Briefs

Alice Hauser of Kennebunk named Rhodes Scholar photo credit Lyndsie Schlink

KENNEBUNK

Kennebunk High graduate named Rhodes Scholar

Alice Nell Chandran Hauser, a graduate of Kennebunk High School Class of 2019 and a Wake Forest University Class of 2023 senior, has been awarded a Rhodes Scholarship to study at England’s Oxford University beginning in the fall of 2023.

A major in philosophy and piano performance with a minor in history, Hauser was among 32 Americans chosen by the Rhodes Trust on Nov. 12 from among 840 candidates endorsed by 244 colleges. She plans to pursue a Master of Science in Refugee and Forced Migration Studies and a Master of Philosophy in Law, with the ultimate goal of promoting justice for populations in need.

Hausen said she was “unbelievably humbled to receive such an immense honor and investment” in her future.

“I am excited to gain a greater understanding of which systems and structures promote and preclude access to justice for asylum seekers experiencing human rights abuses,” said Hauser. “Conducting specialized legal research in close proximity to the Oxford Global Leadership Initiative will provide the knowledge and leadership abilities I will need to be an effective advocate.”

Hauser is the daughter of Bryan and Emma Hauser of Kennebunk.

BIDDEFORD

Southern Maine Health Care Earns an ‘A’ For Safety

Southern Maine Health Care (SMHC) has been awarded an ‘A’ Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group for fall 2022. It is the highest grade the independent national quality evaluator bestows to hospitals every six months based on each hospital’s ability to prevent medical errors and harm to patients. This is the 10th consecutive ‘A’ grade for SMHC.

The rating is based exclusively on hospital prevention of medical errors and harms to patients. The grading system is peer-reviewed, and grades are updated twice annually, in the fall and spring.

SANFORD

Habitat for Humanity building five homes

Habitat for Humanity York County will build several affordable homes on three parcels of land it owns in Sanford beginning in spring 2023.

The homes will be built on land purchased from the city of Sanford and will support a minimum of five units.

Habitat anticipates opening the application process for a three-bedroom home in January 2023.

Households living or working in York County, whose annual incomes are up to 60 percent of the area median income, are typically eligible to purchase a Habitat home. If selected, monthly mortgage payments will be no more than 28 percent of the household income. Habitat’s path to homeownership requires volunteering, educational classes, and willingness to partner with Habitat.

For more details, go to habitatyorkcounty.org, email program@habitatyorkcounty.org or call 985-450.

WELLS

WMTW meteorologist visits with students

Meteorologist Ted McInerney and a crew from WMTW Channel 8 visited Wells Junior High School in late October to broadcast live via satellite weather forecasts as part of WMTW’s “Weather at Your School” program, now in its 11th year.

Following broadcast, McInerney met with Grade 5 students and staff to share a bit about his background as a meteorologist, weather forecasting, and related topics including severe weather conditions such as hurricanes and tornados. He also took audience questions.

Participants sought for Christmas Parade

The Wells Chamber of Commerce invites families, youth groups, civic groups, businesses and individuals take part in the 37th annual Christmas Parade on Dec.11. The parade begins at 2 p.m., departing from the Wells Plaza and proceeding north on Route 1 to the Wells Junior High School. There is no charge to participate.

For more details, call the Wells Chamber office at 646-2451 or go to wellschristmasparade.com.

SPRINGVALE

Library to be closed Thanksgiving weekend

Springvale Public Library will be closed Wednesday through Saturday in observance of the Thanksgiving Day holiday.

The library will reopen for regular hours on Monday, kicking off its “Stuff Yourself With Books, Art & More” event, to run daily through Dec. 3 in the Community Room at 443 Main St., during regular hours.

For a complete list of other events, go to spl@springvalelibrary.org or call 324-4624.

SCARBOROUGH

Maine Senior Games hires games coordinator

The Maine Senior Games board recently welcomed Karen Reardon as its new MSG Games coordinator. She will start on Jan. 1.

Reardon recently retired from South Portland High School following an 18-year career, most recently as the Health and Physical Education Department chair, and she previously served as head coach for Girls Cross Country/Track and Field.

Reardon has participated in the Maine senior games since 2008 in track and field. She has competed at the national level, bringing back to Maine a total of nine medals in the shot-put, discus, and the hammer throw.

For more details, go to maineseniorgames.org.

PORTLAND

AARP Maine announces top service awards

AARP Maine recognized Paul Armstrong of Palermo and Danforth Livable Communities of Washington County with its two top service awards for 2022.

Armstrong received the Steadfast Advocate Award for volunteer efforts to support the AARP Maine mission. As the AARP Maine Advocacy Volunteer Lead, he has demonstrated steadfast commitment to the betterment of the lives of older Mainers.

Armstrong has testified for older Mainers before the state Legislature on issues such as fair prescription drug prices, affordable housing, utility costs and access to affordable high-speed internet.

Danforth Livable Communities, a member of the AARP Network of Age-friendly States and Communities since 2018, is the winner of the Beacon Community Award.

Led by Danforth town manager Ardis Brown, Danforth Livable Communities has advanced many initiatives in the last few years. They developed a critically needed Volunteer Driver’s Program, a Handy Helper program, improved sidewalk accessibility and seating and began a walking program. When the pandemic hit, they quickly pivoted to providing meals, connecting with vulnerable residents, and providing resources to older Mainers.

ELLSWORTH/PORTLAND

Greater Portland nonprofits awarded $286,000

The Maine Community Foundation’s (MaineCF) Welch Charitable Fund has awarded $285,641 to 21 organizations in the Greater Portland area that serve people in need with preference to nonprofits focused on youth, education, health care, substance abuse recovery and/or arts and culture.

The 2022 grantees include: My Place Teen Center for new carpet, furnishings, and gaming systems at its Westbrook campus; Yellow Tulip Project for a campaign focused on young men’s health; and Southern Maine Agency on Aging for health and wellness education programs for adults with disabilities.