Ah, Autumn. A season when time seems to slow down and we are all able to let out a collective sigh of happiness after yet another successful Summertime here in Wells. We welcome the crisp, cooler temperatures, gaze at the changing leaves, and look forward to the many activities and events that come with the new season. From Haunted Hayrides to pop-up book sales to Fall Jamborees, there is something for everyone this month. In addition to family fun, Wells is also looking forward to a busy stretch ahead with voting, tax revaluation, and Hazardous Waste Day on the horizon. Read about these stories and more in our October edition of The Wells Connector.
Did you know...Select Board meetings are streamed live for your viewing on Facebook and YouTube? You can watch previously recorded meetings at any time, or tune in live to share a comment or question for the chance to have it shared during the public forum.
Stay up to date and view the meeting minutes at your convenience.
Road Rangers recognized for exceptional volunteer work
The incredible Road Rangers volunteer group has been nominated for the Natural Resource Council of Maine, People's Choice Awards, for their litter removal efforts and have been selected to be one of six finalists.

Who are the Road Rangers you may ask?

They are a selfless group who, out of the goodness of their hearts, volunteer their time to keeping our roadsides clear of litter and help maintain the beauty of Wells. You may have seen this hardworking group of volunteers out on Thursday mornings taking care to keep our roads clear, or at least have benefitted from the clean and litter-free roadsides they leave behind.
Six years ago, Eileen Willard, started a volunteer group to pick up roadside trash in Kennebunk. When Eileen met Kathy Graham, who was doing the same thing in Wells, they banded together and formed a group which they named, Road Rangers. Road Rangers works in tandem with the public works departments of Kennebunk and Wells.
Each week during the summer months, Road Rangers focus on a different area in either Kennebunk or Wells and for one hour, voluntarily pick up roadside trash. They then alert the public works department as to where the bags of litter are located so that the town can collect them. Over the six years, Eileen estimates that the group has removed 1,000 bags of roadside litter. It's hard, hot, and tick-prone work.
We all benefit from their selfless work and dedication to our Town and are ecstatic their efforts have been recognized. The six finalists will be recognized at the NRCM meeting in Hallowell in October. You can read more about the Road Rangers, as well as the other nominees here.
Electric Vehicle Show sees strong turnout
The Wells Energy Advisory Committee hosted an Electric Vehicle show at the library on September 11th. There were more than 20 fully electric vehicles on display, including cars, pickup trucks, bicycles, a commercial van and a car specially modified for municipal use by the Kennebunk Fire Chief. It is estimated that the show was attended by more than 300 people. Exhibitors included both dealers and local owners, some of whom joined the show on the spur of the moment as they drove by. The show was a real success, and several of the participants said it was the biggest and best show they had attended this year.
View more photos of the event here.
A huge thanks to our Friends of the Wells Library
Cindy Appleby, Library Director
Happy Fall, Y’all, from the Wells Public Library!

National Friends of Libraries Week October 16th – 22nd
Take a minute to thank our Friends of the Wells Library during National Friends of Libraries Week. They are so important to the Wells Library, providing 90% of the library’s programming funding. It’s easy to join for as low as $5.00. Membership forms are available on the Friends book sale table in the library, or join online.
The Friends of the Library will hold a pop-up book sale on Saturday, October 22nd from 10:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Friends room. Come find some spooky reads for Halloween!

We’ve got some cool programs happening in October:

  • Tuesday, October 4th at 6pm: How to Handle Seasonal Affective Disorder
  • Tuesday, October 11th at 6pm: Saving Your Garden Seeds
  • Thursday, October 13th at 5:30pm: Mushroom Hunting in Maine: Fall Edition
  • Tuesday, October 18th at 2pm: Shell Middens of Casco Bay
  • Tuesday, October 25th at 6pm: Cribbage Game Night
  • Thursday, October 27th at 6pm: Children’s Halloween Party! Come in costume for fun, games, and crafts.
  • And the new story walk, Love was Inside by Andrew Joyner, is up at the pier!

