Members of the Adult Day Program at Southern Maine Agency on Aging connect with Lenny, a team member’s cat, during his recent visit to SMAA’s Springvale location.
Photo: Southern Maine Agency on Aging
Compiled by Carolyn Cadigan
Day programs for older adults: Southern Maine Agency on Aging (SMAA) will hold an information session on “What is Adult Day Programming?” on Wednesday, Feb. 4, noon – 12:30 pm, at the SMAA Anderson Learning Center, 21 Bradeen St. in Springvale. Adult Day Programs are geared toward older adults with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Join Leah D’Amour to learn about what SMAA programming offers, what a typical day looks like, and how to get started. Information sessions are held on the first Wednesday of each month.
On a recent day in January, program participants in Springvale were entertained when a team member brought in their friendly support cat, Lenny, for a visit. SMAA notes that animals have a special way of easing loneliness, sparking conversation, and bringing comfort and companionship to older adults. Members had the chance to hold Lenny, ask about his story, and enjoy the simple pleasure of connecting with him.
Not enough cooks in the kitchen: Staffing problems prompted Guerrero Maya, the Mexican restaurant on School Street, to close in December, but owners say they will reopen if they can find reliable help. Ruben Zavaleta says his top priority is hiring a cook and is inquiring among family and friends in Georgia, North Carolina and Connecticut. “If I find the right people, I will open it back,” he said Tuesday.
Guerrero Maya opened in the former Back Street Sanford building in July 2024, following the success of the first Guerrero Maya in South Portland, run by Zavaleta. His brother Antonio ran the Sanford restaurant and sister Lusmy was a server. When the Sanford restaurant lost a cook last fall, Zavaleta said he tried to fill the vacancy from staff at the South Portland restaurant, but it proved unworkable.
Guerrero Maya was Sanford’s second Mexican restaurant. Since then, a third Mexican restaurant has opened in the city. “I don’t worry about the other ones,” Zavaleta said. “If you do the right thing, you can succeed, you’re gonna make it. Each one is so different.”
Keep hydrants clear of snow and ice for emergency access: During winter months, Sanford uses a contractor to plow the fire hydrants in the city, but it can take a few days for the contractor to clean up all the hydrants. When there is a fire, immediate access to the hydrant is critical. In a recent social media post, the Sanford Water District asked residents and businesses to consider helping to clear snow and ice from hydrants near their homes or businesses to keep them accessible.
Celebrate silver with the Mainers all season long: The Sanford Mainers organization has announced that season tickets are now available. Prices range from $70 to $200. As an added bonus this year, the team’s 25th anniversary, season ticket holders will also receive first access to ticket sales for the NECBL All-Star Game, which will take place at Goodall Park on Sunday, July 26. FMI, and to purchase season tickets, visit here.
Volunteer opportunities abound: Several organizations have kicked off the new year seeking volunteers. Some looking for people with an interest and aptitude for technology and others who have a passion for animals.
- Interested in social media? Friends of Downtown has an opening for a community volunteer to help with social media, including creating content and highlighting local businesses, events, and happenings. In addition, this person would help with campaigns around the organization’s events and send out sponsor and participating business shout-outs. This opportunity amounts to a few hours each week and can be done from home. FMI, contact Friends of Downtown at friendsofdowntownsanford@gmail.com.
- An entry level software engineer/web developer is needed at LeClair Technology Initiative to work with the organization on side projects. The volunteer should understand basic Java, but can learn in the field, working with technologies such as Java (JavaFX), Kotlin, HTML5, JavaScript, and Bootstrap (Studio). FMI, email info@leclairfoundation.org.
- Facebook page administrator volunteers are needed for Maine Lost Dog Recovery (MLDR). These home-based volunteers create and post lost dog flyers, photos and information regarding found dogs and communicate with finders of stray dogs, animal control officers and shelter staff. MLDR provides resources, training and continued support for volunteers. If interested in volunteering, go here to learn about the requirements and complete an application.
- Regular volunteers are needed to assist trainers during classes at the Animal Welfare Society in Kennebunk. Volunteers help to ensure that students get the most out of their training by supporting them as they practice exercises with their dogs, setting up and breaking down equipment, and being an extra set of eyes and ears for the trainers. No experience is necessary. Most classes are held in the evenings and on weekends. If interested, complete a volunteer application at AWS.
MLDR – https://form.jotform.com/242095210659153
AWS – https://animalwelfaresociety.org/volunteer/volunteer-at-aws
ITAV clothing drop-off now at The Free Store: It Takes a Village (ITAV) announced in a Jan. 12 social media post that, effective immediately, all clothing and blanket donations should be dropped off only at North Parish Congregational Church, 895 Main St. in Sanford. Drop-off times are Mondays and Wednesdays, 9 am – noon. Clothing donations should no longer be dropped off at ITAV.
A chance to win bragging rights for 2026: The Springvale Fish & Game Club is holding its annual Ice Fishing Derby on Saturday, Feb. 7, 6 am – 3 pm. Participants can fish all York County waters that are legal to fish. The weigh-in will take place at Willy’s, 1060 Route 109, Acton. The cost for adults (age 16 and up) is $20 and for kids (under 16) is $10. Adults can win over $4,000 in cash prizes and kids can win gear, cash prizes and trophies. Multiple raffles will be held. Winners do not need to be present to win. FMI, and to purchase tickets, go here.
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