WELLS

School kicks off summer with annual Colors Day

More than 450 Wells Elementary School students recently kicked off summer break by participating in the school’s 27th annual Colors Day event, which coincides with the last day of school.

Begun in 1988 by physical education teacher Kathy Calo, Colors Day has evolved into an event designed to bring the entire student body together for a few hours to celebrate the school’s core values of cooperation, honesty, respect, responsibility, sharing and trustworthiness.

This outdoor get-together features a parade that winds around the school, an awards ceremony, a display of artwork, a song and banner contest, a slide show of the year’s school happenings and outside games such as “tug of color” and the “bucket brigade.”

The parade consists of students grouped by classroom with each unit distinguished by the color of T-shirt students wear and a classroom banner.

CAMDEN

Friends of Midcoast elect three to board of trustees

Friends of Midcoast Maine elected three midcoast residents to serve on its board of trustees at its recent annual meeting at the Rockport Opera House. Elected were Michael Tomko of Boothbay Harbor, Roberta (Robin) Mayer of Damariscotta and Steven Ryan of Belfast.

Friends of Midcoast Maine is a regional nonprofit organization providing planning, facilitation and smart-growth technical assistance to midcoast communities, individuals and organizations.

KENNEBUNK

Brick Store Museum holding annual photography contest

The fourth annual Brick Store Museum photography contest is accepting contest submissions from amateur photographers of all ages from Tuesday through Sept. 5. Photographs can be entered in one of three categories: “Kennebunk,” “travel” or “nature.”

Winners will be selected from a variety of categories, with each participant able to submit a maximum of three entries.

The judges panel will be comprised of southern Maine community artists. The contest motto is “Capture Culture.”

Each entry must consist of a digital image and entry form.

Those images will appear on the museum’s website from July 16 to Sept. 6 for viewing. Winning photographs will be displayed in the Museum’s History Showcase in the fall.

The museum is located at 117 Main St. For more details, go to www.brickstoremuseum.org or call 985-4802.

PORTLAND

Water District seeking photos for 2015 calendar

The Portland Water District is seeking image submissions to be featured in its 2015 Sebago Lake calendar.

Project organizers are looking for shots that celebrate the natural beauty of Sebago Lake taken by amateur or hobbyist photographers. High resolution digital photos are preferred and will be accepted until Aug. 15.

The “Images of Sebago Lake Calendar” will be available around Thanksgiving.

Photographers will receive a complimentary calendar.

For complete submission requirements, or more details, go to www.pwd.org/community_involvement/calendar.php.

YORK COUNTY

Porter Washington given Youth Spirt of Service Award

Porter David Washington of Saco has been recognized with the United Way of York County’s 2014 York County Youth Spirit of Service Award for commitment to service and impact in his community.

As a member of the Thornton Academy Action Team, sponsored by Volunteers of America Northern New England, Washington has volunteered hundreds of hours over the past two years, including 100 hours organizing books for book sales at Dyer Library, 50 hours performing trail maintenance with the Maine Conservation Corps and offering technology support to set up and maintain a website for the Thornton Academy Action Team.

Washington also is a leader-in -training at Biddeford Parks and Recreation and a volunteer with Volunteers of America Northern New England’s Hazelton House for the elderly in Saco.

The award included a $250 donation to the charity of Washington’s choice and $250 toward his educational expenses from the Kennebunk Savings Foundation.

Porter and other young volunteers were honored recently at the 19th annual Day of Caring kick-off breakfast. The other young volunteers were Janelle Boisvert of Kennebunk, Kayla Burgess of Sanford, Molly Cleveland of North Berwick, Ethan Dube of Sanford, Samantha Farwell of York, Rhyan Paquereau of Biddeford and Andrew Pastorelli of Kennebunk.

SACO

Savings institution staff gets 31 awards, certificates

Saco & Biddeford Savings Institution announced that 26 of its employees earned 31 certificates, diplomas and honor awards this year.

Sarah Gonneville of the South Portland branch, and Kathy Williamson and Dot Poirier, both of the Saco branch, became certified tellers through the Center for Financial Training Education Alliance.

The following employees also were recognized for their accomplishments from CFTEA programs: advanced financial services diploma: Michelle Prejean; advanced supervisor certificate: Gary Trempe, Jo-Anna Laverriere, Kelly Currier, Mark Hodgdon, Matt Grenier, Shawn Walton, Steph Paquet and William Hoyle; bank security awareness certificate: Karen Gendron, Linda Chretien, Natalie Gagnon, Rhonda Johns, Sandra Golash, Sarah Gonneville, Shannon Barlow and Terri Litchfield; bank operations diploma: Suzanne Turcotte and Michelle Prejean; introduction to leadership skills certificate:- Barb Lariviere; professional development certificate for managers II: Sue Paul; supervisor certificate: Michelle Prejean; supervision diploma: Jena Walton; and team leader certificate: Debbie Ouellette and Matt Grenier.

Three students also were honored for receiving the highest grade in their class lasting multiple days. These include Karyn Labrie for Essential Business Writing, Dennis Dalton for Principles of Banking and Mark Hodgdon for Verbal Communication.

STATEWIDE

Children’s Alliance taking Giraffe Awards nominations

The Maine Children’s Alliance is now accepting nominations for the 20th annual Giraffe Awards.

This annual awards program celebrates the contributions of individuals, organizations and businesses in Maine that “stick their necks out” to improve the lives of children and families.

The Giraffe Awards recognize winners in different categories such as outstanding individual, youth, business and organization. Past winners have included people working in children’s mental health, youth camps and Maine businesses that have been generous to young people, volunteers, educators and more.

To get a nomination form, or for more details, call 623-1868 Ext. 201 or email bcolfer@mekids.org. All nominations must be submitted by Aug. 1.

This year’s award ceremony is scheduled for Oct. 22 at the Green Ladle in Lewiston.

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