Mayra Gillis and Sanford Police Chief Eric Small display Sensory Kits for First Responders that Gillis created and donated to the department.
Photo: Sanford Police Department
Compiled by Carolyn Cadigan
Kits help SPD connect with those who have sensory sensitivity: The Sanford Police Department now has sensory kits to help first responders interact with children and adults who have difficulty communicating during medical emergencies or high-stress situations. The department received the donated kits on Feb. 19, part of the “See the Able, Not the Label” Sensory Kits for First Responders project. Each kit includes calming devices, such as a fleece blanket, plushie, and stress balls, as well as sunglasses, noise-reducing headphones, communication cards with pictures, a white board, and tip cards to help first responders understand how certain people may react.
Mayra Gillis, a New Hampshire teenager with disabilities, started the “See the Able, Not the Label” project in 2017 to promote inclusion within schools and communities. She designed the sensory kits following a personal experience she had with first responders and since then has donated hundreds of kits in New Hampshire and Maine. Gillis uses proceeds from a book she wrote and Amazon Wish List donations to support the Sensory Kits for First Responders project. To learn more about the program, email charitablesweetheart@gmail.com.
Where to begin when buying a home: Atlantic Federal Credit Union is offering a Virtual Homebuyer Seminar on Wednesday, March 18, 5:30 – 6:30 pm. Financial professionals will explain what to expect during the loan process, key industry terms to know, how to prepare for the application, what to know about appraisals and title searches, options for lower down payments, and information on current market conditions and future predictions. Register for the online event here. Email info@atlanticfcu.com with questions.
Grants help address child homelessness: York County Community Action Corp. (YCCAC) was recently featured in the John T. Gorman Foundation’s 2025 Progress Report, focusing on the organization’s Whole Family Coaching and Housing Navigator services to address homelessness for families. YCCAC worked with schools across York County to identify students in need and, through its housing navigators, helped families either retain their housing or secure new housing. “Since its work with schools began in early 2025, YCCAC has helped 83 families — including 157 students — secure housing,” the report shared. Through foundation funding, YCCAC was also able to expand its Whole Family Coaching program, helping families build long-term stability once their housing needs were met. Access the 2025 Progress Report here.
The Sanford School Department was also featured in the report. Through foundation funding as well as assistance from state and federal programs, the department was able to work toward preventing student homelessness and help families retain housing. In addition, the district enhanced connections between families, schools and community resources — screening incoming students and families to assess their needs, working with community partners to connect families to resources, and working with families to keep students connected to learning. Go here to learn more about the department’s efforts to help students at risk of losing housing.
WWI memorabilia requested: Sanford-Springvale Historical Society is seeking World War I memorabilia from those in Sanford and Springvale who served in the war. Materials, such as photos, diaries, letters and other items, may be included in a set of new exhibits highlighting Sanford-Springvale’s participation in the Great War. The exhibits are planned to be on display this summer. Call 207-490-1028 with questions.
Are you a cat person? Another Chance Animal Rescue, an all-volunteer cat rescue, is looking for volunteers to clean on Monday mornings, starting at 8:30 am. The job entails cleaning cat cages, doing laundry, feeding, and visiting with the cats at the facility. The rescue is at 251 Country Club Road in Sanford. FMI, call 207-490-2855.
A member of Great Bay Services recognized Sanford-Springvale YMCA for its generosity and support of the Toys for Tots holiday toy drive last December. Other local businesses and organizations were also recognized.
Photo: Great Bay Services
Local businesses thanked for Toys for Tots support: Great Bay Services helped distribute certificates of appreciation this month to Sanford-Springvale YMCA, Ollie’s and Verizon for their generosity and participation in the Toys for Tots Southern York County annual toy distribution. These community partners are just three of the many who made this past holiday season special for area children and families.
Get your Irish on for dinner: Sanford First Baptist Church will serve their annual Corned Beef and Cabbage Dinner on Saturday, March 14, 4:30 – 6 pm at 905 Main St., Sanford. The meal will also include potatoes, carrots, turnip, rolls and apple crisp — all homemade and available to eat in or take out. The cost is $14 per person. Reserve a spot by calling 207-324-5456.
Two more candidates vie for the House: Long-time Springvale resident David R. Mongeau has announced he is running as an Independent candidate for Maine State Representative, District 141, representing Newfield, Shapleigh, and parts of Sanford and Springvale. According to his website, Mongeau moved to Springvale in 2006, was a restaurateur, and has served on city committees, including the Planning Board and the Trails Committee.