The library will be closed on Monday, October 10th for Indigenous People’s Day
The Yellow Tulip Project seeks to smash the stigma around mental health
The Town of Wells is pleased to announce that it will be the location point of four Hope Gardens, under The Yellow Tulip Project. This initiative seeks to smash the stigma surrounding mental health and bring awareness to mental illness issues, especially in youth populations.


What is the Yellow Tulip Project?
The Yellow Tulip Project is a movement that is tired of the silence surrounding mental illness -- and ready to move mountains to bring change and to remind people that there is help and hope out there. They are fiercely dedicated to helping people know that there are ways to get help, that people are there for them, and that circumstances can and will change. Their mission is to smash the stigma surrounding mental illness and to build a community of people who realize that hope happens when youth and community leaders work together. They hope that someday mental illness will be as normal to talk about as any physical illness, and are fiercely dedicated to making this goal a reality. Their message is simple and clear: come together - plant hope gardens - build community - talk about mental health and smash the stigma.

So what does this mean for Wells?
Wells, with the help of volunteers such as yourselves, will be planting tulip bulbs at four locations around Wells on Saturday, October 15th, at 10am. We will meet at the Town Hall, located at 208 Sanford Road, and divide into groups to plant the bulbs. Your presence would mean so much to the community who is banding together to bring awareness to such a critical movement.

How can I help?
It's easy! Show up on October 15th, bring a friend, a family member, and a message of Hope. No tools are required, though you may bring garden gloves if you like. Come ready to share a smile, share a message of Hope and help spread the word about our Hope Gardens.

