News Notes

The York County Sheriff’s Office annual Chili Cook-off took place on Feb. 9. Pictured left to right are York County Sheriff William King,third-place winner Tammy Wells, second-place winner Michael Perry, first-place winner Heath Bryant and News Center Maine anchor and Chili Cook-off judge Samantha York. 

Photo: York County Sheriff’s Office 

And the winner is: The York County Sheriff’s Office held its annual Chili Cook-off on Friday, Feb. 9. News Center Maine anchor Samantha York took on the role of celebrity judge. Sampling all the entries and judging them on various elements, including color, aroma, texture, taste and spice, York determined the winners to be Tammy Wells, York County media specialist, in third place; Lt. Mike Perry in second place; and Corrections Officer Heath Bryant in first place. Officer Bryant has tested his culinary skills in other competitions outside the county and has done very well, winning first place for his chili and fourth place for smoked meat. The contest, which was open to all York County government employees, attracted 13 competitors. 

Your vote counts: The last day to request an Absentee Ballot is Thursday, Feb. 29, in order to vote for the Democrat and Republican Presidential Candidates to appear on the November General Election Ballot. Alternatively, Absentee Voting in person is available through Feb. 29 at 5:30 pm. Stop by the City Clerks Office at City Hall Monday through Thursday, 7:30 am to 5:30 pm. FMI, go here. 

Dancing in their seats: The Four C Notes wowed a sold-out crowd at the Sanford Performing Arts Center on Saturday, Feb. 10. The group performed a tribute dedicated to recreating the music of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. As the group posted on their Facebook page, “Oh What a Night” in Sanford. 

Scammers using hospital phone number in spoofing calls: Southern Maine Health Care has been alerted to incidents of community members receiving scam phone calls from what appears to be the hospital’s telephone number. The caller, employing a tactic known as spoofing, repeatedly requests the recipient’s Medicare number or other personal, confidential information. In a spoofing call, the caller deliberately changes the information on your caller ID display to disguise their identity and attempts to steal your personal information, which can then be used in fraudulent activity. If you think you are being spoofed, end the call and alert local law enforcement. Some tips from the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) are: (1) Don’t answer calls from unknown numbers, or if you answer such a call, hang up immediately; (2) Use caution if you are being pressured for information immediately; and (3) Never give out personal information such as account numbers, Social Security numbers, mother’s maiden name, passwords or other identifying information in response to unexpected calls or if you are at all suspicious. If you think you’re a victim of a spoofing scam, you can file a complaint with the FCC here. 

Four shining examples of volunteerism nominated for award: Cory Long, volunteer coordinator at Great Bay Services, has nominated four members for the Daily Point of Light Award. The award recognizes those individuals who have made a commitment to connect Americans through service to help meet the needs in their communities. The nominees are: (1) Nick Sprague Towne, for his continued help and volunteer efforts, including spreading gravel for Sanford Trails, helping at Strafford Nutrition Meals on Wheels and taking up many other tasks and projects; (2) Ben Holmes, for his contribution to Meals on Wheels, at Curtis Lake Church and at North Parish Church, as well as his willingness to help at the Food Pantry and to share his infectious smile; (3) Kim Maguire, for her continued contribution to Meals on Wheels, Curtis Lake, Senior Lunch, Strafford Nutrition and at Moon Run Farm, as well as her willingness to go the extra mile; and (4) Maggie Booth, for her help at the Senior Center and the May Flower, in addition to her willingness to try new volunteer opportunities. Great Bay Services empowers adults with intellectual disabilities, developmental disabilities and autism to fulfill their lives’ potential as valued members of the community. The organization volunteers five days a week and has 14 active volunteer sites in Sanford and the surrounding area.