News Notes

Stuff the Bus Maine is seeking donations for the new school year.

Photo: Stuff the Bus Maine

Compiled by Carolyn Cadigan

The annual school supply drive is on: School may be out for the summer, but this is when Stuff the Bus Maine puts the pedal to the metal, collecting supplies for the new school year. Having depleted much of its inventory when it distributed 900 backpacks full of school supplies last year, the non-profit organization is seeking help. For the month of July, people can make financial contributions to Stuff the Bus Maine at the donation kiosk at Hannaford in Sanford. In addition, school supplies may be donated at various Sanford-Springvale locations, including Partners Bank, Kennebunk Savings, Nasson Health Care, Eldredge Lumber & Hardware, and Walmart. Some of the items needed are large backpacks, #2 Ticonderoga pencils, colored pencils, colored markers, erasers, spiral notebooks, composition notebooks, two-pocket folders, three-ring binders (1 inch or 2 inch), glue sticks, crayons (24 pack), tissues, rulers and pens. FMI, email Wanda Parent at wmparent@hotmail.com.

They’re just down the road a piece: Fast & Happy Bicycles has relocated to The Townhouse at 883 Main St., across from the Midtown Mall. The shop is temporarily closed to general retail traffic as they get organized from the move, but feel free to call or text 207-502-2280 to coordinate a visit.

Kids’ activities abound for the month of July: Adventure Crafts for children ages 5 to 12 are scheduled for every Wednesday in July in the children’s room at Springvale Library. Children can visit anytime between 2 pm and 4 pm to make the planned craft of the week: July 10 – musical tambourines, July 17 – mini oceans, July 24 – Lego fantasy creations, and July 31 – recycled robots. All materials are provided. A Tide Pool Touch Bin will be at Goodall Library on July 29 at 10:30 am, where children ages 3 and up can touch live sea creatures, enjoy a seaweed sensory bin, and do a themed craft. The event is limited to 25 participants, so call 207-324-4714 to reserve a spot or register in person at Goodall Library.

Credit union names new manager: Ashlee Goodwin has recently been hired as manager of Atlantic Federal Credit Union branch office at 1516 Main St.Goodwin joined Atlantic after a 12-year career at Northeast Credit Union, where she held various roles, including business development officer, underwriter, and branch assistant manager. Goodwin, who attended Granite State College, is an active Marshwood High School Football Boosters member and regularly volunteers with Community Action Partners and a local soup kitchen.  

Help a family make a house their home: Habitat for Humanity York County is working on its second Allen Street build in Sanford and needs volunteers during the month of July. No construction experience is needed to volunteer. To help, sign up for an open shift here.

Nominate your local hero: Through Dec. 27, Partners Bank and Townsquare Media, owner of 102.1 and 105.3 The Shark and WBLM 102.9 radio stations, will be honoring veterans, active military, and first responders in their Local Hero of the Week program. Each week, a hero will receive a $50 gift certificate to either Pepper’s Landing in New Hampshire or Gritty McDuff’s in Maine and be entered to win the grand prize of $500 at the end of the year. To learn more about the program and to nominate your favorite local hero, go here.

Sanford Elks Lodge #1470 Ritual Team. Seated, from left: Exalted Ruler Frank Ricker, Leading Knight J. Andrew Bolz, Loyal Knight Marise Anagnost, Lecturing Knight Rob Wilkins, Esquire Robert Shaw. Standing, from left: Chaplain Corey DeWitt, Inner Guard Fred Daniels, Candidate Sheila Pillsbury, Coach Bruce Brunelle, Coach Joleen DeWitt, Coach Tricia Bolz, and Coach Lisa Brunelle.

Photo: Sanford Elks Lodge #1470

Elks shine in the Lone Star State: Congratulations to the Sanford Lodge #1470 Ritual Team for finishing fourth in the nation in the 2024 Grand Lodge Ritual Contest. The Elks Grand Lodge Convention was held in Austin, Texas, from June 30 to July 3. The Sanford team qualified for the national competition in Feb. 2024 by earning the top spot in the Maine Elks Association State Ritual Contest.

Getting credit for using debit cards: As part of the Swipe Out Hunger campaign, members of Atlantic Federal Credit Union (AFCU) swiped their AFCU debit cards over one million times during the month of June. As a result, the credit union is donating $32,433 to the Campaign for Ending Hunger in Maine.

SFD aims to educate voters before Election Day: A new video from the Sanford Fire Department (SFD) has been released with the goal of educating residents and business owners about the need in the community to construct two new fire stations. Sanford-Springvale voters will have the opportunity to vote on the issue on Nov. 5. SFD promotes that the modern stations will better ensure the safety and well-being of both its staff and the residents they serve. To view the video and learn more about the project, go here.

Helping kids get a good night’s rest: Sleep in Heavenly Peace, a non-profit organization based in Rochester, NH, provides beds for children, ages 3 to 17, who are in need in communities within 15 miles of its base, including the Sanford-Springvale area. Over the past two months, with help from its volunteers, sponsors and donors, the organization has delivered and assembled 31 beds for children who did not have their own bed in which to sleep. FMI about the organization, to request a bed for someone in need, or to make a donation, go here.

YCCAC announces trolleys for sale: Three trolleys are for sale through York County Community Action Corp. Transportation. They are 2009 Molly trolleys, carry 31 passengers, have a Ford V10 engine and a 228-inch wheelbase, are gas powered, and have a mobility lift. All vehicles are located at 6 Spruce St. in Sanford and are to be sold as is, where is, with no warranties, by sealed bid. Bids must be marked “Sealed Bid” on the front of the envelope and sent to: YCCAC, Attn: Russ Morse, PO Box 72, Sanford, ME 04073. Bids must be received by noon on July 19. FMI and to view the vehicles, contact Russ Morse at 207-569-5790.

Painting fundraiser supports local scouts: Paint Night with Michelle Silke will be held at Mill Towne Tavern on July 26 at 4 pm. Guided by Silke, participants will paint an artistic anchor. The cost is $35. This event is a fundraiser for Cub Scout Pack 355. Those under age 21 are permitted until 8 pm. Food and beverages are available, but not included in the event cost. FMI and to register, go here.