News Notes: January 7, 2024

Exhibiting faith in action, St. Thomas School students in grades seven and eight help serve the noontime meal at the Sanford-Springvale YMCA’s Trafton Senior Center.

Photo: St. Thomas School

Compiled by Carolyn Cadigan

Faith in action at the Trafton Senior Center: St. Thomas School has expanded its partnership with the YMCA’s Trafton Senior Center. Students from the seventh and eighth grade visit Trafton every other Friday to assist with serving their noontime meal. This service-learning opportunity puts the students’ faith in action and works to foster strong intergenerational relationships.

Food Pantry drivers are needed: The York County Shelter Programs Food Pantry is in desperate need of drivers who can pick up food donations from 7:30 to 10 am, weekdays and weekends. FMI and to volunteer, contact Mike Ouellette at 207-391-3125 or by email at mikeo@ycspi.org.

Out with the old and in with the new helps fight hunger: Many of us ring in the new year with a vow to clean out and get organized. Now, the simple act of replacing your old, soiled reusable shopping bags can help feed those in need. For the month of January, Hannaford is donating $1 to the Sanford Backpack Program for each new Hannaford Helps Fight Hunger reusable shopping bag sold (priced at $2.50 each). For a photo of the specific bag to purchase, go here.

Improving overall health practices in the new year: The Sanford-Springvale YMCA is holding a diabetes prevention program for adults over the age of 18 who either have been diagnosed with pre-diabetes or have a qualifying score on the pre-diabetes risk assessment. The program aims to help adults at high risk of developing Type 2 diabetes reduce that risk by taking steps that will improve their overall health and well-being. The program, which consists of 26 class sessions, is free; however, registration is necessary, and space is limited. While a general Meet & Greet was held on Jan. 4, the first class is scheduled for Jan. 11 at 6 pm. FMI on the program, including how to register, go here.

Many thanks for over a quarter century of service: The City of Sanford congratulates Armand Gagnon on his retirement from the Sanford Fire Department. Mr. Gagnon gave 25+ years of service to the community.

Showing a little kindness before winter break: The Sanford High School Peer Helpers hosted its inaugural Kindness Awards on Dec. 22. The interactive award show included several events such as a wrap battle; awards for the kindest freshman, sophomore, junior and senior; and a faculty lip sync battle.

Feeling the knead for a new breakfast place? You may be in luck. The word on the street, Main Street to be exact, is Downhill Bagel Co., a new hand-rolled bagel shop, will be opening early this year in the vicinity of Mill Street in Springvale. Taste buds, be on alert!