News Notes: December 10, 2023

A recent meeting of the Planning Board, one of the 11 Sanford boards and committees with openings the city is seeking to fill at the start of 2024.

Photo: City of Sanford

By Carolyn Cadigan

Deadline is looming for volunteers looking to serve on Sanford boards and committees: Eleven boards and committees in the City of Sanford — from the Planning Board to the Sanford Arts Commission to the Land Bank Commission and more — have multiple openings that need to be filled (see story here). Volunteers who serve in these positions can have a meaningful effect on shaping Sanford’s future and the quality of life of its residents. The deadline to submit applications is Thursday, Dec. 14, at 5:30 pm. Appointments will be made Jan. 2, 2024. For applications and committee descriptions, contact the Sanford City Manager’s office at 207-324-9173 or by email at sancommittees01@sanfordmaine.org, or go to www.sanfordmaine.org and look under Government, then Boards & Committees.

Sugar and spice and everything sweet: Springvale Library is hosting its 17th Annual Holiday Tea on Thursday, Dec. 14, from 11 am to 3 pm. They are still looking for people to donate cookies for the event. If you would like to help, contact one of the librarians at the front desk to sign up.

Helping needy families stay warm this winter: The York County Community Action Corp. has made available a video that highlights the work they do to keep people safe and warm during Maine’s long, cold winter season. Their Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps qualifying households by paying a portion of their home energy costs, primarily heating costs. To view this video and learn how you or someone you know may be able to get assistance with home energy costs, go here.

Your dream job awaits: Sanford Community Adult Education (SCAE) is offering free Career Navigation Services during its office hours, 1 pm to 4 pm, on Dec. 14, Jan. 11 and Jan. 25. Individualized help, including assistance with resume writing and job search, job interview prep, and training and credentials, is available. FMI, contact Kate Points, SCAE Career Navigator, at kpoints@sanford.org.

Public, take a bow: As a result of its 16th Annual Food Drive, the City of Sanford Fire Department collected 14 trucks of food donations as well as $7,743 to donate to people facing food insecurity. The donated food and money raised was turned over to the Sanford Food Pantry. Over the past 16 years, the Fire Department has collected $125,225 and nearly 260 trucks of food. Captain Scott Lizotte thanked those who donated as well as the members of the Fire Department who participated. Read Captain Lizotte’s message here.

Weekly hot meals made with love: Frannie’s Mini Donuts is helping Sanford’s unhoused community by providing a hot meal, a spot to warm up and a to-go meal each week. To support these efforts, you can donate a community meal for $5 by visiting the shop at 913 Main St., Sanford, or by making an online donation here.

Keeping kids busy during vacation week: Sanford Parks and Recreation is holding Vacation Camp for Kids at the Memorial Gym Cafe for children who are in kindergarten through sixth grade. Campers are kept safe and busy with a variety of activities. The camp, which runs Tuesday, Dec. 26, through Friday, Dec. 29, costs $120 for residents and $160 for non-residents. FMI and to register, go here.