Erik Sechler of Native Plant Trust speaks to the crowd at River Junction Brewing on Jan. 25, as Keith Davis, president of Three Rivers Land Trust, looks on. The event was jointly organized by Three Rivers, Sanford Trails and Mousam Way Land Trust to honor volunteers who worked on trails and conservation projects last year. Volunteers enjoyed a catered meal and slideshows of their work.
Photo: Ruth Gutman
Compiled by Carolyn Cadigan
Public input requested to improve South Sanford road safety: Sanford residents and business owners are invited to participate in a study to identify transportation improvements in South Sanford. The specific area of focus extends along Main Street (Route 109) from Westview Drive to Patriot Lane, Route 4 from Country Club Road # 1 to the School Street/Gavel Road intersection, and Mousam River Trail from the high school to Route 4. The study aims to develop strategies to increase safety and connectivity for pedestrians, trail users and bicyclists. FMI and to participate in the online survey, go here.
Staying warm this winter in York County: The City of Sanford recently posted a reminder regarding warming center and shelter options for those in need. Currently, there is no warming center operating in the city. However, the state has provided funds to Seeds of Hope in Biddeford to operate the York County Warming Center. For transportation assistance, people can contact the Sanford Police Department at 207-324-3644. Additionally, those seeking shelter are encouraged to contact York County Shelter Programs (YCSP) at 207-324-1137 for support. The shelter has staff available 24/7 to discuss shelter options, help create a shelter plan, and answer questions. If a meal and a warm place to rest is needed, but not overnight shelter, that is okay, too. Do not risk staying out in the cold.
For those interested in helping YCSP by donating supplies, the residents have compiled a wish list of items, which can be found here. Monetary donations can be made online at YCSP or via Venmo at @ycsp-donations.
Shake, rattle and roll: If you were in Sanford on Jan. 27 around 10:22 am, you probably felt a strange sensation in the ground beneath your feet. According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), a 3.8 magnitude earthquake occurred about 6 miles southeast of York Harbor. Fewer people probably felt the aftershock, with a 2.0 magnitude, on Jan. 29 at 3:15 am. Its epicenter was 5.5 miles southeast of York Harbor, close to the earlier earthquake, the USGS reported. Maine is in a seismically active area. In fact, according to Earthquake Track, the state experienced eight earthquakes in just the last two months. Fortunately, most earthquakes in Maine are barely felt, registering at 1 to 3 magnitude on the Richter Scale.
Sand available for older residents to stay safe this winter: Older, homebound residents of Sanford-Springvale are eligible to receive a bucket of sand to use on their walkways to help them stay safe this winter. This program is made possible by Thriving in Place: Age-Friendly Sanford. FMI on how to receive a bucket, or to volunteer with this project, call the Trafton Senior Center at 207-457-0080.
Are you ready to serve and protect? The City of Sanford is looking for dedicated, compassionate and driven people to join its police force. Whether you are just starting out or already certified through the Maine Criminal Justice Academy, here’s your chance to uphold justice, build trust, and contribute to a safer community. FMI and to apply, go here.
There’s still time to join the reading fun: Goodall Library’s Winter Reading Program, open to both kids and adults, runs through March 6. To participate, pick up a bingo card and complete the fun reading challenges and winter activities. Each bingo game will earn prizes for kids, while adults will earn entries into a raffle for a chance to win a $100 Amazon card. All ages earn a free book if they finish their board completely. Pick up your bingo card now at Goodall Library.
Photo: Sanford Police Department
New officer joins SPD: The Sanford Police Department recently announced that Officer Jonathan Cotton has joined the department. Cotton comes to Sanford with six years of experience at the Biddeford Police Department. He is a certified instructor, including in Mechanics of Restraint and Control, and will serve as the department’s new K-9 handler. Welcome to Sanford, Officer Cotton!
MHMMC Sanford and Biddeford named Pediatric Innovators: Maine Emergency Medical System for Children recently recognized the emergency departments at Maine Health Maine Medical Center (MHMMC) campuses in Sanford and Biddeford for achieving the highest level possible — Pediatric Innovator — according to the Maine Always Ready for Children standards. Maine Always Ready for Children is a state program that examines hospital emergency departments in how they assess, treat and stabilize pediatric medical and traumatic emergencies. Pediatric Innovators not only exceed the Maine Always Ready for Children standards but also help other hospitals with their readiness. MHMMC Sanford and MHMMC Biddeford are the third emergency departments in Maine to meet the standards at the Pediatric Innovator level. FMI, go here.
