In Maine, municipalities are responsible for maintaining and mowing all veteran’s graves and are required by law to place a flag and holder on each veteran’s grave on Memorial Day. Locally, VFW Post 5477 coordinates the placing of flags on graves each Memorial Day.

The VFW is currently working on a project to purchase flag holders for each and every veteran’s grave to assure that each veteran is honored and to help make cemetery maintenance easier. The Town has traditionally budgeted $400 toward the purchase of the flags and flag holders. At the last Town Council meeting Malcolm Kenney, on behalf of the VFW, requested $1100 from the Town toward the purchase of flags and flag holders. The request was tabled, since Town Councilors had been approached by citizens who were interested in making private donations toward this effort. In this difficult budget year for the town, individuals can honor our veterans by donating directly to the VFW’s Memorial Cemetery Fund to help with the purchase of flag holders and flags.

Mal Kenney says the Post has an ongoing effort to locate every veteran’s grave in the many cemeteries that dot our area. He also says that in the past few years brass flag holders have been stolen and need to be replaced. The VFW will be purchasing plastic flag holders that will be less likely to be stolen. Mr. Kenney notes that the Memorial Day observance and respectful maintenance of veterans’ graves is very important to veterans’ families.

You can help honor those who have served and sacrificed for our country by donating to the VFW’s memorial cemetery fund as soon as possible. Mr. Kenney will be updating the Town Council as to the progress of the fundraising effort at the next council meeting.

Checks should be made payable to VFW Post 5744 and noted “Memorial Cemetery Fund” so they can be placed in the dedicated account. Checks should be sent to VFW POST 5744, 16 Butler St, South Berwick, ME 03908

The following meetings are scheduled:

Town Council Special Meeting
Council Chambers / Manager’s Office
Monday, March 31, 2008, 5:00pm
1. Executive Session – 1MRSA §405.6A – Discuss contract for Acting Interim Town Manager.
2. Take action on appointment of Acting Interim Town Manager.
3. Sign Treasurer’s warrant of March 24, 2008.
Budget Workshop to Follow

Planning Board Meeting
Tuesday, April 1, 2008 at 7:00 PM
Council Chambers

Economic Development Committee Meeting - Cancelled
The April EDC meeting sceduled for Wednesday, April 2, 2008 at 1:00 PM has been cancelled. The next meeting is scheduled for May 7th at 1:00 PM.

MDOT Preliminary Public Meeting-Great Works Bridge Replacement
Thursday, April 3, 2008 at 6:00 PM
Council Chambers
This is a meeting with the Maine Department of Transportation to discuss the future replacement of the Great Works Bridge that crosses the Great Works River on Rt. 236. Representatives from the DOT will be available to receive comments, listen to concerns, and answer questions about the project. More info…

If you are planning to attend one of the meetings, it’s a good idea to check the Town’s web site to verify that there have been no changes in the schedule.

It’s been a long winter. This is my house and yes, the snow is still almost to the top of the picket fence. It’s hard to believe that it will be April in two days. Oh, for the sound of peepers and the sight of new green growth.

What’s that saying about March? “In like a lion, out like a lamb?” This year it’s more like “In like a lion, out like a big horn sheep.”

Tonight, between 8 and 9 PM millions of people, businesses, governments and civic groups all around the globe will join together to turn off the lights for one hour to show commitment to finding climate change solutions. More than 35 US cities will participate, including Atlanta, Chicago, Phoenix and San Francisco.

Earth Hour, sponsored by the World Wildlife Fund, is designed to heighten awareness about climate change and to inspire people to take practical actions to reduce our carbon footprints. Individuals are encouraged to participate by turning out their lights and by replacing a traditional light bulb with a compact fluorescent bulb.

I will be participating because I’m concerned about climate change but also because I’m interested in reducing my own energy use for practical reasons. In January my electric bill hit its all time high of $125. We swapped compact fluorescent light bulbs for traditional bulbs in four of our most used lights. I also started turning off my computer and printer at the surge protector since I learned that it sucks electricity even when it is off. This month my electric bill was $85 and I used 249 fewer kilowatt hours than last year the same month. I’ll be doing more of these measures–it feels good to be doing something good for the environment and saving money.

Find out more information about Earth Hour.

Asperger’s Support Group Forming - A support group for parents with kids that have Asperger’s is being formed in South Berwick. If you are interested in joining, please contact Marcia Adair at the4adairs@verizon.net. They are currently generating a list of people who are interested and hope to have a group started within the next month or so.

