Represented at The Ridge ribbon-cutting ceremony were members of the Kennebunk-Kennebunkport-Arundel Chamber of Commerce; members of The Ridge staff; and members of the Sanford-Springvale Chamber of Commerce.
Photo: Kennebunk-Kennebunkport-Arundel Chamber of Commerce
Compiled by Carolyn Cadigan
With a place to call her own, caterer adds event space to the menu: The Sanford-Springvale Chamber of Commerce recently co-hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony with the Kennebunk-Kennebunkport-Arundel Chamber of Commerce to celebrate the new events center, The Ridge. The Ridge is a wedding and event venue that is part of Above & Beyond Catering. It offers catering, bar service, vintage mobile bar, a bridal suite and event coordination. Nestled in a private meadow, The Ridge offers a modern farmhouse venue with elegant details inside and out.
Owner Gina Sawtelle has been a caterer for nearly 20 years. Though she has worked out of previous locations in Sanford, Sawtelle wanted to own her dream and bought the Shaw’s Ridge property in 2017. The location opened in January 2025 and began hosting weddings this fall. FMI, visit here.
Rotarians welcome Mainers speaker: Andrea Knight, office and sales manager for the Sanford Mainers, was the guest speaker at the Sanford-Springvale Rotary Club on Thursday, Nov. 13. Knight spoke about the Mainers’ many partnerships and community connections, along with the impressive growth of the organization’s Boomer’s Bookworms literacy program. The program, which has exposed thousands of local children to the power and beauty of reading, aims to strengthen reading skills and help children gain confidence.
DPW schedule for Thanksgiving: The Department of Public Works announced changes to the rubbish/recycling schedule for the week of Thanksgiving. Rubbish/recycling will be picked up on Tuesday and Wednesday as usual. However, there will be no pick-up on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 27. Thursday’s pick-up will move to Friday, and Friday’s pick-up will move to Saturday. The Transfer Station/Debris Area will be closed on Thursday. The DPW Administration Office will be closed both Wednesday and Thursday.
The wheels of justice turn slowly: A Maine District Court judge has again postponed the criminal case against State Representative Lucas Lanigan because the state has yet to find a court-appointed lawyer to defend him. Tuesday was the day to hear several procedural motions. However, Judge Matthew Tice ruled that he was obligated to postpone the hearing until a lawyer can be found. “The clerk’s office has not been able to appoint counsel to date as there are no attorneys on the roster to appoint for these types of charges,” he wrote.
Tice requested the assistance of Maine Commission on Public Defense Services in finding a lawyer. Lanigan is out on bail on charges that he tried to choke his wife last October after she confronted him at his place of business about extra-marital affairs.
MaineHealth, working toward a healthier planet: All 12 MaineHealth facilities recently earned the 2025 Partner for Change Award from Practice Greenhealth, recognizing significant progress in implementing sustainable, environmentally preferable practices over the last two years. The data reveals several encouraging trends in key areas like energy efficiency, waste reduction and sustainable procurement.
Energy efficiency projects, such as equipment upgrades and building system improvements, have reduced greenhouse gas emissions by more than 2,771 metric tons — the equivalent of eliminating 7 million miles driven by a gasoline-powered car. In addition, over the past two years, a collaboration between Facilities, Sustainability, and Perioperative Services has reduced anesthetic gas emissions by 1,100 tons through targeted process and infrastructure improvements.
Solid waste trends also show progress but still leave room for improvement. In 2024, MaineHealth’s composting efforts resulted in more than 173 tons of food waste diverted from landfills, helping to reduce methane emissions. Data shows on average that 30% of hospital waste is recyclable; however, MaineHealth currently recycles only about 23% of total waste, indicating opportunities for further reduction. Additionally, data reveals a growing opportunity to expand plant-based menu options in cafeterias to improve both community and environmental health outcomes.
New marketing intern on deck for the Mainers: Olivia Dorrier will join the Sanford Mainers as their new marketing and content creation specialist intern. In this role, Dorrier will play a key role in enhancing the Mainers’ digital presence through creative storytelling, graphic design, photography, and social media content that highlights the energy of game days and the team’s connection with the community. Dorrier graduated from James Madison University with a Bachelor of Science and later completed her marketing studies at the University of Virginia.
Come and go safely all winter long: Thriving in Place: Age-Friendly Sanford has winter sand buckets ready for older adults in Sanford and Springvale. The salted sand will help keep walkways walkable and ice free. FMI or to request a bucket, call the Trafton Center at 207-457-0080.
Firefighter Chris Gay celebrates 20 years with the Sanford Fire Department.
Photo: City of Sanford
Sanford firefighter marks two decades of service: The City of Sanford honored Firefighter Chris Gay in a social media post for his 20 years of service to the Sanford Fire Department, citing his unwavering professionalism, motivation and empathy. According to the post, Gay, an Air Force veteran, has been “an incredible mentor and guide, sharing his knowledge and helping fellow firefighters succeed.”
Wreath count falling short for veteran graves this year: Wreaths Across America is a nonprofit organization that accepts donations to purchase wreaths, priced at $17 each, and distributes them at cemeteries across the country. More than 900 wreaths are still needed for Southern Maine Veterans’ Cemetery in Springvale, home to 2,800 graves with 2,100 headstones, to ensure that every veteran has a wreath on their grave at Christmas.
Rolling Thunder Maine Chapter 1 aims to raise funds every year to cover the cost of a wreath for every grave in the cemetery. However, as the cemetery continues to expand, the cost has become too much for the local organization to cover. Sponsoring a wreath supports the yearlong mission to remember the fallen, honor those who serve, and teach the next generation the value of freedom. There is still time to purchase wreaths for this year’s event, scheduled for noon on Saturday, Dec. 13, at the cemetery at 83 Stanley Road in Springvale. Make a donation here.
Jingle all the way to Christmas: December 25 is just over one month away. The Salvation Army is seeking volunteers interested in bell ringing for the season. Anyone interested should call Captain James at 207-324-3134 to learn more.
Warm clothes needed: Goodall Library is working in conjunction with Sanford Community Adult Education to collect warm winter clothing for those in need. They are collecting 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. Those wishing to donate can drop off items at the library.
Raise your voices, lift your hearts: St. Thérèse of Lisieux Parish is inviting anyone interested to join their Advent and Christmas choir this season as they prepare music for their Advent liturgies and Christmas masses. Rehearsals are held Wednesdays at 12:30 pm and Saturdays at 1:30 pm. FMI, call 207-324-2420.
Winter storm preparedness: The approaching holidays and dropping temperatures signal that winter weather is right around the corner. York County Emergency Management Agency recently posted a reminder on safety measures to take in advance of a storm. Be sure to check emergency kit contents for flashlights, batteries, blankets and water ahead of time. These items are helpful to have at the ready when the power goes out.
As luck would have it, there’s still time to enter: The Sanford-Springvale Chamber of Commerce is holding a Holiday Raffle to support two student scholarships at Sanford Regional Technical Center’s Academy of Business. The drawing will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 16, at the Business After Hours at The Lady Mary Inn. Winners do not need to be present to win. Tickets cost $50 each and only 100 tickets will be sold. The first three winners will receive $2,000, $400 and $100, respectively. Purchase tickets here.
Tips on managing the winter heating season: The Maine Department of Energy Resources publishes an annual winter heating guide to help Mainers save money, stay warm, and find heating assistance, if needed, during winter. From tracking heating fuel prices and reviewing electricity rates to providing heating efficiency tips and more, the guide offers resources that can help Mainers manage the long winter season more effectively. Access the 2025-2026 Winter Heating Guide now.
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