Category: COMMUNITY VOICES

Contributed news, opinion and feature stories

OPINION: City showed no compassion for the sisters who have supported Biddeford

~ Randy Seaver ~ Leave a comment

Dear Editor:

The moratorium on the sale of St Joseph’s convent by the city council took me by surprise.

It is not just that the city council appears so unwelcoming to the university, but it is their callous disregard for the plight of the nuns who so crucially need the income for their continued maintenance. Council unanimously halts UNE development

Have the members of the city council forgotten that these nuns spent their lifetimes giving the children of the city an exceptional education, permitted many of them to go on to graduate and postgraduate educations and professional lives? How many on the city council had their parents, themselves, or their children taught by the nuns?

The University of New England has expressed interest in purchasing the former St. Joseph’s Convent on Pool Road in Biddeford to be used for additional student housing (File Photo)

Do the city council members not realize that the plight of the nuns results from the fact that they worked without salary and do not receive social security benefits as the rest of the community which they taught?

You would think that there would be an outpouring of gratitude for the immense benefit to the community provided by these sisters. Instead total ingratitude and disregard.

I cannot believe the citizens of Biddeford who I grew up with would support this callousness. It leads me to wonder how representative of the community the city council is.

A second issue:  Most communities welcome a university campus in their city.  The professional management, teaching, and research staff enhance the economic, social, and cultural fabric of the community, not to mention the educational benefits available locally.  Many people looking for a community to relocate will consider a local university as a major benefit.

I also find it surprising that someone would bring up the value of the land the school sits on.  You can be land rich and finances poor.   

I myself had to go out of state to medical school because Maine was one of the few states with no in-state medical school at that time.  I’m also convinced that my education at St Joseph’s Gramnar and High School were a major factor ability in my admission to that most competitive of professions.  I also know how to be grateful. 

This brings up another question. Who are these people whose complaints have such an outsized influence on the council?

Are they on the council themselves? What is their relationship to the council members?  Who is the council representing?  Certainly not the community, and certainly not its most deserving and vulnerable members, women in their 80s and 90s who taught generations of children without pay.

The ingratitude shown by the city council cannot possibly represent the sentiments of the community and the entire process should be investigated and reviewed.

Shirley Roy, Biddeford

Editor’s Note: The city’s six-month moratorium on development at UNE’s Biddeford campus, does NOTHING to prevent the university from moving forward with its planned purchase of the St. Joseph’s Convent. The moratorium also does not apply to St. Joseph’s Convent, which is located nearly two miles west of UNE’s Biddeford campus.

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The Biddeford Gazette encourages robust community conversations and welcomes letters to the editor and guest columns submitted by our readers. For more information about submitting a letter or column, please click this link. CONNECT WITH US

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OPINION: Is Graham Platner more than image?

~ Randy Seaver ~ Leave a comment

Dear Editor:

Friday morning, I engaged with a post on the Instagram account of U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner. My comment was not a personal attack, but a critique of messaging and political culture. Earlier that day, I had been watching a panel of reporters, cultural critics and activists discussing a racist meme Donald Trump posted and later deleted about the Obamas.

Like many people, I’ve had a hard time disengaging from the nonstop dystopian news cycle. One point from that discussion stuck with me: a racist president does not emerge in a vacuum, but from history and cultural norms. It made me think about how often we focus on political figures as personalities or celebrities rather than the communities they are meant to serve. It also pushed me back to question how some people are more readily granted credibility, relatability and benefit of the doubt than others.

U,S Senate candidate Graham Platner visited Biddeford in November (File Photo)

That same morning, I saw a Platner post celebrating his status as a Senate frontrunner. Even though I wasn’t sure any good would come of it, I decided to speak up. My comment was sharp but focused: I may ultimately support his policy positions, but I questioned ego-driven messaging and the tendency to rally around someone simply because they feel relatable, even when others have long championed the same ideas.

My motivation was not that I dislike Graham Platner, or even that I don’t personally relate to him. I grew up in rural Maine. I’ve worked since high school to put myself through college. I have friends from many demographics, viewpoints, and walks of life, including veterans who are no longer with us. I’m outspoken, and in some ways I can see pieces of myself in Graham, as much as a woman can. I was initially excited about his candidacy and even defended his rugged, relatable rhetoric to my skeptical mother.

Later, I learned about past comments he made about sexual assault in the military and about Black people tipping. I was told those remarks were from 2012 by people I respect, but it has still been a lot to grapple with. Wanting to be fair, I attended an event where he spoke at Biddeford Middle School. In person, he was engaging and more humble than his social media presence suggests. He spoke about hardworking Mainers and real community issues (he also mentioned liking Kurt Vonnegut — hey look, not something I’m gonna base my vote on, but respect). I found him personable, but I also noticed him shy away from more specific policy questions. That mirrors what I see in his campaign messaging: broad themes, with far less discussion of specific legislation.

He does come across as an everyman. It’s admirable that he served as a Marine. It’s also great that he was able to fly his wife out of the country for IVF, and I fully support access to that care. But that level of access isn’t feasible for many Mainers. Is he really the everyman of Maine?

I also find myself questioning why many people readily frame him as inherently virtuous. Is it the polished image? But if I suggest it may also relate to who he is and how he presents, I risk being accused of “identity politics,” yet image clearly plays a role in how candidates are received. More than that, the tone of his campaign also gives me pause. Much of his messaging focuses on projecting confidence, bravado, and victory, while specifics go unaddressed.

I question why we so often elevate candidates based on relatability and image rather than depth of policy discussion. For me, this raises broader questions about who we instinctively see as credible and why. Is this result of a two-party system? Of our own ability to embrace nuance? Modern culture? Something else? 

