News Notes: February 19, 2023

Mayflower Place Assisted Living will be transitioning to independent apartments for seniors at the end of June. Those residents who need more care than can be provided by visiting homecare services will be placed in other facilities. The building is owned by Sanford Housing Authority, and services have been provided by North Country Associates, a private company, since they took over the business from Southern Maine Health Care in 2021. SMHC has been been subsidizing operations, but that assistance is ending this year and the state contract reportedly does not cover North Country’s expenses. Diane Small, Executive Director of the Sanford Housing Authority, said the decision to transition away from assisted living care was mutually agreed upon. She said one problem for her agency is that they need to turn over empty units quickly, but the lengthy process to qualify for assisted living means apartments are often vacant for up to three months before a new tenant can move in. She said this transition will free up more apartments for the seniors who are on her long waiting list. But the current residents are taking the news hard, according to administrator Jeanna DeLong.

Happy 105th birthday to former Sanford Town Clerk Anita Pelletier!

New Restaurant: The old Jerry’s Diner building, most recently operating as Welcome Home Diner, will soon reopen as Tugboat’s Authentic Thai Street Food.

Loyal Companion NOT Closing: It was reported earlier this month that the Loyal Companion store at the Center for Shopping would be closing, along with the rest of the chain as it filed for bankruptcy. However, the good news is that Pet Pros, a chain based in Washington state, plans to purchase the Loyal Companion stores in North Windham, Portland, South Portland, Saco, and Sanford, as well as a couple in New Hampshire, and keep things running. All employees will reportedly keep their jobs.

Winterfest: The two days of frigid temperatures weren’t enough to freeze Number One Pond, so the annual Ice Fishing Derby had to be cancelled. However, the Recreation Department has other fun activities scheduled for the school vacation week. See this week’s Community Calendar for details.

This month, the Springvale Library has a great display in celebration of Black History month. There are also African American authors featured as well. The Great Backyard Bird Count is February 17-20. This is a great family activity! They have birding backpacks available for your use.

Earth Day Photography Exhibit: Nature photographers are invited to join the Mousam Way Land Trust in celebrating Earth Day 2023. This juried showing of Nature around Us will be one of several activities occurring on Saturday, April 22, from 10 am to 4 pm in the Community Room of Goodall Library. Admission is free and refreshments will be available. To participate in the show, visit: mousamwaylandtrust.org. Submission deadline is April 1.

Mark your calendars for Rolling Thunder’s All You Can Eat Buffet at the VFW Post 9935 on March 11 from 4:30 to 6:00 pm. Enjoy delicious home cooking for just $10. All monies help veterans, their families, and the POW/MIA cause.

The Sanford Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol will have the honor of presenting the colors on ice during the National Anthem at the Maine Mariners game on Friday, March 17th (7:15 pm game start). Please join them for a family friendly night out and help support the squadron by purchasing your tickets for $25.66 each through this link: https://fevogm.com/event/Sanfordcomposite. The Sanford Composite Squadron will receive a donation for each ticket sold. These center ice seats represent a savings over the Ticketmaster price.

If you weren’t able to attend the final mass at Notre Dame Church, a video is available here: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1075954137129908. The Church property is being sold under the the parish reorganization plan.

You’ll notice a new seat the next time you visit the Sanford Performing Arts Center. On February 1, a POW-MIA Chair of Honor was dedicated in memory of Leon Tanguay of Sanford, a U.S. Army World War II veteran and prisoner of war. Mr. Tanguay passed away on January 27 at the age of 98. The moving dedication ceremony was led by Rolling Thunder of Maine, Chapter 1, with Mr. Tanguay’s friends and family, and over 700 Sanford High School students in attendance. POW-MIA chairs are found across the United States, in concert venues, stadiums, town halls, state capitols, and the United States Capitol. The chairs, which symbolically remain empty, represent those service members who are unable to fill them because of their sacrifices. They also remind us of the men and women who serve our country every day.

St. Thomas School’s March Madness Calendar Fundraiser has officially kicked off! For $10 you can purchase a calendar and be in the running to win over SEVENTY (70) prizes! There are at least two prizes pulled per day, and you have multiple chances to win amazing gift cards, experiences, and opportunities! Calendars may be purchased in the following ways: from a St. Thomas representative after the 4pm and 10am Mass throughout the month of February, by calling the School at 324-5832, or by reaching out to a current St. Thomas student/family.

Project Graduation also a fundraising calendar for March. Get more info here: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=234569515580125&id=100070812341401.

Born from this community’s heart for generosity, the Sanford Schools Legacy Foundation is a nonprofit that serves our public schools largely behind the scenes. In seven years, that has meant funding projects above and beyond traditional tax-funded budget items. Such projects as:

• Uniforms for the high school marching band
• Dugouts at the SHS softball field
• Climbing wall and ropes course at SHS
• Equipment for SRTC’s Building Trades, Fire Science and Collision Repair Programs
• Folding chairs and storage racks for Sanford Middle School community events
• Steinway piano in the SPAC (funded by “Have a Seat” naming campaign)
• Financial literacy curriculum
• And more!

Want to find out more about the Legacy and how you can help? See their latest newsletter at https://www.sanfordschoolslegacyfoundation.org.

Subscribe to our weekly email newsletter and never miss a story! Visit sanfordspringvalenews.com/subscribe/ to sign up.