News Notes

Some of this year’s Summer Reading Program winners with their hard-earned Portland Sea Dogs tickets in hand.

Photo: Goodall Library

Compiled by Carolyn Cadigan

Top readers reap rewards: Goodall Library announced the winners of the 2024 Summer Reading Program. The top readers are: Beau W. (age 0-5), Calvin D. (age 6-12), Liam L. (age 13-17), and Jon B. (adults). There were also two raffle winners: Alice H. (Amazon gift card) and Lisa J. (book bundle). This summer’s program attracted over 150 participants who read a cumulative total of 3,225 books. Pete Lieberman generously donated Portland Sea Dogs tickets to the program’s top readers. To join the fun, keep an eye out later this year for information on the Winter Reading Challenge.

Beware of wet paint: The Department of Public Works (DPW) has been striping city streets, including crosswalks, arrows, stop bars, and more, in Sanford and Springvale since Aug. 20. Striping could continue through the beginning of September, depending on weather conditions. Please be aware of the crews and striping equipment in the roadways and watch for wet paint. FMI, contact the DPW at 207-324-9135.

Nasson works with local colleges and universities to help fill the health care void: Nasson Health Care is once again partnering with York County Community College in Wells in its Medical Assistant Apprenticeship program. Earlier in August, the nine-month program launched, aiming to give students valuable classroom and on-the-job training as medical assistants. Nasson welcomed Cristopher Mejia to their team as he embarked on his journey to become a medical assistant. This rigorous program is helping to fill a void in the health care system. Nasson is also partnering with the University of New England College of Dental Medicine and its preceptor program, supporting dental students’ externship experiences. The program not only prepares future dentists, but also helps to address the dental provider shortage in many communities.

Pass the beans, please: The Knights of Columbus will be hosting monthly bean suppers at St. Thomas School, with all proceeds benefiting the school. Kicking off Sept. 7, the suppers will be held the first Saturday of each month from 4:30 to 6:30 pm in the cafeteria. Dinners cost $10 for adults, $6 for children aged 6 to 12, and free for children 5 and under.

Congratulations to MJ and Doris, who won several gold medals at the Maine Senior Games.

Photo: Trafton Senior Center

Trafton seniors win cornhole gold: Trafton Center members absolutely rocked the Cornhole Tournament at the Maine Senior Games on Aug. 17. Congratulations to MJ and Doris who won several gold medals. Congratulations also go to participants Claire and Bobbi, who did well in the tournament. Cornhole is one of the many activities offered at the Trafton Center. FMI on their activities, call 207-457-0080.

YCCAC to collect fares beginning Sept. 9: York County Community Action Corporation (YCCAC) has announced the reinstatement of transportation fares, beginning Sept. 9. YCCAC has been operating fare-free since 2020 due to 100 percent federal funding from Covid Relief Acts passed by Congress. With those funds now expended, federal funding will cover only 50 percent of eligible operating expenses. Several reduced fare options are available, along with discounted monthly and multi-ride passes. In addition, YCCAC has instituted a mobile ticketing system, using the mobile phone app Token Transit. Riders will be able to download the app on their phones and then purchase, activate, and board a bus, using just a smartphone. An exact-fare cash option and paper passes are also available. To purchase a transportation pass, visit the YCCAC office at 6 Spruce St., Sanford, or call 800-965-5762 or 207-459-9283 with questions. FMI on fares and payment options, go here.

Smitty’s offers BOGO deal for public safety and military personnel: All police officers, firefighters and military members are eligible for a “buy one, get one free” deal on all movie tickets every Monday at Smitty’s Cinema in Sanford.

Sept. 5 author talk at Goodall Library: Author Amy Safford will be at Goodall Library on Sept. 5 from 6 to 7 pm to discuss her debut novel, “Goode Vibrations of the Wresting Place,” as well as the history of Maine’s Malaga Island and what it means to “belong” in Maine. Free light refreshments will be served. This event will take place at the library’s temporary location in The Center for Shopping. FMI, go here.

Looking to fill families’ homes with books: BeLoved, an outreach ministry of Mercy Chapel, is seeking board books for an upcoming event. If you have gently used board books, please drop them off at Mercy Chapel, 1861 Main St., Sanford.