________________

I question why we so often elevate

candidates based on relatability and image

rather than depth of policy discussion.

_________________

When I made my comment, perhaps not unexpectedly, I received dismissive replies from his supporters. One person, who said he was a friend of Graham’s, said I seemed “insufferable” and focused on defending Mr. Platner’s character instead of addressing the substance of my comment. Another person mischaracterized my argument in a way that echoed familiar tropes often used to trivialize women’s political voices, and suggested I must think Graham is unintelligent because he is a man. After several rounds in which he ignored my actual points and resorted to personal attacks, I checked his profile and saw that he does not appear to be a U.S. voter.

I continued monitoring the comments partly out of concern, because expressing political opinions online can invite harassment. I then noticed that Waukeag Oyster Company, an oyster farm business founded by Graham Platner, “liked” comments suggesting my critique was simply about him being a man, while my original comment went unanswered. Public “likes” may seem small, but they signal which messages a campaign chooses to acknowledge or amplify. I do not know whether it was Graham himself, a business partner, or a social media manager engaging with those comments. Still, liking a response that framed my critique as gender-based, rather than engaging with the substance of what I said, felt dismissive and unnecessarily divisive. Especially considering that this person, according to their Instagram bio, is not even part of Mr. Platner’s voter base.

I messaged Waukeag Oyster Company to point this out and received no response.

Look, if Graham Platner gets elected, I can live with it. I may end up voting for him if he is truly the frontrunner, and I will more than likely include him in my ranked-choice ballot in the primaries. But what concerns me is when supporters place personality and relatability over policy. In an age of rising authoritarian tendencies, we should be asking where solidarity turns into conformity, and why we tolerate brashness in some demographics while condemning it in others. Not for the sake of purity, but for equity and for preserving our own critical thinking, rather than saying yes to whoever is speaking the loudest.

Sincerely,

Victoria Gordon, Biddeford

Note: Victoria Gordon serves on the Biddeford Gazette’s Advisory Board, The Gazette welcomes letters and guest columns from its readers. More information here: CONNECT WITH US

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OPINION: Supporting our municipal workforce; how AI can help cities serve better

~ Randy Seaver ~ 3 Comments

By MARTY GROHMAN, Special to the Gazette

Our municipal employees are the backbone of our communities. They plow our streets at three in the morning during snowstorms. They respond to service requests, maintain our infrastructure, and keep our cities running smoothly day after day. These dedicated public servants often work with limited resources, facing growing demands while dealing with staffing constraints and aging technology systems.

We owe it to them to provide every tool that can make their jobs easier, safer, and more effective. Artificial intelligence isn’t about replacing these hardworking people—it’s about giving them support so they can focus on what matters most: serving our residents.

Photo: Open.gov

Starting Small: Meeting Minutes and Administrative Tasks

The simplest place to start is often the most impactful. Consider the countless hours municipal employees spend transcribing meeting minutes, summarizing discussions, and producing reports. In Gray, Maine, Communications and IT Director Kyle Hadyniak has embraced this exact opportunity.

Gray uses Microsoft Copilot to create meeting recaps of Town Council sessions much faster than manual transcription would allow, with the AI automatically generating timestamps and natural language summaries that help Hadyniak turn around news articles in just an hour or two. This means residents get information about their local government faster, and it means one less tedious task weighing down a small municipal staff.

Gray adopted a formal AI policy in the summer of 2025 that requires staff training before receiving access to AI tools and emphasizes that AI outputs must be treated as draft material requiring human review. This responsible approach recognizes that technology should augment human judgment, not replace it.

The impact goes beyond time savings. When communications staff can produce meeting summaries quickly, they have more time for community engagement, answering resident questions, and improving accessibility. Hadyniak noted that small municipalities in Maine with fewer than ten full-time staff members would particularly benefit from AI tools to handle smaller administrative tasks.

Making Our Streets Safer and More Efficient

Syracuse, New York, demonstrates how municipalities can use technology to enhance essential services while maintaining transparency and community oversight. 

For snow removal operations—a critical service in upstate New York—Syracuse’s Department of Public Works has implemented GPS fleet tracking and AI cameras on trucks. These systems don’t just monitor employees; they protect them. Cameras provide visual documentation of road conditions and can help verify crew safety and accountability. Real-time GPS tracking allows operations superintendents to optimize routes, respond to service requests more effectively, and ensure no streets get missed during storms.

Think about the worker driving a plow truck for twelve hours straight during a blizzard. That technology means their supervisor knows where they are, can send help if needed, and can verify their route is safe and efficient. It means fewer callbacks to streets that were already plowed and better coordination across the entire fleet.

Looking Forward: Smarter Services, Better Communities

The next generation of municipal AI applications will transform how cities deliver services:

Route Optimization for Waste Collection: AI can analyze traffic patterns, construction zones, and historical data to create more efficient garbage and recycling routes. Drivers spend less time in traffic, trucks use less fuel, and residents get more consistent service.

Predictive Infrastructure Maintenance: Machine learning can identify patterns in service requests and sensor data to predict when a water main might fail or when a road needs repaving—before it becomes an emergency. This helps cities budget more effectively and prevents those frustrating situations where the same street gets dug up multiple times.

Intelligent Website Navigation: Many municipal websites are difficult to navigate, especially for residents who aren’t familiar with government terminology. AI-powered search and chatbots can help residents find the right form, understand a regulation, or get connected to the correct department without spending hours clicking through menus or waiting on hold.

Smart Permitting Systems: AI can review permit applications for completeness, flag common errors, and route them to the appropriate reviewers automatically. This speeds up processing times for residents and businesses while freeing up permit staff to handle complex cases that need human expertise.

