Monday’s a holiday: City and school offices will be closed Monday in observance of Juneteenth, a federal holiday marking the day, June 19, 1865, when enslaved people in Texas, the last holdout Southern state, learned they were free. Juneteenth has been celebrated as a day of liberation in some states for years but did not become a federal holiday until 2021. In Sanford, the transfer station and debris area will be closed both Monday and Tuesday. The trash and recycling pickup schedule will not change.

Sun shines on graduates: Sanford High School students who had weathered the Covid storm during their four years on campus were rewarded with a break in the drizzly weather for their graduation ceremony last Wednesday at Alumni Stadium. “You have the freedom to forge your own path, live with passion, live with courage, and follow your heart,” social studies teacher Brody Ford told students. “And wherever you find yourself in life, have fun with it.” Valedictorian Samantha Philips and salutatorian Hannah Baker encouraged graduates to embrace change in their lives and to trust themselves to make good decisions. 

Opinions, please: The City of Sanford is looking for public opinion on how it communicates with residents after the introduction of a new website and e-newsletter. To participate, visit the website at sanfordmaine.org or go directly to the survey: https://www.sanfordmaine.org/news_detail_T10_R84.php.

More feedback wanted: The Sanford school system is working to update its mission, vision and core values. To do this, it’s asking members of the community to share their thoughts. The online survey will be available until June 30. It can be found at the Sanford Schools website, Sanford.org, or at this link:  https://forms.gle/vFq8z2SyMyrbdREk7.

National Honor Society officers for the 2023-24 school year were sworn in on May 23 at Sanford High School. From left: Aidan Gendron, Emma Adawadkar, Sydney Roux and Alex Payeur

National Honor Society news: National Honor Society members at Sanford High School were busy as the school year headed to a close. For the second year in a row, a large group of NHS members participated in the Day of Caring by painting, cleaning and gardening at the Seashore Trolley Museum in Kennebunkport. Later that same day, May 23, the society held its closing ceremony, recognizing graduating seniors and installing new officers for the 2023-24 school year. Departing officers were President Audrey Coleman, Vice President Miranda Tanguay, Treasurer Samantha Philips, and Secretary Abby Gifford. Incoming are President Alexander Payeur, Vice President Sydney Roux, Treasurer Aiden Gendron and Secretary Emma Adawadkar.

Members of the Sanford High National Honor Society helped spruce up the Seashore Trolley Museum grounds in Kennebunkport as part of the Day of Caring on May 23. 

New chief takes over at hospital A vice president at Southern Maine Health Care has been elevated to the top job at the Biddeford hospital that also serves Sanford. Newly appointed chief operating officer Kathryn Cope, who had served as vice president of operations and critical care, takes over for Nathan Howell, who was named President and CEO of MaineGeneral Health. 

“Kathryn is an experienced health care executive with more than 25 years of experience in acute care clinical operations, finance, and service line strategy,” said Joel Botler, MD, chief medical officer and interim president of MaineHealth’s Southern Region, which includes both SMHC and Maine Medical Center. “Her experience as a community-oriented collaborator with proven skills in advancing innovative solutions to complex challenges make her a perfect fit for SMHC.” 

Greenhouse donations to the McKeon Environmental Reserve Eldridge Lumber and Hardware Store donated lumber and fasteners to the new greenhouse at the McKeon Environmental Reserve. The greenhouse itself was donated by Mike Tero and Kelly Tarbox of the recently closed Springvale Nurseries.  

It will be managed by Mousam Way Land Trust volunteers and used by various local groups, including: Sanford Community Gardeners; York County Master Gardener Volunteers; and the University of Maine Extension’s Kids Can Grow 4-H program.