Tobacco Free Recreation in South Berwick - The Tobacco-Free Recreation Task Force is working to develop a self-enforced Resolution to have the playing fields in Agamenticus on Willow Drive, the Teen Center, Powder House Hill, Shoe Town Playground/tennis courts, and Counting House Park tobacco free areas.

South Berwick community members who want to support the policy should contact Sarah Sullivan at 439-2037 ssullivan@yorkhospital.com. Find out more in their Fact Sheet. Read more about it in this article from Foster’s Daily Democrat:

Should recreation spaces go smoke free in South Berwick?
The South Berwick Tobacco-Free Recreation Task Force will hold a meeting Mon., April 14 at p.m. to discuss a resolution that would make outdoor recreation spaces in town tobacco-free…

In today’s papers:

South Berwick Town Manager gets $102g in buyout package
Foster’s Daily Democrat
In the end, it took $102000 to convince former Town Manager Jeff Grossman to resign…

Kittery cuts $466K from school budget
Portsmouth Herald News
The School Committee will be able to present a 2008-09 budget that does not exceed the 2007-08 amount when it meets again with the Town Council on March 31…

Trio announces $21.2m earmark for dry dock work at naval shipyard
Foster’s Daily Democrat
House Armed Services Committee Chairman Ike Skelton, D-Mo., toured the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Thursday, calling it “a …

Yard’s funding called ‘a game’
Portsmouth Herald News
Getting work and funding much needed construction projects for the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard is “a dangerous game of …

Eliot company could add 150 jobs
Portsmouth Herald News
CenterPoint Teleservices recently unveiled its new call center operation at the former site of Symphonix Calling Solutions…

Here’s a sign of spring that doesn’t make me happy. I live on a rural dirt road, part of which goes along the CMP right of way. It seems to be a favorite place for people to dump refuse. Over the years I have found gas tanks, tires, household furniture, household trash, paint cans, clothing, two deer carcasses (and not in hunting season), and countless bottles and cans. In a recent walk I spotted a sewing machine, a smashed up television, a sofa, an unidentified piece of furniture and giant pieces of styrofoam.

I know I’m always telling people here at the blog to stay calm and be reasonable, but this makes me FURIOUS. Who does this? And why? Is it the cost of dumping it legally? Or are they just plain lazy and ignorant?

Now I’ve had my rant. Has anyone out there figured out a way to discourage this in your neighborhood? What can we do as a community to discourage this?

Reminder: The Conservation Commission’s Earth Day Adopt a Road Cleanup is coming up on April 19.

Here’s a round up of some of this morning’s news:

Update: I missed this story in my haste this morning:

SAD 35 superintendent recommends cutting 3 special-ed teachers
Foster’s Daily Democrat
Three special education teaching positions in School Administrative District 35 would be cut under Superintendent Jeff Bearden’s latest budget proposal, which he presented to the School Board Wednesday night.

S. Berwick back in business
Portsmouth Herald
After being closed for business since Monday night, town offices will be fully open and functioning this morning. The Town Council appointed a deputy treasurer and deputy tax collector at an emergency Town Council…

Ex-manager doesn’t plan to sue town
Portsmouth Herald
Former South Berwick Town Manager Jeffrey Grossman, who resigned last Friday under pressure from the town council, said Wednesday he was mostly ready to turn the page on his tenture.

South Berwick council chips away at $1.4m needing to be cut…
Foster’s Daily Democrat
During a budget workshop Tuesday night, the Town Council cut a few thousand dollars here, a few thousand there — but nowhere near the $1.4 million needed…

Chase through Somersworth, South Berwick ends in two arrests
Foster’s Daily Democrat
A car chase that started in Somersworth, wove through downtown South Berwick, and ended just outside the center of town resulted in the arrests of two residents. …

Should recreation spaces go smoke free in South Berwick?
Foster’s Daily Democrat
The South Berwick Tobacco-Free Recreation Task Force will hold a meeting Mon., April 14 at p.m. to discuss a resolution that would make outdoor recreation spaces in town tobacco-free…

South Berwick to advertise for new director of Public Works; But …
Foster’s Daily Democrat
Help wanted: Public Works director for the town of South Berwick, Maine. Town Council Chair Sue Roberge said the town will begin advertising for the position after Terry Oliver, the town’s Public Works Director …

Some of the news coverage of the events in South Berwick:

Notice posted on South Berwick’s web site
The Business Office will reopen Thursday March 27th at 9 am for regular business. We expect to be able to process all transactions at that time. Thank you for your patience.

