News Notes: January 21, 2024

Restoration of the Sweat Morin Homestead, which began in early 2023, continues with the goal of creating an historical museum currently slated to open in 2025. Photo: Barbara Sutcliffe

Compiled by Carolyn Cadigan

Restoring a piece of Sanford’s history for all to enjoy: Since early 2023, the Sweat Morin Homestead in Sanford has been undergoing significant restoration, funded by trust funds left by Virginia Hurd Morin, a Sanford native who passed away in 2022 at the age of 99. Her bequest of 100 acres of land on lower School Street, including Rev. Moses Sweat’s 1786 home and barn, will become the Louise Virginia Hurd Morin Preserve. The Sanford-Springvale Historical Society is partnering with the Mousam Way Land Trust to restore the homestead. The goal of the project is to create an historical museum, slated for completion in 2025, where the public can see what life was like in rural Maine in the late 18th century. According to the Mousam Way Land Trust, a loop trail will be built on the land so the public can enjoy its natural surroundings. Rev. Sweat was the first pastor of what is now the North Parish Congregational Church in downtown Sanford. Read a related story on the history of the Sweat Morin Homestead here.

Renew Fido’s license and avoid the dreaded late fee: State of Maine law requires all dogs over the age of six months to be licensed before Jan. 1 each year. There is a 30-day grace period until Jan. 31, after which a $25 late fee will be charged in addition to the dog license fee. If you register at City Hall, the fees this year are $11 for an “unaltered” dog and $6 for a spayed/neutered dog. If you register online, the fees this year are $12 for an “unaltered” dog and $7 for a spayed/neutered dog. To license your dog, you need: (1) the license/tag number (for a renewal only); (2) a current State of Maine Rabies Certificate; (3) the veterinarian’s name and phone number; and (4) the Spay or Neuter Certificate (if your dog has been “fixed”). Register here.

Now you see ‘em, now you don’t: Sanford Parks and Recreation’s administrative offices have relocated to the Veterans Memorial Gym at 678 Main St. For administrative assistance, use the cafe entry and ring the bell. For all activities related to Parks and Rec, use door #3, located at the back of the building, up the stairs.

Warm hearts create warm feet: St. George Episcopal Church in Sanford collected 189 pairs of warm socks to share with their neighbors during their Christmas sock drive. Sue Cass from the York County Shelter Program accepted the socks and expressed her deep gratitude for the congregation’s generosity.

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Scholarship gives Maine students a boost to higher education: The 2024 Mitchell Scholarship online application is now open until April 1. The Mitchell Institute has committed to awarding at least one $10,000 scholarship annually to a graduating student from each of Maine’s 134 public high schools. The Mitchell Institute is awarding 20 additional scholarships across the state this year (on top of the additional 20 awarded in 2023). FMI, including the application link, requirements and a few additional college and scholarship resources, go here.

St. Therese Food Closet serves increasing numbers: The Food Closet of St. Therese of Lisieux Parish had a tremendous year in 2023, serving over 6,500 people. Open every Thursday from 12 pm to 2 pm, the Food Closet continues to see its numbers increase as their new location at 66 North Ave. in Sanford gives more neighborhood people easy access to their operation. While always accepting financial contributions, the St. Therese Food Closet is asking for donations of baked beans and crackers this week.

Scam alert from York County: The York County Sheriff’s Office sent out a scam alert last week. An intended victim received a call masked with the caller ID of a legitimate and well-respected bank in the area. The scammer had the intended victim’s credit card number and asked for the person’s PIN. The Sheriff’s Office reminds people to never give any information over the phone. If you receive a suspicious call, alert authorities immediately.

Sanford resident sentenced in Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol: On Jan. 9, 2024, Sanford resident David Ball, Jr., 38, was sentenced to two years of probation and was ordered to pay a $500 fine plus $500 in restitution for his role in the attack on the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. Ball pleaded guilty in October to one misdemeanor count of parading, demonstrating or picketing in a Capitol building. The FBI started the investigation of Ball in February 2021 after receiving an anonymous tip as well as photographic evidence and surveillance video showing that Ball had been in the Capitol during the attack. According to U.S. Attorney Matthew Graves, some of Ball’s social media activity as recent as November 2023 indicated that he did not seem to accept blame for his conduct that day or the seriousness of what happened at the Capitol. However, in a letter he submitted to Judge John D. Bates, Ball indicated that he regrets his actions and has experienced a “constant feeling of shame” since Jan. 6.

Instill hope and possibility into people’s lives: The York County Community Action Corp. (YCCAC) is looking for volunteers to help their clients with tax preparation. Volunteer on your own schedule and learn on the job as YCCAC provides training. Non-tax preparing volunteers are also welcomed. FMI and to volunteer, call 207-800-3541 or email info@yccac.org.