News Notes

Captain Scott Lizotte (left) of the Sanford Fire Department presents Firefighter Tyler Nobile with his permanent shield.

Compiled by Carolyn Cadigan

Moving up a rung on the ladder: Sanford Fire Department’s Tyler Nobile of B shift has earned his permanent shield. New employees earn their permanent shield when their shift peers feel they have completed the objectives set for them within their first year, which is filled with many trials and challenges. The department noted that Firefighter/EMT-A Nobile, always ready to meet the challenge, gives extra effort and has a smile on his face, no matter what the day brings.

Going, going, gone: Springvale Library’s 4th Annual Online Auction, which ended April 28, surpassed its fundraising goal and brought in $11,125 this year. The library staff is grateful to their donors, sponsors and all auction participants for making the fundraiser a success.

Volunteer gardening opportunity: York County Shelter Programs (YCSP) is seeking volunteers to help tend the organization’s raised gardens, which provide produce for its Food Pantry and dining hall. In addition, YCSP needs volunteers to work in the dining hall. If interested in either opportunity, contact Scott Davis at scottd@ycspi.org or call 207-324-1137.

Police seek information on jewelry robbery: The Sanford Police Department is seeking the public’s help in identifying the person involved in a burglary at Jewelers’ Outlet last week. At approximately 3 am, the suspect forced entry into the store and stole jewelry. Go here to view the photos posted by the police. If you have any information or witnessed the event, contact Detective Cutler at 207-324-3644, ext. 276, or call the anonymous tip line at the same number. https://www.facebook.com/SanfordPD/posts/pfbid02b4JfWpqnG78muNRWyw4DDjCuxVwXHZBETA1xmdCEm27iwEAAvyW6de9FxwBgMpCxl

Volunteer opportunity to help a family put down roots: Habitat for Humanity York County has multiple openings for volunteers interested in helping at its second build on Allen Street in Springvale from May 14 to 17, 8:30 am to 3:30 pm. No construction experience is needed. Sign up to volunteer here.

Photo Credit: Vegasjon via Creative Commons

Red Cross needs your help: Two local blood drives are scheduled over the next two weeks. The first will be held at the Alfred Parish Church, 8 Kennebunk Rd., on May 15 from 10 am to 3 pm. The second will be at the Preble Masonic Lodge #143, 16 Elm St., Sanford, on May 20 from noon to 5 pm. Log onto the Red Cross website here to schedule a time to donate. https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/find-drive

New youth program seeks community support: Southern Maine Young Marines is a new local unit of the national Young Marines organization, a non-profit youth education and service program for boys and girls aged 8 through high school. It focuses on teaching its members leadership, citizenship through community service, self-discipline, and the importance of living a healthy, drug-free lifestyle. As a start-up, the Sanford-based unit is looking for sponsors and donations to help fund future trips, equipment, experiences and more for its members. Donations can be made via Venmo or by check. FMI on how to donate, go here.

Libraries offer more than just books: Did you know that your library card entitles you to free passes to the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens as well as several museums and parks? Now that it’s growing season, the gardens are especially popular. Be sure to stop by Goodall Library or Springvale Library to sign up for a pass that gains entry to the gardens for two adults and for any number of children under the age of 18. Note that only one pass is available per day. To reserve your pass, visit the library’s front desk or call Goodall Library at 207-324-4714 or Springvale Library at 207-324-4624.

County budget on tap: The York County Budget Committee is scheduled to meet twice this month to discuss the proposed $25.16 million county budget for the fiscal year starting July 1. County commissioners unanimously approved the budget proposal on April 17, but the Budget Committee must review it further, hold a public hearing and then pass it back to commissioners for a final vote. The committee meetings, which are open to the public, are set for 6 pm Monday, May 20, and Wednesday, May 22 in the commissioner’s meeting room in the county government meeting, 149 Jordan Springs Road in Alfred.