Annual town election

Nomination papers for Acton's annual election on June 9 are now available at the Town Clerk's office at Acton Town Hall.

In order to appear on the ballot, candidates must collect a minimum of 25 registered voters' signatures and no more than 100 signatures, said Acton Selectmen's Secretary Lorraine Yeaton.

Nomination papers must be returned to the town clerk no later than 4 p.m. on Friday, April 24.

The open terms for various town committees include a three-year term as selectman, a three-year term as road commissioner for the southern district, and two three-year terms as school committee members.

Town Hall repairs

The Acton Board of Selectmen is seeking bids for structural repairs that need to be made at the Town Hall to correct the separation and rotation of the roof truss timber framing, said Acton Selectmen's Secretary Lorraine Yeaton.

The roof framing must be strengthened to prevent further movement, and the foundation must be excavated and repaired at the site of the water intrusion. Damaged material must be replaced, Yeaton said.

The building repairs should be made by a contractor with experience in historic timber frame construction. Bids must be submitted by Thursday, April 16.

Incoming kindergartners

Parents who have children who will be 5 on or before Oct. 15, 2009, are asked to give Linda Heon a call at Acton Elementary School at 636-2100, ext. 10, to get their child's name on the kindergarten list for the 2009-2010 school year.

In order to schedule an appointment and to receive the registration packet, parents of incoming kindergartners are asked to attend an informational meeting on Wednesday, April 15, in the Acton Elementary School library at 6 p.m.

Kindergarten screening has been scheduled for Thursday, May 14, and Friday, May 15. Registration will be by appointment only.

College tours

Acton sophomores and juniors are invited to tour four colleges with members of the Acton School Department on Tuesday, April 21, and Wednesday, April 22.

There is room for up to 30 students. The group will travel to Southern Maine Community College in South Portland, Bates College in Lewiston, College of the Atlantic in Bar Harbor and the University of Maine in Orono.

Hotel accommodations, transportation and lunches will be provided. The cost is $50. Students must purchase their own dinners.

Acton teachers Rick Kaye-Schiess, Kristin Lodge and Tyler Putnam will chaperone the trip.

More information is available by contacting Kristin Lodge at Acton School.

Church initiative

The Board of Christian Education at the Acton Congregational Church is sponsoring the American Mission in Grace Offering Sustenance program for the fourth year.

As part of their initiative, the church teams up with other York County churches to help feed the children of Honduras during their rainy season when food is not available to them.

To participate in the program, contact Mary Yeaton at 636-1522 for a list of needed foods.

Acton students attend Girls' Day

Each year, the Maine Women's Policy Center brings 100 eighth-grade girls to the State House for a day of hands-on involvement with Maine government. Students from all over the state get the chance to meet with legislative leadership, engage in a mock public hearing, participate in a mock press conference, explore the State House and meet other girls interested in government.

Acton Elementary School sent two eighth-grade students on March 19 who have demonstrated leadership and citizenship to Girls' Day. The girls had an eye-opening and enjoyable day, said Acton School Secretary Linda Heon.

Activities, friends and fun

The Acton Civil Rights Team, along with students attending the Special Olympics, will be holding Acton April Activities on Friday, April 10, for Grades 5-8, and Thursday, April 16, for Grades K-4. Both events will take place after school from 2:45 to 5 p.m.

Public hearing for zoning changes

The Acton Comprehensive Plan Implementation Committee will be holding a public hearing on Thursday, April 30, at 7 p.m. at the Acton Town Hall, to discuss proposals to the Acton Zoning Ordinance to be voted on June 13.

The committee has sent notified property owners about proposed changes, noting that it may affect their property. Some lands in the Shoreland District may be rezoned as Resource Protection, such as those areas of two or more acres with sustained slopes of 20 percent or greater; those in the floodplain as shown on the latest Federal Emergency Management maps; those of two acres and greater that are close to streams; and those included in the proposed Aquifer Protection District.

Animal Welfare Society drive

Acton Elementary School's Green Club is collecting items for the Animal Welfare Society's annual Kitten Shower in Kennebunk. During kitten season, the Animal Welfare Society typically receives more than 1,000 cats and kittens that are in need of a home.

Supplies that are in high demand are wet and dry kitten food, kitty litter, kitten milk replacement, cat toys and beds. There will be a collection box in the lobby of the school for those who would like to give gifts for this much needed event.

The Green Club will be collecting until Friday, May 8.

Acton clean-up day

On Saturday, April 25, Acton Elementary's Green Club is encouraging everyone to get outside and clean on Acton's second-annual "Clean up your Acton" day.

Residents should take the time to pick up litter near your home. Pay special attention to ditches where trash will eventually be carried to Acton's lakes, ponds and rivers. An adult should accompany children during this activity.