News Notes

The Great Bay Services community collected a total of 1,925 toys, some displayed here, to be donated to Marine Toys for Tots for children in Sanford, Springvale and Wells.

Photo: Great Bay Services

Compiled by Carolyn Cadigan

Bringing holiday magic and wonder to local children: Great Bay Services more than rose to the challenge this year. For the first time, they took on supporting three towns — Sanford, Springvale and Wells — in helping the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation make Christmas special for children in need. From Nov. 1 to Dec. 13, Great Bay Services, with the help of its adult partners and many generous contributors, was able to collect a total of 1,925 toys to donate. The organization gave special thanks to Cory Long, volunteer coordinator, for her time, effort and coordination in making the project happen.

Nasson dental hygienist broadens her capabilities: Lynn Michienzi, registered dental hygienist at Nasson Health Care, recently completed a program at York County Community College that trained her to perform a wider range of dental procedures. With her expanded training, Michienzi will be able to complete dental restorations for her patients. Congratulations, Lynn!

Mastraccio to chair committee on state government accountability: Maine House Speaker Ryan Fecteau has named Rep. Anne-Marie Mastraccio of Sanford to serve as House chair of the Legislature’s Government Oversight Committee. She previously served as the House chair of the committee from 2016 to 2020. The committee oversees program evaluation and government accountability matters in state government. The committee works to ensure that public funds are spent for intended purposes and that programs and activities are effectively, efficiently and economically managed. “It is an honor to have been appointed to the position of chair and I look forward to our work ahead,” Matraccio said. 

O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree: Let Sanford/Springvale Cub Scout Pack 355 pick up your discarded Christmas tree this year. You’ll be supporting their Annual Christmas Tree Pickup Fundraiser and your tree will be recycled, turned into wood chips by a local business. All trees must be completely free of decorations and tinsel, and they must be placed at the end of the driveway by 7:30 am on the pick-up day. Available dates are Dec. 26, Jan. 5, Jan. 12 or Jan. 19. Sign up to schedule a date and pay the $20 fee. FMI, call 207-651-2142 or email SanfordCubScoutPack355@gmail.com.

A chance for girls to build confidence, courage and character: The Girl Scouts of Maine is holding a sign-up event for girls in grades Kindergarten to 3 and their caregivers on Jan. 13 from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm at Sanford Recreation, 678 Main St., Sanford. Attendees can enjoy hands-on crafts like making secret code bracelets and a magical unicorn-themed project while learning about Girl Scouts programs and volunteer opportunities.

Diane Small, Executive Director of Sanford Housing Authority, recently received a 2024 Spirit of America Award from York County Commissioners.

Photo: Tammy Wells

SHA director receives county award: York County Commissioners bestowed 18 Spirit of America Foundation tributes, recognizing groups and individuals for their volunteerism, as nominated by their municipalities. Sanford Housing Authority Executive Director Diane Small received one of the awards. In nominating Small, Sanford city leaders noted that she has partnered with the city to help address the needs for senior housing and workforce housing and has advocated for people from all walks of life to have safe, affordable and appropriate housing options. She has served on several committees, is in the process of developing a Housing First facility, and “consistently goes above and beyond what is expected of her in any position she holds,” city leaders said.

Talent abounds at Great Bay Services art show: A range of creativity and individuality was on display as attendees took in the artwork presented at the Great Bay Services Art Show, held on Dec. 12 in Sanford. The works, created by the organization’s community members, included paintings, photography, diamond dots, and more. Kennebunk Savings sponsored the event and supported the art program. Anyone still looking for holiday gifts can check out their 2025 art calendars and greeting cards, featuring artwork from the organization’s adult partners. Purchase art calendars here and greeting cards here.

Sanford school community to benefit from the Spree of Trees raffle: The Sanford Alumni Association announced it raised nearly $50,000 at this year’s 6th Annual Spree of Trees held Dec. 5 – 8 at Memorial Gym. The event had 118 tree sponsors this year. The money raised will fund various projects that are not covered by the school budget.

Need help keeping your New Year’s resolutions? The Winter Program Guide from the Sanford-Springvale YMCA is available online. Registration for this session, which runs from Jan. 6 to Feb. 22, opened on Dec. 16. See what’s available in the guide.

Improve your Word skills, no vocabulary tests needed: Springvale Library is hosting a free, three-session class, Introduction to MS Word, on Jan. 13, 14 and 15, from 2 pm to 3 pm. The class, offered onsite at the library by the National Digital Equity Center, will cover how to format text, use paragraph dialog boxes, add indents, work with tables and columns, and do more with your documents. The class requires a Windows or Mac computer, connected to the Internet, with MS Word 2016 or later installed. To register, go here.

Holiday Vacation Camp at Sanford Memorial Gym begins Monday Dec. 23, and runs 7:30 am-5:30 pm. On Tuesday Dec. 24, camp runs 7:30 am-noon with Christmas Tree Arts and Crafts.
There is no camp on Christmas Day. On Thursday Dec. 26, camp runs from 7:30 am-5:30 pm. If there is snow, bring a sled if you have one. If there is no snow, we will have extra Wheels Day, so bring a scooter, bike, skates, hoverboard, etc. On Friday Dec. 27, camp runs from 7:30 am- 5:30 pm. It’s Wheels Day and Paper bag Snowflakes Making. Camp continues on Monday Dec. 30, from 7:30 am- 5:30 pm with Bowling @ Bowl-A-Rama at 9 am. The last day of Vacation Camp is Tuesday Dec. 31, from 7:30 am- 3 pm with Obstacle Course Blow-up fun.