People Around Town: June 19, 2022
12-year-old Chace Fromwiller of Springvale was honored as an Anthem Hero at Hadlock Field in Portland for the courage he has displayed battling brain cancer at a young age. The ceremony took place prior to the June 10 Portland Sea Dogs game. In January, after persistent headaches, neck pain, and double vision, Chace was diagnosed with a rare form of brain cancer called diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG), a fast-growing tumor that forms in part of the brain stem. Chace endured a tumor biopsy and 30 rounds of radiation. Although the follow-up MRI showed a significant decrease in the tumor’s size, the cancer had metastasized to his spine. Chace is currently undergoing chemotherapy and another round of radiation on his spine and plans to do a clinical trial for Car T cell therapy in Seattle. With determination and a strong support system, he has been able to continue doing some of the things he loves, including sleepovers with friends, pool parties, playing basketball with his older brothers, games of family wiffleball, and even a vacation to Disney World thanks to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The Anthem Heroes at Hadlock program provides children who have battled a serious medical condition a once-in-a-lifetime experience at Hadlock Field. Each honoree takes a celebratory home run lap around the bases of Hadlock Field prior to a Portland Sea Dogs home game. The children and their families also receive a number of Sea Dogs souvenirs and other VIP privileges at the game.
Nasson Community Center hosted a Block Party this past Friday to raise funds in support of the Fromwiller family. Thanks to the efforts of Nasson Community Center Director Emily Sheffield and Assistant Director Jen Davie, as well as numerous volunteers, local businesses and community members, the Block Party brought in $5,919 in just a few hours!
Springvale’s own Big John Rachkoskie will be kicking off the Chamber of Commerce’s Music on the Patio series at Springvale Library on Friday, July 1 at noon with some great music. See the full schedule of concerts here.
On June 9, the Sanford-Springvale Rotary Club recognized Mary Gannaway for her work in spearheading a project to do much-needed repairs at the School St. home of Felix Goodrich, which involved financial donations and volunteer hours from many people. Read Shawn Sullivan’s story on Seacoast Online for all the details. In the photo below, incoming Rotary President Elias Thomas presents Mary, a former music teacher in the Sanford School system, with the Paul Harris Fellow recognition.
Just days after the primary election, Joe Hanslip has withdrawn as the Democratic candidate in the race for District 142 State Representative. He told the Portland Press Herald that he would like to run someday, but “this is not a good time.” He said his decision had nothing to do with a ruling handed down by the State Attorney General last week that state appointees cannot run for statewide political office. Mr. Hanslip is a member of Maine’s Gambling Control Board. The Democratic Party will be able to choose a replacement candidate to face Republican Pamela Buck, in time for the November general election.
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