News Notes: December 12, 2021

The Sanford-Springvale Historical Society has announced its acquisition of the building next door, on the south side of the Historical Museum. Located at 509 Main St., it was previously the home and dental office of Dr. Donald Warner. The closing was held on November 22 and marks an exciting new chapter in the organization’s mission. According to Society President Harland Eastman, the house is in serious disrepair and will be demolished to make way for a sweeping view of the museum when walking or driving past. The garage, built in the early 1900s, will be retained. The entire lot will be landscaped with gardens and greenery during the spring and summer of 2022. In addition, new streetlights to match those in downtown Springvale will be installed in front of the museum buildings. “The approach to Springvale Village is about to be dramatically improved,” he said. The property will also supply a few additional off-street parking spaces for the museum.

Sanford Soccer is looking for new members for its Board of Directors. Soccer knowledge isn’t required, just a desire to help kids enjoy the sport. Check out this Facebook post for all the info or email sanfordsoccersecretary@gmail.com.

Partners Bank has donated $75,000 to 16 food pantries in southern Maine and New Hampshire, which will provide 150,000 meals to individuals in need. They also donated an additional $25,000 to provide pet food to the pantries. Thank you Partners Bank for being a caring part of our community!

If you have school-age children, and have heard about restorative practices, but aren’t sure what it means, the Sanford School Department has uploaded the Restorative Practices Parent Handbook by George Conant, which will help you understand this system of discipline and its benefits. Read it here.

Check out News Center Maine’s story and video on how Sanford Regional Technical Center is helping to address the shortage of firefighters.

Sign your K-grade 6 kids up now for winter adventures at the YMCA’s School Vacation Camp, December 27-31. There will be a field trip to a different destination each day, with a pool party at the Y every afternoon! You don’t need to be a Y member. More information and sign up here.

Do some good while you’re out and about spending money this month.

• Grab a Blue Hawaiian Rush at the Jagger Mill Aroma Joe’s any Tuesday in December, and a portion of the price will be donated to the Sanford-Springvale YMCA.
• Sanford and Springvale Subway locations are also supporting the Y this month. Purchase a 6-inch or footlong sub by December 22, and a portion of the price goes to the Y.
• For every device sold at Wireless Zone of Sanford this money, $3 will be donated to Caring Unlimited to help victims of domestic violence.

Southern Maine Health Care issued the following statement on December 8: “Because of the growing number of hospitalized patients with COVID-19, we have reached or exceeded our capacity for providing care. Please expect longer than usual wait times at the emergency department, walk-in care locations, when having lab work or imaging such as CT or MRI scans done, or even when calling to speak with a provider on the phone. Appointments at primary care and specialty care practices for both routine appointments and follow up visits are also affected as we shift our care team members to where they are needed most. We know this is frustrating. The most important thing you can do to help is to get vaccinated, or if eligible, get your COVID-19 booster. Thank you for your patience and kindness during this challenging time.”

The annual Southern Maine Health Care Tree of Life fundraiser provides a way to celebrate, honor, and/or remember loved ones by making a gift. All gifts this year support lifesaving care in the emergency departments at SMHC. The Emergency Departments have seen record numbers of patients in 2021 – over 42,000 patients. To make a donation, visit http://mh.care/xixy50H6eni.

Strategies for a Stronger Sanford invites you to support their efforts within our community and also earn a chance for this month’s Gift Basket! The December 2021 Give Away is a Smitty’s Gift Basket with a $50 gift card to Sanford Smitty’s Cinema and 2- $ 20 Game Lab Gift Cards, complete with popcorn, candy and glowsticks. Ring in the New Year with a fun night at Smitty’s. Sponsored by Melissa Simpson of Keller Williams Coastal, and Lakes & Mountains Realty. To Donate: https://visufund.com/december-2021-give-away-basket.

New to Sanford? Not quite sure how the Pay-As-You-Throw trash bags work? Read this concise infographic produced by the City: https://www.facebook.com/sanfordmaine.org/posts/210687217896790.

If you missed the Holly Daze parade and tree lighting, you can watch WSSR-TV’s video of the event here.

Make Someone’s Life Less Taxing! York County Community Action is seeking volunteer’s to provide free tax preparation service. Volunteers can help prepare taxes in person — or virtually, at a convenient time for them, after filers upload or drop off their materials. Volunteers receive tax law training and do not need any tax experience to participate. Tax training for volunteers is held virtually and can be done with others, as a group, or self-led. Volunteers completing the Tax Preparer training receive IRS Certification. Interested individuals may contact Theresa Leblanc at (207) 305-4488 or email Theresa.Leblanc@yccac.org.