Waypoint Executive Director Jennifer Putnam (left), along with The Progress Center Co-Executive Directors Eric Ross and Maureen Bilodeau, gather to celebrate their new merger.
Photo: Waypoint Maine
Compiled by Carolyn Cadigan
Even better together: The merger between Waypoint Maine and The Progress Center was finalized in October, marking a new chapter in their shared mission to serve communities with even greater impact. Both organizations have deep roots in Maine and share a common vision of compassionate, community-based care. Clients and families will continue to receive the same services, staff support, and locations, now strengthened with Waypoint’s expanded resources. Appointments, providers, and programs remain the same. The merger expands services across Southern and Western Maine for individuals and families living with intellectual and developmental disabilities, autism spectrum disorders and behavioral health challenges.
Giving others that warm and fuzzy feeling: Partners Bank is holding its Winter Coats for All drive again this year. Now through Dec. 8, they are collecting new and gently used coats, hats, scarves, gloves and mittens for adults and children to benefit The Salvation Army in Sanford. Items may be dropped off during business hours at any of the bank’s branches in Sanford, South Sanford and Springvale.
Must have a can-do attitude: The YMCA Trafton Senior Center is holding a soup drive for the entire month of November. Canned soups that have pop tops and are ready to eat are requested. Drop off donations at either the Trafton Center, 19 Elm St., or the Sanford-Springvale YMCA, 1 Emile Levasseur Drive. All donations benefit the Sanford Backpack Program. FMI, call 207-457-0080.
Reasons to keep it local this season: Small Business Saturday has been a thing for over a decade now, falling on the Saturday of Thanksgiving weekend. This year, however, the Sanford-Springvale Chamber of Commerce is emphasizing Small Business Season, which runs Nov. 1 – Dec. 31. The organization is reminding consumers to shop and dine locally all season long because dollars spent nearby stay nearby — supporting jobs, services and local businesses.
Salvation Army requests food and financial donations: The Salvation Army of Sanford is in need of non-perishable food for its food pantry. The organization also welcomes monetary donations. To contribute, stop by the office at 871 Main St. in Sanford. They are open Tuesday – Friday, 9 am – 2 pm.
They put the unity in community: Two local food service providers are trying to fill the void for those in need this Thanksgiving. Cruisin’ Infusions and Gotta Be Frank Gourmet are teaming up to make and distribute free Thanksgiving meals to anyone in need. The carry-out meals will be served on Thanksgiving Day at The Eatery at Cruisin’ Infusions, 890 Main St. in Sanford, from 12 – 3 pm.
Anyone who is interested in donating a food item or making a financial contribution can contact Katy at Cruisin’ Infusions (207-608-0581) or Margie at Gotta Be Frank Gourmet (207-608-6250). They have a list of items needed for the meal.
Sanford Mainers’ mascots look to make their literary debut: This spring, the Sanford Mainers will publish their first children’s illustrated activity book, featuring a short story about mascots Broose and Boomer and how they came to join the team. As the organization nears the final stages of the project, they are inviting members of the community to help them reach their fundraising goal of $12,000. The fundraiser runs through Nov. 14 and offers multiple sponsorship levels, ranging in cost from $25 to $2,500, for individuals and businesses alike. Once published, the activity book will be sold at locations across Maine with business and individual sponsors’ names printed in the book. Proceeds from book sales will directly support the Boomer’s Bookworms Literacy Program, which promotes literacy and engagement across the community through reading. Make a contribution here before the Nov. 14 deadline.
Community Café guests at Southern Maine Agency on Aging dined last week among floating witch hats, spider webs and bats decorating the dining area.
Photo: Southern Maine Agency on Aging
Spooky spirits in Springvale: Each week Community Cafés at Southern Maine Agency on Aging give older adults a place to gather, share meals, and chat with new friends and neighbors. Staff and volunteers plan seasonal festivities, themes, and special activities. The Café lunches, usually served at noon, are available to Maine residents age 60 and older at a suggested donation of $8 per meal. To register for upcoming Community Cafés in Sanford or Springvale, go here.
DPW schedule for Veterans Day: The Department of Public Works announced that there will be no changes to the rubbish/recycling pick-up schedule for the Veterans Day week. Both the Transfer Station/Debris Area and the Public Works Department will be closed on Tuesday, Nov. 11.
Many ways to help families put food on the table: Good Shepherd Food Bank’s 600 hunger relief partners across Maine are working hard to provide food for neighbors in need. With the delay of November SNAP benefits due to the government shutdown, nearly 170,000 Mainers who rely on SNAP are turning to the charitable food network to help fill the gap and ensure they have food to put on the table. The food bank offers several resources to help those in need as well as those who would like to help. Visit the food bank’s food map to find a local pantry or meal site.
For those who want to help, the food bank offers several opportunities, such as spreading awareness about hunger in Maine and the vital role SNAP plays; donating to local food pantries, meal sites, shelters, schools and health care facilities; hosting a virtual food drive or community fundraiser; asking a local food pantry what would be most helpful at this time; and advocating by contacting Congress and urging them to protect SNAP benefits. Learn more about the many ways to help here.
Volunteers welcome at trail clean-up: On Monday, Nov. 10, from 9:30 am to noon, the Sanford City Trails Committee, in conjunction with Great Bay Services, will be conducting a trash cleanup on various city trails. Anyone interested in volunteering to help is asked to contact the Sanford Parks and Recreation Department at 207-324-9130. Volunteers will be grouped and assigned to different trails. Trash bags, picker-uppers, and buckets will be provided and sharps containers for needles will be available. In case of inclement weather, the rain date will be Wednesday, Nov. 12. Sanford’s trails system is a great asset to the city, and it is widely used. Join in the effort to keep it clean.
Honoring Sanford/Springvale veterans: A Veterans Day ceremony will be held at Sanford Memorial Gymnasium, 678 Main St., on Tuesday, Nov. 11, at 11 am. Attendees are asked to arrive early. Lunch will be served at the Amvets Post 3, 169 School St., immediately following the ceremony.
Resources available during government shutdown: The City of Sanford has published a listing of support and resources for residents during the federal government shutdown. Information on SNAP benefits and links to both the Community Resource Guide and General Assistance Department are provided as well as ways community members can help. Access the listing here.
York County Community Action Corp. (YCCAC) has also published a listing of Shutdown Resources that provides information on relief options, health and wellbeing supports, free food distribution sites, and more.
Chamber’s Turkey Drive at 40% of goal in support of SHS Peer Helpers: The Sanford-Springvale Chamber of Commerce (CoC) will provide 50 turkeys to the Sanford High School Peer Helpers to distribute along with their food boxes to needy families for Thanksgiving. The chamber aims to raise $650 from its members to purchase the turkeys. All donors will be recognized online. So far donations from the CoC Board of Directors and ambassadors will cover the cost of 20 turkeys, but more are needed.
Members can donate online here, or mail a check, payable to the Sanford-Springvale Chamber of Commerce, to the chamber at 510 Main St., Springvale, ME, 04083. The deadline is Nov. 21.
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