News Notes
- January 10th 2025
- News Notes
Sanford Fire Department’s Technical Rescue Team completed a comprehensive “Train the Trainer” session on CMC bailout systems last fall.
Photo: Sanford Firefighters Association Local 1624
Compiled by Carolyn Cadigan
Make a profound impact on the lives of others as a firefighter: The Sanford Fire Department is hiring for the positions of firefighter/EMT, firefighter/advanced EMT, and firefighter/paramedic, and has extended the application deadline to Jan. 31 in order to fill current vacancies as well as to create an eligibility list for future hiring. These opportunities offer a chance to serve and protect the community, build a career within the department, and benefit from the planned construction of two new fire stations that will replace the city’s current facilities. Access more details and the application packet here.
Former SPD deputy chief named YCSO major: Longtime law enforcement officer Craig Sanford has taken on the role of major of operations at the York County Sheriff’s Office effective Jan. 6. His career includes more than 22 years with the Sanford Police Department, including two years serving as deputy chief, and 13 years as police chief in Kennebunkport, a job he held until retiring in May 2024. Sanford’s chief responsibility in the role will be patrol operations, but he will also handle other duties, such as evaluating employees, establishing departmental policies, serving as a community liaison, assisting in budget preparation, and more. York County Commissioners unanimously approved Sanford’s appointment to the Major of Operations position Dec. 18.
Free “to go” meals from YCSP: York County Shelter Programs (YCSP) will distribute free “to go” meals every Tuesday and Thursday, from 2 pm to 3 pm, from the parking lot of St. George’s Episcopal Church at 3 Emerson St., Sanford. YCSP will no longer serve meals at the former Lafayette School on Brook Street. All are welcome.
Red Cross blood drives coming to three area locations: Over the next four weeks, the American Red Cross will be seeking blood donations locally to keep up with the constant need for blood. Meeting this need depends on people being willing to make a donation; however, only about 3% of age-eligible people donate blood annually. Blood drives are being held on Jan. 27 at North Parish Church, 893 Main St. in Sanford, from 12 pm to 5:30 pm; on Feb. 3 at Nasson Community Center, 457 Main St. in Springvale, from 9:30 am to 3 pm; and on Feb. 4 at Kennebunk Masons, 159 Alfred Rd. in Kennebunk, from 12 pm to 5 pm. To schedule an appointment, go to American Red Cross, enter your zip code to find the location, and follow the instructions to schedule your time.
Do you hear that? The stage is calling: Auditions and an interest meeting for Nasson Youth Theater’s spring production of two one-act plays will be held on Jan. 19 from 6 pm to 8:30 pm at 457 Main St., Springvale. This year’s production will feature “Farmageddon and the Undercover Crop,” directed by Ash Muise, and “Circus Sideshow,” directed by Cat Mathews. Designed to teach skills in the theatrical arts to youth ages 8 to 18, the program has a variety of roles available, including actors, stage hands, a stage manager, set builders, techs and more. All skill levels are welcome. Anyone who is interested should bring a parent or guardian to the first meeting. After a discussion and read-through of the two plays, auditions will be held for parts. Rehearsals are Sunday through Wednesday (no rehearsals during February vacation), and the show dates are one weekend only, March 28, 29 and 30. FMI, email nytnasson@gmail.com.
Don’t let the cold chill your new year exercise mojo: Free indoor walking at Willard School, 668 Main St. in Sanford, is available each week, Monday through Thursday from 3 pm to 7:45 pm and Friday from 9 am to 2 pm, through June 30. The building has two floors, so walkers can log plenty of steps and add in some stairs. No registration is needed. Simply stop in at the office to sign in and sign out.
New year, new payroll requirements for Maine employers: Effective Jan. 1, under the new Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) Program, any employer with at least one Maine-based employee must begin payroll withholdings for their employees, with the contribution amount dependent on the number of employees. As a result, the Maine Department of Labor has launched its new PFML Portal, enabling employers to register, designate a payroll processor, file quarterly wage reports, and remit quarterly premium contributions. FMI on the program and to access the portal, go here.
