News Notes: November 26, 2023
By Carolyn Cadigan
Skill-building with peers across the state: Last week, 23 JMG eighth grade students from Sanford Middle School attended the Maine Youth Action Network’s Leadership Summit, a two-day event where students discussed social issues that are important to them with youth from around the state. They also networked with statewide nonprofits that address those issues, allowing them to partner with these organizations and bring more resources to the middle school. As a result of their conversations at the conference, students are already working on projects regarding mental health, civil rights and substance use. The JMG Middle School Program helps students develop communication, team building, leadership and problem-solving skills, and includes hands-on community service, teaching them the importance of giving back. FMI, go here.
Winter weather precautions: The City of Sanford reminds all of us that winter weather brings reduced visibility on the roads. Therefore, objects in the city’s right-of-way such as basketball hoops, soccer nets, tetherball poles or other sports equipment should be removed for the winter season. Owners should see that the objects are placed at a maximum usage distance from the roadway pavement. For the full notice, go here.
Habitat for Humanity shows off their newly built digs: Habitat for Humanity York County is holding an Open House at their newly completed home at 7 Normand Ave. in Sanford on Nov. 30 from 2 pm to 6:30 pm. No RSVP is needed. Simply show up, tour the organization’s first ever modular home construction project and learn about how you can get involved. Please consider carpooling, if possible, since parking may be limited. At a time when rising prices make homeownership out of reach for so many, Habitat for Humanity is committed to providing affordable housing options for those who qualify. FMI on the organization and the Open House, email James Connolly, Development Officer, at development@habitatyorkcounty.org or call 207-985-4850.
Knowledge is power: The Winter/Spring flyer from Sanford Community Adult Education is ready to be mailed. They have over 160 in-house offerings and nearly 200 Workforce classes available. To register, visit the website at sanfordlearns.org or call 207-490-5145.
Pet food drive through the end of November: Pet Supplies Plus at 1364 Main St., Sanford, will be collecting donations of pet food through Nov. 30 for the No Bowl Empty Pet Food Pantry. Drop off items at the store.
(New) lights, camera, action: When the Sanford Performing Arts Center (SPAC) opened in 2020, a scaled-back lighting package was installed to save money with the intention of adding more lighting in the future. That time has come. Via the Sanford Schools Legacy Foundation, the Gerard and Gertrude Genest Charitable Trust donated $25,000 to SPAC to further develop the community stage they helped fund five years ago. The theater experience at SPAC was recently enhanced by the installation of six Elation 6-bar 1,000 lights — four on stage that illuminate the actors from the floor and two used in the back with black lights to accentuate stage details. The audience at Sanford High School Theater Company’s performance of “PUFFS” last weekend was the first to experience the upgrade. Moving forward, the new lighting will help to reduce rental costs on equipment that would need to be brought into the theater for performances. SPAC is still shopping for sound monitors for the instrumentalists as well as more accent lighting. For the full story, go here.
Ringing in the holiday season: The North Parish Church at 893 Main St., Sanford, is hosting a Mini Mall for Kids on Dec. 3 from 1 pm to 3 pm. Kids can shop free for a present for someone special, wrap it, make a card, and then enjoy some hot cocoa and marshmallows. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Tea and coffee for adults will be available in the event’s North Pole Cafe. In addition, Santa Claus will be present for children to have pictures taken. FMI, contact Arlene Carroll at 207-651-5307.
Be informed with Rave notifications: York County has publicized the availability of Rave, a critical information management system that allows residents and visitors to sign up for emergency alerts and notifications from local and York County officials. Types of notifications may include severe weather notifications (winter storms, flash floods, severe thunderstorms), evacuation notices, road closures, and other emergencies. The sign-up process allows you to register telephone numbers (landlines or cell phones) and email addresses. FMI and instructions on how to sign up, go here.
