News Notes: September 10, 2023
Compiled by Gail Burnett
Dust off the Broom: Witches on Water, a casual assembly of “witches” and “warlocks” who like to float around and have fun, is coming to Number One Pond again on Oct. 21. The third annual meetup will bring costumed folks to the pond from around 3 to 4 pm that day. Those who wish to do so can hand out treats to the children. And those who don’t like the idea of floating in a kayak or on a paddleboard can stay on land and be Witches on Foot or Witches on Wheels instead, says organizer and City Councilor Ayn Hanselmann. No registration is necessary, she said. But some kind of costume is.
Pence Trust Grants: City Manager Steve Buck announced this week that the David and Linda Pence Charitable Trust has awarded grants for two projects in Springvale. The Nasson Little Theater will receive $3,099 for a new message board to be located near the Main Street entrance. The City’s Parks and Recreation Department will receive $16,996 for new playground equipment and improvements to the Springvale Playground.
Goodbye Mr. Chip: Richard “Chip” Schrader, former director of Springvale Library and current director of Goodall Library, will be leaving our community effective Oct. 1 when he assumes a new position as director of the Scarborough Public Library. In his letter of resignation, Schrader wrote the move was prompted by his many family connections in Scarborough. Assistant Director Nicole Bowley will serve as interim director until a final replacement is made.
Temporary closure: Goodall Library is closed for the month of September while it moves into its temporary quarters at the Center for Shopping enabling work to start on its major renovation. Patrons can hang onto books and other materials for the month or can return them to the drop box on the Elm Street side of the library. They should ignore any computer-generated email messages about overdue material which are out of the library’s control. If all goes as planned, the library will open in the space between Planet Fitness and Threads of Hope on Oct. 2. Meanwhile, residents of Sanford and Springvale or people who own property in the city or work for any of the city’s schools can get free library cards at Springvale Public Library.
Another kind of library: Sanford Community Adult Education inherited a library when it moved into the former Willard School last year, and it’s slowly getting stocked with books. Members of the public are welcome to come browse, recognizing that it’s not a standard library – no cards, no catalog, no due dates. In fact, if you find a book you like in this library, you’re welcome to keep it, or pass it along to a friend. You can also donate your own books. It’s kind of like the little free libraries that have sprung up in many places, but bigger. The library is open Monday through Thursday from 9 am to 7 pm and Friday from 9 to 3.
Fun Run registration open: It’s time to sign up for the Grahamtastic Connection 5K road race, a fundraiser celebrating the 25th anniversary of the nonprofit organization’s founding. The run and walk will be held Oct. 15 beginning at Anderson Learning Center on Bradeen Street in Springvale. Because it’s a big anniversary for the organization, there will be live music, an auction, prizes and a barbecue. Grahamtastic Connection supplies technology to children facing life-threatening illnesses and their families. It was begun by Leslie Morissette of Springvale, who recognized the need when her son Graham was hospitalized with cancer that ultimately claimed his life. To register for the race, click here.
Vaccination time: Seniors are eligible for flu and other vaccinations during a clinic at the Sanford Springvale YMCA’s Trafton senior center on Sept. 28 from 1 to 4 pm. The clinic is being offered in partnership with Southern Maine Agency on Aging and Northern Light Health. Click here to register. The Trafton Center is at 19 Elm Street, across from Goodall Library.
