News Notes

Erica Kelly, winner of the Above & Beyond Award from York County Community Action Corporation.

Photo Credit: Courtesy Photo

Compiled by Carolyn Cadigan

Workin’ like a rock star: Last week, Erica Kelly, Children’s Services Facilities and Safety Manager at York County Head Start & Early Head Start, received the inaugural York County Community Action Corporation (YCCAC) Above & Beyond Award recognizing the unsung heroes dedicated to furthering YCCAC’s mission. The award recognizes those who provide outstanding service to clients, patients, or fellow employees; enable others to succeed by providing behind-the-scenes support; and make significant contributions to their team and the organization’s work. Congratulations, Erica!

Springvale Library mugs are back in stock: Having sold out quickly in the past, the oversized, ceramic green mugs with the library’s logo are again available for purchase. The cost is $10 per mug, payable by cash, check or credit at the library.

Brushing up on real-life dental skills: Nasson Health Care is partnering with the University of New England’s College of Dental Medicine to offer community-based externships to the school’s dental students. The program enables emerging dentists to gain experience at Nasson’s facility during multi-week rotations. The program enables students to develop further their clinical skills, interpersonal skills and patient management skills as well as begin to build a professional network.

Calling all crafters! York County Shelter Programs is accepting applications for the craft fair at the Shaker Hill Apple Fest, scheduled for Sept. 21 and 22. The fair is juried. FMI, or for an application, contact Bonnie Leslie at bleslie@ycspi.org or 207-324-1137, ext. 109.

Annual motorcycle ride benefits veterans cemetery: This year’s Honor in Stone ride, sponsored by Southern Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery Association, is scheduled for May 19 and commences at Iron Tails Saloon at 559 Route 109 in Acton. Registration is at 9 am, and the ride begins at 11 am. There is no fee to participate; however, donations are accepted. All proceeds from the ride help erect monuments at the cemetery. FMI, email rayparentsmvca@gmail.com or rlsmilie@aol.com.

It’s time to limber up those green thumbs: The Spring into Summer Plant Sale is being held the week of May 6 at the Sanford Regional Technical Center. The greenhouse, located at the end of the green wing, classroom D150, is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 1 pm and on Saturday from 9 am to noon. The sale features spring flowers, veggies and herbs ready for transplanting as well as house plants and flowering hanging pots. Pre-orders can be placed here.

State Police warn about concealed handgun permit scam: The Maine State Police Weapons and Professional Licensing Unit has received multiple inquiries concerning a Facebook ad that refers to a recent law change regarding concealed handgun permits. The ad from Concealed Nation Now misleads individuals to believe concealed handgun laws have recently changed and that a concealed handgun permit could be obtained by making a purchase through the ad. A small disclaimer at the bottom of the ad goes largely unnoticed. The Maine State Police confirm that no recent concealed handgun permit laws have changed and Governor Mills has not signed a new law regarding these permits. Anyone with questions on the concealed handgun permit process should speak with the issuing authority for the area in which they live or go here to access factual information.

Sharing is caring: A free community plant exchange will be held May 25 from 10 am to noon at Eldredge Lumber at 1787 Main St. Plant drop-off is 9 am to 10 am. Bring your extra plant divisions, seedlings, perennials, houseplants, seeds and plant knowledge to share with others. Be sure to accurately label what you can. Bloom pictures are helpful for plants not currently in flower. Note that invasive exotics will not be accepted or shared. FMI, contact Bridget at 267-261-2122.

Supporting local artists and entertainers: The next Sanford Art Walk is scheduled for May 10, 4 pm to sunset, along both sides of the 900 block of Main Street, including Central Park. Artists and entertainers are invited to set up earlier and may bring a table and anything else they need to exhibit, perform, teach, demonstrate and sell. Event tents are permitted in the park, but sandbags should be used instead of stakes. This is a free community event with no fees and no registration required. Parking is available in the Midtown Mall and Mill Towne Tavern lots.

Reading program is a booming success: The Sanford Mainers have announced that 500 students have signed up for Boomer’s Bookworms, the literacy program the organization launched in March for children in kindergarten to grade 8. The program runs through May, so there is still time for children to join in the fun. Sign up at the Sanford Mainers storefront, Springvale Library or Zippy Copy Center.