News Notes: October 22, 2023

Volunteers show off the new equipment and mulch they installed at the Carl J. Lamb Elementary School playground.

Photo Credit: Carl J. Lamb Elementary School

By Carolyn Cadigan

They came, they saw, they built it: With the help of many volunteers — staff, families, PTA members, elementary school alumni and community members, including those from the Rotary Club — the Carl J. Lamb Elementary School is now sporting new playground equipment. All those involved are also grateful to the Genest Foundation for their generous donation, which helped fund the project and will allow the school to continue with updates and additions to the playground. Here are photos of the work done and many of the volunteers who made their dream a reality.

Getting online access not such a breeze: Some 10,000 Breezeline customers were without internet and cable service all day Wednesday, Oct. 18, as a result of a car crash that took out a utility pole on Route 202 at the Oak Street intersection. Traffic was slowed as more than 30 repair trucks crowded the shoulders. Comcast and Consolidated Communication customers were also affected. Crews were still working well after dark.

Defusing challenging behavior: Yelling, grounding and issuing harsh punishment in response to a child’s behavior can often intensify an already heated situation. Other techniques may achieve better results. G.E.A.R. Parent Network and the Sanford School Counseling Department are hosting “Defusing Challenging Behaviors: How to Effectively De-Escalate Your Child,” presented by Heather Williams, CFPS, Regional Parent Support Coordinator. The event will take place on Nov. 2, 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm, in the Sanford Pride Elementary School library at 708 Main St. Handouts, a certificate of attendance, and PowerPoint slides will be provided at the workshop. Participants are advised to register ahead of time by emailing bletourneau@sanford.org and to provide their first and last name and the ages of the children under their care.

911 for medical or fire emergencies: The Sanford Fire Department reminds everyone that if you need the Fire Department to respond to a medical or fire emergency, the proper number to dial is 911. Using another number to reach the Fire Department may result in a delayed response since personnel may not be in the station to answer the phone. The 911 dispatchers can always reach the trucks regardless of their location.

Number 1 Pond is home to a Maine state champion: The Maine Forest Service designated Sanford’s American sweetgum tree, growing along the shores of Number 1 Pond on William Oscar Emery Drive, as the largest known living member of its species in the State of Maine in 2023. The American sweetgum first appeared on Maine’s Register of Big Trees in 1999 when a specimen growing in Portland was added. Twenty-five years later, Sanford’s award-winning American sweetgum knocked Portland’s tree off the list. The Maine Forest Service has published the register since 1968. FMI on Maine’s Register of Big Trees or to learn how to identify the American sweetgum tree, go here.

There’s still time to register for fall YMCA programs: The Sanford-Springvale YMCA program guide for the Fall 2 session, which runs from Oct. 30 to Dec. 16, is now available. Program registration opened on Oct. 16, but it’s not too late to join. Pick up the guide at the Welcome Desk or download a copy here.

When your pet says, “What about me?”: Pets who are dressed up in a Halloween costume can join the Halloween Costume Parade at Pet Supplies Plus on Oct. 28 at 11 am. The store, located in the Center for Shopping in Sanford, will have pumpkin snacks available and is planning to take a photo with all the visiting pets in costume. FMI, contact the store at 207-292-4171.

Band aid needed: The Sanford High School Marching Band is hosting the Maine Marching Band Finals on Oct. 28. There are still a number of ways to show support for the band — to volunteer to help with the event, go here; to supply food and drink donations, go here; and to place a Finals T-shirt order, go here.