A Commitment to Our Employees

Our municipal employees didn’t sign up for endless paperwork and administrative burden. They chose public service to make a difference in their communities. We need to innovate to keep our taxes down, and every minute we can give back to our hardworking employees through smart automation is a minute they can spend on more meaningful work—and providing the personal touch that no algorithm can replicate.

As we move forward, the question shouldn’t be whether to embrace AI in municipal operations, but how to implement it responsibly in service of the dedicated people who serve our communities every day. They’ve earned our support, and technology is one more way we can show we value their contributions.

The future of municipal service isn’t about choosing between people and technology—it’s about using technology to empower people to do their best work. Our employees deserve nothing less.

_____________________

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Marty Grohman of Biddeford is a former Maine State representative and former mayor. He has served as the Executive Director of E2Tech, a clean energy trade association, and built a successful manufacturing business in southern Maine.

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Biddeford students headed to York County spelling bee

~ Karen Garnett ~ Leave a comment

By KAREN GARNETT, Contributing Writer

Students from Biddeford and Saco schools showcased their spelling skills last month during their respective school Spelling Bees, earning top honors and advancing to the York County Spelling Bee on February 9, 2026, at Saco Middle School. Due to limited space, the event is not open to the public.

 Biddeford Middle School’s Spelling Bee Champion Ronan Lunianski and Runner-up Jordan Souliere. will be heading to the York County Spelling Bee (Contributed photo)

At CK Burns School, fifth-grade students Sage Daicy claimed the championship by correctly spelling gleaned, while Peter Galasyn earned the runner-up position and Calie Thayer placed third. At Saco Middle School, sixth-grader Toran King-Riggs secured the championship in round ten by correctly spelling Frankenstein, while sixth-grader Marko Marjanovic earned runner-up, and eighth-grader Layla Goodrich placed third. At Biddeford Middle School, seventh-grader Ronan Lunianski was named School Champion by correctly spelling equestrian, with sixth-grader Jordan Souliere earning the runner-up position. 

The York County Spelling Bee brings together top spellers from schools across the region for a rigorous, multi-round competition that challenges students’ vocabulary, composure, and perseverance. Participants advance by correctly spelling increasingly complex words, with judges and an official pronouncer guiding each round. The event celebrates academic achievement while encouraging confidence, focus, and a love of language.

“In past years, I’ve had the chance to watch students compete, and what stands out most is their courage,” said Jeremy Ray, Superintendent of Biddeford and Saco Schools. “Standing up in front of your peers, trusting your instincts, and pushing through pressure takes real grit. Whether they placed first or simply took the microphone and gave it their best, every one of these students made their school communities proud, and we wish them the best of luck at the York County Spelling Bee.”

The Biddeford and Saco School Departments congratulate all Spelling Bee participants for their preparation, perseverance, and outstanding sportsmanship, and wish their advancing students the best of luck at the York County Spelling Bee.

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Karen Garnett is Director of Communications for Biddeford, Saco and Dayton schools.

She can be reached at kgarnett@biddefordschools.me

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OPINION: Helping parents afford childcare

~ Randy Seaver ~ Leave a comment

By STATE SEN. HENRY INGWERSEN, Special to the Gazette

On the first day of the legislative session, I joined my colleagues in the House and Senate at a press conference to outline our sweeping “Lower Costs, Stronger Communities” bill package. From health care and energy to childcare and housing, we are going to work hard to lower everyday costs for Maine families.

As part of this package, I’d like to highlight my bill, LD 1859, “An Act to Improve Access to Child Care and Early Childhood Education by Establishing Regional Resource Hubs.” It seeks to address Maine’s childcare crisis by creating a network of regional hubs to connect families, childcare providers and employers with much-needed information and support. It would help them locate early childhood programs and similar resources, including training opportunities for providers in the state. I know that childcare is a personal issue for many, and, as a grandfather, it’s personal for me and my family, too.

Photo: Minnesota Department of Children, Youth and Families

In that same vein, following another press conference a couple of weeks later with Senate President Mattie Daughtry, parents and childcare workers, I introduced a bill to invest in Maine’s essential child care system. I presented LD 2066, “An Act to Establish the Child Care Employment Award,” to the Health and Human Services Committee, which I chair. 

Seeking to build on a successful two-year pilot program, the bill would make the Child Care Employment Award (CCEA) a permanent component of Maine’s child care subsidy system, supplemented by the Child Care Affordability Program (CCAP). The CCEA maximizes existing public investments in child care and gives an added boost to those who work as child care professionals. 62% of participating families are eligible for the CCAP and receive subsidies from it. The CCEA covers the required co-payments for those children whose parents are child care professionals at an average of $114 per child. That’s real money that parents can keep in their pockets. This is an added incentive to the child care staff who currently are some of the lowest-paid professionals in Maine.

At its core, this bill recognizes a simple truth: our child care system cannot function without the educators and staff who show up every day to care for Maine’s youngest children – and those workers must be able to afford child care themselves. When child care workers can afford care for their own children, staffing levels stabilize, classrooms stay open and parents across all sectors can continue working. This program is not simply a benefit for individual educators – it is essential infrastructure.

I told the Committee: As of September 2025, the program currently supports 511 Maine children from 313 working families. Without additional funding, 470 children from 312 families will remain on the waitlist. These children – and their hardworking parents – have already waited too long. We need to get them off the waitlist and into child care centers across the district, like St. Louis Child Development Center in Biddeford.

I had the opportunity to tour St. Louis Center in Biddeford in the fall. During the visit, I learned about the high-quality childcare that St. Louis has been delivering to children of all backgrounds and needs for over 35 years. Indeed, the Center has extensive experience navigating Maine’s childcare system, and they excel at working with families from all walks of life. I especially appreciated their comments and feedback on how we can make the childcare system less burdensome for care providers and families alike.

