Recipient of the DAISY award, Nikki Bouley, RN at MaineHealth Maine Medical Center, holds the Healer’s Touch sculpture.
Photo: MaineHealth Maine Medical Center
Compiled by Carolyn Cadigan
Local nurse honored for her compassion and care: Nikki Bouley, a registered nurse at MaineHealth Maine Medical Center in Sanford, was recently recognized with a DAISY award. A patient in the facility’s Behavioral Health Unit nominated Bouley for the care she provided during what the patient described as a frightening and overwhelming time during their hospitalization. In nominating Bouley, the patient wrote, “I was very scared and unsure of what was happening. Nikki helped me to understand and promised she would be there for me as best she could. She absolutely fulfilled that promise. She stayed two hours past her shift to ensure everything was good before she went home. I want to thank her so much for being there and for being so kind and caring.”
The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses was created to recognize and honor the compassionate care nurses provide every day to their patients, wherever they practice and in whatever role they serve. It is celebrated in over 5,400 healthcare facilities and nursing schools in 34 countries.
Police leadership training: The Sanford Police Department announced recently that Executive Assistant Kathleen Cox, Lt. Colleen Adams, MHU Officer David Randt, and Sgt. Jeremy Riddle have completed the full FBI-LEEDA Leadership Trilogy, a three-class leadership development series designed for law enforcement professionals. Each class spans a full week of intensive, interactive instruction. By successfully completing all three, these individuals now stand among a distinguished group of law enforcement professionals who have committed themselves to excellence in leadership.
Help keep others warm this winter: Sanford Community Adult Education is collecting warm clothing donations to help support their students in need. Many of their learners are working hard to better their lives, and something as simple as a warm coat or pair of gloves can make a big difference. They are looking for gently used or new (no stains or rips) coats, sweaters, scarves, hats, gloves, wool socks and boots in all sizes for women, men and children. Call Sheri or Sue at 207-490-5145 to schedule a drop-off.
Campaign Pains: Political signs bothering you? Mayor Becky Brink reminded residents this week that removing or defacing political signs you disagree with has a consequence. In Maine, the fine for vandalizing campaign signs in a public way is $250. If the sign is on private property, vandalizing or removing signs that don’t belong to you is a misdemeanor, with a penalty of up to six months in jail or a $1,000 fine. “Those signs are there for a reason and you can’t just destroy them,” she said. If someone puts a sign you don’t like on your property without your permission, call or email them using the contact info on the sign and ask them to remove it. If a sign has no contact information, it should be reported to the Maine Commission on Governmental Ethics and Election Practices at maine.gov/ethics/contact.
Learn how to avoid being a fraud or scam victim: A report published earlier this year by AARP found that an estimated 41% of American adults — an estimated 110.1 million people — have had money stolen due to fraud or sensitive information obtained and used fraudulently. Being able to spot a scam is the first line of defense against falling victim to it.
A Fraud Fighter workshop, presented by AARP Maine, will be held on Thursday, Oct. 30, at 6:30 pm at the Sanford Police Department, 935 Main St. Participants will learn how to recognize common scams, how to avoid them, and what useful resources are available to help. Participants will also receive a fraud prevention guide.
Carve out some time to enter your masterpiece: Marc Motors Nissan is hosting its 5th annual pumpkin carving contest. Participants must drop off their carved pumpkins Oct. 29 – 30 at the dealership at 1744 and 1754 Main St. in Sanford. This year’s prizes are $100 cash for the adult winner and a $50 gift card to Smitty’s for the 18-and-under winner. Winners will be announced on Oct. 31.
Online resource listing now available: The Basics Sanford has published a listing of holiday and winter resources available in Sanford. Many of the programs are already accepting applications. View the document here, but be sure to check back. The live document will be updated throughout the season.
November SNAP benefits will not be issued: The Maine Department of Health and Human Services (Maine DHHS) has posted on social media that, due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, November funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the nation’s largest anti-hunger program, will not be issued at this time. Maine DHHS indicated that every state in the country received this notification from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service. At this time, SNAP benefits already loaded onto EBT cards remain available for use to purchase food. In addition, applications, renewals, and other updates continue to be accepted and processed by Maine DHHS during the federal shutdown. Maine DHHS will share updates as soon as additional information becomes available. Learn more here.
Walk the halls before you climb the walls: Don’t let colder temperatures and wet, slippery sidewalks interfere with outdoor exercise. There is an indoor option. Sanford Parks and Recreation has started its Walking Program at Memorial Gymnasium. This free program runs 7:45 – 8:45 am on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays all winter long. Use Door #3 to enter the building.
Outdoor service celebrates the light of the world: An All-Saints’ Day celebration will take place at Central Park in Sanford on Saturday, Nov. 1, at 4 pm. The public is invited to join area churches and people of faith for an ecumenical service. This celebration is organized by the York County Clergy Council.
New building project in the pipeline: Construction of the Sanford Sewerage District’s new administration/maintenance building on Gavel Road, which began six months ago, is expected to be completed in the first half of 2026. A move-in date is planned for the June/July timeframe, bringing 14 employees together at one campus. The administration and maintenance staff have been located at 281 River St. since 1968. In addition, the building features will enable the district to hold its monthly trustee meetings and any future public hearings on site.
No experience needed, just a desire to help: Habitat for Humanity York County’s Carter Build kickoff is happening Oct. 28 – 31 as the organization builds its 40th home in honor of Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter’s legacy with Habitat for Humanity. The organization is seeking volunteers to help at 3 Beaver Hill in Springvale. No experience is needed. All volunteers will receive a Carter Build T-shirt, and lunch will be provided each day during the kickoff week. Hours are 8:30 am – 3:30 pm. Sign up to help here.
Libraries host spooky happenings for kids: Goodall Memorial Library has three days of events planned for next week. On Tuesday, Oct. 28, 10:30 – 11:30 am, kids are invited to join Story Time with Miss Julie. Activities on Thursday and Friday will run all day — a Spooktacular scavenger hunt on Oct. 30 and a Halloween costume contest on Oct. 31, where kids and teens who dress in their spookiest, funniest or most creative costumes can compete for a chance to win a prize. Those in costume should have a library staff member take a photo to be entered in the contest. One winner will be chosen for each of three age groups — ages 1 – 4 have a chance to win a Leap Frog 2, ages 5 – 12 can win a kid’s tablet, and ages 13 – 17 compete for a Chromebook. Voting will take place Nov. 1 – 7 with winners notified on Nov. 8. The library will be open until 6 pm on Oct. 31.
Springvale Library will hold a Sensory Haunted House on Friday, Oct. 31, 3 – 4:30 pm. The Halloween-themed “haunted house” will feature sensory experiences and treats. Suggested ages are 3 – 12. Costumes are welcome.
A new opportunity may be waiting at the SCAE Job Fair: Sanford Community Adult Education will host a Job Fair on Monday, Oct. 28, 2:30 – 4:30 pm at 668 Main St. The event, held in collaboration with the Springvale Career Center, will give attendees a chance to meet local employers, explore career paths, and discover available training options. Several companies are scheduled to be in attendance, including General Dynamics BIW, Pratt & Whitney, Sacopee Valley Personal Care Agency, Tom’s of Maine, and more.
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