News Notes

Historian Sally Mummey appears as Queen Victoria, joined by her guard, Paul Raffenello, at a recent lecture at the Sanford-Springvale Historical Society.

Photo: Gail Burnett

Compiled by Carolyn Cadigan

An audience with the queen: The last offering in the Sanford-Springvale Historical Society’s winter lecture series was a royal treat: Britain’s Queen Victoria, portrayed by historian Sally Mummey of Seabrook, NH, described her childhood, her marriage to Prince Albert and other topics at the museum on Sunday afternoon. Mummey, who is well known around New England for her portrayal of First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln, also took questions from audience members and posed for pictures with her guard, Paul Raffenello (her husband). The museum has a full slate of talks scheduled for the summer as well as musical and other events. It’s open for visitors at 505 Main St. in Springvale on Fridays from 10 am to 4 pm and Saturdays from 10 am to 1 pm. FMI go here.

Stabbing investigated: Sanford police investigated a stabbing on Bodwell Street Wednesday but released few details of the incident. A male victim with a stab wound was taken to the emergency room at Maine Health in Sanford after police responded to a disturbance about 7:30 am, according to Major Mark Dyer. The injuries were not life-threatening, and Dyer said he understands the victim was later released. “This is believed to be an isolated incident,” according to a post on the Police Department’s Facebook page. “Because this investigation is ongoing, we are not releasing specifics around the incident.” Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Detective Lt. Adams of the Sanford Police Department or call the tip line at 207-324-9170, extension 4.

Nasson food collection to support Sanford students in need: Through April 30, Nasson Community Center and Little Theatre, 457 Main St. in Springvale, is collecting canned fruit, instant oatmeal packets, and canned chicken and tuna to help the Sanford Backpack Program feed students facing food insecurity. Nasson has donation boxes in the gym and theatre lobbies for those dropping off items. The organization is also willing to pick up donations. Email office@nassoncommunitycenter.com if a pick-up is needed.

Put a step in your spring to help seniors: The 11th Annual Stepping Out for Seniors Walk will be held May 10, with registration beginning at 8 am at the YMCA Trafton Center, 19 Elm St. in Sanford. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Trafton Center and seniors in the community. FMI, and to register, call Robin Bibber at 207-457-0080.

Nasson Foundation to benefit college alumni and the community: The Nasson College Alumni Association has formed a foundation to strengthen its financial capabilities and capacity to benefit Nasson College alumni and the wider community. The Nasson Foundation will work in concert with the association’s development committee to pursue more diverse fundraising opportunities, build stronger relationships with donors, and ultimately make a more significant impact on the causes it supports. “The Nasson Foundation is an exciting new chapter for our association,” said James Leach, chairman of the development committee. “This new entity will enable us to expand our reach and support even more initiatives that benefit our alumni and community. We look forward to seeing the positive impact the Nasson Foundation will have in the years to come.” FMI about the Nasson Foundation or to inquire about making a donation, visit the Nasson College Alumni Association here.

Looking to build community connections and engagement through the arts? Maine Creates is offering a free training series to help participants grow as teaching artists, build local partnerships, and design creative projects that make a positive change in the community. The training is open to all crafters, visual and performing artists, teaching artists and art teachers. The program aims to have each participant complete a full project proposal with a chance to apply for funding and mentorship through a small grant program. The series includes four virtual Zoom sessions, held Tuesdays, April 29 to May 27 (no class May 13), from 6:30 pm to 8 pm, and one in-person workshop scheduled for Saturday, May 31, from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm in Augusta. FMI, and to register, go here.

Daffodils are the topic for the Southern Maine Garden Club’s April 17 meeting.

Photo: Erika Varga from Pixabay

Daffodils, the herald of Spring, headline garden club meeting: The Southern Maine Garden Club will hold an open meeting on April 17 from 1 pm to 3 pm at the Trafton Center, 19 Elm St. in Sanford. Anyone interested in learning about growing spring daffodils and other flowers from bulbs are welcome to attend. Even those who have never gardened can grow these hardy harbingers of Spring. The speaker for this meeting will be Diana Huffman of Chill Hill Farm and Forest in West Newfield.

In addition, the Garden Club is holding a membership drive and invites anyone interested in gardening and creating beautiful natural spaces to come to the meeting and learn about the club’s work in the community. The Southern Maine Garden Club has planted some of the flower beds located in traffic islands and in parks in Sanford and Springvale. Attendees do not need to be experts. Monthly meetings focus on learning about caring for the natural environment or a new aspect of gardening. Members participate in meetings to plan new projects and to learn from each other.

Can’t wait for summer to shop at a farmers’ market? April 13 is the last date for this season’s Berwick Winter Farmers’ Market, held at Berwick Town Hall from 10 am to 1 pm. The market offers fresh vegetables, meats, fish, handmade cheeses, goats’ milk soaps, honey, baked goods, homemade meals for the freezer, and more.

Fighting food insecurity becomes more challenging for SBP: The Sanford Backpack Program has warned that recent cuts by the U.S. Department of Agriculture will dramatically impact its food resource partner, Good Shepherd Food Bank. The cuts will result in reduced access to affordable food, increased costs, and greater challenges to providing nutritious food for Sanford children and their families. With food insecurity already at a 10-year high and more families needing assistance, the organization is asking the public to help by making charitable donations, hosting a food drive, or supporting fundraising events such as the 9th Annual Chocolate Benefit Spectacular, to be held April 26, 6 pm, at Memorial Gym. FMI on how to help, email backpacks@strongersanford.org or text 207-206-2294.

Dust the cobwebs off those clubs and get practicing: The driving range at Sky View Pitch and Putt, 1569 Main St. in Sanford, is officially open for the season. Golf balls for the range can be purchased at the automatic dispenser with a debit or credit card. For the opening of the season, early bird pricing for buckets of balls is set at $11 for small, $13 for medium and $15 for large.

A family event for the whole community: Lots of activities are planned for Healthy Kids Day at the Sanford-Springvale YMCA, scheduled for May 3, from 10 am to 2 pm. This free community event, with both indoor and outdoor activities, features a petting zoo, an inflatable obstacle course, music and dance, games, swimming, snacks, and more. This event is part of the YMCA’s national initiative to improve the health and well-being of kids and families.