News Notes

Photo: missvain via Creative Commons

Compiled by Carolyn Cadigan

A fun way for kids to get their fruits and veggies: The Power of Produce (PoP) Club is a free kids’ program offered at the Sanford Farmers’ Market, which is held Saturdays from 8 am to noon at Central Park. Each week children can receive a $2 voucher to spend on fresh fruits and vegetables from local farms. The program aims to encourage healthy eating habits and give kids the opportunity to meet the growers of their food within the community. In addition, the PoP Club offers special activities for kids throughout the summer.

Rotary Club donations and a special honor: The City of Sanford recently recognized the Rotary Club of Sanford-Springvale for its donations of money and clothes for unhoused people over the past two years. The money was used to purchase shower vouchers at the YMCA as well as to pay for motel rooms, travel expenses and rental assistance. In other Rotary Club news, David Spahn was named a Paul Harris Fellow earlier this month. President Bob Myott recognized Spahn for his involvement in many of the club’s activities as well as for his generous contributions to the Rotary Foundation. Congratulations, David!

A second chance for Emily: Emily King, the 7-year-old Sanford resident who was in dire need of new lungs, is now recovering from her second transplant surgery in five years. The delicate surgery was performed July 18 at Boston Children’s Hospital. Lung transplant operations are known to be difficult, especially the second time. Emily is currently in a delicate period with her family, friends, and followers all supporting her and each other. “Emily is making amazing progress in her recovery and is the strongest little girl I know!” her mother, Stephanie King, said. “We are so thankful to both her donor families for the gift – a future with our baby girl.” Updates on Emily’s condition are available through a group Facebook page, Fight Like Emily:

Amusement park tickets for less: Discount tickets are on sale at Sanford Parks & Recreation for Funtown/Splashtown, York Wild Kingdom Zoo (zoo tickets only), and Aquaboggan. Purchases are cash only at the Recreation office. FMI, go here.

If you get a call like this, hang up: Fraudsters, pretending to be Kennebunk Savings’ employees, have been calling the bank’s customers saying their accounts have been compromised. The fraudsters ask customers for their banking credentials, full account numbers, passwords, debit card numbers, texted codes, and CVV numbers. They use the information to make a purchase. When the customer receives a text to verify the purchase, the fraudsters convince the customer to approve the transaction. In some cases, fraudsters also ask customers to download an app on their cell phones so they can gain access to all their information. Know that the bank will never ask you to provide personal account information, approve a transaction you know is fraudulent, or download an app to your personal device. If you get a call asking for any of this information, hang up immediately and call the bank’s customer care team at 800-339-6573.

Photo: Sanford High School

Hearing on voting location consolidation: The City Council will hold a public hearing on Aug. 6 at 6 pm in the City Council Chambers to gather resident comments on the proposal to consolidate wards and reduce the city’s voting locations from three to one. The proposed new polling place will be at Sanford High School and Regional Technical Center, 100 Alumni Blvd. The regular voting entrance is door #41, with an alternate accessible entrance clearly labeled on election days. All residents are welcome to attend the hearing in person or participate remotely via video and teleconference. To join the meeting by phone or computer, use the link provided on the city’s website.

Sanford native nominated for DHHS commissioner: Governor Janet Mills announced on July 18 that she will nominate Sara Gagné-Holmes to serve as commissioner of the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). Gagné-Holmes, who grew up in Sanford, served as DHHS deputy commissioner for the past five years, and has led the department in an acting capacity since June 1, following the departure of Jeanne Lambrew. As deputy commissioner, Gagné-Holmes was an integral member of the executive leadership team overseeing the department’s more than 3,000 employees across eight offices and two psychiatric hospitals. Her nomination is subject to a hearing before the Maine State Legislature’s Health and Human Services Committee and confirmation by the Maine State Senate.

Free medical assistant training at YCCC: Nasson Health Care is again participating in the York County Community College (YCCC) Medical Assistant Apprenticeship program. This all-expense-paid, nine-month accelerated program provides paid, on-the-job training along with blended classroom and online instruction from YCCC instructors. FMI and eligibility requirements, call 207-216-4300 or go here.

A fun time and money raised in memory of Ray Bourre: The Maine Children’s Cancer Program (MCCP) Committee of the Sanford Elks Lodge #1470 hosted the 2nd Annual Ray Bourre’s Day on July 13 at Iron Tails Saloon in Acton. The event, which included raffles, silent and live auctions, food, entertainment and more, raised over $29,000 for MCCP kids and their families. The committee thanked the many, many businesses, organizations and individuals involved, and recognized the part they played in making a positive impact on the lives of children and their families bravely fighting cancer and blood disorders.

Time’s running out for YMCA swag: Less than one week remains to be part of the raffle contest being run by the Sanford-Springvale YMCA. The winner will receive an adult hoodie, a water bottle, three YMCA stickers, and sunglasses. One entry per Facebook profile/name is allowed. However, the contest is not open to YMCA staff or their families. The winner, to be drawn July 31, will be contacted on Facebook. To enter the raffle, just like and share the YMCA post found here.