Drawing of proposed Carpentier Park Splash Pad
Photo: City of Sanford
Compiled by Carolyn Cadigan
Make a splash all summer long: According to a recent City of Sanford social media post, the Carpentier Park Splash Pad project is moving forward. The project is currently out to bid, with construction anticipated to begin this spring. The Splash Pad project is supported by matching grant funds from the Land and Water Conservation Fund.
New library hours: Goodall Memorial Library is now closed on Mondays. The library’s new hours are 9 am – 7 pm Tuesday through Thursday, 9 am – 4 pm on Friday, and 9 am – 2 pm on Saturday. The library is closed on Sunday.
Federal funding to partially offset new fire-EMS construction costs: The City of Sanford has announced the approval of $5 million in federal funding to support the construction of two new public safety facilities for the Sanford Fire and EMS Department, including a new Fire and EMS Headquarters and Springvale Sub-Station. City officials have confirmed the award will directly offset a portion of the locally authorized construction costs previously approved by Sanford voters through referendum construction costs previously approved by Sanford voters through referendum. “This $5 million federal investment advances two modern Fire-EMS facilities that will strengthen emergency response while improving firefighter safety through updated code compliance and reduced carcinogenic exposure,” said Sanford City Manager Steve Buck.
The new facilities are designed to meet modern National Fire Protection Association and Occupational Safety and Health Administration requirements. They will improve firefighter safety by reducing exposure to cancer-causing carcinogens, enhance response times, support regional mutual aid, expand training capacity, and enable a Community Paramedicine Program.
Business networking event offers chance to mingle and win: The Sanford-Springvale Chamber of Commerce is holding a Business After Hours gathering on Thursday, Feb. 26, 5 – 7 pm, at Cruisin’ Infusions, 890 Main St. in Sanford. This is an opportunity for attendees to support chamber members and network with other professionals. Food and beverages will be provided. Bring business cards for networking and a chance to win the Door Prize raffle as well as additional money for the 50/50 raffle. This event is free and open to the public. In addition, attendees are asked to bring canned tuna or canned chicken to donate to the Sanford Food Pantry. Donors will earn one free ticket to the 50/50 raffle. Register here.
May the luck of the Irish be with you: The Maine Attraction Water Ski Team is holding its annual St. Paddy’s Day Party on Saturday, March 14th, 6:30 – 10:30 pm. Join them for dancing and music with live band Stolen Mojo as well as a cash bar, grazing table, auction and raffle. The party will be held at Memorial Gym, 678 Main St. in Sanford. Guests must be age 18 or older. VIP tables are available for $250 and include eight tickets plus a reserved table, a free drink ticket for each person, 20 raffle tickets, sweet treats and party favors. Individual tickets cost $20. View the auction catalog and purchase tickets here.
Learn more about Sanford’s proposed biosolids facility: Sanford residents are invited to attend a Community Open House to learn more about the proposed biosolids facility in South Sanford on Wednesday, Feb. 25, at 5:30 pm at Goodall Memorial Library. (See related Sanford Springvale News story.) The project team from Aries Clean Technologies will be present to answer residents’ questions. The Open House will feature five themed stations, where participants will have the opportunity to engage one-on-one with project representatives regarding building design and site layout, traffic and transportation, quality of life, environmental and health concerns, and economic benefits. Each station is designed to take 6 – 8 minutes, allowing time for clear information and focused discussion. FMI, and to register, go here.
Piece by piece, it all comes together inthe end: The Trafton Center Puzzle Tournament will take place on Saturday, March 14, 1 – 4 pm at the YMCA Trafton Senior Center. Teams of four are invited to complete either a 750-piece or 500-piece jigsaw puzzle. One member of the team must be over 50 years old. Winners receive a trophy, swag bags and bragging rights for the year. The cost is $100 per team and includes puzzles, snacks and drinks. FMI, and to register a team, call the Trafton Center at 207-457-0080 or email Robin Bibber at rbibber@sanfordymca.org.
Fish Fridays from the KofC: The Knights of Columbus is serving haddock dinners at the St. Thomas School cafeteria, 69 North Ave. in Sanford, on Feb. 20 and 27 and on March 6, 13, 20 and 27. The dinner includes baked haddock, vegetables, mashed potato, bread, macaroni and cheese, cole slaw, dessert and a beverage. The cost is $15 for adults and $10 for children under age 12. FMI, contact Ray Sargent at 207-324-7589.
Safe walkways for seniors: Thriving in Place: Age-Friendly Sanford has buckets of salted sand available for seniors to use on their walkways. Volunteers for the organization are available to deliver the buckets directly to seniors’ homes. FMI, call the Trafton Center at 207-457-0080.
