News Notes

A before and after shot of the Main Street Marketplace planters, one of the community locations receiving a boost of color this spring.

Photo: Bridget Salantri

Compiled by Carolyn Cadigan

Sanford beautification says it with flowers: Six planter boxes that were installed at Main Street Marketplace last spring now sport decorative foliage and blooms as part of the Sanford/Springvale Beautification Program. The plants were grown by the Sanford Regional Technical Center (SRTC) Horticulture and Landscape Design program, under the direction and oversight of Pamela Durack, the program’s instructor. Staff and students from Kids Kove and Allied Training will keep the planters watered through the growing season. The beautification program is supported by funds raised by the Sanford Garden Fair, which is held the last Saturday in March each year.

Another area of focus was at the South Sanford roundabout. Those driving on the adjacent roads may have noticed the results of the Cleanup Day that took place on May 31. It was a drizzly day, but good enough for the volunteers involved to explore the growth of the site’s native plants while picking up trash and pulling up unwanted exotic invasive plants such as Canadian thistle. Keeping up with the removal of trash and the spread of invasive plants allows many of the native plants that were planted, including sweet fern, low bush blueberries, and foxglove beardtongue, to spread and provide color and seasonal interest.

Anyone interested in helping the group beautify the community should contact Bridget at bsalantri@gmail.com.

There’s still time to provide feedback to Nasson Health Care: Earlier this month, Nasson Health Care conducted a series of focus groups where patients talked about their experiences with the health care provider and shared their stories. If you missed one of the scheduled sessions but would still like to share your story, there is still time. Go here to share your experiences on Nasson Health Care’s feedback card.

Two days of July 4 celebrations planned: Sanford is kicking off the holiday early on Wednesday, July 3, with the Annual Block Party & Fireworks. The celebration will continue on Thursday, July 4, with the parade down Main Street.

On July 3, family-friendly fun will begin at Number One Pond at 4 pm with vendors, a water ski show at 6:30 pm, DJ music at 7:45 pm, and the fireworks display at 9 pm. On July 4, the parade down Main Street will begin at 10 am, with the line-up of parade participants forming one hour earlier. The parade will go along Main Street, starting at Malcolm Avenue and ending at Gowen Park.

Interested in joining in the fun? FMI, and to access parade and vendor applications, go here. Applications should be submitted to Sanford Parks & Recreation by June 19.

Are you a young Mainer who is interested in climate action and policy? The Maine Climate Council is seeking new youth representatives, aged 13 to 23, to join its working groups and subcommittees to help develop a four-year climate plan called Maine Won’t Wait. The plan will address the impacts of climate change on Maine, build resiliency to climate effects, and meet state statutory targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Each working group, comprised of members from government agencies, nonprofit organizations, academic institutions, industries and businesses, includes one to two youth representatives to help implement the plan. The deadline to apply is June 30. FMI, and to learn how to apply, go here.

June 12 food distribution for seniors: Any senior aged 60+ from York County is welcome to pick up produce and non-perishables at a Senior Food Distribution event held on Thursday, June 12, 10 – 11:30 am, at Crossroads United Methodist Church, Route 202 and Grammar Road. This monthly event is host to two programs at the same time — one is open to all seniors and the other is determined by income eligibility. Everyone who attends will receive food. Applications will be available on site for the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP). Volunteers are always appreciated 8:30 am – noon. FMI, contact Marsha at 207-247-1210 or Candy at 207-324-1493.

DPW and Transfer Station schedule changes for June 19: The Sanford Public Works Department will be closed on Thursday, June 19, for the Juneteenth holiday. The Transfer Station and debris area will also be closed on this day, and will reopen on Friday, June 20. There will be no changes to the MSW and recycling pickup schedule for the week of June 16.

Skills and awareness course on suicide prevention offered at SCAE: A free suicide prevention & intervention training will be offered by Sweetser on June 17, 4:30-6:30 pm, at Sanford Community Adult Education. In this two-hour training course, attendees will learn how to recognize warning signs of suicide risk in others, ways to approach someone who is contemplating suicide, and how to connect people in need with appropriate mental health resources and services. This event is sponsored by Sweetser, the Sanford-Springvale Rotary Club and Sanford Community Adult Education. FMI, email MCashman@sweetser.org.

The second Friday means more art in the park: The next Sanford Art Walk is scheduled for Friday, June 13, from 4 – 7 pm, at Central Park. The event organizers are looking for musicians, food trucks and artists to attend and show off their work. If interested in being a vendor, contact Kyle Williams at kyle@allmediumscrafting.com or call 207-468-4997.