I, along with some of my colleagues, have taken that feedback to heart. The child care workers at St. Louis emphasized the importance of predictability and stability in state child care programs in order for centers to keep their doors open and retain staff. We need to continue to fund and support the child care subsidy system, and we need to be creative in making it work for more families.

With these critical investments, we can support Mainers with children and those who take care of them, making it easier and more affordable to start a family here in Maine.

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State Sen. Henry Ingwersen represents the communities of Arundel, Biddeford, Dayton, Hollis and Lyman in the Maine Senate. (District 32)

He may be contacted at henry.ingwersen@legislature.maine.gov

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York County government, college celebrate regional training partnership

~ Randy Seaver ~ 1 Comment

By TAMMY WELLS, Contributing Writer

Come spring, Advanced Life Support and Pediatric Life Support training programs will be in place at York County Regional Training Center. Advanced EMT classes and labs are ongoing now at the new facility. Firefighting classes are happening. Law enforcement classes are scheduled. A citizens’ academy that gives residents a look at policing meets there weekly.

The decades-long dream of a centralized location for all manner of first responder training is now a firm reality.

And a couple of old friends have teamed up to offer it all, together.

York County Regional Training Center is up and running. (Contributed photo)

The relationship between York County government and York County Community College began several years ago. Now, it is stronger than ever, with the signing of an agreement that further formalizes their relationship.

“I call it taking a handshake agreement and turning it into a true partnership,” said YCRTC Director Roger Hooper as York County Manager Greg Zinser and YCCC President Michael Fischer put their signatures to paper on Jan. 21.

What it means is that YCRTC instructors will be guiding firefighter training outside at the drill tower, sharpening their skills in safely rescuing a person trapped inside a burning building. Back inside the vast training center, YCCC instructors in an EMS lab outfitted with patient mannequins and a mock ambulance, will be leading another class.

A real jail cell will be a tool to aid those training as corrections officers, and other instructional equipment, like a dispatch console, is being considered. There’s a decontamination unit, an auditorium, and much more.

The collaboration is a system that works, those involved say.

“(This agreement) represents years of collaboration, careful planning and a shared belief that the best way to serve our communities is to invest in the people who protect them,” said York

County Manager Greg Zinser. “These agreements define roles and responsibilities, but more importantly, they align our missions.”

“When public entities work together with clarity and purpose, our communities are stronger,” said York County Community College President Michael Fischer.

“By aligning the County’s facilities and expertise with the College’s educational offerings, curriculum review processes, and assessment standards, we are able to ensure consistent, high-quality learning experiences that support education in fire safety, law enforcement, emergency medical services, and related public safety fields in a way that is coordinated and intentional,” he added.

York County Regional Training Center director Roger Hooper points out features of the drill hall to reporters and others during a tour. (Contributed photo)

Richard Clark is in his ninth year as a York County Commissioner and previously served 18 years as a Wells selectman – and he pointed out, in both levels of government, the hiring and retention of public safety personnel figures largely.

“Training is continuous,” Clark said. So, when commissioners learned York County would be awarded $40 million under the American Rescue Plan Act – what they knew would be a once in a lifetime award – they sought community input and mulled several projects.

Ultimately the board decided on two major projects: a first responder training center and a separate substance use treatment and recovery center – the latter currently under construction – as well as providing financial support for in-house projects and for initiatives by area nonprofits.

“We knew we wanted to do something to benefit all of York County,” said Commissioner Donna Ring.

YCCC Criminal Justice Program Chair Tim Burton said the new first responder facility helps expand the college footprint further into the county – Alfred is the geographic center of York County.

“(It gives) York County residents greater access to courses,” Burton said. “It increases opportunities.”

The training center is a $24 million project, funded with a combination of ARPA money, congressionally directed spending funds, grants and county funds.

York County Regional Training Center is at 79 First County Way, off Route 4 and Layman Way in Alfred.

More information, including upcoming course opportunities, can be found at: Regional Training Center | York County Maine Government.

An open house is planned for later this year.

____________

Tammy Wells is a media specialist at York County government.

OPINION: Biddeford’s pain can be treated

~ Randy Seaver ~ Leave a comment

By SAM PECOR, Special to the Gazette

Let me ask you something: what do you do when you feel pain?

That’s a loaded question. So, let’s stick to the responsible move: see a doctor and establish the cause.

The answer is no different when it comes to a business, a city, a state or even a nation. Identifying the causes of our malaise is the first step toward remedying it. So why are we so averse to that conversation in public? We are unable to get past “something hurts” and identify what’s hurting and what’s causing it.

Biddeford has suffered years of preventable mismanagement that has persisted without anyone naming the specific, often boring, causes.

Sam Pecor

Take our Comprehensive Plan. You don’t need a comprehensive plan to exist as a city. You do, however, need the state’s approval, a finding of consistency, if you want the full set of planning tools, if you expect the state to take your zoning seriously, and if you want Biddeford to be competitive for the grant dollars and capital investment that reward communities that plan.

According to the state’s own planning incentives list (quoted verbatim), here’s all that we’ve given up by not receiving state approval for our Comprehensive Plan:

  • Enact legitimate zoning, impact fee, and rate of growth ordinances;
  • Require state agencies to comply with local zoning standards;
  • Qualify for preferred status with many of the state’s competitive grant programs;
  • Guide state growth-related capital investment towards locally-chosen growth areas;
  • Qualify for Site Location of Development Act exemptions for certain growth-area developments;
  • Qualify for relaxed MaineDOT traffic permit standards for certain growth-area developments;
  • Qualify for authority to issue Natural Resources Protection Act (NRPA) permits; and
  • Qualify for authority to issue Site Location of Development Act permits.

