News Notes

To safely view the upcoming solar eclipse, special “eclipse glasses” or handheld solar viewers should be used.

Photo: Mike Connor via Creative Commons

Compiled by Carolyn Cadigan

Seeing and celebrating the total solar eclipse on April 8: Springvale Library will begin handing out solar eclipse glasses starting April 1. They will provide two pairs per family to Sanford/Springvale residents or library patrons while supplies last. In addition, the library will host a Solar Eclipse Party on April 8 from 2 pm to 4:30 pm. Participants can enjoy solar-themed snacks, kids’ crafts and T-shirt painting. Should there be cloud cover or inclement weather, all activities will take place inside the Community Room, and the eclipse will be streamed live from NASA.

Expanded YMCA childcare program now accepting registrations: Construction of the Sanford-Springvale YMCA’s new addition to support expanded childcare services is moving along, with an anticipated opening on June 10. The Early Learning Center program, which will offer childcare to children 6 weeks to 5 years old, is currently accepting registrations. The new learning environment will include customized classroom space, developmental centers and playground access. In addition, the program will offer field trips, weekly library excursions and more. FMI, call 207-324-4942, email Jessica Bouchard, Early Learning Center Administrator, at jbouchard@sanfordymca.org or link to the Enrollment Form here.

Wanda Parent receives Elks citizen award: Sanford Elks Lodge #1470 honored Wanda Parent with its Distinguished Citizen of the Year Award earlier this month. The award goes to someone who has contributed in a special way to improving the community, has shown leadership and has provided voluntary service. Parent is perhaps best known for her role as volunteer director of Stuff the Bus Maine as well as her work with the Right Brain Club. Stuff the Bus is a nonprofit school readiness program that provides backpacks, school supplies and other items to prepare low-income students in York County for academic success. Right Brain Club is a summer enrichment program that keeps children reading, learning and engaged over their summer break from school.

Sweetser announces a new addition to its staff: Sweetser recently welcomed Kristine Gile as its new children’s residential director. During Gile’s 20-plus years of experience in children’s behavioral healthcare, she has been a therapist, manager and director in a variety of programs. She most recently worked in an accredited psychiatric hospital clinic as a director of services for children and adults with serious emotional disorders/serious mental illness who have had multiple inpatient admissions. In addition, she has presented at many conferences and served on committees across the country.

Photo: Tammy Wells

York’s County Jail lieutenant attends leadership program: Former Springvale resident Lori Marks, a 16-year employee at York County Jail, recently attended a weeklong jail leadership program at Sam Houston State University in Texas. Marks also won a scholarship to attend the program, which was developed by American Jail Association and the Correctional Management Institute of Texas. Marks, a lieutenant at the jail, is the supervisor of an array of programs, including remedial and enrichment classes, peer recovery coaching, and housing classification.

It’s been a long road: Congratulations to Tom Gilman on his retirement after 28 years of service in the City Highway Department.

Program focuses on blood pressure and nutrition: A blood pressure self-monitoring program is being offered at the Sanford-Springvale YMCA. During the 4-month program, participants will learn how to measure and record their blood pressure, attend two 10-minute blood pressure consultations per month and attend monthly nutrition education seminars to develop healthier eating habits. In addition, each participant receives a free blood pressure cuff. The program cost is $40. Scholarships are available. FMI or to enroll in the program, contact Merilee Perkins, director of healthy living, by email at mperkins@sanfordymca.org or call 207-324-4942.

Save those home delivery boxes: The Springvale Library is looking for boxes to pack up book sale donations. The boxes need to be sturdy and roughly the size of banker boxes. Donated boxes can be dropped off at the library.