News Notes: January 16, 2022
The City of Sanford/Village of Springvale will institute a winter weather emergency parking ban beginning at 11:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 16, 2022. The parking ban will remain in effect until 8:00 p.m. on Monday, January 17, 2022 on all City streets. Parking on the public way is prohibited until the parking ban is lifted.
The Maine Piano Festival that was scheduled for next weekend at the Sanford Performing Arts Center has been cancelled due to the spread of Omicron in our community. SPAC Director Brett Williams is working to reschedule the Hanna Powell Memorial Piano Competition for April, and hopes to reschedule the other events as well. SPAC’s season of performances will resume with Broadway’s Next Hit Musical on February 12.
The Sanford Unitarian Universalist Church has suspended in-person services as well as the Corner Cupboard, due to the pandemic. Links to online church services and an online coffee hour will be posted on their Facebook page.
Looking for a way to keep busy while helping others? York County Community Action Corporation (YCCAC) is seeking volunteers to assist with tax prep services for York County individuals and families. Volunteers can help prepare taxes in person—or virtually, at a convenient time for them. Volunteers receive tax law training and do not need any tax experience to participate. YCCAC provides all the training and tools you need. 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.
Not always sure what can go in the recycling bin? Here’s a cheat sheet for easy reference.
After 3 1/2 years, Sanford’s Code Enforcement office has finished a full inspection cycle on all of the rental properties in the City. There are more than 900 rental properties in Sanford/Springvale, comprising thousands of dwelling units. At the Land Bank Authority meeting this past week, Community Development Director Ian Houseal proposed the second round of inspections start with the 6-10 unit buildings, as the 41 properties (292 units) that fall into that category have the lowest property value per unit of all housing types in the City.
Read Shawn Sullivan’s story on Seacoast Online about the hardworking volunteers at the Crossroads Methodist Church who run the food distribution program for hundreds of seniors there each month.
Read WGME’s story about the bb/pellet gun shooting of two children on Brook St. last week.
Betty White, who would have turned 100 years old on January 17, was an avid animal advocate who worked her entire life to make a difference in the lives of homeless pets. The #BettyWhiteChallenge is encouraging all animal lovers to donate to their local shelters in her name. Your donation to Another Chance Animal Rescue will support the cats in their Sanford shelter and foster homes. You can donate through their Paypal account or send a check to Another Chance Animal Rescue, PO Box 552, North Berwick, ME 03906.