For the residents living beside the York Judicial Center: in practice, without a state-approved Comprehensive Plan, our zoning standards can be merely advisory to the state, weakening our ability to protect abutters.

Failure to adopt a state-approved Comprehensive Plan does far more than erode our ability to self-govern. It affects everyone. It weakens our competitiveness for state grant opportunities. That leaves significant money on the table and pushes more of the burden onto property taxpayers.

A consistent failing among city leadership has been communicating the connections between these problems and the pain we are feeling today. When people understand these connections, they are more likely to support real solutions: funding for staff, investments in technology and increased compliance oversight, to name a few.

Citizens of Biddeford understand cause and effect; we get that investing $1 to save $2 is a good deal. Establish the cause, determine the cost and implement a strategy that saves more than it costs. That’s it, that’s the whole ball game.

Sam Pecor is a Biddeford resident and serves on the Biddeford Gazette’s Advisory Board. We welcome submitted commentary from our readers. For more information, please CONTACT US

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OPINION: Bacon & Eggs

~ tommcpheeters ~ Leave a comment

What’s it like to be unhoused and hungry on Christmas Day

By TOM McPHEETERS, Contributing Writer

“What I miss most is bacon and eggs,” he said.

I see this gentleman every week at Seeds of Hope and have struck up a bit of a relationship. He agrees that breakfasts at Seeds of Hope are pretty good, and around this time of year, the lunches are often really, really good. As the weather turns and people become more aware of the plight of people without a home of their own, we are favored with all sorts of good food.

Meals like Shepherd’s Pie, pasta and meatloaf, even complete turkey or ham dinners; pretty much something different every day.

These days, that’s breakfast and lunch for upwards of 100 people, moving in and out of a dining room that holds, maybe, 50 people at a time. People can hang out downstairs, where the food is served, all day now and in cold weather the place is jammed from morning until afternoon, when people are encouraged to go across the street to Second Congregational Church, where a sister program, Bon Appetit, serves dinner.

But we don’t serve bacon and eggs. I point out to my friend that eggs are really expensive these days, and bacon is also, besides being messy and hard to cook in large quantities in a small kitchen. He agrees, and stresses that he’s not complaining.

It’s just a memory of better times for him. I have to agree. Better times.

A simple breakfast of Bacon & Eggs makes it feel a bit more like Christmas at the Seeds of Hope Neighborhood Resource Center in Biddeford. (Stock photo, Wiki Commons

Breakfast at Seeds is generally pretty utilitarian — simple foods that us volunteers can serve and which will fill you up — cereal, donuts and muffins, toasted English muffins or waffles, plus juice and all the coffee you can drink.

But Christmas morning is special. Breakfast this morning, cooked by our executive director and a small group of staff and volunteers, would put a Dennys Big Man breakfast to shame. Sausage and bacon, eggs (in the form of a quiche), plus biscuits and toast. A plate crowded with the favorites.

It’s as festive as we can make it, including gifts for the residents, and people are appreciative. Unfortunately, my friend who loves bacon and eggs has been sick all week and care barely swallow a piece of toast. His friends are trying to get him to go to the ER, but he resists.

It’s also a reminder to me that everybody I meet at Seeds of Hope has their own stories and their own memories. The holiday brings that same mixture of joy and sadness that we all experience.

Seeds of Hope, in an old church on South Street, is the only game in town (or anywhere in the vicinity) for people who are homeless or precariously housed. Technically, Seeds of Hope is a warming center, not a shelter, because of local and state regulations, but it functions as a full-service shelter with paid staff who are on duty 24 hours a day, seven
days a week until spring.

In addition to a place to spend the night and food, you can get other things as well: mail, charge your phone, referrals for health and counseling services, leads on housing and jobs, and (most of all) companionship and a friendly ear..

A woman finds shelter at a Biddeford bus stop. (File photo)

According to the latest count from the York County Homeless Response Hub, there are roughly 347 individuals in York County who are unhoused. Of that number, 157 are what is known as “chronic,” which means they have been homeless for a year or more.

Since Seeds of Hope is currently the only functioning shelter in the county, a good share of those folks end up here. That still leaves an unknown but quite significant number of people living outside, in tents and encampments in the wooded areas in and around Biddeford,

At least this time of year the homeless are on people’s minds. Food and clothing pour in. The need is year-round but it’s the cold weather that will force more people inside.

Seeds of Hope (and many other locally based programs) always run on volunteer help.

Before the crunch this fall, the Seeds staff, the city’s General Assistance office and their partner organizations were finding housing for at least one person a week — more than 75 — since the Mechanics Park encampment was closed a year and a half ago.

That is high- intensity work, with getting to know each individual and their needs, and then networking to find an appropriate next step.

Right now, the focus is on keeping people safe. The upstairs, where people sleep, is at capacity, which is 50 “gravity chairs” that double as cots. There are usually three or four more people shoehorned in because it is so hard to regulate the comings and goings. It’s been that way all fall, and now winter has set in and Seeds is struggling to meet the
demand.

Vassie Fowler, executive director of Seeds of Hope, says one of her biggest problems right now is rumors and misinformation, which makes it harder to find the right option for people in need, and much harder to turn people away. If in doubt, she says, call (207) 571-9601 before sending somebody expecting to spend the night.

And that many people in close quarters brings its own set of issues. No one really wants to live like this. But at least, at Christmas, the people staying at Seeds or coming in during the day know that they are not forgotten.

As in any family, food is one of the first ways we show we care.

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Tom McPheeters is a life-long lover of Maine and a year-round resident of nearly three years. After a journalism career or 25 years at three newspapers in Ohio and New York State, Tom spent the last 30 years as a community organizer and advocate in Albany, NY. He lives in Biddeford Pool. 

