News Notes

Photo: Lee Burnett

Compiled by Carolyn Cadigan

Short season, but more berries to come: Leah Eldridge, 4, and Nora Eldridge, 2, were some of the lucky ones who got berries at Lavigne’s Strawberry Farm last week. The farm closed for the season mid-day Tuesday after just five days of picking. The hot spell followed by heavy rains rotted a lot of the berries, according to Albert Lavigne. It was one of the shortest seasons ever. However, blueberry picking will begin in a few weeks.

Sanford man granted bail on charges related to Jan. 6 Capitol breach: Christopher Belliveau, 38, of Sanford, who was arrested on felony and misdemeanor charges, including for allegedly assaulting law enforcement during the Jan. 6, 2021, breach of the U.S. Capitol, has been granted bail set at $25,000. The FBI arrested Belliveau on June 10 in Berwick. He was scheduled to appear in court on June 25.

Maine Attraction clinics introduce disabled to fun on the water: Free Adaptive Water Ski Clinics, offered by the Maine Attraction Water Ski Show Team, are scheduled for July 9 and Aug. 6, from 6 pm to 8 pm, at Number One Pond. The clinics provide adaptive equipment and expert help to those who are physically disabled. Openings are limited. To reserve a spot, contact Maine Attraction Water Ski Show Team on Facebook Messenger.

State fines pellet maker: The state has announced a fine of $151,550 fine against T&D Wood Energy off New Dam Road in Sanford, saying the wood pellet manufacturer has long been violating environmental regulations. The fine stemmed from neighbors’ complaints of smoke, odor, dust and noise starting in 2020. Despite the complaints and investigations, the state awarded the plant $600,000 in grants, according to The Maine Monitor. The money has not yet been distributed. The full story can be read here.

Children step out of their comfort zone at Goodall Library’s Summer Reading Program event.

Photo: Goodall Library

Rabbits and turtles and snakes. Oh my! The Summer Reading Program at Goodall Library kicked off on June 17 with Wildlife Encounters, giving participants an opportunity to see and learn about wild creatures — from soft to scaled to shelled and more — up close and personal. FMI on other animal events coming up this summer, check out the library’s page here. http:/lbgoodall.org

Kick up your heels and support the farm: A “Raise the Roof” fundraiser will be held at McDougal Orchards, 201 Hanson Ridge Rd. in Springvale, on July 27 from 6 pm to 8 pm. Enjoy an evening of dancing at the family farm’s historic barn with the band Stomp Rocket and caller Alyssa Adkins. For those who are new to contra dancing or who need a refresher, a beginner lesson will be given from 5:30 pm to 6 pm. Beverages will be available from Cruisin’ Infusions, and Addy’s food truck will provide snacks. Tickets are $20 per person; children under age 12 are free. This is the first in a series of events to help the orchard fund their new barn roof. FMI and tickets, go here.

Supplies requested for local outreach program: It Takes a Village 207, a non-profit community outreach program that provides resources for people struggling with homelessness, food insecurity, substance abuse and more, is seeking donated items for their weekly to-go bags. The organization needs toilet paper, ankle socks, individual bagged chips, individual snacks (crackers and cookies), drinks (juice pouches, juice boxes, water, Gatorade), mini sunscreens and mini bug sprays. Please contact them at 207-322-7065 if you can provide any of these needed items.

Rec Area closure notice: The Rec Area (Holdsworth Park) will be closed to the public on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm until Aug. 14. Sanford Parks and Recreation hosts multiple summer camps on these days with up to 200 children using the Rec Area all day. This closure helps camp staff manage the area more effectively and ensures a safer environment by knowing exactly who is present.

Just Us: Ellen and Paul perform at Springvale Library’s patio in 2021.

Photo: Springvale Library

It’s music to our ears: Springvale Library’s Music on the Patio series kicks off June 28 at noon with a performance by Just Us: Ellen and Paul. On July 5, singer-songwriter Brian Walker will perform. The series runs every Friday through Sept. 6. View the complete schedule here.

Open house shows off new space for growing local company: Sebago Technics, Inc., an employee-owned engineering collective, hosted an open house and ribbon-cutting ceremony on June 13 to celebrate the relocation of its Sanford office to 15 Daigle Lane, Suite 103. The event drew a diverse group of community members, clients, partners and local officials who gathered to explore the new office space and meet the team. The event also highlighted the successful integration of Corner Post Land Surveying, which Sebago Technics acquired in 2022, adding to the company’s growing list of service offerings.

Two SHS students awarded coveted scholarship: Sanford High School (SHS) juniors Brooklynn Verdejo and James Allen-Chaplick were recently named state recipients of the Horatio Alger Scholarship. Of the five students chosen from across the entire state of Maine, SHS had two winners. The Horatio Alger Scholarship is one of the most coveted awards in the country for high school students. It recognizes young people who have demonstrated incredible determination and perseverance in overcoming significant adversity in their lives.

Closed until further notice, SRCC points to Portland for virtual support: The Sanford Recovery Community Center posted that, due to unforeseen circumstances, the center has closed until further notice. During this time, any community members seeking support can check out the virtual support group options available through the Portland Recovery Community Center here.

Police seek information on an unsolved homicide: The Maine State Police posted a request for information regarding the death of Frances Moulton, whose body was found in a well in Lebanon on June 23, 2009. Living a transient life in Sanford and often leaving home for months at a time, Moulton was last seen by her family in July 2006 when she was getting onto the back of a motorcycle. Her family reported her missing the following September. She was 25 at the time. If you have information about Moulton’s death, contact the Maine State Police, Major Crimes Unit – South, in Gray at 207-657-5710 or use the leave-a-tip form here. For a photo of Moulton, go here.

New leadership installed at the Rotary Club: On June 20, the members of the Rotary Club of Sanford-Springvale celebrated the installation of its new president, Bob Myott. The club’s Rotarians boarded an Intown Trolley to the Kennebunk Subway, where an unsuspecting and blindfolded Myott was greeted with cheers and applause. Highlights of the evening included the traditional changeover skit, where Julia Child (played by Ericka Sanborn) schooled Myott in the art of sandwich making. Following the skit, Elias Thomas, the organization’s outgoing president, named Myott a Paul Harris Fellow for his many contributions to the club’s success. Thomas also received a plaque, recognizing his strong leadership and unwavering commitment to the Rotary Club as president for the past two years.