News Notes

Ted’s Fried Clams will open a temporary location in Sanford.

Compiled by Carolyn Cadigan

Popular restaurant coming soon to Sanford: Jason Cole, the owner of Ted’s Fried Clams in Shapleigh, announced that the restaurant will open in August at Main Street Marketplace in the space previously occupied by Bubba Frye’s. The restaurant has been closed since May 2023 when a fire damaged the building and caused Cole to be taken to the hospital for smoke inhalation. The Shapleigh location is not expected to open for several more months as repairs continue. In the meantime, the vacancy in Sanford provides a kitchen set-up that suits the restaurant’s fare.

Fire station assessment details available: In 2020, Mitchell Associates and WBRC Architects conducted an “Existing Conditions and Functional Assessment” of the Springvale and Central fire stations. The report revealed a robust list of deficiencies in both fire stations relating to working conditions, care of equipment and decontamination, living quarters, offices and training, site and general conditions, and compliance issues. In separate assessments of each station, the reports conclude that each station “has outlived its useful life. It does not comply with current codes, standards, or recommended practices. It is unsafe, inefficient, and disrespectful of female employees. In addition to exposing the staff to risk, Sanford is exposed to tort liability in the event of an accident, illness or legal action taken by a disgruntled staff or member of the public. It should be replaced at the earliest possible moment.” An overview of the findings is available here.

Helping veterans receive the support and resources they deserve: The Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services website offers several resources for veterans, including an interactive map that can help locate behavioral health services, dentists, education, employment, housing, legal services, and much more. There are also links to the Maine Veterans’ Benefits and Resource Guide PDF as well as suicide prevention and awareness resources. FMI, go here.

Dispatcher serves the city for a quarter century: Joleen Maynard, dispatcher at the Sanford Regional Communications Center, recently received a Certificate of Appreciation for 25 years of service in Sanford. Maynard’s hard work and dedication have been an asset to the community. Congratulations, Joleen!

Stuff the Bus seeks donations of school supplies and financial support to meet this year’s need.

Photo: Kmtextor via Creative Commons

Rising prices may impact Stuff the Bus: For 17 years Stuff the Bus has been providing teachers and needy families with free school supplies. However, this year the nonprofit organization is facing a challenge. The rising cost of goods has generated a surge in requests from families, a downturn in donations, and fewer discounts on items than the organization received in previous years. As a result, Stuff the Bus may need to cap the number of backpacks it distributes this year at 500, down from over 900 last year, leaving many families in the lurch. Stuff the Bus is appealing to the public for support. The organization will be at Walmart in Sanford on Aug. 3 and Aug. 10 from 9 am to 4 pm, on Aug. 16 from 2 pm to 8 pm, and on Aug. 17, its final day, from 9 am to 4 pm. Some of the needed items are: large backpacks, #2 Ticonderoga pencils, colored pencils, colored markers, erasers, calculators, spiral notebooks, construction paper, composition notebooks, two-pocket folders, three-ring binders (1 inch or 2 inch), binder paper, Post-It notes, index cards, glue sticks, crayons (24 pack), tissues, Clorox or Lysol wipes, rulers, pens, and ear buds. Financial donations are also welcome. In addition, the organization is seeking volunteers, including students who may need community service hours. FMI and to volunteer, email wmparent@hotmail.com.

Raise your voices, lift your hearts: St. Thérèse of Lisieux Parish is looking for people interested in joining its music ministry. Anyone with some level of vocal or instrumental talent is encouraged to join the choir. Auditions will be held at the parish on Aug. 6 from 5 pm to 8 pm and Aug. 7 from 6:30 pm to 8 pm. FMI or to set up an audition time, email brandy.irishgerjuoy@portlanddiocese.org.

Help blaze a new trail: Three Rivers Land Trust is holding a volunteer workday on Aug. 10 starting at 9 am at the Sanford Community Forest. The group needs help clearing brush and trees for a new accessible trail. Anyone interested in helping should email daniel@3rlt.org.

This year’s Springvale Farm Walk included a scheduled bird walk at McDougal Orchards led by Bill Grabin of York County Audubon, pictured here. The rest of the walk last weekend was self-guided and included stops at nine farms selling mushrooms, blueberries, lamb, garlic, eggs, herbs, orchard fruit and prepared foods.

Photo: Lee Burnett

St. George’s bids farewell to Fr. Fales: Several members of the congregation at St. George’s Episcopal Church gathered at a farewell brunch on July 28 to say goodbye to Fr. Steve Fales. Serving as interim priest since early 2023, he led the congregation through a period of growth and expansion of its ministries. Fr. Fales also assisted in finding a new rector for St. George’s. He, along with a search committee comprised of congregation members, selected Rev. Tim Higgins, who had been serving as the rector at St. Ann’s Episcopal Church in Windham since 2007. Fr. Fales is now moving on to St. Ann’s in Windham to serve as interim priest and assist with their rector search.

It’s never too early to plan for the holidays: Each year Sanford Parks and Recreation is on the hunt for that perfectly shaped holiday tree to decorate Central Park for the holiday season. If you think you have that tree, call the department at 207-324-9130 to have your tree added to the list.