A blanket of white covers the sledding hill at Gowen Park.
Photo: Lori Hegarty
Compiled by Carolyn Cadigan
It’s all downhill from here: The Trafton Center is hosting a sledding party for seniors at Gowen Park on Sunday, Jan. 4, at 10 am. Hot chocolate and photographs by professional photographer Sean Baker will be provided, according to the center. The event is sponsored by Strengthen your Mind and Body Hiking.
In with the new, out with the old: LeClair Technology Initiative recently announced that Springvale Hardware and Paint, 489 Main St., is now a drop-off point for electronics recycling. Most items are free to drop off; however, a small fee will be charged for TVs, monitors and microwaves. No bulky items, refrigerators or air conditioners will be accepted.
Wondering what happens to those electronics after dropping them off? According to LeClair Technology Initiative, the hard drives are crushed and/or shredded while the rest is recycled for the plastics and metals. Call LeClair at 207-307-0779 with questions.
All-star cast coming to Goodall Park this summer: The Sanford Mainers, in conjunction with the New England Collegiate Baseball League, recently announced that Sanford will host the 2026 NECBL All-Star Game this summer. This will be Sanford’s second time hosting the All-Star festivities; the first was in 2015. Players and coaches from all 13 teams in the league will gather at Goodall Park on Sunday, July 26, for the NECBL Home Run Derby, the All-Star Game and a chance to showcase their skills in front of peers, fans and MLB scouts.
“Goodall Park is a gem of a ballpark and one of the best playing surfaces and atmospheres in all of summer baseball,” said NECBL Commissioner Sean McGrath. “We are looking forward to showcasing the Mainers and Goodall Park to all of our fans around New England and throughout the country who watch our broadcast on ESPN+.”
This event won’t just celebrate the players but will also serve as a key piece in the season-long celebration of 25 seasons of baseball for Sanford. “The Mainers organization has worked tirelessly over our 25-year history to bring quality, family-friendly entertainment to the greater Sanford community,” said Mainers Chairman of the Board Jacob Ouellette. “We are honored to bring the league’s best to Sanford as well as the fans and personnel of all 13 teams to showcase the energy, hospitality, and top-tier baseball experience our community delivers. We can’t wait to share everything that makes Goodall Park and Sanford special.” FMI on the festivities, including tickets, timing and more, visit here.
Caregiver support: Southern Maine Agency on Aging is hosting a Family Caregiver Support Group on Monday, Jan. 19, 10 – 11 am, at the Anderson Learning Center, 21 Bradeen St. in Springvale. This event is appropriate for caregivers of people with dementia. Participants can connect with other caregivers and find out what’s working for other people. Onsite respite can be reserved by calling 207-647-2826. FMI, call 800-427-7411, ext. 541.
AI is here to stay. How can it help you? The Sanford-Springvale Chamber of Commerce is offering a free class on “Using AI for Small Businesses: A Beginner’s Intro to ChatGPT and AI Tools” on Wednesday, Jan. 21, 8:30 – 9:30 am, at Goodall Library. The class will introduce participants to the world of AI with a focus on ChatGPT and Gemini, two of the powerful tools that assist in writing, planning, researching and solving problems, as well as other popular AI tools. Learn to use this new technology to get organized at home, brainstorm creative ideas, or streamline everyday business tasks. Registration, limited to 20 participants, is required. FMI, and to reserve a spot, go here.
Unexpected holiday donation for YCCAC: For over 50 years, York County Community Action Corporation (YCCAC) has provided opportunity and hope to people from all circumstances, particularly in times of transition or adversity. Annually, over 15,000 community members receive services and support from a health center, community outreach programs, initiatives for children and families, homebuyer education, and more.
Recently, YCCAC received a $1,000 surprise donation from Norway Savings Bank, in recognition and gratitude for the organization’s work and impact on the community. “They add services to meet the needs of the day,” said Dan Walsh, the bank’s president and CEO, “and are driven by an understanding and acknowledgement that lifting up the individual can make our collective communities stronger and more vibrant.”
Photo: Sweetser
Masonic Lodge fundraiser supports mental health: Sweetser recently received a $4,180 donation from Sanford’s Preble Masonic Lodge 143 to support mental health services in the Sanford/Springvale area. The funds were raised through a bowling tournament, showcasing the lodge’s commitment to philanthropy and its dedication to supporting local charities.
MHMMC recognized as a top 100 hospital: MaineHealth Maine Medical Center announced on Dec. 26 that it has been named as one of the 100 hospitals on the Becker’s Hospital Review list of “Great Hospitals in America” for 2025. The magazine’s editorial team chose hospitals based on analyses of their recent achievements, including rankings by U.S. News & World Report and Newsweek, Healthgrades awards, CMS star ratings, and safety grades from The Leapfrog Group. Becker’s Hospital Review recognizes the hospitals on the list for their clinical performance, focus on patient safety, and dedication to innovation, research and education.
Make a pawsitive impact to ring in 2026: With the rising cost of heating, electricity, and veterinarian services, Another Chance Animal Rescue is seeking help. The nonprofit rescue organization needs food, litter and cleaning supplies for its cats. Donations may be delivered to 251 Country Club Road, Sanford. FMI, call 207-850-1077.
Theater kids calendar kicks off this month: Nasson Youth Theater is holding its Spring Show Meeting on Sunday, Jan. 11, 6 pm, at 457 Main St. in Springvale. The planned production is designed to teach skills to youth in the theatrical arts. Opportunities exist for actors, stagehands, stage manager, set builders, tech and all aspects of production. All skill levels are welcome. Rehearsals will take place Sunday through Wednesday (no rehearsals during February vacation), with shows scheduled for March 20, 21 and 22. Interested youth, ages 8 – 18, should bring a parent or guardian to the meeting. FMI, go here.
Want to buy a home but unsure how to begin? York County Community Action Corp. (YCCAC) is offering monthly Home Buyer Education Classes for first-time home buyers. The classes provide honest, accurate information about home ownership and prepare individuals and families for the steps in the home-buying process. The next available YCCAC class, conducted over three sessions via Zoom, will be held Jan. 6, 7 and 8 from 6 – 8:30 pm for the first two sessions and 6 – 9 pm for the third session. Registration fees are $45 per person and $80 per couple. FMI, email Lee Sullivan, home buyer education coordinator, at lee.sullivan@yccac.org, or call 207-459-2961. To register, go here.
Kick off the new year by volunteering on a community project: Volunteers have been working hard on Habitat for Humanity York County’s Carter Build in Springvale. However, the organization is seeking more volunteers during January to help with a variety of tasks. Multiple dates and times are open, and no construction experience is needed. Volunteers of all skill levels are welcome and will work under the guidance of an experienced construction manager. To view Build Site Opportunities and sign up, go here.
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