NEWS NOTES

Construction crews make good progress through the winter on the childcare expansion project at the Sanford-Springvale YMCA.   

Photo: Sanford-Springvale YMCA 

Compiled by Carolyn Cadigan

Building project supports childcare program expansion: Construction on the childcare expansion project at the Sanford-Springvale YMCA is moving along. Crews are finalizing the four exterior walls, and the crane will install roof trusses in the next couple of weeks. Once the space is enclosed, interior work on the new classrooms will begin. This expansion project will enable the YMCA Early Learning Center to expand its childcare program to include children ages six weeks to five years. 

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 Clerk’s Office at City Hall Monday through Thursday, 7:30 am to 5:30 pm. FMI, go here. 

And all that jazz: All three of Sanford High School’s jazz groups qualified for the State High School Instrumental Jazz Festival to be held March 15 and 16. The groups performed at Kennebunk High School for the District 1 Jazz Festival earlier this month and earned high scores to qualify for states. 

31 chances for a lucky day: St. Thomas School is holding their 2024 March Madness Calendar Fundraiser. Calendars cost $10 each and offer over 70 prizes — a total value of over $4,000. At least two prizes will be pulled per day, giving participants multiple chances to win. Calendars may be purchased after Masses during February, by calling the school at 207-324-5832 or by contacting a current St. Thomas student or family.

The Habitat for Humanity home at 7 Normand Ave. in Sanford was dedicated during a Feb. 20 ceremony, where keys were presented to the new homeowner. 

Photo: Carolyn Cadigan 

A place to call home: A home dedication for the Habitat for Humanity home built at 7 Normand Ave. in Sanford was held on Feb. 20. During the short ceremony, which included blessing the home as well as recognizing the major supporters, partners and volunteers on the project, the keys were presented to the new homeowner and her two children. Habitat for Humanity would like to double the number of houses they produce moving forward. The organization believes that building modular homes will help them reach that goal by decreasing the cost of materials and labor as well as shrinking the construction timeline. 

Senior Director joins Sweetser: Mike Andrick has joined Sweetser as their Senior Director of Adult Crisis and Residential Services. In this role, he oversees mobile crisis services, adult crisis stabilization units, crisis aftercare programs, OPTIONS and adult PNMI (private non-medical institutions). Mr. Andrick is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and has presented at numerous professional conferences during his career. Prior to joining Sweetser, he served as Director of Outreach and DMH MATCH Services at Pine Street Inn. 

Items needed for Warming Center Drive: The YMCA Trafton Senior Center is holding a Warming Center Drive from Feb. 19 to March 6. The items needed are new twin blankets, new beanie hats or gloves and food items such as fruit cups, crackers, oatmeal, microwave mac and cheese, granola bars and peanut butter crackers. Items can be dropped off at the Trafton Senior Center. FMI, call 207-457-0080. 

Get on the road to success: Sanford Community Adult Education is offering a five-week Class B CDL Theory Only course at no cost. This comprehensive training covers the essential theory one would need to ace the Class B CDL exam. Gain the knowledge and confidence to navigate the roads safely. Classes are held Mondays and Wednesdays, March 11 through April 10, 6 – 8 pm. FMI, go here.