewardship, and ecological learning, but there is much more to this story. We will explore the rich history of this site, beginning in the 1640’s, from saltwater family farm to protected estuary reserve. This guided walk will take us into the barns and historic structures around campus, with a peek into the coastal ecology research lab as well. This walk is part of the global Jane's Walk festival. Free. Registration required at caryn@wellsnerr.org.

Tuesday, May 7 through Tuesday, June 25, 8-9:15am (virtual & on site)

Morning Yoga.

Begin your day with a gentle Hatha yoga class designed to increase your strength, flexibility, endurance, focus, and concentration. These all-level classes are small enough that personal attention can be given to each student, whether a beginner or more advanced. Please note: This is an 8-week Tuesday morning series. Classes on May 7, May 14, and June 18 will be held virtually via Zoom. Classes on May 21 and 28, and June 4, 11, and 25 will be held both in-person in Mather Auditorium, and virtually on Zoom. Class is ongoing and participants can join mid-series. Participants will need to bring a yoga mat for class. 8-week series: $96/$80. Registration required at suzanne@wellsnerr.org.

Saturday, May 11, 7:30-9:30am

Bird Walk.

Join York County Audubon birders every other Saturday this summer, May 11-August 3, for a guided bird walk around the Reserve property. Beginners are welcome. Please bring binoculars if you have them. Free. Registration required at suzanne@wellsnerr.org.

Wednesday, May 15, 2024, 7:00pm – 8:30pm

Tradeoffs: Of Powerlines and People, Maine and the New England Clean Energy Connect.

An evening of Q&A with former "CMP Corridor" CEO Thorn Dickinson. Experts agree that solving the climate crisis can't happen without enhancing America's electrical grid, and yet a billion-dollar project, the New England Clean Energy Connect (NECEC aka "the CMP Corridor"), was almost canceled by Maine voters. It's under construction now, but it almost wasn't. Why? What was the real story? What were the true pros and cons of this massive electrical infrastructure project? As part of the 2024 "Tradeoffs" lecture series, former NECEC chief executive officer Thorn Dickinson will gamely answer questions and take the audience inside the 10-year project to bring Canadian hydropower through Maine. Bring your questions and your listening hats for this public, candid discussion. 

Saturday, May 18, 10am-12pm

Wabanaki Wonderings.

We will gather inside the Visitor Center to begin with the exhibited graphic art by Penobscot artist James Francis. After examining these pictures, we will reflect on life in this area pre-contact, before the European settlers arrived. We will then walk to the marsh, and imagine the Sweetgrass Camp. We’ll explore how people lived and thrived, and share insights about Wabanaki life past and present. $8/$6. Registration required at linda@wellsnerr.org.

Thursday, May 23, 7:30-9:30pm

Full Moon Walk.

On May 23, moonrise is at 8:48pm. Dress for the weather and join Maine Master Naturalist Linda Littlefield Grenfell for a slow and quiet walk to the beach. We’ll watch the moon rise, share stories and poems, and enjoy the Reserve after dark. Bring the family--children who can be calm will love it. $8/$6 (individual), $20/$15 (family). Registration required at linda@wellsnerr.org.

Wednesday, May 29, 10:30-12pm

Preschool Story Hour: Wide-Mouthed Frog.

Join Education Director Suzanne Kahn for a reading of Keith Faulkner’s Wide-Mouthed Frog, followed by a related craft activity and a trail walk. Open to ages 3 to 5 and their caregivers. Free. Registration required at suzanne@wellsnerr.org.

• Board of Assessment Review - 1 member vacancies; 2 alternate member vacancies
• Budget Committee -2 alternate member vacancies
• Comprehensive Plan Update Committee- 1 member vacancy
• Energy Advisory Committee - 1 alternate member vacancy
• Recreation Commission - 2 alternate member vacancies
• Shellfish Conservation Commission: 1 Alternate member vacancy
• Zoning Board of Appeals - 1 associate vacancy

Sometimes, doing less, or even nothing at all in this case, can make a positive impact. Consider, for the next month, letting your yard go wild and breaking the habit of regular mowing to help preserve the threatened bee population. By waiting until at least June to mow their spring lawns, allowing wild plants to take over grassy areas, Mainers can give bees just emerging from hibernation the food they need to do the crucial work of pollination.



Towns across Maine are joining the initiative, and we ask Wells residents to consider taking part in the pledge to forgo mowing for May while the bee populations recover. Click below to read more benefits of forgoing lawn maintenance and learn where the idea originated from

The Town of Wells has several open employment opportunities.

We encourage you to take a look at the job opportunities currently available with the Town of Wells on our Employment Opportunities page. There is so much important work that goes in to keeping the town running, often behind the scenes.

If nothing is a great fit for you, consider passing the listings along to friends and family who might be looking for a satisfying and important career.

Sign up for the RAVE Alert System for York County to ensure you receive emergency alerts.

​The RAVE Alert System is a reverse 911 application that allows citizens to sign up for emergency alerts. The program allows users to create a profile to alert first responders to their specific needs as well. For example, if there was an evacuation, the program would let first responders know if a user needed evacuation assistance through their profile. The profiles allow users to mark if they need specialized assistance, are dependent on electric supply, or even if they have pets or livestock.

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Examples of alerts include: winter storm notices, evacuation notices, flood alerts, bio-terrorism alerts, and boil water notices.

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Click here to Sign Up for RAVE Alerts.

We are always looking for ways to improve communication with our community members.

As always, if there is anything we can do to better communicate information, please let us know by emailing rkelley@wellstown.org

Be sure to check out our Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube pages using the buttons below. You can also see news and updates on the Town of Wells website at www.wellstown.org.