Recent improvements have been made to some of Sanford’s trails.
Photo: Sanford Trails
Compiled by Carolyn Cadigan
Explore the outdoors this spring: Now that spring weather has finally caught up to the calendar, it’s time to hit the trails. Sanford Trails recently posted that the Carpenters Crossing bridge on the Rail Trail has been re-decked. Another update this month is new signage by Sanford High School. Access online trail maps to Sanford’s trails here and check out some of these improvements.
New Navy head visits shipyard: Secretary of the Navy John Phelan, who was confirmed as Secretary of the Navy by the U.S. Senate on March 24, visited the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (PNSY) on April 17, marking his first official visit to a U.S. public shipyard. Joining Phelan were Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), Angus King (I-ME) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH). During the visit, Phelan toured a nuclear-powered attack submarine docked at the shipyard, met with workers and leaders, and learned about the workforce challenges affecting staffing. According to Shaheen, some of these challenges include parking availability, the local housing supply and the costs of both housing and childcare.
Collins stated that the shipyard is expected to add roughly 1,000 workers in the coming years. She noted that the U.S. has 296 battle force-ready ships, while in the next decade, China’s fleet will grow to approximately 400. In March, the Department of Defense exempted the PNSY from a federal hiring freeze, part of the spending cuts being made across the government.
Get your fruits and veggies here starting May 3: The Sanford Farmers’ Market will open its season on May 3, from 8 am to noon, at Central Park. A wide range of fruits, vegetables, cheeses, baked goods, items from local artisans, and more are offered each week. The market will run Saturday mornings from May to October. FMI, email Mary Beth Stocking at sanfordfarmersme@gmail.com.
Kids can cover all the bases this summer with the Mainers: Registration is now open for Sanford Mainers Youth Baseball Camps, available to kids ages 6 to 12. Participants can sharpen their skills and learn directly from Mainers players and coaches. Two sessions are offered: June 30 to July 3, 9 am to noon, and July 14 to 17, 9 am to noon. FMI, and to register, go here.
One for the books: Springvale Public Library’s annual online auction surpassed expectations, raising $14,839 – an increase of $4,000 from last year’s total. The auction, which closed on Easter Sunday, featured almost 250 items donated by library supporters. In addition, a few local businesses sponsored the auction, enabling organizers to buy gift cards to other organizations and businesses in the area. “We really kept it local,” said Library Director Lesley Unger. She added that many gift cards went for far more than their face value. “I think that shows our community’s commitment to us, and how they value us.”
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