News Notes

A senior with dementia uses a tablet computer.

Photo: WaveLength Charity/Creative Commons

Compiled by Carolyn Cadigan

New Springvale service hub supports “aging in place” for more Mainers: To address the growing need for services for older adults in Maine, Southern Maine Agency on Aging (SMAA) is opening a new service hub in the Anderson Learning Center in Springvale this summer. The new location will make services more accessible to people living in Acton, Alfred, Lebanon, Newfield, N. Berwick, Sanford, Springvale, Shapleigh and Waterboro. As nursing homes continue to close in New England and especially in Maine, it is increasingly important to strengthen local supports that allow people to “age in place” at home. Programming at SMAA’s Sanford/Springvale Hub will include an Adult Day Program for individuals with Alzheimer’s and other dementias, Nutrition Services including Meals on Wheels and Community Cafés, Falls Prevention exercise classes, and Medicare Counseling. Resource Specialists will also be available on site to help older adults and caregivers navigate issues with housing, healthcare, benefits and more. FMI, go here.

Two SFD firefighters retire: After each gave more than two decades of service to our community, Sanford Fire Department firefighters Steve Ouellette and Thomas Moses are hanging up their gear, each ready to enjoy his next chapter in life. The community is thankful for the bravery shown and sacrifices made by these first responders in keeping us safe. Congratulations to you both!

Partners Bank donates to battle food insecurity: The Sanford Backpack Program (SBP) received a $1,000 donation from Partners Bank through its Employee Donation of the Month, by which the bank chooses an employee who selects an organization that will receive the donation. For the month of May, Residential Underwriter Donald MacDougall selected the SBP, a program by the Sanford Strong Coalition that sends children home for the weekend with a backpack full of nutritious and easy-to-prepare food. The food from SBP helps students maintain a balanced diet so they can return to school on Monday ready to focus on learning. “Food insecurity is a challenge in every community. We have all known (or been) someone who struggled with the decision either to pay the light bill or to feed their family,” MacDougall said. “I like the unique approach this charity takes to provide food to kids outside of the school day.”

Release date of federal grant money for library is still unclear: Goodall Library got some good news last week about its stalled construction project. The Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development has signed the grant agreement, according to Library Director Ann Thomas. She said it remains unclear how soon the funding would be released so construction can resume. Work on the $3.9 million expansion at 952 Main St. was halted April 11 because the library had exhausted internal financing and had yet to access federal grant money. The library is occupying rental space at the Center for Shopping until construction is complete.

Help meet our community’s food needs with a Fight Hunger Bag: For the month of June, The Salvation Army Sanford will receive a $1 donation from each purchase of the $2.50 reusable Fight Hunger Bag at Hannaford, 800 Main St. in Sanford or 107 Wells Plaza in Wells.

Proposed county assessment up by 9.6%: A proposed $25.1 million spending plan for York County government goes to a public hearing on June 10 at 6 pm at York County Government Building, 149 Jordan Springs Rd., Alfred. The plan increases the budget by 7.38% and increases assessments by 9.6% on all 29 cities and towns in the county. Attend by Zoom here. Use Meeting ID: 892 5216 3494, Passcode: 413687. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89252163494?pwd=6FDLejP2mMCAa354keqPJeqoRsplfx.1

Updated fee program helps those in need receive health services: Nasson Health Care is committed to offering high-quality and affordable health care to all, welcoming people with and without insurance. The organization offers a sliding fee scale and hardship assistance for those who qualify and need help financially. The sliding fee scale has recently been updated, so patients are encouraged to review it and apply if financial assistance is needed. FMI and to access the updated sliding scale, go here.