The Biddeford Gazette welcomes commentary and feedback from our readers. To learn more, please CONTACT US

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Rotary Club program brings holiday cheer to 200 local children

~ Karen Garnett ~ 1 Comment

By KAREN GARNETT, Contributing Writer

This holiday season, the Biddeford Saco Rotary Club once again demonstrated the power of community through its annual Adopt-A-Family Program, ensuring that 200 local children experienced the joy of Christmas morning. Despite the growing need, Rotarians and their helpers remained undeterred—managing every aspect of the program, from shopping and wrapping to organizing deliveries, through a collective effort rooted in service.

Each year, the club partners closely with the Biddeford, Saco, and Dayton School Departments to identify families who may need extra support during the holidays. Parents create wish lists that include clothing, toys, and basic necessities, which Rotarians and community volunteers eagerly fulfill.

Biddeford-Saco Rotary Club continues Adopt-A-Family program. These donated gifts will be headed to the homes of 200 children in the Biddeford-Saco area. (Courtesy Photo)

“This program is about much more than gifts,” said Rotarian Shelley Kane, Adopt-A-Family Program Co-Chair. “It’s about dignity, compassion, and letting families know that their community truly cares. When we see the number of children we’re able to support grow each year, it reinforces just how important this work is.”

The Rotary Club budgets $9,000 annually–or $125 per child–for the Adopt-A-Family Program. The Program is made possible by the club’s annual Mini Golf For Good Fundraiser, which takes place in August each year. Through the generosity of event sponsorships and friends at Schooner Mini Golf, Raptor Falls Mini Golf, and, in recent years, Martel’s Mini Golf, the club is able to support this program year after year.

Many Rotarians and community members independently sponsor children, enabling the club to serve more families and meet growing holiday demand for assistance.

“Time and time again, people step up in incredibly generous ways,” added Jane Foley, Adopt-A-Family Program Co-Chair. “Whether it’s a Rotarian, a local business, or a family member who hears about the program, there’s a shared desire to make sure no child feels forgotten during the holidays.”

In addition to the individual Rotarians and community members who went above and beyond by sponsoring families, the Biddeford Saco Rotary Club extends a heartfelt thanks to the Biddeford High Schoo’s National Honor Society and Be The Change Team, Girl Scout Troop 1161, the Family of Maureen Grandmasion, Academy of Dance, Coastal Winair Co., Mick’s Sports Bar, Saco Elks Lodge, Pension Professionals, Rousseau Insurance, and ServPro. Their extraordinary generosity and commitment to giving back to the community are inspiring.

“Our club is incredibly proud of this tradition,” said Haley Thompson, President of the Biddeford Saco Rotary Club. “Adopt-A-Family Program reflects the very heart of Rotary—neighbors helping neighbors. The impact goes far beyond December, and it’s a powerful reminder of what’s possible when a community comes together.”

For more information on the Biddeford Saco Rotary Club or to learn more about the Adopt-A-Family program, visit: http://www.biddeford-sacorotary.org

You may also visit their Facebook page at: Rotary Club of Biddeford Club of Biddeford-Saco. 

___________

Karen Garnett is Director of Communications for Biddeford, Saco and Dayton schools. She can be reached at kgarnett@biddefordschools.me

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Finding meaning in community and each other

~ marcmalon9bbd0f805b ~ 1 Comment

The holiday season can be difficult for many people, but there are resources for those struggling with the extra stress

By State Rep. MARC MALON

The holiday season is a source of joy for many. The lights are pretty, the kids get excited for Santa and families gather in reunion and celebration; and obviously for many, it is an intensely holy and spiritual time of year.

It is also for many a time of elevated stress and emotional turmoil. There is something about the season which brings out complicated feelings. If this is true for you, know that you are not alone.

A 2021 study highlighted by the National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI) found that three out of five Americans feel that their mental health is negatively impacted by the holidays. Some of this can be attributed to simple pressures such as finding presents, and more difficult terrain such as navigating difficult family relationships.

The fact that the holidays coincide with the arrival of winter, literally the darkest days of the year, contributes to seasonal affective disorder in many folks.

Although a time of hope and celebration, the holiday season can be difficult for many people. (Photo: Yale University)

I feel this as well. I frequently feel depressed and melancholy during the Christmas season, even though I love the holiday itself and the social aspect of gathering with family and friends.

Some of this is likely due to the fact that it is a rare time in which I slow down, which gives me more time to reflect and think about all aspects of life; good, bad and ugly. Many classic Christmas songs drive home the melancholy even further (except for “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer” – that one just annoys me).

So, as we move through this season, it is important to remember that if you are struggling, you are not alone.

Many – myself included – feel the same, and there are many resources in our greater community which might be helpful while navigating this time.

The rising cost of food can make it difficult for many folks to afford feeding their family on a daily basis, making a special holiday meal outside the realm of possibility. Recognizing this, the Bon Appetit Community Meal Program serves supper Monday through Friday at 4:30 p.m. and a Sunday breakfast at the Second Congregational Church on Second Street from 8 to 9 a.m. The church also serves a community ham dinner on Christmas Eve. If you are interested in learning more, you may call 207-391-6279 or email secondcongbiddeford@gmail.com.

The Biddeford Food Pantry is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9 to 11 a.m. and all are welcome. This volunteer-run organization is not seasonal, it is a year-round miracle.

NAMI Maine operates a help line for mental health resources Mon. – Fri. from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. Simply dial 1-800-464-5767 and then press 1. They can help you navigate options for mental health and substance use treatment.

This part is crucial: If you or a loved one are in crisis, please call or text 988.

These resources only scratch the surface of what is available.