Grant helps local nonprofit continue their mission: Grahamtastic Connection recently received a second grant of $30,000 from The Evelyn S. and K.E. Barrett Foundation, completing a generous two-year $60,000 grant commitment. This award enables Grahamtastic Connection to continue their mission of providing free technology to children with cancer and other serious illnesses to support their education, as well as their social and emotional well-being. The Evelyn S. and K.E. Barrett Foundation supports organizations that are working to improve children’s health, safety, and education to create opportunities for their enrichment so that they may live fulfilling lives.
Devin Rae, a Southern Maine Community College freshman, is interning with the Sanford-Springvale Chamber of Commerce.
Photo: Sanford-Springvale Chamber of Commerce
A new face at the Chamber: The Sanford-Springvale Chamber of Commerce has added a new intern, Devin Rae, to the team. Rae is currently a freshman at Southern Maine Community College, where she is majoring in Communications & New Media. In addition to her prior experience in art and photography, interests she has pursued since a young age, Rae has been building a strong foundation in media production, digital communication, marketing principles, and creative design through her academic work. Her studies have allowed her to explore a wide range of modern communication tools, and she is eager to apply this knowledge in a real-world, community-focused setting. “I am enthusiastic about learning how organizations like the Chamber promote economic development, support local entrepreneurs, and strengthen the overall quality of life in the region,” Rae said.
A bouquet of support: For every Bloomin’ 4 Good bouquet purchased at Hannaford in Sanford during the month of February, $1 will be donated to Three Rivers Land Trust. Since 2000, the organization, which focuses on conservation, recreation and education, has conserved nearly 4,000 acres through conservation easements and purchases, and has built trails at nine preserves.
Jammin’ for a good cause: The Jam for Mental Health, the annual benefit concert hosted by the Sanford Elks Lodge, 13 Elm St., is scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 22, 2 – 7 pm. The free concert is a fundraiser for mental health awareness and suicide prevention. Last year, the event raised over $17,700 for mental health services in York County.
Federal money funds transportation for local nonprofit: Great Bay Services announced the approval of $264,000 in federal money to support the purchase of accessible vehicles and related expenses for their Maine programs, improving community access for adults with disabilities. “Transportation has presented a major barrier to community access for our members, and especially those in Maine,” shared Jon Stimmell, Great Bay Services Executive Director. The organization currently serves 165 individuals in Maine, providing case management, community day programs, employment support, and in-home support services to York and Cumberland counties.
Be on guard for these scam tactics: The Sanford Police Department recently published a Scam Summary for the month of January, describing both attempted and successful scams. The incidents fell under the common themes of online impersonation, financial fraud, contractor/service scams, housing and rental scams, and the exploitation of vulnerable individuals, particularly older adults and recently widowed people. The police department urges residents to be on guard for scammers using common tactics. In general, gift cards continue to be a primary method of payment requested by scammers. Impersonation of celebrities or trusted figures is a recurring tactic, and many scams originate online as emails, often using free email accounts, or by phone or text. Cases have shown that family involvement has been critical in stopping ongoing losses. Anyone who suspects a scam should contact the department at 207-324-3644, option 1.
Make a taxing situation a bit easier: York County Community Action Corp. partners with the IRS to offer free tax preparation services through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program. Volunteers who are IRS-certified help prepare and file basic Federal and State tax returns as well as help to determine eligibility for special tax credits, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, and Credit for the Elderly or Disabled. Those with a combined household income of $69,000 or less qualify for this free service. Learn more here.
Refresh your grocery bags, help a local school: For the entire month of February, when shoppers purchase a reusable Community Bag for $2.50 at Hannaford in Sanford, the store will donate $1 to Sanford Middle School PTA. The Hannaford Helps Reusable Bag Program has been operating since April 2014.
Welcome to the Chamber: The Sanford-Springvale Chamber of Commerce recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Carters Cleaning, a cleaning service for residential and commercial customers. The business is located in Sanford, and services customers within a 40-mile radius of the Sanford area. Owners Jodiann and Cecil Carter have operated the business for nine years. While they offer a variety of services, including homes, rentals and businesses, they hope to focus primarily on commercial cleaning in the future. FMI, visit here.
A walk in the woods: The Mousam Way Land Trust and the Sweat-Morin Homestead are sponsoring A Guided Walk in the Winter Woods of the Virginia Morin Preserve, 374 School St. in Sanford, on Sunday, Feb. 15, at 1:30 pm. Retired arborist Kurt Woltersdorf will lead this free walk, which begins in the parking lot of the Sweat-Morin Homestead. The walk will last approximately two hours followed by hot chocolate and cookies at the Homestead. FMI, and to register, go here.
Main Street Memo – Edition 61 is now available: Be in the know about the latest news and announcements in Sanford. Access the latest publication here.
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