Punkinfiddle Returns to Wells Reserve

Punkinfiddle returns to the Laudholm Campus of the Wells Reserve on this Saturday, September 27, and features horse-drawn wagon rides by Rockin’ Horse Stables, Julie Giles’ gentle prize oxen and Mr. Auger’s amazing carvings of giant pumpkins. For more info visit www.wellsreserve.org or call 646-4521. (Courtesy photos)

Zonta Club Continues its Commitment to Women in York County

WELLS –
For the 13th consecutive year, Zonta International donated $1,000 to the York County Community College Foundation scholarship fund. The contribution is intended to assist women of York County in acquiring the education needed to improve their occupational and financial situations. Zonta International is a global organization of executives and professionals working together to advance the status of women worldwide through service and advocacy.
The scholarship contribution represents the proceeds from the Zonta Club of York County’s largest fundraiser of the year with the Hackmatack Playhouse. Zonta Club of York County and the Hackmatack Playhouse have partnered in similar efforts for 19 years. “Zonta is always pleased to award this scholarship to deserving students from York County who attend YCCC,” said Sue Seaver, club president.
“Contributions to our scholarship fund help YCCC bridge the widening gap between family income and college costs making a college education accessible to everyone,” says John Rainone, Executive Director of the York County Community College Foundation. “Service-minded organizations like Zonta International have allowed us to increase scholarship awards by 19% over that of the 2006-07 school year.”
Approximately 55 percent of students enrolled at YCCC are at the poverty level and 30 percent of students indicate that they work 30 hours per week or more to meet their educational expenses. Out of the 80 percent of YCCC students who qualify for financial aid, 70 percent take out loans. Generous gifts like these enable the YCCC Foundation to provide vital help students attending York County Community College further their education. Last year, the YCCC Foundation awarded over $31,000 in scholarships to 141 students. Since 1996, the YCCC Foundation has awarded over $137,000 to 506 students.
Caption: Zonta Club of York County’s president, Sue Seaver presents John Rainone with a check for $1000. (Courtesy photo)

Watoto Children’s Choir from Uganda Coming to Kennebunk

KENNEBUNK –
Watoto means “The Children”, and these children are on a mission. Through their inspirational songs and compelling stories, the Watoto Children’s Choir is spreading a message of hope for Africa’s children.
In 1994, Gary and Marilyn Skinner were moved with compassion concerning the critical orphan crisis in Uganda. As a result, Watoto Child Care Ministries was established as an outreach of Kampala Pentecostal Church. Today, Watoto is caring for over 1500 parentless children by providing physical, emotional, educational and spiritual care.
The goal of Watoto is to raise the next generation of Ugandan leaders by pursuing excellence in academic and practical skills, integrity in conduct and moral values, so that each child becomes a responsible and productive citizen.
Since 1994, the Watoto Children’s Choirs have toured internationally as ambassadors for orphan children in Uganda. “Concerts of Hope” inform people of Watoto’s vital work and afford audiences the opportunity to participate in restoring hope and dignity to some of Africa’s most needy children.
Each child in the choir has experienced tremendous personal tragedy, having lost one or both parents in the African AIDS crisis or other calamities. Now through their music and dance, audiences around the world witness the life-transforming love of God experienced by the children of Watoto.
The choir’s music and multimedia presentation is a soulful fusion of gospel and contemporary African style. Dressed in colorful costume, the children’s enthusiastic song and energetic dance has moved audiences world-wide.
This concert is sponsored by St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, Kennebunk; Christ Church, Kennebunk; and So. Congregational Church; Kennebunkport.
For more information please call 207-985-4303.
Caption: The Watoto Children’s Choir from Uganda will perform at the Kennebunk Town Hall this Friday with a message of hope for the next generation of Uganda citizens. (Courtesy photo)