NEWS NOTES

Apples, other produce and more are available in season at the Sanford Farmers’ Market,
which is accepting applications for the 2024 season. 

Photo: USDA, by Preston Keres 

Compiled by Carolyn Cadigan

Farmers’ Market applications are now available: The Sanford Farmers’ Market is seeking applications for the 2024 season. The annual membership fee is $175 and gives the applicant the right to sell at the market held on Saturdays, 8 am to 12 pm, in Central Park across from City Hall. The market strives to achieve a vendor mix of 80% farmers and 20% crafters. The day rate for vendors wanting to try a market is $25 per market on a trial basis after approval from the membership committee. If final approval is given, the day rate may be applied toward the vendor’s annual fee. If your application is approved by the membership committee, you will be contacted on how to submit your annual fee. FMI and to apply, go here. 

Kennebunk Savings announces CEO retirement and successor: Bradford C. Paige, president and CEO of Kennebunk Savings, announced he will retire on Dec. 31 of this year. As part of the bank’s transition plan, Paige stepped down as president in January but will retain his CEO duties until the end of the year. Lex Meagher, senior executive vice president and chief credit officer, assumed the president’s role and will become CEO upon Paige’s retirement. Meagher joined Kennebunk Savings in 2011. Paige joined in 1998 and was named president and CEO in 2009. Under Paige’s leadership, the bank grew from $806 million to $1.8 billion in assets, and its network expanded from 12 offices in York County to 17 in total, including five in New Hampshire. Perhaps Paige’s lasting legacy is Kennebunk Savings’ philanthropic and advocacy efforts, including donating to nonprofits in its communities, advocating for substance use disorder prevention and recovery, and supporting local nonprofit organizations such as the United Way of York County, Southern Maine Health Care and several others. 

If learning to play the dulcimer is on this year’s to-do list, you’re in luck: The Louis B. Goodall Memorial Library’s dulcimer group is back and is accepting new members. Learn the basics of this beautiful stringed instrument with others under the guidance of local musician Susan Small. The group meets Tuesdays, 6 pm to 7 pm, at the library’s temporary location, 1364 Main St., Sanford. Bring your own dulcimer or purchase one here. The library has one dulcimer and music stand available for checkout with your library card as well, but it is available on a first come, first served basis. 

No high school diploma? HiSET may be the answer: Sanford Community Adult Education (SCAE), which is part of the Sanford School Department, provides an option to those who have left high school before earning their diploma. SCAE’s HiSET (High School Equivalency Test) program provides a path to obtain a high school equivalency certification with the same legal standing as a high school diploma. To learn about ways SCAE’s HiSET program can help, go here or call 207-490-5145. 

Photo: City of Sanford 

Stay informed and stay connected with the City of Sanford: Main Street Memo – Edition 30 is now available. This edition covers topics such as Goodall Library updates, Parks and Recreation programs, City Council updates, free tax prep and more. To read the latest issue, go here. 

Who’s not excited for new food options? Coming soon to Sanford, Berryfull will offer brunch items, açaí and smoothies. A full menu will be available soon. They will be located in the Center for Shopping, 1364 Main St., in the suite formerly occupied by Burger Budz. To stay on top of Berryfull’s plans, go here. 

Breastfeeding support from WIC: Did you know that breastfeeding can help a baby’s digestion, and it can lower a mother’s risk of certain diseases like breast cancer? The WIC York County team provides breastfeeding support, supplies and guidance. Contact WIC here for more details. 

Are you longing to hear the crack of the bat? The Sanford Mainers have released their 2024 schedule. The team’s 23rd season runs from June 4 to July 30. For the second consecutive season, the Mainers open on the road, traveling to Montpelier to take on the Vermont Mountaineers on June 4, followed by another away game against the Valley Blue Sox on June 5. The Moose will occupy the third-base dugout of Goodall Park for the first time on June 6,  when they host the Mystic Schooners. Sanford concluded the 2023 season with a 24-9 record, its best since the 2018 season. Go here for the Mainers 2024 schedule. 

Celebrate Mardi Gras with your fur friends: No Bowl Empty Pet Food Pantry and Pet Supplies Plus are having an in-store Mardi Gras celebration on Feb. 10 from 12 pm to 2 pm. Activities include a Mardi Gras Pet Parade with a King and Queen contest, a treasure hunt, a trivia contest and a raffle to support No Bowl Empty Pet Food Pantry. Join in the fun at the Center for Shopping, 1364 Main St., Sanford.