South Berwick to be back in business
Foster’s Daily Democrat
Starting Thursday at 9 am, residents will be able to register their cars, pay their taxes, even get tags for their dogs…

S. Berwick: Town shuts down
Foster’s Daily Democrat
In the wake of South Berwick Town Manager Jeffrey Grossman’s resignation last week, the town is closed for business until councilors find an…

South Berwick petition seeks removal process for councilors
Foster’s Daily Democrat
Upset with the recent actions of the Town Council, five residents have started a petition to amend the Town Charter to allow for the removal of councilor…

South Berwick is home to artists, writers, and performers. Here are some news stories about some of them:

Susan Poulin:
Susan Poulin fights ennui in ‘Peggy Lee’
Portsmouth Herald News - Portsmouth,NH,USA
And as with any subject the South Berwick, Maine, resident turns her eye on — poignant, pop or both — it’s explored in a warm, amusing and empathetic manner …

VE Kent & Jim Vaughn:
Author visits Portsmouth toy store
Foster’s Daily Democrat
Author VE Kent of South Berwick, Maine, in disguise as Irish fortune teller Maggie Magee, looked closely at the open palm of …

Nicholson Baker:
‘Human Smoke’
New York Times
Nicholson Baker’s pacifist history of World War II is an eloquent and passionate assault on the idea that targeting civilians can ever be justified.

A Profile of Nicholson Baker
New York Times

Local author’s ‘Human Smoke’ offers new look at World War II
Foster’s Daily Democrat
Not everyone in this town knows Nicholson Baker.

Seacoast Entertainment: Controversial local author and national …
Portsmouth Herald
Nicholson Baker of South Berwick, Maine, recently released his latest book, “Human Smoke: The Beginnings of World War II, The End of Civilization,” a …

I was having friends for dinner and wanted a special dessert. I went to Monkey Business Bakery and told Nicole that my friends love chocolate and birds. The result: an incredible cake that satisfied every kind of chocolate need and was beautifully decorated with a delicate tree with tiny birds perched among the branches.

Monkey Business Bakery is located at 440 Main St. in South Berwick. I suggest that you get your sweet tooth over there and check it out yourself.

Susan is happy with her life. Really! At least she thought she was, until the strains of Peggy Lee’s, “Is That All There Is?” started reverberating in her head. Now she’s not so sure. Susan figures this may be as good a time as any to go searching for the meaning of life. She’s hoping this will take about seventy minutes, not counting intermission.

South Berwick’s Poolyle Productions presents the premiere of “Shutting Up Peggy Lee!”, the newest play from the team that brought you “Ida: Woman Who Runs With the Moose!,” “Spousal Deafness and Other Bones of Contention” and “In My Head I’m Thin.” Written and performed by Susan Poulin, with set design by Gordon Carlisle, “Shutting Up Peggy Lee!” is not really about becoming middle aged. It’s about reaching that point in your life where you feel like you’ve arrived, then realizing, “Now what?” Well, maybe it is about being middle aged. Only funnier.

“Shutting Up Peggy Lee!” runs March 28-30 and April 4-6 at The West End Studio Theatre, 959 Islington Street, Portsmouth, NH, Friday & Saturday at 8:00pm, and Sunday at 3:00pm. Tickets are $20, $18 for students and seniors. As seating is limited, reservations are strongly recommended. Call 207-384-4526 or email info@poolyle.com. For more on Poolyle Productions, check out their website at www.poolyle.com.

Worried about your credit or debit card?
Foster’s Daily Democrat
Financial professionals are recommending several precautions in the wake of a massive, first-of-its-kind data theft from Hannaford Bros. Co…

More locals report getting caught in Hannaford breach
Foster’s Daily Democrat
While Hannaford Bros. Co. is still sorting out what exactly happened after a security breach exposed…

Data breach hits close to home for regional banks, credit unions
Foster’s Daily Democrat
Maine banks and credit unions could face greater exposure to theft of credit and debit card numbers from the Hannaford Bros. Co. data breach than from the far-larger TJX Cos…

On the third Saturday each month Nature’s Way Market hosts a wine tasting to offer customers a chance to sample wines.

