News Notes – March 15, 2025

From left, Lucia Torres, Elsa Farwell, Lila Ivie, Harper Jones and Boston Ivie stand with some of the toiletry items they collected for those in need.

Photo: Jennifer Davie

Compiled by Carolyn Cadigan

Small hands, big impact: The children’s program of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Sanford recently organized a toiletry drive for those in need. The children learned about local struggles some people have with housing and hygiene, inspiring them to take action. With their congregation’s support, they collected essential items like soap, shampoo, and toothpaste. They decorated collection boxes and greeted donors each Sunday with gratitude. Their efforts not only provided necessities but also strengthened their understanding of service. Reflecting on their experience, 10-year-old Harper Jones said, “Serving makes other people happy and makes us feel good.” Fellow participant Boston Ivie added, “Serving helps people.”  

Get ready to preview items before they’re going, going, gone: Springvale Library is hosting its 5th Annual Online Auction from April 14 to 20. Wondering what is being offered this year? Get an early preview online beginning April 1 and in-person in the Community Room beginning April 4. For those interested in adding to the list of available items, the library’s fundraising group welcomes donations of experiences, gift baskets and gift cards. FMI and to donate to the auction, contact Lesley Unger at 207-324-4624.

Sweetser CEO urges Maine legislature to pass budget and pay COLA: Jayne Van Bramer, Sweetser president and CEO, recently appeared on WMTW’s Mental Health Moment to discuss ways legislation can improve mental health services in the state. She talked about workforce shortages at agencies like Sweetser and about the state budget shortfall. One measure Van Bramer suggested to tackle staffing needs is to create a task force to evaluate how other states are addressing the issue and to explore ways to incentivize students to become clinicians. Some initiatives could include enhanced loan repayment programs, stipends for internships and field work placements, and other efforts to get students into the workforce more quickly. She also recommended that the state make it easier for out-of-state licensed clinicians to work in Maine as well as create alternative pathways for licensure. According to Sweetser – which has eight locations around the state, including one in Sanford – the need is dire with over 10,000 Mainers currently waiting for mental health services.

Van Bramer called for the legislature to pass the supplemental budget and include cost-of-living adjustments in the negotiation. Without it, she stated, Sweetser’s ability to serve clients in need of services will be impacted. Watch the full segment here.

A chance to satisfy that sweet tooth: Shaker Hill Bakery is reopening for the season in time for Maine Maple Sunday Weekend, March 22 and 23. The bakery will be open March 21 to 23, from 10 am to 3 pm, and will feature maple products, including their maple squares, in addition to other items. The bakery is on the York County Shelter Programs campus atop Shaker Hill in Alfred. FMI, call 207-324-8811.

Share your vision: The Friends of Downtown is asking for feedback on vision statements distilled from grassroots listening sessions during the past two years. The “Heart & Soul” statements are meant to guide city leaders in planning the city’s future. They were drafted from hundreds of interviews and online interactions with residents of all walks of life, according to Mary Hastings, the small business advocate at the Sanford Regional Economic Growth Council. The statements will eventually be incorporated into the city’s Comprehensive Plan, the long-range planning document that is currently being updated from the 2005 version.

“I think the town honestly wants to really know what people think,” explained Hastings. “Our city is growing. Are we really heading in the right direction? As administration changes and city councilors come and go, these Heart & Soul statements are what they should be looking to first. We are looking for community buy-in. We can let 10 people write these, or we can have a way bigger number. The more people put their input in, the better the direction.”

Click here to take the survey.

Trafton Center itinerary includes Titanic exhibition: Trafton travelers will visit Boston on April 16 to attend Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition. Visitors will embark on an interactive tour of the ship with re-creations of its interior and exterior. More than 250 authentic artifacts that have been recovered from the wreck site of the Titanic will be on display with full-scale room re-creations. Following the exhibit, travelers will have a family-style lunch at Maggiano’s in Boston. The cost is $159 per person and includes transportation, the tour and lunch. Travelers should note that this tour involves a lot of walking. FMI and to reserve a spot, call Robin Bibber at the Trafton Center at 207-457-0080.

A special night out to benefit local programming: The YMCA Gala 2025 will be held April 5, 7-11 pm, at the Sanford-Springvale YMCA, 1 Emile Levasseur Drive. The event features a DJ and dancing, a silent auction, raffles, hors d’oeuvres, a grazing table, and a cash bar. Proceeds from the event will help with YMCA programming and childcare for the local community. Purchase general admission tickets, $35 each, here. FMI, contact the Welcome Center at 207-324-4942.

Want to buy a home but unsure how to begin? York County Community Action Corp. (YCCAC) is offering monthly Home Buyer Education Classes for first-time home buyers. The classes provide honest, accurate information about homeownership and prepare individuals and families for the steps in the home-buying process. The next YCCAC 8-hour class, consisting of three Zoom sessions, will be held March 25 to 27 at 6 pm. Registration fees are $45 per person and $80 per couple. FMI, email Lee Sullivan, home buyer education coordinator, at lee.sullivan@yccac.org, or call 207-459-2961. To register, go here.

For new parents with questions on weaning your baby: The Basics Sanford shared information on an upcoming online event from Boston Children’s Hospital on “Answers for Families: Baby-Led Weaning,” to be held on YouTube on March 20 at 12 pm. The event offers an opportunity for participants to submit questions for the panelists ahead of time. A recording of the event will be available for viewing at a later date on the hospital’s YouTube channel. Submit questions here. Subscribe to watch the event here.