News Notes

A Boy Scout attacks the rope crossing, one of several challenges faced by scouts during the 2024 York District Klondike Derby held on Feb. 3.

Photo: Boy Scout Troop 313, Berwick

Compiled by Carolyn Cadigan

An arctic adventure features skill-building and teamwork: The Boy Scouts held their 2024 York District Klondike Derby on Feb. 3 in Berwick. Troops came from all over Southern Maine, including Sanford, Berwick, Shapleigh, Kennebunk, Buxton and Saco, to get outdoors in the winter, show off their skills, meet new people and find old friends. Hosted by Berwick Troop 313, the derby was attended by nearly 100 scouts and scouters, who faced 30–38-degree temperatures and winds up to 15 mph. Despite the winter weather, the sun was shining and spirits were high. Following their “Be Prepared” motto, the scouts dressed in layers, packed their gear on sleds and readied their packs with 10 essentials. Starting at 9 am, patrols were sent out on their arctic adventure in heats of three sleds at a time. They headed to “cities” where they were challenged to complete different tasks ranging from fire building to rope crossings to first aid scenarios and trivia baseball. Patrols earned “gold nuggets” at each station depending on their speed, problem solving and how they worked together as a team.

Get a real shot in the arm: The YMCA Trafton Center Vaccination Clinic will be held Feb. 21 from 1 pm to 3 pm at 19 Elm St. Everyone over the age of 18 is welcome to get vaccinated at this clinic. The healthcare team will be offering flu vaccines (both the vaccine for people ages 65 and over and a vaccine for everyone else) and the updated COVID-19 vaccine. Please bring your insurance card or a picture of your card to the clinic. COVID and flu vaccines will also be available for people without insurance. To register, go here.

Sanford man charged with fraud: The York County Sheriff’s Office is charging two men with home repair fraud after receiving a complaint from a Lebanon homeowner. The homeowner contracted with Billy Jack Adams, 46, from Sanford and Patrick Dorney, 44, from Lebanon to do some tree work, the department said. Adams and Dorney allegedly accepted a $3,000 deposit, then failed to complete the work. Deputies spoke with Adams and Dorney when the homeowner first filed a complaint and they agreed to complete the work as originally promised, but the work still was not completed. Deputy Justin Titcomb decided to charge the two men, and he didn’t have to travel far to summon them; both were staying at the York County Jail. Adams is awaiting trial on a criminal attempt charge and has a $2,000 bail. Dorney is awaiting trial for a drug charge with a $250 bail, but also has a probation hold on him.

A view from Sebago Lake State Park, which offers camping sites through the Maine State Park Campground Reservations Center. The State Park was opened to the public in 1938 as one of Maine’s original five state parks.

Photo: Paul VanDerWerf, Creative Commons

Maine State Park campground reservations opened on Feb. 6: Use the Maine State Park Campground Reservations Center to reserve camping sites for groups of six or fewer people at Maine State Parks. Online Reservations and reservation information can be found here.

Sounds fishy to me: Public haddock dinners are back. Sponsored by the Knights of Columbus, the dinners will be served Fridays from Feb. 16 through March 22, 4:30-6 pm, at the St. Thomas School Cafeteria, 69 North Ave. The cost is $15 for adults and $10 for children under age 12. FMI, call Ray at 207-651-6636.

Passport to Your Heart runs through the end of February: Friends of Downtown is holding their Annual Passport to Your Heart event with 17 businesses participating this year. Pick up your passport at any of the participating locations, then stop in at the businesses to have stickers placed on your heart. The more hearts you fill with stickers on your passport, the more chances you have to win a prize from the participating businesses such as donuts, a tool set, gift cards and other fun swag. Get one or all 17 hearts filled and drop off your completed card by March 1 at the Downtown branch of Partners Bank in the Passport Drop Box. For a list of participating businesses, go here.

Be kind to our four-legged friends: Margaret Chase Smith School is holding a fundraiser for the Animal Welfare Society through March 1. They are collecting items such as food, toys, leashes, fresh vegetables, dry food pellets and small animal bedding for cats, dogs, rabbits and small animals. For a list of food and supplies in need, go here.

What’s all the buzz? If you’re interested in learning about beekeeping, Eldredge Lumber Sanford is holding an event, Getting Started with Beekeeping, on Saturday, Feb. 17, from 1- 2:30 pm. Class instructor Rob Hull, who has been beekeeping since 2015, will cover what you need to know before you get started. FMI, go here.