News Notes

The Partners Bank program, Winter Coats for All, is led by Crystal Callahan, receptionist at the bank’s main office.

Photo: Partners Bank

Compiled by Carolyn Cadigan

Make it a Marie Kondo closet cleanout: Through Dec. 14, the Partners Bank office at 900 Main St. in Sanford is running its Winter Coats for All program to benefit the Salvation Army. Donate new or gently used coats, mittens, gloves, hats and scarves for adults and children by dropping them off at the donation table in the bank lobby. Last year, 251 winter clothing items were collected. This year, the team at Partners Bank aims to surpass that number.

A chance for your donation dollars to go further: The Center for Grieving Children has set a $5,000 goal for its Fall Appeal to take advantage of a $5,000 match pledged by a generous supporter. The organization is just $2,000 away from reaching its goal. Give a gift today to help share the love, hope and care that The Center for Grieving Children brings to families at no cost. To donate, go here.

New VFW service officer to assist veterans: Joseph Armstrong is the new service officer for VFW Post 9935 in Sanford. Armstrong has been doing service officer work for over six years. Check out Post 9935’s Facebook page periodically for information on veterans’ benefits and other subjects of interest to veterans and their family members. In the meantime, if you need help filling out Veterans Affairs forms or feel that you have a claim you would like to file, contact Armstrong at 207-490-2094.

Plan your date night or holiday shopping without the kids: The Sanford-Springvale YMCA is offering a night of child-sitting on Nov. 30 from 4 pm to 8 pm. The Titans Swim Team and staff will take care of the kids, keeping them busy with swimming, crafting, watching movies, and even having a Nerf battle! This is a Titans fundraiser, with all proceeds going to the swim team. The cost is $30 for the first child and $20 for each additional child. Children must be potty-trained. FMI and to register, contact the Welcome Center at 207-324-4942.

New faces caring for residents at Pinnacle: Several new members recently joined the Pinnacle Health & Rehab team in Sanford. Welcome aboard to Ellen McNair, housekeeper; Robert Bell, LPN; LaToya Bell, LPN; Faith Yates, CNA-MT; Nancy Michaud, RN; Tia Swain, LPN; Jenifer Espinosa, housekeeper; Bianca Brown, CNA; and Blake Ware, dietary aide.

Reflection and prayer leading up to Christmas: St. Thérèse of Lisieux Parish has announced that Advent wreaths are being sold for $25 by the Daughters of Isabella. Each decorated wreath includes three purple and one pink candle — one for each week of Advent, which begins Dec. 1 — along with a prayer card that can be used as the candles are lit each night. To order, contact JoAnn Pion at 207-468-1282 or joann.pion@gmail.com.

Photo: Habitat for Humanity York County

Sanford honored for supporting Habitat for Humanity’s mission: Habitat for Humanity York County recently presented the City of Sanford with the 2024 Miles Freeman Award for Service. The award, named after one of the organization’s founders, is presented to select donors, volunteers and partners who exemplify Freeman’s dedication to providing safe and affordable housing for York County families. The City of Sanford was recognized for its significant contributions since 2017, including working with Habitat for Humanity to facilitate the sale of affordable land for the organization’s home ownership programs. Over the past seven years, Habitat for Humanity has acquired six lots in Sanford, supporting a total of at least 12 homes, four of which have already been completed, with another eight planned for the coming years. In addition, Sanford partnered with the organization to secure $400,000 in Community Development Block Grant funding for the construction of six homes. Two other award recipients were also named — Beth Doty, honored for her tireless advocacy and service to the organization in various capacities since 2009, and Kennebunk Savings, honored for its volunteer teams’ support at build sites and ReStore, its staff members’ service on committees and the Board of Directors, and its overall financial support.

Early holiday shopping at the library: Support Springvale Library while picking up some books, book art, crafts, jewelry and more at the library’s Annual Holiday Pop-up Shop, open during library hours from Dec. 2 to Dec. 7. All proceeds will help with new book purchases and the library’s operating costs.

Springvale native steps up to top jail post: Springvale native Lori J. Marks has been named administrator of York County Jail in Alfred. Marks, 53, an Alfred resident, has served as the jail’s interim administrator since May. She replaces former jail administrator Nathan Thayer, who left in May to become warden of the Maine State Prison. Her appointment to the top jail position was approved by a vote of York County Commissioners on Nov. 6. Marks was named national Corrections Officer of the Year by the American Jail Association in 2022 and is a certified jail manager through the American Jail Association – one of two in Maine, according to Sheriff William King.

Celebrate the season with Broose and Boomer: Visit the Sanford Mainers this holiday season for their Christmoose with the Mainers event on Dec. 14, 10 am to 2 pm. Join in the fun at the front office and storefront for professional photos with Sanford’s favorite moose, Broose and Boomer, hot chocolate, treats, and a special visit from Santa. Finish your shopping in-store with a 10% discount off your entire merchandise purchase.

Are you service-minded? Join the club: On Nov. 6, Altrusa of Sanford-Springvale welcomed Rita Cote, Altrusa District One governor, at their monthly business meeting to share information regarding Altrusa International and the programs that are supported by both the local club and the district. For over 30 years, Altrusa of Sanford-Springvale has supported local organizations, helping with scholarships to high schools, Stuff the Bus, the veteran’s center, and York County Shelter Programs, among others. The club is always looking for new members. Meetings are held at the Trafton Center, 19 Elm St. in Sanford, on the first and third Wednesdays of the month at 5:30 pm. FMI, contact Thea Murphy, membership chair, at altrusa-sanford@outlook.com.

The Spree of Trees is fast approaching: As of Nov. 11, the Sanford Alumni Association had signed on 114 tree sponsors, leaving 11 more sponsors to go to reach their goal of 125 trees for the 6th Annual Spree of Trees, to be held Dec. 5 to Dec. 8 at the Memorial Gym Cafeteria. Contact Theresa Salls at gsalls@metrocast.net or 207-651-4969 to sign on before it’s too late.