For more information, please reach out to our Volunteer Coordinator by email.
New license plate design supports Breast Cancer services
Jodie Sanborn, Finance Director
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. We have a specialty license plate for that!
The proceeds from the Breast Cancer Support Services specialty plate raises money to be deposited into the Breast Cancer Services Special Program Fund, established by the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention. The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention will then equally distribute the funds to three different organizations:
  1. The breast and cervical health program within the CDC, which can be found here. This health program provides services to underserved people with breast health and breast cancer needs and provide funding for cancer research, education, and patient support programs.
  2. The Maine Cancer Foundation, which can be found here, an independent Maine based organization dedicated to reducing cancer incidence and mortality rates in Maine.
  3. Maine Breast Cancer Coalitions Support Service Fund, which can be found here, dedicated to providing financial support for underserved people with breast health or breast cancer needs in Maine
New tax program to benefit Maine senior citizens
Keeley Lambert, Assessor
The Assessing Department is finalizing property record updates in preparation for our annual tax commitment. As soon as the updates are completed, we will use the town’s total property valuation along with the voter-approved town budget to set our mill rate, which is the amount of tax per thousand dollars of assessed property value. After the mill rate is set, the property valuations and tax amounts will be committed to the Tax Collector, who will print and mail tax bills in October.
We are also beginning the revaluation process which analyzes all property values within the town to ensure a fair and equitable distribution of property taxes. The results of the revaluation will be incorporated into the fall 2023 tax bills.
A new tax program is available for Maine senior citizens (age 65+) who are permanent residents and who have owned a homestead in Maine for at least 10 years. The Property Tax Stabilization program allows qualified residents to “freeze” their property tax amounts on their homestead. We are currently accepting applications for the 2023 tax year; applications must be received by December 1st. More information and applications are available in our office and on our website.
Spooks, Haunts and Frights, Oh my!
Tina LeBlanc, Director of Parks & Recreation
It must be fall because the Wells Recreation Department staff and volunteers are gearing up for our Annual Haunted Hayride, which is scheduled for Saturday, October 22nd. Are you ready to "Scream"? On the night of the Hayride, "It" will come alive and turn your fears of "The Wells Chainsaw Massacre" into a "Nightmare on Branch Road"! Come discover the Wells Rec twists on classic horror movies! Advance tickets are required as we are not selling tickets at the gate. Tickets are now on sale on our website on our website You can pick a time frame for your ride. Don’t wait and miss out as we WILL sell out! Please understand that this event IS scary and may not be suitable for all children or adults that are fearful. If there is severe inclement weather that evening the ride will be held on October 23rd.
Our newest program is Street Hockey! New Wells business owner and resident Dominik Cote will host a free trial class on Wednesday, October 5 with regular classes running October 12-November 2. Learn good sportsmanship and the fundamental skills of hockey before you hit the ice! Practice stick-handling, passing, and shooting. Register online on our website
We are looking forward to starting up some of our Adult programs that have been on hold since COVID. Look for more information coming soon on Men’s Basketball, Open Gym Basketball, and Open Gym Volleyball!
As excited as we are about Halloween, as soon as it passes we know that Christmas will be right around the corner! That means we will have Christmas Trees for sale at the Rec park beginning the Saturday after Thanksgiving. We will also be hosting a Visit Santa night and have put in a request for Santa to make special phone calls to Wells children. If you are interested in having Santa call your child, make sure to keep an eye on our website for details on how to register.
Community Compliments: A Thank You to our Library Staff
The following note was left by a local resident to highlight the hard work, warm demeanor and positive attitude of the staff at the Public Library and Tax Office.
Thank you to the dedication of our staff, their commitment to our community and for all that they do!
Library Staff, pictured here.
L-R: Kayla Sawyer, Tess Schuster, Allison Herman, Jade Austen, Stefanie Claydon, Sally Whittaker, Cindy Appleby, Sarah Hamlyn
Not pictured: Melissa Wing
"I have been coming to Wells for approximately 8 summers and have used the services of the library numerous times. Any and every time I go into the building I am greeted warmly and the staff most times have offered help before I get a chance to ask for it. 
Today when I spoke to the director to compliment her and her staff she commented “the staff have a strong commitment to the community.” Yes they do ; HOWEVER, that feeling comes from the top down! She was more than thoughtful as well as a young lady that was shelving returned books. That young lady asked if I wanted to peruse the books she was shelving. Everyone is just very lucky to be able to work in such a great atmosphere. I as a summer resident appreciation what and how everyone is doing their job!
I must also comment on the wonderful staff at the tax office— they also have been more than helpful at a time that they are extremely busy in the beginning of the season."
Household Hazardous Waste Day
Transfer Station
Household hazardous wastes (HHW) are products disposed of by households that may contain hazardous ingredients or are toxic, flammable or explosive. HHW includes some cleaners, oil-based paints, stains, varnishes, paint thinners, lithium-ion and lead-acid batteries, automotive fluids, pesticides, herbicides, and some electronics. Collecting and managing HHW separately from regular household trash helps ensure these products are managed safely.

If you've been saving your unneeded household hazards, such as paint, pesticides, batteries and more, now is the time to safely dispose of them. Household Hazardous Waste Day will be held on Saturday, October 8th at the Kennebunk Public Services Department, located at 36 Sea Road, from 8am -1pm.
Please refer to the follow list for items that will and will not be accepted. PROOF OF RESIDENCY WILL BE REQUIRED!
Read more about Household Hazardous Waste on the Maine Department of Environmental Protection website here.
Get ready to cast your vote!
Absentee ballots, for the November 8th State and Town Elections will be available starting October 7th, 2022. To request an absentee ballot, please call our office at (207) 646-2882 or come into the Town Hall.

To return your ballot, you can conveniently do so through three easy options.
  • Return your ballot in-person at the Town Clerk's Office in the Town Hall
  • Return your ballot by depositing it in the drop box that is located at the rear entrance to the Town Hall building
  • Return your ballot through the mail

To ensure your ballot is accepted, please be sure to sign the return envelope. A common reason absentee ballots may be rejected is because the back of the return envelope has not been signed.
The deadline to request an absentee ballot without a special circumstance is November 3rd at 4pm.


You can learn additional information about election day here.
3-Question Interview:
No electricity bills? No heating bills?
Living net-zero in Ogunquit
Wells Energy Advisory Committee
Here’s another of our short interviews with Wells area residents who have taken steps to reduce their carbon footprint. If you know someone who has taken similar steps, we’d love to talk to them. Please contact WEAC Chair, Beth Widmayer.

