News Notes

Blaine Boudreau, Partners Bank president & CEO (center), and Kimberly Stewart, AVP – mortgage consultant (right), present an $80,000 check to the Sanford-Springvale YMCA’s Matthew Ouellette, youth and family services director (left), to support the organization’s Early Learning Center expansion.

Photo: Partners Bank

Compiled by Carolyn Cadigan

Donation to YMCA supports expanded childcare program: Partners Bank has pledged to donate $80,000 to the Sanford-Springvale YMCA to support the expansion of its Early Learning Center. This new 2,800-square-foot space will enable the YMCA to add approximately 30 more childcare slots in the program as well as lower its minimum enrollment age from three years to six weeks old. The project, which broke ground last year, is slated for completion in July.

City advocates for fire station modernization leading up to Election Day: The City of Sanford has embarked on a campaign to promote the construction of two new fire stations. Sanford/Springvale voters will have the opportunity to weigh in on the issue in the Nov. 5 election. The modern stations will better ensure the safety and well-being of both the Sanford Fire Department staff and the residents they serve, according to the city. The new facilities are intended to address critical issues with the current, outdated stations, such as their age, size, location and lack of facilities for female firefighters. In addition, the new facilities will improve firefighter safety by meeting current safety standards and providing decontamination zones. Approval of the project will also yield financial benefits by enabling the city to apply immediately for federal grants to help fund the construction and avoiding additional costs associated with project delays, anticipated to be $2.6 million each year the project is delayed. FMI, go here. https://www.sanfordmaine.org/news_detail_T10_R119.php

Water Ski Show will feature a new boat this season: On June 12, the team at Maine Attraction Water Ski Show took out their new boat, a twin-rig Hydrodyne with two 150HP Mercury engines. The boat will enable the team to pull bigger acts and attempt new stunts on the water. The addition of the Hydrodyne was made possible by those who supported the non-profit organization through its Benefit Dance and Auction last March. Catch the new video of the boat’s first launch here. https://www.facebook.com/maineattractionwaterski/videos/855202426460399/

Invasive Japanese stiltgrass at the Sanford Community Forest

Photo: Three Rivers Land Trust

Stiltgrass invasion at community forest prompts closure: Rail Trail access to the Sanford Community Forest is closed until further notice due to an extensive growth of invasive Japanese stiltgrass. This grass-like plant, which can grow unimpeded even in shady, forested conditions, was most likely spread by ATVs that carried seeds on muddy tires from another location. The closure is aimed at preventing further spread of the plant. With guidance and assistance from Maine Natural Areas Program invasive plant biologists, the Three Rivers Land Trust will work on managing the stiltgrass in July before the plants begin to seed in late summer. Please observe the posted signs and help protect the rest of the forest and other trails from this damaging plant.

Volunteers needed for food box assembly and loading: The Sanford Backpack Program is seeking volunteers to help with the Free Community Food Distribution for the summer. The need is for a few hours on Thursdays through Aug. 22 to help fill food boxes and load cars in the curbside distribution program at Sanford High School and Willard School. To sign up for available dates, go here. https://m.signupgenius.com/#!/showSignUp/9040848AEAD29A4FD0-49905728-free

Planning for fun all summer long: Goodall Library has several summer reading events planned for children, teens and adults. In addition to its 2024 Summer Reading Program as well as its craft and activity adventures scheduled for each week, the library is offering several other events — from a birdhouse painting workshop to a Mario Kart tournament for teens to the library’s weekly Fiber Arts Group, Scrabble Nights, and more. FMI on the summer program and how to sign up for events, go here. https://lbgoodall.org/pdf/2024summerreading.pdf

Stephanie Carver and Paul Schumacher

Photo: Raegan Young

Transportation director takes over as new regional planning chief: After an extensive search, Stephanie Carver has been named to replace Southern Maine Planning and Development Commission (SMPDC) long-time Executive Director Paul Schumacher who is stepping down this summer. Serving as the SMPDC Transportation Director since 2020, Carver has led significant transportation efforts, including the expansion of SMPDC’s Municipal Planning Organization from five to nine municipalities to coordinate transportation projects in the region with the Maine Department of Transportation. She has also led the Joint Land Use Study, the collaborative planning initiative between Kittery and the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, to address transportation, workforce housing, land use and climate/economic resilience. According to Schumacher, “Stephanie’s competency and experience will make this leadership transition a seamless one.” SMPDC was founded 60 years ago to provide planning and economic development services to municipalities located in Southern Maine – offering a coordinated effort for land use, smart growth, resource management, environmental sustainability, and transportation planning.

The dogs will thank you very mulch: The Sanford Dog Park needs volunteers to help spread mulch that is already onsite. Rakes and shovels are at the park for people to use. This opportunity is also perfect for a student who needs to fulfill community service hours.

A milestone reached: The City of Sanford has issued a Certificate of Appreciation to Jeffrey Geaumont, deputy assessor, for reaching 20 years of service with the city. Thank you for your hard work and dedication in serving the community. Congratulations on reaching this milestone!