News Notes

Compiled by Carolyn Cadigan

A chance to get answers to residents’ burning questions: A big crowd is expected Wednesday evening at the city council’s community forum to discuss plans to build two new fire stations at a cost of $42.5 million. The session is scheduled for Oct. 2, from 6 pm to 8 pm, at the Sanford Performing Arts Center. The City of Sanford has already purchased land for the stations proposed to be built at the former Notre Dame Church in Springvale and the former Springvale Nurseries on lower Main Street. However, construction requires passage of a bond issue on Nov. 5. The city council and firefighters have been promoting the project for months with videos, information sheets and public comments. New this week: glossy flyers, paid for by Jonathan Mapes, landed in mailboxes urging residents: “Don’t be afraid to ask questions!”

Shipyard impact: The Seacoast Shipyard Association has published the 2023 Report on the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (PNSY) and its economic impact on the economy of southern Maine. As in past years, Sanford/Springvale residents make up the largest slice of the payroll pie at $45.9 million and represent the largest number of employees (520) from Maine. PNSY impacted the regional economy by more than $1.5 billion in 2023. In addition to payroll, Sanford/Springvale companies and local independent contractors have also benefitted by doing business with the shipyard.

Give them something good to eat: This year’s Trunk or Treat at Mikini Embroidery and Sports Apparel is scheduled for Oct. 31 from 5 pm to 8 pm. Anyone interested in joining the event to hand out candy can call the shop at 207-459-1200.

With pricing set, York County training center project to begin: Work should start soon to build a $24 million, combined recovery center and first-responder training center in Alfred, according to York County government. The center will include space for 58 beds for substance abuse disorder treatment, as well as space to conduct trainings for law enforcement, dispatching, and fire and emergency medical services. Much of the funding from the two projects comes from York County government’s $40 million allocation from the federal American Recovery Plan Act.

Voting day info on new location, free rides, and absentee ballots: Beginning with the Nov. 5 election, all Sanford/Springvale voters will cast their ballots at Sanford High School & Regional Technical Center, 100 Alumni Blvd. (Voting Door #42). To help Sanford and Springvale voters get to the polls, Sanford is offering free transportation. If you need a ride, call York County Community Action Corporation (YCCAC) at 207-459-9283 by noon on Nov. 1 to reserve a spot. YCCAC will pick you up, bring you to vote, and take you back home. All vehicles are wheelchair accessible. If you prefer to vote by absentee ballot, call the city clerk, use the Secretary of State’s online service, or submit a written request to get an absentee ballot. In-person absentee voting is available from Oct. 7 to Oct. 31 at the Clerk’s Office. If you have questions about voting or early voting options, contact Sue Cote, registrar of voters, at 207–324-9107.

SCAE offers free CDL class: Sanford Community Adult Education is offering a free, five-week CDL – Class B, Theory Only class from Oct. 21 through Nov. 27 at 6 pm. A $60 fee for textbooks will be due the first night of the class. Participating agencies are Ledgemere Transportation, York County Community Action Corporation and Biddeford Saco OOB Transit. FMI, call 207-490-5145. To register, go here.

Meets training and objectives. Check that box: Recently, two probationary firefighters with the Sanford Fire Department were awarded their traditional helmet shield. The awarding of the shield is done after probationary firefighters complete all training and objectives required of them during their probationary year. Probationary FF Fahey was presented her shield by Captain Beecher and Probationary FF Estela was presented his by Captain Jones. The department is proud of their hard work and dedication in meeting their probationary goals.

Salvation Army offers meal and gift assistance for the holidays: The Salvation Army is again offering Thanksgiving and Christmas assistance this year. If you are in need of Thanksgiving or Christmas meal assistance, stop by The Salvation Army, 871 Main St. in Sanford, to fill out an application either during its Food Pantry hours or between 4 pm and 6 pm on one of these dates: Oct. 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24 or 30. For parents needing Christmas gift assistance, remember to bring all the required paperwork (a passport or photo ID with proof of address, children’s birth certificates, and proof of income and expenses). The organization will be serving children up to age 13 this year. Teens will be assisted by Toys for Tots this year.

Federal grant supports expanded burial options for veterans: The Southern Maine Veterans’ Cemetery will benefit from a significant federal grant awarded to the Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services. Part of the Veterans Cemetery Grants Program under the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the grant provides $1,641,330 to fund the construction of columbarium niches and cremation plots at the cemetery. Cemeteries in Springvale and the Northern Maine Veterans’ Cemetery in Caribou received grant money, enabling both locations to increase capacity. “I thank the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for this grant, which will help us ensure Maine’s veterans have access to more burial options closer to home,” said Governor Janet Mills.

Want to buy a home but unsure how to begin? York County Community Action Corporation (YCCAC) is offering a monthly “Buying Your First Home” webinar. Home Buyer Education Classes provide honest, accurate information about homeownership and prepare individuals and families for the steps in the home-buying process. The next sessions of YCCAC’s 8-hour class will be held Oct. 8 to 10, starting at 6 pm, or Nov. 2 and 3, starting at 9 am. Registration fees are $30 per person and $50 per couple. FMI, email Home Buyer Education Coordinator Lee Sullivan at lee.sullivan@yccac.org, or call 207-459-2961. To register, go here.

Nasson Health Care earns badge for health quality: Nasson Health Care recently earned a Community Health Quality Recognition (CHQR) award for its commitment to improving health access, health equity, health information technology, and its COVID-19 public health emergency response. CHQR badges recognize health centers nationally for notable achievements in patient care and improving health outcomes of those in our community. The organization congratulates its team for putting patients first and providing compassionate and quality care each day to those they serve.

Are visions of sugarplums already dancing in your head? The Sanford Alumni Association is seeking tree sponsors for the 6th Annual Spree of Trees, to be held Dec. 5 through 8 at the Memorial Gym Cafeteria. Tree sponsors need to provide the tree and decorations for their chosen theme. Set-up will be Dec. 2 through 4 from 4 pm to 7 pm. To sponsor a tree, contact Theresa Salls at gsalls@metrocast.net or 207-651-4969.