News Notes

Partners Bank Employee Appreciation Night in June honored some of its employees who were praised by their colleagues for their hard work.

Photo: Partners Bank

Compiled by Carolyn Cadigan

They did it again: For the third consecutive year, Partners Bank has been named one of the Best Places to Work in Maine. The organizations that make the list are determined by Best Companies Group, which conducts and collects surveys filled out anonymously by each company’s employees. The surveys gather feedback on a company’s leadership, corporate culture, and communication; the employee’s role within the organization, work environment, and relationships with immediate supervisors; training and development, pay, and benefits. “In a modern world that demands more and better from businesses and employers, it is an honor to be consistently recognized by our employees for our values and our culture,” said President & CEO Blaine Boudreau.

Native Mainer makes the case for native plants: The Southern Maine Garden Club will host Shawn Jalbert, owner of Native Haunts, a nursery and landscaping company in Alfred. Jalbert is a lifelong Mainer and a native plant advocate. He will speak on the topic of invasive plants and explain why native plants need advocates. Anyone interested in this topic is invited to attend the meeting to be held on Oct. 17 at the Springvale Library from 1 am to 3 pm. New members are always welcome.

A better way to get there from here: The Moving Maine Network is partnering with groups across the state to host virtual community forums and listening sessions with the goal of improving access to transportation in Maine. Held on Zoom, the sessions allow participants to share their experiences, stories and concerns with transportation services; learn what is working well in other states and within Maine; identify policy changes needed in Maine; and prepare to take action to bring needed changes to Maine. The Southern Maine sessions will be held Oct. 17 from 9 am to 10 am and 6 pm to 7:30 pm. Sessions for other regions within the state are being held on other dates. Those interested in participating can join any session. FMI on other dates, go here.

Funding to help with bereavement support: The Center for Grieving Children received an investment from United Way of Southern Maine to support the organization’s Bereavement Peer Support programming. This funding will help to provide a safe space, loving peer support, outreach, and education to grieving children, teens, young adults, families and the community.

A chance to support Great Bay Services and Mother Earth at the same time: Every $3 reusable Give Back Bag purchased during the month of October at Shaw’s Supermarket, 1364 Main St. in Sanford, earns a $1 donation made to Great Bay Services. Donations go toward helping the organization support individuals with intellectual disabilities, their families, and those who care for them.

Photo: Rotary Club of Sanford-Springvale

Fall cleanup at the roundabout: Over the past few weeks, members of the Rotary Club of Sanford-Springvale helped to clear and remove weeds around the perimeter of the center of the roundabout at the junction of Routes 109 and 4. Leading the project was Bridget Salantri, a master gardener, with help from volunteers Sarah Boyer, David Spahn, Keith Patterson, Bob Myott and Andy Orazio. Next steps will be to add mulch and bring in some native plants.

Early in-person voting has begun: In-person absentee voting for the Nov. 5 election began on Oct. 7 in City Hall’s 3rd floor conference room. The hours are 7:30 am to 5:30 pm, Monday through Thursday. (Note that City Hall will be closed Oct. 14 for Indigenous People’s Day.) Special weekend hours are Oct. 18 and Oct. 19, 8 am to 12 pm, and Oct. 25 and Oct. 26, 8 am to 3 pm. The last day for in-person absentee voting is Oct. 31. For those choosing to vote in person, the polling location for all Sanford/Springvale voters is Sanford High School at 100 Alumni Blvd. in Sanford. On Election Day, Nov. 5, poll hours are 7 am to 8 pm. The city is providing free transportation to the polls through York County Community Action Corporation (YCCAC). YCCAC will pick you up, bring you to vote, and take you back home. All vehicles are wheelchair accessible. Call YCCAC at 207-459-9283 by noon on Nov. 1 to reserve your ride.

Sign, sign, everywhere a sign: With the upcoming election, many people are displaying political signs for candidates or referendum issues. The York County Sheriff’s Office has reminded the public that all signs have value and are protected under the law. Anyone who chooses to remove or deface political signs is committing a class E crime. In addition, other laws covering the removal or defacing of temporary signs can result in a fine of up to $250. The sheriff’s office reminds all people to be respectful of all political signs, regardless of the candidate or issue displayed.

Celebrating service to the city: Sarah Howe of the Sanford Police Department recently celebrated 20 years of service with the City of Sanford. The city commended Howe’s hard work and exceptional dedication to serving the community. Congratulations, Sarah!

Traffic light alert: The new traffic light at the intersection of School Street, Route 4 and Gavel Road is now fully active and no longer a flashing light. Be mindful of the new signal when traveling through the area and follow traffic safety rules.