This past Saturday wine distributor South Portland Wine Company was there to showcase their wines. I sampled Farnetella Chianti Colli Senesi from Tuscany. It was fresh and crisp tasting and since I was going to a dinner at friends where Italian food was on the menu, I bought a bottle. I also tried the wonderfully named Hill of Content Benjamin’s Blend. It is a light refreshing white with a hint of citrus that is a blend of Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Semillon. I picture myself drinking this wine sitting on my screen porch on a hot summer evening and feeling quite content.

The wine room at Nature’s Way Market is a delight. What used to be the nail room at Rideout’s has been turned into what feels like an upscale wine shop without the upscale prices. The wine selection is broad with an affordable price range that includes lower price wines that are perfect for parties and a wide selection of mid range wines that are great for an occasion. I’ve enjoyed browsing through the wine to pick out something interesting to take to dinners at friends or when I am in the mood for a treat of a nice wine. The tastings are a great way to try before you buy.

Nature’s Way Market is at 271 Main St. in South Berwick, ME.

A guest essay by South Berwick resident Karen Eger

This is the time of year when I envy folks who live in town. On the south sides of their houses, close to the foundations, the snow has melted and plants start poking up a good two weeks before they do out here in the puckerbush. You have more birds too. The snow has been too deep to comfortably walk in the woods for some weeks now and too uneven for snowshoes. Unless you enjoy lurching in and out of the postholes your feet make when the thin crust on top gives way, walking has been confined to the roads.

Today I went out bushwhacking looking for Spring and came back with two soggy feet and some signs to report. The ice is still covering the ponds but the south facing cliffs are warming up the vernal pools at their feet. The sphagnum moss is St Patrick’s Day green where the ice has melted and though I didn’t spot any sign of frog or salamander, it won’t be long!
(more…)

I was away all day in Portland and just learned that there was a special town council meeting today at 5 PM with the following agenda:

NEW BUSINESS
1. Executive Session – 1MRSA 405.6E – consultation between the Council and the Council’s attorney regarding settlement discussions.

2. Discuss/take action on acceptance of resignation of Town Manager by mutual agreement between the Manager and the Town Council.

Update: Portland Press Herald is reporting that Town Manager Jeff Grossman has resigned:

South Berwick town manager resigns
Portland Press Herald March 21, 2008 08:48 PM
The Town Council accepted Town Manager Jeff Grossman’s resignation Friday evening, nearly three years before his contract would have expired…

Update March 22, 2008:  Here’s a story from Foster’s Daily Democrat:

South Berwick town manager takes his leave
Foster’s Daily Democrat
Town Manager Jeff Grossman agreed to resign from office Friday night, one week after three town councilors asked him to quit.

In an emotional special town meeting held at 5 p.m. — just three hours after public notice was given — the council voted 4-1 to accept Grossman’s resignation, which he handed in by “mutual agreement” between himself and the council. . .

Things at town hall are tense right now and it is frustrating to know all this is going on. It is a difficult time for South Berwick. I want to remind the236diner users to keep it civil here. We will get through this time and whatever happens, we will need to move on as a community. So be kind to each other here, even when you don’t agree.

One of the best pieces of advice I ever heard for groups working on solving problems and making things better is this: “Be hard on the problems, easy on the people.”

–Molly

South Berwick Conservation Commission is sponsoring an Earth Day Adopt a Road Clean Up. Earth Day is April 22. On Saturday, April, 19th clean up your neighborhood. Pick a road to do a roadside clean up with your friends and family, your neighbors or community group. Saturday hours at the So Berwick Transfer Station are 7 AM- 6 PM. Remember to wear gloves.

For more information and to sign up call 384-3300 ext 336 (conservation commission voice mail) or email prnel@comcast.net

An estimated 25% of an average household’s waste is yard trimmings and kitchen scraps. As part of Earth Day 2008, South Berwick is participating in a statewide compost bin sale to encourage residents to compost these wastes. South Berwick residents can get a home compost bin and how-to-guide for only $40.00, a 50% saving on the $80 retail value. The bin is made of 100% recycled plastic, has a ten year warrantee, and is large enough for a family of five.

By composting you can turn your scraps in a rich soil amendment for your lawn and garden. Composting also saves the town money by reducing the amount of waste that has to be shipped out of town for disposal.

Contact Gary Boucher at 603-978-1669 to order your bin. You can also place your order in person at the transfer station during their regular hours. The bins will be sold until April 11. Find out more information at the transfer station pages on the town web site.

There’s a new story in today’s Foster’s Daily Democrat about the ongoing issues between the South Berwick council and town manager.

