News Notes – March 1, 2025
- February 28th 2025
- News Notes
Sweetser receives a $3,000 donation from members of the Sanford Masonic Lodge.
Photo: Sweetser
Compiled by Carolyn Cadigan
Freemasons’ philanthropy benefits Sweetser: On Feb. 11, members of the Sanford Masonic Lodge, Preble Lodge #143, presented Sweetser with a check for $3,000 to support mental health services in the Sanford and Springvale communities. The group raised the funds through a bowling tournament.
Brook Street home searched by police: An armored vehicle was used to execute a search warrant at a house on Brook Street on the night of Feb. 25. Sanford Police Department requested tactical assistance from the Southern Maine Special Response Team “due to the identified risks associated with the targets of the investigation,” according to Maj. Mark Dyer. An extensive number of items related to an ongoing burglary investigation were seized, he said.
Free mental health info session for York County families: NAMI Maine is hosting a free information session on its Mental Health Conversation program on March 11, from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm, via Zoom. The session, open to parents and family members in York County, will share information on how to recognize signs of mental health challenges in youth and teens, how to navigate the various resources that are available, and how to get support for families. FMI, call Lily Barter, coordinator of youth education, at 800-464-5767, ext. 2308, or register for the session here.
Nasson NP receives her credentials: Nasson Health Care announced that Marcie Butkovic recently completed the board certification examination to receive her Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner credentials. Congratulations, Marcie!
York County EMA is seeking volunteers to help during emergencies: The York County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) is looking for volunteers to join its Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). As one of the agency’s Special Response Teams, CERT functions to prepare the community for disasters, respond to incidents, and assist with recovery. The team is trained to help others following emergencies until professional responders arrive and to assist responders by providing basic first aid and assisting with tasks such as traffic control and emergency communications. CERT volunteers also organize and participate in preparedness education and outreach initiatives.
Training consists of a 20-hour course, lectures and hands-on activities which ultimately prepare students to understand the principles of emergency management, identify hazards in the community, extinguish small fires, assist emergency responders, apply basic first aid techniques, and more. Training takes place Tuesdays and Thursdays from March 25 to April 15, from 6 pm to 9 pm, at York County EMA, 149 Jordan Springs Rd., Alfred. FMI and to register, go here.
A new month, a new healthier you: The Sanford-Springvale YMCA is offering a 12-week class, called March to a Healthier You, on Tuesdays, from 6 pm to 7 pm, starting March 4. The class, for those ages 18 and older, aims to help participants set and pursue personal goals to improve their health. Led by dietitian Shannon Cloran and conducted in a group setting, the class will discuss goal setting, balanced eating, physical activity, label reading, positive psychology and behavior sustainability. In addition, the group will determine topics based on collective health and wellness goals. The cost is $75 for members, $225 for non-members. FMI, contact Merilee Perkins, Director of Healthy Living, at mperkins@sanfordymca.org.
Program helps Mainers age 60+ manage their bills and checkbooks: The Money Minders program, offered through the Southern Maine Agency on Aging (SMAA), helps Mainers ages 60 and up manage their finances — an essential resource for adults going through life transitions like the passing of a loved one. The program matches trained and bonded volunteers with clients who need help sorting bills, making payments, keeping checkbooks balanced, and making sure that no late payments or overdraft fees are incurred. Through this program, volunteers help people continue to live independently, without fear of losing control over their finances. Do you know someone who could use help managing their finances or has the experience to be a trusted volunteer with this program? Call an SMAA resource specialist at 800-427-7411 to learn more.
