News Notes: January 20, 2022

At the Emergency School Committee meeting held January 13, no action was taken. There had been some concern among parents that the meeting would announce schools were reverting to remote learning, but that was not the case. Superintendent Matt Nelson provided an update on the state’s latest Standard Operating Procedure for handling Covid cases, which eliminates the need for contact tracing for school districts that have a universal masking policy, as Sanford does. There was some back-and-forth between Committee members and school district employees who spoke via Zoom. Committee member Jen Davies’ assertion that there has been no Covid transmission in schools was countered by two of Sanford’s school nurses, who said that was no longer true with the more-transmissible Omicron variant. Andrea Baldwin, an ed tech in the Sanford High School library, said it is a constant battle to get students to pull their masks up over their noses. “They are not taking this seriously,” she said.

Margaret Chase Smith School is selling gray t-shirts featuring their coyote logo on the front and “Keep Going. Keep Growing.” on the back in red lettering. T-shirts are available in youth or adult sizes for only $10 each. They are accepting cash only for orders at the school office. The order form is here, deadline is January 28 so don’t delay!

There will be no daily mass at Holy Family Church on Thursday, January 27. Eucharistic adoration and confession are also cancelled for that day.

By combining both cycling infrastructure improvements, such as creation of protected bike lanes, with education on cycling safety, Cycle Sanford is committed to the long-term success of our community. They strive to increase economic vitality through cycling events which encourage locals and visitors alike to explore Sanford and Springvale by bicycle. Are any of these areas of interest to you? Cycle Sanford meets monthly and is looking for more members to join their team. Message them through their Facebook page if you are interested.

Mousam Way Land Trust is happy to announce the receipt of a Clean Trail Grant, a program developed by ExtremeTerrain.com to foster respect, care, and integrity of landscapes within which all enjoy trail use. MWLT plans to use the Clean Trail Grant proceeds for its ongoing trail building and enhancement projects.

Sanford Maine Stage is looking for an 18-ish female to play two roles in its upcoming spring production, The Painter in the Port. The thrilling psychodrama will be presented April 22 and 23 at the Nasson Little Theatre. For more info, contact FloreyMareProductions@outlook.com.

If you are pregnant or a new parent with substance use disorder, MaineMOM can provide safe and supportive care for you and your baby with locations available throughout the state of Maine. Call 1-888-644-1130 to connect with a provider today, or visit their website https://www.mainemom.org/ for additional information about the program.

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