Alden Thayer receives the 2026 Community Pillar Award from the Sanford-Springvale YMCA. Photo: Sanford-Springvale Rotary Club
Compiled by Carolyn Cadigan
A pillar of the community: Earlier this month, the Sanford-Springvale YMCA awarded its 2026 Community Pillar Award to Alden Thayer at the organization’s Annual Community Leadership Breakfast. In a social media post, the YMCA recognized Thayer’s outstanding dedication to social responsibility and his unwavering commitment to the YMCA and the community. Thayer also served as the president of the Sanford-Springvale Rotary Club from 1986-1987.
Car crash in Sanford kills two: A husband and wife died of injuries sustained in a car crash near 1811 Main St. on Sunday, May 10, according to Sanford Police Department. Arthur Karcher, 86, and Catherine Karcher, 85, were traveling south in a 2024 Chevrolet Malibu and drifted into the northbound lane on the stretch of Main Street between Cabana’s Auto Body and Polyvantis, according to witness statements. Their vehicle collided with a 2019 Toyota Highlander driven by a 32-year-old woman from Lyman.
All three people were taken by ambulance to MaineHealth in Sanford with serious or life-threatening injuries. The Karchers later died from injuries sustained in the crash. Weather and road conditions were not a factor in the crash, according to Sanford Deputy Chief Matt Gagne. He said it is uncertain whether the cause of the accident was a medical condition, distraction, or something else.
Voters to say yea or nay on electing a county treasurer: York County commissioners will let the voters decide whether to abolish the elected county treasurer’s position. The referendum question will appear on the Nov. 3 ballot. Those in favor of abolishing the elected position say the role is purely ceremonial and has been since the county hired its first finance director nearly 20 years ago. The finance director and staff carry out the treasurer’s duties, making the elected position unnecessary. In addition, an outside team of certified public accountants audit the county’s financial records each year. Voters weighed in on the topic in a 2018 referendum, choosing to keep the elected part-time position by more than a 2:1 margin. Also in 2018, the commissioners reduced the salary for the position to $500 annually.
In November, voters will see the referendum question asking: “Shall the position of elected county treasurer be abolished and replaced with a treasurer appointed by the county commissioners?” There will also be a ballot listing the candidate for the elected treasurer position. If the majority of voters agree to eliminate the elected position, the commissioners would appoint a treasurer after current county treasurer Stacy Kilroy finishes her term on Dec. 31. Kilroy is not seeking re-election. The sole candidate in the June 9 primary is Democrat Bobby Mills, who preceded Kilroy as elected county treasurer from 2018 until his resignation in 2024. No Republican candidate is running for the position.
Public Works closures for the Memorial Day holiday: The Public Works Department will be closed on Monday, May 25. There will be no changes to curbside trash and recycling collection for the week. The Transfer Station and Debris Area will be closed on Tuesday, May 26.
The drive to help children keeps this nonprofit going: Earlier this year, Grayson’s Legacy announced that this would be the last year of operation for the nonprofit, with a plan to dissolve in April 2027. Just this month, however, after receiving input from several people and having internal discussions among its board members, the organization had a change of heart. They will not dissolve; however, they will be scaling back their activity. They still have some fundraising events planned, including a craft fair in November and an adult prom in April 2027, and will continue their mission to help children in local communities.
Newspaper op-ed calls out YCCAC for its partnership-driven approach: York County Community Action Corp. (YCCAC) was highlighted in an April 21 Portland Press Herald opinion piece written by John T. Gorman Foundation president and CEO Nicole Witherbee. The op-ed is titled “Progress for Maine children is underway. Now let’s build on it.” Witherbee focused on the need to invest in, support and expand promising strategies to combat the persistent issues facing children and families, such as access to childcare and housing. When families are unable to meet their basic needs, children’s mental health, educational outcomes, and overall well-being suffer.
YCCAC was highlighted as a key community partner working alongside school districts in York County, including the Sanford School Department, to identify families at risk early, often through school-based assessments; build trusted relationships with them; connect them to critical resources, such as housing support; and help to prevent homelessness and stabilize living situations. The op-ed recognized YCCAC’s efforts as part of a broader partnership-driven approach that coordinates and integrates services across sectors, with the goal of removing barriers and improving the well-being of children and their families.
