York County Shelter Programs gave thanks this week to Grayson Perro, a 12-year-old seventh grader at Sanford Middle School, who once again provided a generous donation of holiday gifts for YCAP’s residents. Grayson’s mom Jessica says that he has been giving to others since he was four years old. As he got older, he created fundraisers – this was his third year operating a hot cocoa stand in order to raise money for his YCSP donations. He created online auctions and sold Candy Cane-grams when he was in elementary school. His compassion is far reaching – last summer he participated in a fundraising walk in order to raise money for a classmate dealing with cancer.
Another SMS 7th grader, Josh Fogarty, took orders for holiday treats, cookies, cupcakes and more. He baked up all of the goodies himself to raise money in need this holiday season. Josh used the money he earned to purchase toys for children through Toys for Tots, Salvation Army, Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital and St. Jude’s. He raised $350 and donated all of the gifts to children just before Christmas. Thank you Grayson and Josh for being great role models for kids and adults alike!
Six trail volunteers this week successfully restored the Hazen Carpenter Bridge across Branch River to its proper place. The bridge was washed about 75 feet downstream recently during a storm, coming to rest upon some rocks at a bend in the river. Kevin McKeon reports that the bridge was undamaged, thanks to the Sanford Rotary Club’s attention to quality building during original installation! Some of the Sanford trails’ other boardwalks and bridges are tethered to trees to prevent downstream travel during such weather events.
This week, Channel 13 featured a story on Springvale resident Marilyn Earle, and her quest to get her husband Richard’s gravestone restored at Southern Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery. Richard, who passed away in 2015, was a helicopter pilot in Vietnam. Most of the black paint on his stone’s inscription has flaked off, and Marilyn wanted to repaint it, but was told by Cemetery staff that would be considered defacing government property, a violation of federal law. She reached out to members of Channel 13’s I-Team, who promptly got a commitment from the Maine Bureau of Veterans Services to have the stone replaced. A quick look around the Cemetery shows that there are several other stones with flaking paint. Families of those veterans are encouraged to reach out to the MBVA at 207-287-7020 or email mainebvs@maine.gov. Watch the I-Team video with Marilyn here.
More Sanford stories in the news:
- Sanford sex offender charged with incest and gross sexual assault
- Mother of three says she lost everything in Sanford fire
- Springvale pick-you-own berry spot becomes “Forever Farm,” securing family legacy (for Press Herald subscribers)
Sanford will host a hiring event for the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard on Wednesday, January 18 from noon to 3:00 pm. There will be walk-in interviews for most trades, including painters, pipefitters, machinery mechanics, ship fitters, machinists, and more. You can also apply for PNSY’s apprentice program with no experience required. There is up to a $5,000 sign-on bonus for most positions. Bring your resume as well as a birth certificate or a U.S. passport. The hiring event will be held at the Willard Building, 668 Main St.
The Sanford Mainers are pleased to welcome Justin Ciavolella as the team’s new Director of Broadcasting & Media! Read more about the new voice of the moose at http://ow.ly/zn4N50MjbER.
The highlight of Sanford’s winter social season is almost here! The 4th Annual Hicks and Chicks Adult Prom presented by the SMS PTA is set for February 10 at the Sanford Elks Lodge. Dress up or down in 80s and 90s style for this fun 21+ event with cash bar and music by DJ Gingersnap. Proceeds support the Sanford Middle School. Tickets are $20 in advance, or $25 at the door per person. To purchase tickets, call Lenore at 207-838-5217.
Auditions for Nasson Youth Theater’s spring shows are scheduled for Sunday, January 29 and Monday, January 30 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at the Nasson Little Theatre. They are looking for actors, stage hands, set builders, tech, etc. The target age for participants is 9-18. Actors, please bring a headshot and resume if you have them (not required). Also bring a two-minute reading, or they will provide one. For more info, email nytnasson@gmail.com.
Let’s all cross our fingers for some cold weather before the next month’s ice fishing derbies! The Springvale Fish and Game Club’s annual Mousam Lake Derby is scheduled for February 5. Sanford Parks & Rec’s Derby on Number One Pond is planned for February 18. We will have more info as these events get closer.
Members of the state legislature have received their committee appointments, which were announced this week. Senator Matt Harrington has been appointed to the Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee, and the Energy, Utilities and Technology Committee. Representative Ann Fredericks has been appointed to the Health and Human Services Committee. Rep. Luke Lanigan has been appointed to the Innovation, Development, Economic Advancement and Business Committee. Rep. Anne-Marie Mastraccio has been appointed to the Government Oversight Committee and the Health Coverage, Insurance and Financial Services Committee.
Supplies are running low at the Another Chance Animal Rescue and they are hoping for some help. They are in need of canned cat food and cat litter. They recommend Friskies canned cat food variety packs and Cats Pride cat litter, however, the cats are not choosy. They appreciate any and all donations. Donations can be dropped off at the rescue or shipped to 251 Country Club Rd, Sanford ME 04073.
The Public Works Department has announced that Christmas trees from residents of the City of Sanford and Village of Springvale will be accepted at the Transfer Station located at 81 Rushton Street, Sanford, at no charge (Transfer Station Permit will still be required to verify residency). The Transfer Station hours are: Tuesday – Friday 7:30 am – 3:00 pm, and Saturday 7:30 am – 12:00 Noon. Closed Holidays and Tuesday following a Monday Holiday. No curb-side pickup of Christmas trees will be provided.
Tired of making the same old recipes? Books Revisited at 882 Main St. is having its annual half price cookbook sale! All proceeds benefit York County Shelter Programs. The bookstore is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.
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