Now, I think we can mostly agree that things in the world could be better. It needs to be easier to find affordable mental health care, both for immediate needs and for ongoing preventative services.

If you have ever tried to find a therapist who takes insurance, you know what I mean. And it would help if Congress could extend the Affordable Care Act health insurance subsidies so working families don’t see their premiums skyrocket at the start of the new year. We have to do better.

But we also must try to find mutual strength and support in each other. We’re often good at providing it to one another in an acute sense – by donating to GoFundMe campaigns or attending a community fundraiser, or maybe even by donating food to a local hunger relief program.

But we should also try to consider what is needed for people we don’t know, especially those who are different from us. Communities are stronger when support is coming from all and available to all.

One of my favorite Christmas carols is a classic, “O’ Holy Night.” It is a religious song, first written by a French poet named Placide Cappeau, set to music by composer Adolphe Adam, and translated to English by John Sullivan Dwight.

Dwight and Cappeau were abolitionists who saw universal meaning in the song, one which could be applied regardless of religious beliefs. The final verse, which is not sung in all versions, contains the following lyrics:

“Truly He taught us to love one another;

His law is love and His gospel is peace.

Chains shall He break, for the slave is our brother;

And in His name all oppression shall cease.”

Happy Holidays.

______________

Rep. Marc Malon is serving his second term in the Maine House of Representatives, representing a portion of Biddeford. He serves as a member of the Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee and the Housing and Economic Development Committee. He can be reached via email at marc.malon@maine.gov

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Your blood is desperately needed during holidays

~ Randy Seaver ~ Leave a comment

In his letter to the editor, this Red Cross volunteer offers a stark reality about the need for blood donations during this time of year.

Editor:

A few hours into the blood drive, Nancy walked out of the Biddeford Eagles Facility in tears.

I hurried to meet her and asked what was wrong. Through her sobs, she said, “It happened again, my iron count was too low. I wanted so badly to give blood and help.”

Her disappointment was clear, and I gently reminded her that she was already helping simply by showing up. The truth is, I’ve seen this before, no matter how willing someone is, their iron or hemoglobin levels just aren’t high enough to donate that day.

But here’s what’s important: even when you can’t give blood, you can still give hope. A financial donation to the Red Cross helps ensure our lifesaving mission continues every single day.

As a volunteer in the Red Cross Biomedical Services, I see firsthand the difference your support makes. The Red Cross provides lifesaving blood to 38 Maine hospitals and medical centers, and we must collect 130 donations every day to meet patient needs.

The reality is this: The need for blood and platelets never stops. Cancer patients, accident victims, and surgical patients depend on it every day.

Blood can’t be manufactured; it must come from volunteer donors. Any pause in donations puts patients at risk. You can make a lifesaving difference right now.

Donate blood or platelets this month to help hospitals care for patients as we head into the holidays.

Make your appointment today. Visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS, or download the Blood Donor App to schedule your donation.

The holidays are also a time when emergencies increase such that home fire responses rise by

nearly percent nationwide, and many Mainers need help recovering. Because of caring donors and volunteers, the Red Cross is always there, providing shelter, financial support, first aid and comfort to families in crisis and to our military members facing challenges.

This holiday season, you can be the reason someone finds hope again. If you’re unable to give blood, please consider making a financial donation at redcross.org.

Together, we can ensure that no one faces their darkest moment alone, whether it’s after a disaster, in a hospital room or right here in our community. 

With gratitude,

Uchizi Phakati

Biddeford

Hannaford invests $10,000 to bolster Biddeford-based non-profit

~ Randy Seaver ~ 1 Comment

Contributed Story

As hunger relief organizations report an increase in demand heading into the winter months, Hannaford Supermarkets is partnering with Youth Full Maine and Wayside Food Programs to provide a critical boost to food access programs this holiday season, according to a company press release.

Dozens of Hannaford associates joined non-profit leaders and volunteers at two events over the past week to pack and distribute 1,000 meal boxes filled with fresh, nutritious and high-quality food for individuals and families across southern Maine.

Hannaford associates assemble food boxes in partnership with Youth Full Maine in Biddeford. In addition to donating more than 10,000 pounds of food, including produce and pantry staples, Hannaford invested $10,000 to bolster Youth Full Maine’s efforts to expand food access this holiday season. (Courtesy photo)

In addition to donating more than 20,000 pounds of food, including produce and pantry staples, Hannaford invested $20,000 to bolster Youth Full Maine and Wayside’s efforts to expand food access this holiday season.

“The holiday season is a time to reflect on the importance of community, and we take our responsibility to care for our communities very seriously,” said Sherri Stevens, Community Impact Manager for Hannaford Supermarkets. “Ensuring everyone has access to fresh, quality food is one of the simplest ways we can nourish our neighbors. We thank Youth Full Maine and Wayside Food Programs for their partnership in fighting hunger in our communities – both during the holiday season and throughout the year.”

Based in Biddeford and serving families throughout York County, Youth Full Maine manages school food pantries and conducts community-wide free food mobile distributions each month.

The organization will host numerous food distribution events this holiday season and will distribute holiday meal boxes to families through school-based pantries.

“We’re grateful to our partners at Hannaford Supermarkets who understand the importance of making sure all Mainers can access food this holiday season,” said Katie Brown, Executive Director of Youth Full Maine. “Throughout the year, Hannaford helps Youth Full Maine get nourishing foods to people of all ages who don’t get enough to eat, from seniors living alone to families with kids who are struggling to make ends meet.”

Hannaford has invested more than $1.8 million in food security programs in its communities over the past year. In 2024, Hannaford donated more than 27.6 million pounds of food to hunger relief organizations – the equivalent of 23 million meals – and is on track to meet the same amount this year.

