Represented at the Healthy Smiles Family Dentistry ribbon-cutting ceremony are (left to right): Sean Dumont, Edward Jones; Healthy Smiles Family Dentistry staff and owner, Dr. Drew Fitzgibbon; Alex Shain, Partners Bank (in back); Karen & Al Hebb, Town Square Realty (in back); Cari Quater, Chamber president; Rebecca Lapierre, Town Square Realty; and Karen Staples, American Legion Post #19.
Photo: Sanford-Springvale Chamber of Commerce
Compiled by Carolyn Cadigan
New owner at Healthy Smiles: The Sanford-Springvale Chamber of Commerce recently hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the new ownership of Healthy Smiles Family Dentistry, and to welcome the business to the Chamber. The dental practice, owned by Dr. Drew Fitzgibbon, is at The Center for Shopping, 1364 Main St., Suite 20.
Dr. Fitzgibbon’s priority is to be a trusted healthcare provider. After graduating from the University of New England’s College of Dental Medicine program in Portland, Dr. Fitzgibbon worked for five years at a dental office in Windham, Maine. His goal has always been to own a practice and seized the opportunity in 2025 when he purchased Healthy Smiles Family Dentistry. The office is open Monday through Thursday. FMI, go here.
Former SPD officer pleads guilty to assault: Andrew Belisle, a former officer for the Sanford Police Department, pleaded guilty to an assault charge in Cumberland County Superior Court on Dec. 18. He was sentenced to probation for a year and ordered to pay a $300 fine, according to press reports. The charges stemmed from allegations from a teenage girl who told a school counselor in 2021 that Belisle had sexually abused her on multiple occasions a few years earlier. Belisle had faced more serious charges of gross sexual misconduct and unlawful sexual touching. The girl declined to testify in court.
Belisle, 74, retired in 2020 after a 45-year career in law enforcement, most of it with the Kennebunk Police Department, but also with Sanford and the now-disbanded Lebanon Police Department.
Author Talk at Goodall Library: Maine author Peter D. Brown will discuss his book, “I Am Jayvyn,” at Goodall Memorial Library on Friday, Jan. 16, at 1 pm. More than 15 million Africans became victims of the transatlantic slave trade. How many perished before ever reaching the ships, as well as the numbers lost over many generations of enslavement in North America, can only be guessed at. This is the story of one.
Peter D. Brown writes historical fiction from his home in rural Maine, focusing on social justice and preserving overlooked history. This program is presented by Springvale Library and Goodall Library.
Fire station update: City Manager Steve Buck reports the city is awaiting the final environmental permit needed before the contractor can begin demolition and construction of the new Sanford Fire and Rescue Headquarters station on the site that formerly housed Springvale Nursery and Courtney Cleaners. Buck said a reported spill of cleaning fluid at the Courtney building means there may be some level of contaminated soil there, which would be buried a minimum of five feet below the parking lot to contain it. He added that the Fire Department will conduct some training exercises on the vacant structures there before they are torn down.
Sidewalk plowing: If you’ve noticed the sidewalks downtown haven’t been cleared after the past few storms, it’s because all three of the city’s sidewalk tractors are disabled. City Manager Steve Buck said that with staffing in the department down due to illness, mechanics have not had time to work on them. Sidewalk clearing will be affected for the next few weeks until replacement parts arrive.
Insight and conversation about the war on books: Springvale Library is hosting a free film screening of “The Librarians” on Saturday, Jan. 31, at 1 pm. The PBS Indie Lens film follows school librarians confronting censorship from Texas to Florida. When lawmakers seek to review a list of books, librarians find themselves on the frontlines of a national battle. Drawing on historical context, the film explores the broader implications for education and public life.
Following the screening, Shawn P. Sullivan will moderate a community conversation with Zach Heiden from the ACLU of Maine and Lesley Unger, Springvale Library Director. Due to a high level of interest, registration is required for this screening. To attend, register here.
Statewide minimum wage increase in effect: The new state minimum wage, increasing from $14.65 to $15.10 per hour, went into effect on Jan. 1. The new minimum wage also pertains to agricultural workers in Maine, after the Legislature enacted and Governor Mills signed “An Act to Establish a State Minimum Hourly Wage for Agricultural Workers” in June. Note that some municipalities, such as Portland and Rockland, may have higher minimum wage standards. Employers should contact their local municipality for guidance. Workers in those communities who are not receiving the locally required minimum wage should contact the appropriate municipal office. Employers can download the required minimum wage poster at no cost on the Department of Labor website.
Plotting a course for 2026: The Sanford-Springvale Chamber of Commerce is hosting its first “Brunch and Board” on Saturday, Jan. 17, 10 am – noon, to be held at Hammer & Stain York County in Springvale. During this goal-setting and vision board workshop, attendees will brainstorm their business, career and personal goals for 2026. Brunch will be provided by Cruisin’ Infusions.
Guided by Chamber President Cari Quater, the program will start with a goal-setting session, followed by material gathering and a guided creation process. The workshop will conclude with a discussion on how to use the boards for accountability and motivation, emphasizing both business and personal elements like mission, goals and desired outcomes.
Class size is limited to 16 spots, with a cost of $15 for Chamber members/member employees and $20 for non-members.No experience is necessary, and all supplies are included. FMI, visit here. The registration deadline is Jan. 12.
Keep Fido on the right side of the law: Dog licenses for the new year are due. Fees are $6 for spayed or neutered dogs and $11 for non-spayed or non-neutered dogs. Licenses can be purchased at the City Hall Clerk’s Office during regular hours or online at Maine’s Dog Licensing online service. Online renewals include a $1 transaction fee and $1.75 for shipping and handling. You’ll need your dog’s license or tag number, a rabies certificate, your veterinarian’s contact information, a spay or neuter certificate if applicable, and payment. Renew by Jan. 31 to avoid late fees. Starting Feb. 1, renewals must be completed in person at City Hall and will include a $25 late fee per dog.
New hours: The Free Store at North Parish Congregational Church has announced new hours, which began earlier this month. The store is now open earlier on Mondays and Wednesdays, 9 am – noon.
Now that’s a spicy meatball: Italian Night at the Trafton Center, 19 Elm St. in Sanford, will be held Saturday, Jan. 24, 4 – 6 pm. The night will be filled with mouth-watering smells of Italian food, including two types of pasta and sauce combinations; a choice of meatball, chicken or grilled vegetables; salad and bread; a beverage; and dessert. All proceeds will benefit the programs at the YMCA Trafton Senior Center. The cost is $15 per person. (The snow date is Feb. 7.) FMI, call the Trafton Center at 207-457-0080.
Find out what SSHS has been up to: The Sanford-Springvale Historical Society released its Winter 2025 newsletter. This issue includes a story on the archaeological dig beneath the Goodwin House Carriage House, memories of Christmas shopping in Downtown Sanford 50 years ago, a list of events to kick off their 2026 calendar, and much more. Find the link to the Winter 2025 newsletter, as well as past issues, here.
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