This classic “bullseye” rash at the site of a tick bite, on a woman’s upper arm, may signify a case of Lyme disease. However, other rash shapes and coloration can also be indicators.
Tick talk: Warmer spring days mean more outside time, doing yard work, cleaning garden beds, and taking walks in the woods. But reconnecting with nature is not without risk. Last month, data released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showed that emergency room visits for tick bites in the Northeast are at a 10-year high. Although Lyme disease from a tick bite is a year-round concern, Nasson Health Care recently posted a reminder to stay vigilant in checking for ticks after time spent outdoors. The organization recommends that you use an EPA-approved repellent, wear light-colored clothing to make spotting ticks easier, and be sure to check pets as well. If you spot a “bullseye” rash or experience sudden flu-like symptoms, don’t wait. Contact your primary care provider as soon as possible for an evaluation. For more tips on preventing tickborne diseases, visit maine.gov/lyme.
Honor and celebrate the women who have served this country: Rolling Thunder Chapter 1 Maine invites the public to its Women Veterans Appreciation Luncheon on Saturday, June 13, from 1 – 2:30 pm, in recognition of Women Veterans Day. This event is dedicated to celebrating the accomplishments, strength, and sacrifices of women veterans — and honoring the historic moment when women were finally granted the right to serve in the United States military. Enjoy an afternoon of food, fun, and fellowship while celebrating the vital role women have played — and continue to play — in defending the nation. The luncheon takes place at VFW Post 9935, 1 Hutchinson St., Sanford. RSVP by calling Geri Scullion at 603-343-8649.
Wire transfer scam alert: PeoplesChoice Credit Union recently posted a fraud alert regarding wire transfer scams. The credit union shared on social media that scammers are posing as tech support staff and convincing people to wire money to “new accounts” with their own name. In reality, however, the money is sent to accounts that are controlled by fraudsters. According to the credit union, warning signs include pop-ups or calls that claim your account is compromised, urgent instructions that require you to move money, and requests to wire funds to another bank, even if the account is in your name. If you suspect suspicious activity, contact your credit union directly.
For May, the city’s Comprehensive Plan looks at quality of life: Each month, the City of Sanford shares a few short Questions of the Month as part of the Comprehensive Plan update. These questions are designed to gather your ideas, priorities, and vision for the community, so your voice helps guide decisions about land use, development, parks, roads, sidewalks, and more over the next 20 years. For May, the three questions address the quality of life in Sanford and your vision for the future.
Responses will be used to inform the plan’s vision statement, which describes shared hopes and priorities. It’s forward-looking and aspirational, reflecting shared values and how community members live, work, connect, and enjoy life in Sanford. Your input will help ensure the vision truly represents the community’s values and guides future goals, policies, and actions. Share your feedback here through May 31.
https://www.sanfordmeconnects.com/comprehensive-plan/surveys/questions-of-the-month-2
Be a “home away from home” for a Mainers player: The Sanford Mainers are looking for families to host a player during the upcoming season. This is an opportunity to support a student-athlete, build lasting relationships, and become part of the player’s journey — both on and off the field. Many host families say it has become one of the most rewarding parts of their summer. To learn more about becoming a host family, contact the organization at hostfamily@sanfordmainers.com.
Pride Picnic festivities: The Sanford Pride Picnic is scheduled for Sunday, June 7, noon – 3 pm at Gowen Park. Meet local LGBTQ+ organizations and allied services, have a free lunch, and enjoy music and drag performers while connecting with the community in pride and solidarity. This event is free.
Put your summer luck to the test: The Oldtimers’ Shop is holding a Fun in the Summer raffle. The list of items to win continues to grow. So far, a charcoal grill, grill accessories and a beach bag top the list. Tickets cost $1 per ticket or $5 for 6 tickets. The drawing will be held on July 18. Visit the shop at 917 Main St. in Sanford to purchase tickets.
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