Beleaguered South Berwick Town Manager alleges ‘Right-to-Know …
Foster’s Daily Democrat
Embattled Town Manager Jeff Grossman believes Town Council members violated the state’s Right-to-Know law Monday during a closed-door executive session…

Foster’s Daily Democrat is reporting more information about the ongoing issues between the South Berwick town council and manager:

Letter outlines cause for South Berwick Town Manager dismissal
Foster’s Daily Democrat
There is sufficient cause to remove Town Manager Jeff Grossman from office, and he has been offered a buyout package in exchange for his resignation, according to a private letter written by the town’s attorney….

Economic panel chair will stay in South Berwick
Foster’s Daily Democrat
Dennis Fontaine, the chair of the Economic Development Committee, won’t be resigning after all….

There’s a regular school board meeting tonight:
Wednesday, March 19, 2008 - 7:00 p.m., Marshwood High School

Here’s an article from Portsmouth Herald about the meeting:
SAD 35 to discuss school budget tonight
Portsmouth Herald News
School Administrative District 35 wants to spend more money in 2008-09, but it’s expecting to get less aid from the state…

Here’s a summary of tonight’s agenda:
(more…)

Harlem Globetrotter makes stop in South Berwick
Portsmouth Herald News
On Monday, Harlem Globetrotter Moo Moo Evans showed off his basketball tricks, signed autographs and told stories …

South Berwick council readies to tackle budget
Portsmouth Herald News
Town councilors are ready to bring spending under control, they said in phone conversations as they ready for …

In South Berwick: Regional panel to meet on future efforts after …
Foster’s Daily Democrat – Dover
Local officials from the Southern York County Regionalization Committee will meet at the South Berwick Town Hall … (Note: I got notice today that the meeting of the Regional Efficiency Group scheduled for Thursday, March 20 has been canceled.–Molly)

Great Works Regional Land Trust holds auction
Foster’s Daily Democrat
In some ways, the task of creating wildlife refuges and setting aside nature trails begins in a lounge with a …

Eliot selectmen trying to remedy Bolt Hill smell with letters to …
Foster’s Daily Democrat
For 10 or more years, residents in the Bolt Hill area have had to deal with the smell of sewage occasionally seeping into …

Eliot yacht shop goes up in flames
Foster’s Daily Democrat
A two-alarm fire that burned for nearly seven hours early Saturday morning heavily damaged a boat-building shop at Patten’s …

Kittery council to level fund town, school budgets, citing poor …
Foster’s Daily Democrat
Citing a poor economy and ever increasing financial burdens, councilors agreed to level fund this year’s school and …

Kittery budget plan hikes taxes
Portsmouth Herald News
Town Manager Jon Carter submitted a budget to the Town Council this week that had increases of 1.8 percent on the …

Want to do something to help a neighbor? South Berwick Volunteer Network (SBVN) needs volunteer drivers. SBVN is a nonprofit organization that offers free transportation to local residents who need a ride to medical appointments. Usually, drivers are assigned one day per month (M-F). The average appointment requires about 2 hours of volunteer time. More residents need the service so the current volunteers are doing double duty. They could really use your help.

For more information about volunteering, or if you are a South Berwick resident needing a ride, please call (207)384-3311. The South Berwick Rotary Club and Rotary Foundation also provides financial support for wheelchair van transportation to medical appointments. Please call 384-3311 to schedule van service.

Meet Mary Margaret Anthoine Ney, who goes by Mamie, the new Director of South Berwick Library. A Kennebunk resident, Mamie comes to us after working for the last year and a half as the Assistant Director of the Kennebunk Library. Mamie’s path to becoming a librarian is not the usual one, and as a result she brings a unique blend of skills and perspectives to the library. She will graduate from the University of Southern Carolina with a Master of Library Information Studies in May. Prior to pursuing her career as a librarian, she was a tax attorney and holds both a law degree and an MBA.

Her enthusiasm for her new job came through as I spoke to her about this article. She has been busy getting out to meet all the merchants downtown, attending meetings of local groups, and getting to know the library. She is pleased with the strong base of programs the library offers and thankful to Annmarie Townsend, Children’s Librarian and Kim Myers, Library Assistant for how helpful they have been in helping her understand South Berwick’s library. Her priorities in her new job are working on getting a new space for the library and adding to the programs that the library offers the community.

