Passages

compiled by Rev. Susan Murphy Bertha Dugre-Demers, 85, of Sanford, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 20, 2024, in her home with her beloved family at her side. Bertha was born on February 16, 1939, in Sanford, the daughter of Ernest and Margaret (Huard) Boulet. She grew up in Sanford and attended local schools, graduating from St. Ignatius High School in 1957. Bertha met her first husband Richard “Duke” Dugre and in July of 1959, they married spending 54 memorable…

Photo of the Week

A local chipmunk -- not some out-of-state chipmunk trying to become an internet meme.Photo: Terry Jellerson

French Couple Seeks More Information About Fallen Sanford Soldier

Damien Le Youdec received a copy of Paul Duquette’s memorial banner from members of the Sanford-Springvale Historical Society as thanks for his interest in the young soldier from Sanford who died in France during World War II. Photo: Damien Le Youdec By Gail Burnett, copy editor Damien Le Youdec knows quite a bit about Paul Emile Duquette, a young soldier from Sanford who died in France in 1944, just 10 days after D-Day. He’s hoping someone in the community can…

Memorial Day 2024 Activities Planned

Compiled by Zendelle Bouchard Sanford will commemorate Memorial Day with a full day of activities on Monday, May 27, including a parade (weather permitting) and ceremonies honoring our nation’s fallen service members. Wreath Laying The Sanford Veterans Memorial Committee will kick off the day with wreath laying ceremonies at cemeteries and other locations around town. Committee members will gather at downtown Dunkin’ Donuts at 7:30 am and proceed by car to the following locations, in this order, to lay wreaths.…

Pratt & Whitney Volunteers Transform Veterans Cemetery for Memorial Day

As Memorial Day approaches each year, a dedicated team of volunteers from Pratt & Whitney in North Berwick steps in to help prepare the grounds of the Southern Maine Veterans Cemetery in Springvale. This annual event has become essential for the cemetery, which faces staffing shortages and damage from harsh winter storms, leaving the grounds in need of significant cleanup. The cemetery's small staff focuses primarily on burials, headstone placements, and mowing, leaving them without the manpower to handle the…

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