News Notes

Volunteers give their time and talent at YCCAC Head Start & Early Head Start.

Photo: YCCAC

Compiled by Carolyn Cadigan

A day of action at YCCAC: Volunteers from Hannaford Supermarkets, Partners Bank and the United Way of Southern Maine gathered together on June 21 to spruce up the York County Community Action Corp. (YCCAC) Head Start & Early Head Start property and home office. Despite the June heat wave that hit that week, much was accomplished by this team of energetic volunteers.

Time change for summer food distribution: The new hours for the Free Community Food Distribution, provided by Sanford Backpack Program, are 10 am to 11:30 am every Thursday through Aug. 22. Food is distributed at Sanford High School and the Willard School. FMI about the program or to volunteer, contact lori@strongersanford.org.

Red Cross needs your help: An American Red Cross blood drive is scheduled at the Alfred Parish Church, 8 Kennebunk Rd., on July 17 from 10 am to 3 pm. Log onto the Red Cross website here to schedule a time to donate. https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/find-drive

Many hands make light work: Teen volunteers are needed at Springvale Library this summer. This opportunity is a good way for teens to earn community service hours. Those interested in helping out should see Sheila Dube at the library.

Service-minded Sanford couple gets new home: Habitat for Humanity York County completed its 35th affordable home and handed over the keys to its new owners, Diego and Eileen Gonzalez. The Gonzalezes have served their county and community for decades. Eileen spent most of her career as a nurse and in-home hospice caregiver in Vermont. Diego, who enlisted in the Navy in 1969, served as a member of a flight control squadron for naval amphibious operations. The Gonzalezes, who have lived in Sanford for over 15 years, did more than their part, putting in over 600 volunteer hours with Habitat for Humanity — well surpassing the program requirement of 400 hours.

In the (strike) zone: Officer Brandon Wambolt of the Sanford Police Department was honored to toss out the first pitch at Goodall Park on June 26 for the Sanford Mainers game versus the North Adams SteepleCats. This game was designated the Mainers’ annual First Responders Appreciation Night, when first responders and their families receive free admission.

Cooking Matters Families at the Sanford-Springvale YMCA teaches families to prepare nutritious meals.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Healthy and budget-friendly meal prep for the family: A free instructional cooking program, Cooking Matters Families, is being offered at the Sanford-Springvale YMCA to teach families how to prepare meals that are healthy, tasty, and low cost. Each of the six interactive classes engages participants in hands-on meal preparation, practical nutrition tips, and food budgeting skills. Classes will be held from 2 pm to 4 pm on Tuesdays — July 16, July 23, July 30, Aug. 6, Aug. 20 and Aug. 27. Participants will receive a free recipe book with healthy, low-cost recipes and nutrition tips as well as take-home recipe bags filled with ingredients for recipes made during class. Space is limited. To sign up, email Megan Letendre, the University of New England’s nutrition education coordinator, at mletendre@une.edu.

Pipe and paving projects progress: According to a Sanford Water District post on June 28, progress on its two main replacement projects on Grammar Road and Spencer Hill Road are a week or two from completion. At both locations, the older cast iron pipes, which have experienced many breaks and leaks over the years, are being replaced with new ductile iron water lines. The new installation should improve water quality and eliminate the ongoing expense of making repairs. On Spencer Hill Road, the water district is partnering with the city to pave the entire road once the water main replacements are complete.

YCCAC announces Orange Line schedule change: During July and August, York County Community Action Corp. Transportation will no longer stop at York County Community College in Wells on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Their regularly scheduled seven-day service will resume after Labor Day. FMI on bus routes and schedules, go here. https://www.yccac.org/bus-routes-schedules

Food donations are needed weekly: St. Thérèse Food Closet is in constant need of replenishing a variety of food items such as cereal, crackers, canned tuna, canned chicken, baked beans, jams and jellies, canned fruit, and Pop Tarts. The Food Closet is open every Thursday from noon to 2 pm. Call Carlene Roy at 207-793-8912 with questions.

It takes a village: Through the work of many volunteers who donate food and many others who use the organization’s Amazon wish list to provide items such as bug spray, sunscreen, snacks, drinks and more, It Takes a Village 207 continues to feed the unhoused. Founded in 2020, the organization joined forces with Maine Homeless Veterans Alliance, and works to help people who are struggling get back on their feet. To volunteer or donate, go here. https://www.mainehomelessveteransalliance.org/it-takes-a-village-207/

Looking for running buddies? The TAKE OFF Run Club meets at Pilots Cove Cafe, 199 Airport Rd. in Sanford, on Wednesdays at 6:30 pm. Participants choose their own speed, pace and distance. Beginners are welcome. Email Amanda Gray at amandagrayandboys@gmail.com with questions.