Stop in and introduce yourself to Mamie and welcome to her to South Berwick. By the way, she is currently reading The Cleft by Doris Lessing, March by Geraldine Brooks, and The Ersatz Elevator by Lemony Snicket.

Over the last few years in South Berwick there has been a tug of war being played out in Council Chambers that has been characterized as a struggle between those who want economic development and those who want to preserve the village and the land. Now this struggle has erupted into calls for resignations and name calling in council chambers, on the streets, and in the comments of this blog. The town manager, all of the town council members, and many residents have all been conveniently slotted into one side or the other so we can all take sides and continue the drama and fireworks that some seem to enjoy so much.

In the last month the rhetoric has risen to inflammatory levels with accusations that those who are in favor of the comprehensive plan are trying to take away property rights and that the effort to get a regional development authority is a scheme that will result in taxation without representation. There have been rumors, insinuations, and allegations of wrongdoing by town councilors and the town manager. Those who speak out at town meetings and other public forums, including this blog, seem to represent the most extreme views. In private, I’ve heard from people with more measured and complex thoughts about the issues that they are reluctant to speak out publicly in the current climate. (more…)

If you were driving through downtown Friday afternoon, you may have noticed a lot of activity in front of Little Hat Company. They were doing a photo shoot for an article for Country Woman, a nationally distributed magazine. They are also set to be featured in Yankee Magazine’s Summer Travel issue. Congratulations to Little Hat entrepreneurs Jen Houghton and Susan Page for launching this local company and steering it toward national success.

Read more about Little Hat Company.

Foster’s Daily Democrat has followed up on the request for Town Manager’s Jeff Grossman’s resignation:

South Berwick town councilors, manager demand each other’s resignation
Foster’s Daily Democrat
Three town councilors want the town manager to resign; the manager, in turn, wants those councilors to resign; and residents are circulating petitions to amend the town charter so councilors can be recalled from office….

Meet Richard Rodgers, Produce Manager at Nature’s Way Market. He’s the man responsible for the great selection of fruits and vegetables at the market. From standbys like potatoes and green beans to more exotic fare like mangoes and pomegranate juice he has built a produce department that I’ve come to count on for everyday needs and for those special treats.

Richard is happy to share information about the produce and will help with cooking and serving ideas. This day he was talking root vegetables: yams, rutabagas and parsnips; baked, roasted, and sautéed in butter. He also pointed out some pears that had just arrived that proved to be sweet and juicy. He is looking forward to the growing season when the market will carry locally grown produce.

Nature’s Way Market is at 271 Main St. in South Berwick, ME.

Southern York County regional authority in limbo
Portland Press Herald
Local officials behind the proposed Southern York County Regional Development Authority will meet next week to determine how to move forward

Letter to the Editor: re: “EDC chair walks out of South Berwick council meeting, resigns.” (scroll down to find letter)
Foster’s Daily Democrat
Dennis Fontaine, chair of South Berwick’s EDC, resigned during a meeting on March 3, 2008. His reason for resigning was stated as “a lot of reasons,”….

State aid loss could mean more cuts to SAD 35 school jobs
Portsmouth Herald News
A projected $190 million budget shortfall in Maine has forced Gov. John Baldacci to develop a supplemental budget, which dramatically cuts …

South Berwick resident creates virtual diner, forum for residents …
Foster’s Daily Democrat
It can take a lot of effort to find out what’s going on in this town of 7000. There’s no public access station, …

SAD 35 costs up $1.7 million
Portsmouth Herald News
Superintendent Jeffrey Bearden of School Administrative District 35 announced Wednesday that taxpayers in Eliot and …

Eliot may see 11 percent tax increase
Foster’s Daily Democrat
School Administrative District 35 Superintendent Jeffrey Bearden is still banging out a school budget for the communities of Eliot and South Berwick. …

‘Bleakest’ budget picture Kittery Town Council chairman has ever seen
Foster’s Daily Democrat
Working with a $874915 loss in revenue over last year’s budget — almost 16 percent —town and school administrators had …

Oh, the things they do for reading at Marshwood Middle School
Foster’s Daily Democrat
Yes, he may have looked a little silly in the stove-top Dr. Seuss hat and oversized red bow tie, but Principal John Caverly …

Indoor walking trails trample your exercise excuses
Portsmouth Herald News
The program, which encompasses Berwick, Eliot, North Berwick, South Berwick, Wells, Ogunquit and Lebanon, as well as York and Kittery, supports not only the …