Substance use recovery center is open: A limited capacity opening at the Sanford Recovery Community Center (SRCC), which offers support and resources for individuals in recovery from substance use disorder, took place on June 5. The center provides a safe, supportive environment that fosters connection, promotes wellness and helps people build a fulfilling life. Membership is free and open to all who are interested in recovery. FMI, go here or call 207-888-3291. https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=122121115412282144&set=pcb.122121116660282144

Photo: Johntex/Creative Commons

In case your yarn and fabric stash is running low: The grand opening of Knots & Bolts Creating Company, a new studio and shop for quilting and knitting enthusiasts, will take place June 8, 8 am to 4 pm, at 911 Main St. in Sanford.

Waypoint Maine benefits from Breezeline donation: Cable TV provider Breezeline recently donated $5,000 to Waypoint Maine to support services to children and adults with intellectual and other disabilities. “Waypoint’s work enriches the lives of so many people in Maine,” said Sean Brushett, vice president of customer and technical operations for Breezeline. Waypoint runs a school for children, offers case management services, provides clinical support for adults and children, and offers housing assistance for adults. “We appreciate Breezeline’s generous donation, which will help us continue to provide essential services to children and adults in Maine,” said Jennifer Putnam, executive director of Waypoint Maine.

Comments on proposed bridge replacement due by June 14: The Maine Department of Transportation is holding a public meeting, available online and on demand, to discuss replacing Powers Bridge over the Mousam River on Alfred Road/Route 4. Interested people can share comments online until June 14. Built in 1957, the current bridge measures 26 feet wide, while the roadway leading up to it is 35 feet wide. The new bridge would be 36 feet wide with two 12-foot lanes and 6-foot shoulders. In addition, the project will provide an area for a future 10-foot multi-use path below the bridge. (See related story, “Walkers and Cyclists to Get Passage Under Route 4,” in this issue.) Replacing the existing bridge would solve current structural issues, provide a longer lifespan, and create a wider bridge with a better hydraulic opening. The City of Sanford encourages those interested to view the public meeting and share your comments here.

Dissolved Sanford ATV Club suggests an alternative to its members: The Sanford ATV Club, which had as many as 386 members at one time, has dissolved. Riding will continue in Southern Maine, however. The club’s leadership has encouraged its members to consider the Mousam Valley Trail Riders, based in Shapleigh, as an alternative. FMI, go here.

Stay fit and healthy with YMCA activities this summer: The Program Guide for the Sanford-Springvale YMCA’s summer session, running June 17 to Aug. 17, is available. Registration opened on June 3. Access the guide here.

Owners who proposed Sand Pond campground consider alternatives: The Sand Pond development, a 39-site campground proposed by longtime Sanford residents Mike and Bonnie Patterson, is on hold for now. On May 21, the Sanford City Council approved a 180-day moratorium on campground proposals while ordinances are reviewed. Several Sand Pond residents along with Brian Dumont, president of the Sand Pond Association, were in favor of the moratorium, concerned about the impact the proposed campground could have on the pond, the environment and residential areas. Stricter requirements from the city, however, may affect the viability of the campground. If their plans are denied, the Pattersons have stated they might consider building affordable homes or a marina on the land instead but will not comment on those possibilities until they know the details of any updated ordinances.

Senior day trip offers great band, great food and great friends: A few spots remain for the July 17 day trip planned by the Trafton Senior Center and Royal Tours — “Life’s a Beach” with the Malibu Brothers at Castleton in Windham, NH. A variety of music, from Doo Wop to Country and everything in between, will have participants up on the dance floor. The cost of the trip is $125 and includes transportation, a choice of luncheon entree, taxes and gratuities, and the Malibu Brothers show. FMI and to reserve your seat, contact Robin Bibber at 207-457-0080.

Yet another scam warning from the sheriff’s office: Deputies in the York County Sheriff’s Office (YCSO) have reported an increase in scam calls in which scammers request large sums of money to be transferred via gift cards. The scammers glean information from open sources and threaten the potential victims by revealing their personal information. The scammer seems to know enough information to be convincing, but they are bluffing. The YCSO warns not to purchase gift cards or anything else when being threatened. Also, report these calls immediately to the authorities.