Net-Zero Home with Ogunquit resident, Jennifer Walker
 
1. Tell us about your home and why you wanted to go net-zero?
I wanted to do something to help the environment, and since I needed a new home, this was a good fit. It was designed by Shelter Kit out of NH- I did a lot of research on net zero/low carbon homes, and they had a great product and very reasonable prices.
I had a hard time finding a contractor. Most builders think it will cost too much or be too complicated- I went through a bunch of recommendations before I found someone to build my home. There was no problem getting a mortgage- the bank treated it as a conventional home- they didn’t even notice that there wasn’t a boiler. I’ve made a video about my home if you’d like to check it out.
2. What about costs and savings?
It cost about $350K to build my home, including the solar panels and the landscaping. I pay $12/month to CMP to be attached to the grid- other than that, I just pay my mortgage/taxes and insurance- no energy bills! The costs were also kept down by tax rebates for my solar panels, hot water tank, mini-splits, and insulation. In terms of resale value, I think net-zero makes my home much more valuable- since there are no bills, it’s perfect for someone on a fixed income- no surprises. I’ve lived here for 2 years, and it has been great. The best part of living here is No bills, and knowing I’m doing something good.

3. Can you talk about specific energy saving features of your house?
Solar panels were my best decision- I have 22 solar panels on my roof which generate 10 Mwh/year. The payback has gotten much shorter, with the cost of oil/gas rising and solar installation costs coming down. Spray foam insulation is also a very cost-effective product- although harder to install in an older home. My house is super insulated- all of the exterior walls and roof have spray foam- no venting- called a hot roof- my house always stays in the low fifties in the winter, without any heating. For heating (and AC) I have 5 Mini Splits/Heat Pumps. Each room has its own zone. My only regret was that I ran out of funding before I could install radiant floor heating, as a backup. To bring in fresh air without losing heat (or coolness in summer) I have HRVs (air exchangers). All of my appliances are electric and Energy Star rated. My home is all electric- no fossil fuels anywhere!
New Deputy Assessor announced: Kimberly Lee
Please join us in congratulating Kimberly Lee, who has been promoted to the position of Deputy Assessor. Kimberly has been with the Town of Wells for a little over a year. Kimberly’s attention to detail and accuracy, along with her professionalism and positive attitude are sure to ensure her success. 
We know Kimberly will take on her new position with the dedication and enthusiasm that she has exhibited during her time so far in Wells.
Join the fun at the 13th Annual Family Jamboree!
Come out to the 13th Annual Family Jamboree sponsored by the Wells Chamber of Commerce, held TODAY, Saturday Oct 1, 2022, from 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM EDT, at Wells Harbor Park, 331 Harbor Road.
This is a free family fun day of games, crafts, food, vendors and more! This is a shine only event. Games include a Doughnut/Apple Eating Challenge, Ball Toss, Beanbag Toss and Relay Races. 
Activity Booths include Make Your Own Beaded Bracelet, Temporary Tattoo, Pumpkin Decorating and Make Your Own Head Band. 
New for 2022 is Explore Archery with Ranger Tom, Decorating & Flying Kites and Story Time at 1:30 and 2:00pm with Allison from the Wells Public Library.
The Wells Fire Department will be there with their Junior Firefighter Obstacle Course, Knock Down the Flames and Emergency Vehicle displays. The Wells Police Department will have Child Safety Seat Technician on hand and Emergency Vehicle displays.
Tony Hafford will be there with his "Vera's Vittles" food truck selling burgers, hot dogs and sausage sandwiches.
Mark your calendars and lace up your running shoes!
Come out and enjoy the crisp Fall air as you race for a great cause! The Wells Chamber of Commerce will be hosting their 9th annual Veterans Day 5k Run/ Walk on Saturday, November 12, at 10:00am. The race will start at the Wells Elks Lodge and all proceeds will benefit Honor Flight Maine. Click the link below for more information, or reach out to the Wells Chamber of Commerce at (207) 646-2451.
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