News Notes: January 14, 2024

Students at Sanford Regional Technical Center install an exterior door on their fourth house project.

Photo: Sanford School Department

Compiled by Carolyn Cadigan

Fourth house built by SRTC students is in the works: Students at Sanford Regional Technical Center are working on their fourth house project. Seniors in the Building Trades Program have finished shingling the house with supplies donated from CertainTeed through their local dealer, Eldredge Lumber & Hardware in Sanford, and installed the exterior doors, which were donated by REEB Millwork through Deering Lumber. Jewett Electrical is providing supplies for the Electrical Wiring Program students to wire the walls and ceiling. The Plumbing Program students installed the tub and shower units, which were donated by P&E Plumbing & Heating – P&E Kitchen & Bath, and started installing the exhaust fan ductwork. For more photos of the students in action, go here.

Trash and recycling schedule for Jan. 15 week: There will be regular trash and recycling pick up for the week of Jan. 15. However, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the transfer station will be closed on Tuesday, Jan. 16.

Grinch storm recovery assistance is now available to small businesses: The devastating storm on Dec. 18, referred to as the Grinch storm, brought severe flooding, road washouts and prolonged power outages, resulting in substantial losses for retailers, grocers, restaurants and other small enterprises. The Maine Grocers (MGFPA) and Retail Association of Maine (RAM) are proud to announce a commitment of $250,000 in matching funds from an anonymous private donor, in an initiative to provide crucial assistance to Maine’s small businesses in their storm recovery. Via the Maine Business Relief Fund, they will provide up to $2,500 in grant allocations with the opportunity to reapply for up to $10,000 (as funds become available). Applications are open through Jan. 31. FMI on the fund and to apply for assistance, go here.

Come one, come all, to the grand opening: Sweetser invites the public to the grand opening celebration of the new Sanford-based Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) on Monday, Jan. 22, at 10 am. The clinic will provide integrated, evidence-based substance use and mental health services across York County. The event, to be held at 863 Main St., will include an open house tour, speeches, light hors d’oeuvres and the official ribbon-cutting with the Sanford-Springvale Chamber of Commerce. RSVP to Justin Chenette, Sweetser’s Senior Director of Public Relations & Advancement, at 207-590-3266 or by email at jchenette@sweetser.org.

Intergenerational connections spark joy in both young and old: The Foster Grandparent program at St. Therese of Lisieux Parish, a volunteer opportunity conducted in conjunction with St. Thomas School, was featured recently in Harvest Magazine, a publication of the Diocese of Portland. Once a month a group of older parishioners spends part of the morning interacting with the children in the school’s preschool classroom. Prayer, song, crafts and free play fill their time together. Read the heartwarming article here.

Have an impact on shaping a more resilient future for Sanford: The Community Resilience Committee is looking for up to five passionate individuals to fill committee openings, each for a two-year term. This newly established group will play a crucial role in coordinating the community’s efforts to increase resilience to natural hazards and the impacts of climate change. Committee members will be at the forefront of planning, implementing and monitoring both energy and resilience projects. The dedication of each member is vital as the committee works together to make the community more prepared and sustainable for the future. FMI, go here. To become part of this initiative, email your interest to emmoriarty@sanfordmaine.org.

Supporting YMCA programs one footlong at a time: The Sanford-Springvale YMCA partnered with Subway, its long-time supporter, to conduct a successful Subway Cares Fundraiser in December. Subway co-owner Bob Myott, along with Rex Yi, presented a check to YMCA CEO Andy Orazio and Membership Director Shannon Robinson for $2,253. This donation will help the YMCA provide programs and opportunities to individuals and families that foster youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.

An update on Sanford ambulance staffing: The Sanford Fire Department has posted that it is becoming a more common occurrence for all three ambulances to be treating and transporting patients at the same time. The department staffs two ambulances at the paramedic level 24/7 and the third ambulance is staffed with crews who come off the fire apparatus.

Toys and music and crafts. Oh my!: Toddler Time meets 9 am to 11 am every Friday through Feb. 16 at Sanford Community Adult Education, 668 Main St., for playtime and socialization. Led by a certified teacher, this free class is a casual time for toddlers aged 18 months to 4 years to socialize with other toddlers, and caregivers to socialize with other caregivers. Toddlers can enjoy developmentally appropriate toys, hands-on crafts and music. A parent/guardian must stay with the toddler. Register here or call 207-490-5145 for help with registering.