News Notes: December 24, 2022

The Sanford High School Marching Band took part in the Wells Christmas Parade on December 11, forging an alliance with the Wells High School Band to perform the National Anthem together. Want to know what else is happening in Sanford schools? The latest issue of the Sanford Spotlight newsletter is out now at https://www.sanford.org/o/sanford-school-department/page/sanford-spotlight-newsletter.

The Sanford Police Department announced some personnel changes this week. Deputy Chief Tim Strout has retired after 34 years of service with the SPD. During his time on the force, he served as a detective, eradication agent, Corporal, Sergeant and Lieutenant before becoming Deputy Chief. He’s not going away though – DC Strout will be rejoining the Department in a civilian administrative role, which was planned as part of the SPD’s restructuring that the City Council approved in August. The SPD also welcomed Daniel Chenard, who will begin training as a patrol officer in January. Daniel has a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from the University of Southern Maine.

Christmas Cheer: York County Shelter Programs gave thanks to Garnsey Brothers Insurance Agency this week for their donation of a carload of toys for the children at YCSP’s family shelter. Rodney Lapierre also got a shoutout from Toys For Tots for his donation of 70 holiday stuffed animals.

Gift Wrap: If you have leftover rolls of holiday gift wrap, don’t recycle it! The Sanford Backpack Program needs it for next year’s Boxes of Joy project. Email lori@strongersanford.org with your name and address and they will pick it up next week.

Sanford Parks and Recreation has several activities lined up for vacation week. In addition to their Vacation Camp, there will also be Wheel Fun on Tuesday afternoon and Open Gym on Wednesday and Thursday at Veterans Memorial Gym. On Tuesday, December 27 at 11:00 am, Deputy Cody Frazier and K-9 Rebel will be at the Gym for a special exhibition, free and open to the public. See the Community Calendar for more details on these events.

Bowl-a-Rama is also has some vacation week specials, including Rock n Glo bowl from noon to 2:00 pm Monday through Saturday, Morning Glo bowl Thursday and Friday mornings, and a family fun night on New Year’s Eve. Call 207-324-2401 to make your reservation.

Kennebunk Savings and Partners Bank each donated $10,000 to Caring Unlimited to make emergency repairs to the roof at its Transitional Housing Program here in Sanford.  The program provides safe, supportive housing to 11 families who are homeless due to domestic violence.  “We are fortunate to have such great community partners,” said Susan Giambalvo, Executive Director. “Without their immediate willingness to help, we risked significant damage to our property and the temporary loss of housing for families already working their way out of homelessness and to safety.” 

Vaccine Clinic Closing: After two years of providing emergency vaccination to our community, the York County Vaccination Center will be closing its doors on December 29. Thanks to their staff, volunteers, and local partners, they have delivered over 100,000 vaccines! While impacts from the pandemic are not over and vaccination is still a necessary part of the fight against COVID-19, York County’s emergency response to the pandemic has come to an end. They will continue to support local communities and will be ready to respond once again should the need arise.

Sanford Mainers 2019 infielder and outfielder, Erik Stock (UConn Baseball) has signed with the Seattle Mariners.

Wreaths: Snowy weather didn’t deter anyone from the Wreaths Across America event, organized by Rolling Thunder Chapter 1 Maine and held at Southern Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery on December 18. Thanks to some very generous last-minute donations, every veteran’s grave was honored with a wreath. Photos below by Robert Bernier.