John Henkelman has qualified for the June primary as a Democratic candidate for Maine House of Representatives, District 143, serving parts of Sanford and Springvale. A Registered Maine Guide and Sanford resident, Henkelman serves on the Sanford Recreation Advisory Board and writes a column for the Sanford Springvale News. He is also a Ph.D. student at the University of New Hampshire and an adjunct professor at the University of New England.
Coalition seeks facts, transparency on Sanford development projects: A recently organized coalition of Sanford and Springvale residents has placed in its crosshairs the biosolids facility proposed for South Sanford. (See related Sanford Springvale News story on the plant.) Citing a commitment to protect clean air, clean water and responsible development, the Sanford Clean Air and Water Coalition has dug into the application that Aries Clean Technologies submitted to Maine’s Department of Environmental Protection and published a summary of what it has learned. Visit the group on Facebook to read their summary of findings.
The coalition has also invited residents to participate in a survey regarding the proposed facility. The survey results will help inform community education, research, and public engagement efforts, according to the survey site. To take the survey, go here.
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City department facts and figures: The January issue of Sanford’s Municipal Monthly Newsletter is now available. Each month, various city departments provide information and stats on their activity, including budgeting, tax collection, police and fire calls for service, open positions and more. Be in the know. Read the latest newsletter here.
Photo: City of Sanford
A quarter century in law enforcement: Major Mark Dyer celebrated 25 years of service with the Sanford Police Department last week. A Marine veteran, Dyer served in various roles during his career, including patrol officer, firearms instructor, field training officer, corporal and sergeant, gaining both operational and field experience along the way. As a field training officer, he trained and mentored many young officers, including Chief Eric Small. Currently, as Major of Support Services, Dyer oversees critical functions that support patrol operations, investigations and the department’s overall mission. A City of Sanford social media post notes that Major Dyer is widely respected by his peers for his professionalism, institutional knowledge and steady leadership.
ITAV seeks community support for 2026: It’s a new year for It Takes a Village (ITAV) and that means a new push to line up 2026 sponsors and donors. Sponsorships help the nonprofit cover many of its operating costs. Several sponsorship opportunities are available ranging from $75 per year at the Guardian level up to $3,000 at the Star of ITAV level. FMI, email itav207@yahoo.com.
The nonprofit is also seeking individual donations. ITAV has just launched a $5 Challenge to raise funds to cover storage container rental fees and general program expenses. To donate, email itav207@yahoo.com for payment options.
It’s been a long time coming: Ted’s Fried Clams has new owners who expect the Shapleigh restaurant to re-open on May 1. Joe Christopher of Upward Management Group, Rob Orr and son Matt Orr of Shapleigh Marine, and Roger Zeghibe of Beantown Pub look to maintain the classic character of the iconic Maine restaurant. Christopher should know that well since he worked there in the 1980s — his first job as a teenager.
A Feb. 25 Facebook post for the restaurant gave some details on what the owners have planned for the reopening. Along with the classic character will be a return to the original Ted’s Fried Clams recipes and techniques, guided by John Mavrakos, the founder’s grandson and a previous owner, who will work with the new team. The new owners will also expand the menu, adding healthy options such as fresh salads and vegan dishes to their classic menu items, and will offer full bar service, improved ordering technology, and an updated interior.
Road maintenance and improvements for Sanford: Maine Department of Transportation’s (MDOT) newly released three-year Work Plan, which includes all work by MDOT and its transportation partners for calendar years 2026, 2027 and 2028, lists more than 30 projects in Sanford totaling over $44 million. Major projects for 2026 include:
- Replacement of the Hay Brook Bridge over Hay Brook on Route 4 on the Alfred/Sanford line (located .29 of a mile north of Grammar Road)
- Safety and highway improvements on Route 202, including multiple locations in the downtown area
- Continued maintenance of the Sanford Seacoast Regional Airport
- Engineering planning for replacement of the Powers Bridge over the Mousam River on Route 4 (located .12 of a mile southwest of Gavel Road)
Details of MDOT’s three-year Work Plan can be found here.
Main Street Memo – Edition 62 is now available: Be in the know about the latest news and announcements in Sanford. Access the latest publication here.
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