ITAV donation challenge to fund supplies for the unhoused: It Takes a Village 207 (ITAV) has been providing Sanford’s unhoused with meals, essentials and support for 100 consecutive weeks. To mark this milestone, the organization is running a $1 challenge to purchase needed items such as hand warmers, large capacity backpacks, buddy heaters, thermals, propane and more. Those interested in helping can donate via Venmo @ITAVMaine. FMI, email itav207@yahoo.com.
To the quitter go the spoils: Quitting smoking, vaping, or nicotine pouches can help improve both your mental and physical health, and you can save money while you’re at it. It’s not easy to do, but resources from the Maine QuitLink are available to support you, including free 1-on-1 phone coaching with a certified Quit Coach who can create a customized Quit Plan. People who enroll are two times more likely to quit, and using free nicotine replacement therapy triples your chance of success. The Maine QuitLink also offers free online resources, giving you the ability to choose the tools you feel will work best for you. The online dashboard is available 24/7, so you can quit at your own pace. FMI on the benefits of quitting and the free resources available, go here or call 1-800-QUIT-NOW.
If you “Gotta Catch ‘Em All,” this event is for you: A Pokémon The Card Game (TCG) meet-up will take place on Feb. 2, from 11 am to 1 pm, in the multi-purpose room (above the main lobby) at Sanford Veteran’s Memorial Gym. Participants can bring their cards to play, trade and have fun at the first of what hopes to be many Pokémon TCG meet-ups. All ages and skill levels are welcome, even beginners who don’t know how to play. Pre-made decks tailored for first-time players will be available to borrow, so beginners can learn the game step-by-step. Hosted by Paterson’s Games and Cards, the meet-up will also offer several small giveaways, including code cards for the Pokémon TCG Live online game, damage dice, and even a binder to hold Pokémon cards. Donations are requested to help with the rental fee to use the facility. To make a donation, go here.
Recognizing a quarter century of service: The City of Sanford recently recognized Alex Hammerle, Emergency Management Agency director, for reaching 25 years of service to the city, noting his hard work and exceptional dedication to serving the community. Congratulations, Alex!
It’s time to make travel plans, seniors: The YMCA Trafton Senior Center has released its 2025 Trafton Travelers trips, and sign-ups have already started. From St. Patrick’s Day at Indian Head to Cruisin’ with the King on the MS Mt. Washington to a White Mountain Hotel Christmas Getaway and so much more, the travel schedule is jam-packed. FMI and to sign up for your favorite destination, call the Trafton Senior Center at 207-457-0080.
Keeping kids safe: The Sanford School Department is reassuring immigrant families about the safety of their children at school following recent changes in federal immigration policy. Superintendent Matt Nelson said the district has no reason to believe that either Customs and Immigration or Immigration and Customs Enforcement will visit the city’s schools even though schools, churches and other spaces are no longer off-limits to the agencies. Nelson’s office sent a letter to the families of immigrant students saying that the schools will continue to welcome them, regardless of immigration status. Staff have also received guidance on steps to take if officers visit. Students’ immigration status is considered private and protected information, according to the guidance.
A welcome thaw: For a few days this week, millions of dollars owed Sanford in federal housing, antipoverty and downtown infrastructure assistance were jeopardized by a threatened freeze on discretionary spending. Local leaders scrambled to follow the news and stay in touch with Congressional offices. But on Wednesday, the Trump administration rescinded its order in the face of lawsuits and Congressional outcry. A freeze could have affected the $25 million grant that will fix downtown streets and sidewalks in Sanford. Work is scheduled to begin next year.
A bobcat, spotted near Beaver Hill in Springvale recently, enjoys a spot in the sun. Photo: Terrence McCarthy
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Compiled by Lisa Blanchette Visit our Events Calendar https://sanfordspringvalenews.com/events/ for details on these events and on events to come. ONGOING…