Providing splashes of color to Gateway Park are, from left to right, Marian MacDonald, Mary Hatton, Noreen Wormwood, Karen Roussin and Charlene Humphries. The marigolds, petunias and salvia were provided by Farmfield Greenhouses in Lebanon.
Photo: Bridget Salantri
Compiled by Carolyn Cadigan
Floral displays to brighten Sanford and Springvale: In addition to beautifying Gateway Park, members of Southern Maine Garden Club plan to continue flower planting in various locations in downtown Sanford and Springvale. The flowers will bloom throughout the summer, thanks to watering by Sanford Parks & Recreation and deadheading by the garden club. If you would like to join the Southern Maine Garden Club, email smgc.1996@gmail.com for more information.
Early voting on school budget is underway: The referendum vote on the 2025/2026 school budget will be held Tuesday, June 10, 7 am – 8 pm, at Sanford High School, 100 Alumni Blvd., Door #41. There are two articles on the ballot: (1) about adopting the school budget; and (2) about continuing the budget referendum process for the school budget for an additional three years. Early in-person voting has already begun. Those interested in voting early may do so Monday through Thursday, 7:30 am – 5:30 pm, at the City Clerk’s Office. Early voting ends June 5.
Library improvement forces closure next week: Springvale Library will be closed May 27 – 31 while the floors get refinished. The book drop will also be closed during this time; however, staff will be answering emails. The library will re-open on Monday, June 2.
Here’s your chance to comment on the county budget: York County residents can weigh in on the proposed $28.6 million York County government budget for the fiscal year that begins July 1 at a public hearing set for 6 pm on June 4 at the York County Government building, 149 Jordan Springs Road (Route 4), in Alfred.
The York County Budget Committee on May 14 voted 5-4 to approve the budget and could make adjustments and take another vote after hearing from residents at the public hearing. Voting in favor of the budget were members Rebecca Bowley, Danica Briggs, Glenn Dochtermann, Lisa Pratt and James Smith. Voting against were committee chair Marc Lessard, Jonathan Martell, Thomas Small and Susan Wiswell.
The nine-member budget committee approved county commissioners’ request to add $100,000 to the budget for the operation of the York County Food Pantry for the next fiscal year. Long operated by York County Shelter Programs Inc., the pantry, which provides food for a significant number of county residents annually, was targeted to close along with the adult shelter and some other YCSPI programs, until the nonprofit First County Foundation and York County government stepped in. County commissioners approved $25,000 from contingency funds to help the pantry through the end of the current fiscal year and then approached the county budget board for their blessing on the proposed $100,000 allocation.
Health is everything, so why not learn more: The 2025 Healthy Living Expo will be held on June 11, 10 am – noon, at the Sanford-Springvale YMCA. Participants in this free event can learn about area resources, receive giveaways and enjoy the music. No registration is needed. The event is presented by Thriving in Place: Age Friendly Sanford in partnership with the YMCA Trafton Senior Center. FMI, call the Trafton Senior Center at 207-457-0080.
Take a walk on the wild side: Three Rivers Land Trust (3RLT) has limited openings for its walk through the Harvey Butler Rhododendron Sanctuary in Springvale on Sunday, June 8, at 10 am. Join Shawn Jalbert, 3RLT board member and native plants expert, to explore and discuss the rich diversity of bryophytes — mosses, liverworts and lichens — growing there. The walk, which will last 1.5 to 2 hours, is limited to eight people. Sign up here.
Can you host one of Boomer’s players this summer? Although the season opener is right around the corner, the Sanford Mainers are still seeking host families for the 2025 season. From making memories that can last a lifetime to receiving special perks for host families, this opportunity can be a unique and rewarding experience. If interested, contact the Mainers at hostfamily@sanfordmainers.com or go here for more information.
Mills to receive human rights award in June: Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights announced on May 15 that Gov. Janet Mills will receive the RFK Human Rights Award. The organization stated that Mills was selected because her administration successfully sued the federal government to restore funding for Maine school nutrition programs that serve 172,000 school children.
In early April, the federal government announced it would freeze the funding in response to alleged Title IX violations in Maine. In response, the administration filed a lawsuit stating that the freeze was unlawful and didn’t follow the procedures required to stop funding. On May 2, the federal government and the state reached a settlement in which the government agreed to unfreeze the funds.
Mills will join two other award recipients on June 5 in Washington D.C. for a public ceremony. Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights works to ensure freedom of civic activism, hold leaders accountable, and speak truth to power, in partnership with frontline advocates across the globe.
DPW Open House scheduled to discuss resident concerns: The Sanford Department of Public Works (DPW) is hosting an Open House at its office at 156 School St. on Wednesday, June 11, 2 – 4 pm, to discuss concerns from residents and stakeholders regarding Butler, Irving and Merrill Streets in Springvale. No formal presentation will be made, but attendees are encouraged to ask questions and express concerns.
Soccer club president recognized for his effort on and off the pitch: Sanford Soccer Club President Kevin Eaton has received the Outstanding Youth Leadership Award from the Sanford Elks. This recognition celebrates his service to the youth of the Sanford-Springvale community. Eaton has shown dedication and leadership in rebuilding the club, upgrading its facilities and expanding the program by adding winter futsal, all while prioritizing the organization’s young athletes. He also built partnerships with city organizations and area sports clubs and strengthened community ties.
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