Volunteers from Lowe’s in Sanford help out at a Habitat for Humanity York County home build.
Photo: Habitat for Humanity York County
Compiled by Carolyn Cadigan
Lowe’s volunteers take DIY to heart: Habitat for Humanity York County welcomed the help last month as volunteers from Lowe’s Sanford signed on as a two-day build sponsor. The volunteers helped to finish the interior work on the organization’s third home in the Beaver Hill project.
A like-minded approach to dental care: Tom Guerrette, DMD, is Dental Program Director at Nasson Health Care in Springvale and a 2019 graduate of the University of New England College of Dental Medicine. It was during his time at UNE that Guerrette decided he wanted to pursue a dental career in a public health setting. Following three years in general dentistry at a practice in Kittery, he took on his current role at Nasson Health Care in 2022. “I was looking for a more rewarding career than working in private practice,” Guerrette said in a recent article published by UNE. “And we do that here. At Nasson Health Care, we see the entire community. We see kids all the way up to geriatrics. We have a huge impact on the community here. And it makes you a better overall dentist.”
Guerrette has made it a point to build his team, comprised of both dentists and hygienists, from the pool of UNE dental graduates who share a patient-first approach and a commitment to public health. The team’s patients are of all ages and come from all economic backgrounds, including individuals who are underserved or unhoused. The UNE article cites that Nasson sees close to 4,000 dental patients a year out of nearly 8,000 total patients, 20% of whom were homeless patients in 2024. FMI on the team and the work they do, read the full article here.
A speed limit is not a suggestion: In a Feb. 11 social media post, Sanford Police Chief Eric Small shared that the department has increased its traffic enforcement efforts in 2026, already doubling the number of traffic stops made compared to the same time last year. Most stops have resulted in warnings. Chief Small stated that the goal is not to write more tickets, but instead, to promote education, increase awareness, and encourage safe driving habits. Increased traffic enforcement directly correlates to a reduction in motor vehicle crashes. Drivers tend to slow down, use seatbelts, and pay more attention when they know police are on the roadways enforcing traffic laws.
Chamber welcomes corporate support for upcoming events: MaineHealth recently stepped up as a 2026 Corporate Sponsor of the Sanford-Springvale Chamber of Commerce. Their support will help with the Chamber’s new UnPlug and Play programs, active and healthy networking opportunities that are scheduled to kick off in March. The sponsorship also supports the Bob L’Heureux Memorial Par 3 Golf Tournament planned for June and a Golf Tournament at Province Lake Golf Course set for August.
Covering their bases ahead of a silver season: The Sanford Mainers organization is reaching out to all alumni — players, coaches and interns — to improve its alumni network ahead of the upcoming 25th Anniversary season. Alumni are invited to fill out the information form to stay on top of Mainers news and Alumni Weekend events being planned for the celebration.
Keeping seniors safe, informed and independent: The York County Sheriff’s Office has collaborated with AAA New England and TD Bank to host a Senior Safety Fair at the new Regional First Responder Center, 79 First County Way in Alfred. The event will be held on Friday, March 13, 8:30 am – 12:30 pm. A complimentary continental breakfast and lunch will be served. AAA New England will have technicians on hand to check out the battery life of attendees’ vehicles and to top off any washer fluids. There will also be a Vendor Fair with raffles, treats, and opportunities to engage with other community partners. In addition, attendees will have an opportunity to meet local law enforcement members. Call 207-459-2205 with questions.
Alex Hammerle retires after 26 years with the City of Sanford.
Photo: City of Sanford
Celebrating decades of service: Earlier this month, the City of Sanford celebrated the retirement of Alex Hammerle, who held various positions over his 26 years of service. As the city’s facilities director, Hammerle oversaw the maintenance and operation of City Hall and the City Hall Annex. He led custodial staff, coordinated with vendors, and was always ready to tackle repairs himself. Beyond his facilities role, Hammerle served as the city’s Emergency Management Agency director, overseeing municipal dams and contributing to regional public safety through the Mousam Watershed Dam Coalition.
Hammerle has a degree in mechanical engineering, extensive experience as a facilities manager, a degree in organizational leadership, and certifications as a Certified Energy Manager and Energy Auditor. A City of Sanford social media post on Feb. 13 noted, “Alex’s leadership, technical expertise, and willingness to go above and beyond have left a lasting mark on the City of Sanford. He will be greatly missed by coworkers and the community alike, not just for his skill and knowledge, but for the kindness, dedication, and integrity he brought to everything he did.”
Peer Support 101 class offered at SCAE: Sanford Community Adult Education (SCAE) and Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) are offering a free class, “Introduction to Peer Support,” on Thursday, March 12, 10:00 am – 1 pm. This class is the required first step for anyone interested in pursuing a free Intentional Peer Support Certification. The class will be held at SCAE, 668 Main St., and taught by DHHS. Space is limited. FMI, call 207-490-5145.
Neither snow nor rain kept them from ringing: Captain James Downs from the Salvation Army presented the Sanford-Springvale Rotary Club with the Golden Bell-Ringer Award on Feb. 11. The club helped raise over $3,000 through their bell-ringing efforts this past Christmas season.
A fair competition: Organizers of the Acton Fair are holding a poster design contest for this year’s fair, to be held Aug. 27 – 30. The poster must measure 11” x 17”. Entries must be received no later than April 1 and should be submitted to the secretary of the fair at actonfairsecretary@gmail.com. The winner will receive $250 and complimentary passes to the fair. Call 207-457-2117 with questions.
YMCA offers a fresh spring line-up: The Spring Program Guide from the Sanford-Springvale YMCA is now available. The guide lists classes, programs, events, youth opportunities, wellness offerings and more for the new session, which runs March 1 – April 18. Access the new guide here or contact Member Services at 207-324-4942.
For those whose forte is taking things apart: LeClair Technology Initiative is seeking a volunteer Disassembly Technician, ages 16 and over, to work on Sundays. The position entails disassembling items such as computers, laptops, networking devices, radios, and the like. The shop is located at 1110 Main St. in Waterboro. FMI, call or text 207-307-0779 or email info@leclairfoundation.org.
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