For more information about Youth Full Maine, visit www.YouthFullME.org

__________________

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UNE students help families in need during holidays

~ Randy Seaver ~ Leave a comment

Contributed Story

Students from the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine’s Sigma Sigma Phi (SSP) KAPPA Chapter continued a longstanding holiday tradition on Friday, Dec. 12, hosting their annual Holiday Giving Tree toy drive on UNE’s Biddeford Campus to support local families through the Biddeford Primary School.

Now in its seventh year, the drive has been held annually since 2019 and is coordinated in partnership with Biddeford school administrators and staff to ensure gifts reach families facing hardship during the holiday season.

This year’s effort resulted in the collection of more than 300 toys — twice the group’s target 150 — all donated by UNE students, faculty and staff and wrapped by student volunteers.

“The Christmas season is my favorite time of the year, and it was such a blessing to be a part of the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine’s Sigma Sigma Phi KAPPA Chapter Holiday Giving Tree,” said event co-organizer Miranda Pomphrett (D.O., ’28). “I was touched by the generosity of the students and faculty as we came together to collect around 300 gifts during finals season, doubling our goal to support local families.”

Biddeford educators emphasized the importance of the partnership and its continuity.

“We are incredibly grateful to the University of New England students for coordinating this annual Toy Drive with our Resiliency Coordinator,” said Meghan Schrader, principal of Biddeford Primary School. “This partnership has allowed some of our families facing hardship to choose meaningful gifts for their children during the holiday season. 

“The need in our community continues to grow, and we are so thankful for UNE’s commitment and for the many community members who step up year after year to make sure every child feels the joy of the season,” Schrader added.

Kin Ly, Pharm.D., Ed.D., advisor of UNE’s Sigma Sigma Phi chapter, said the toy drive reflects UNE’s broader commitment to service, care, and community well-being within its home communities, both during the holiday season and throughout the year.

“We are incredibly grateful to the University of New England students for coordinating this annual Toy Drive.”

– Megan Schrader, principal BPS

That relationship remains strong, she said, even as Maine’s only medical school has transitioned its primary location from UNE’s Biddeford Campus to a new home on the University’s Portland Campus for the Health Sciences — maintaining and strengthening its deep ties to the city and its residents.

“Our UNE COM students’ commitment to bridging the gap between our campus and the local community is truly inspiring,” remarked Ly, who is an associate clinical professor in the College of Osteopathic Medicine’s Department of Biomedical Sciences. “By organizing this toy drive, they aren’t just distributing gifts — they are ensuring that every child in need at our partner Biddeford Primary School feels the warmth and joy of the season.” 

That service ethos is echoed across the University, including within another annual holiday tradition in which UNE undergraduate students partner with Heart of Biddeford, a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering an inclusive and sustainable downtown for the thriving former mill city, to decorate downtown with festive lights, helping bring warmth and cheer to Main Street during the winter months.

Throughout the semester, UNE’s medical students have also led additional service initiatives benefiting communities across southern Maine.

These include a ReSpectacle eyeglasses collection to support underserved individuals worldwide; a Murder Mystery Dinner Theater hosted by the American Geriatrics Society and Gerontological Society of America student chapter to raise funds for Southern Maine Hospice Center; and ongoing meal preparation by the American College of Osteopathic Pediatricians student group for families staying at the Ronald McDonald House in Portland.

“(Our students’) commitment to serving others is commendable and reflects their strong sense of responsibility and empathy — great characteristics for our future osteopathic physicians,” Ly said.

__________________

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Biddeford’s annual holiday celebration offers something for everyone

~ Randy Seaver ~ 4 Comments

Contributed Story | Heart of Biddeford

The Heart of Biddeford will once again host the city’s Merry & Bright Night on Friday, December 5th, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Adams Street in downtown Biddeford.

The annual event offers families and friends to gather downtown and enjoy an evening filled with holiday performances, joyful activities, festive lights and delicious treats that will warm even the coldest winter night.

Last year’s celebration drew a big crowd to the downtown area (Seaver photo)

This year’s celebration includes an exciting new highlight: the Merry Makerfair, running from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m., inside the previous York County Courthouse.

Featuring more than 50 local vendors, the Merry Makerfair offers gifts for the whole family and adds a vibrant marketplace to the evening’s festivities.

Organizers say that the evening’s entertainment lineup offers something for everyone.

Performances will include the Academy of Dance, spreading holiday cheer through dance, and the Salvation Army Brass Band, bringing classic holiday tunes to Main Street.

The evening’s centerpiece—the downtown tree lighting—will take place at 6 p.m., when Santa will officially light the city’s holiday tree.

2025 Merry & Bright Poster – FINAL

Santa Claus will be available for picture taking in the Merry Makerfair from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Merry & Bright Night is packed with activities for younger attendees and the young at heart.

Kids can enjoy cookie decorating with materials donated by Reilly’s Bakery, hands-on art projects aboard the Common Roots Studio Art Bus, festive games, trolley rides, and visits with real reindeer.

The evening will also feature mascots mingling throughout the event, bringing extra fun and photo opportunities for families. Biddeford Recreation Department will offer popcorn and s’mores, and hot cocoa will be available for the community to enjoy.

Heart of Biddeford’s Merry & Bright Night is the perfect opportunity to gather with loved ones and celebrate the season in our beautiful downtown. With lights, laughter, music, and a strong sense of community, this event brings holiday joy to everyone.

Climate change & Biddeford: What’s next?

~ tommcpheeters ~ 1 Comment

By THOMAS McPHEETERS, Special to the Gazette

Municipalities all across Maine are attempting to respond to the challenge of climate change, but in contrast to the “Maine Won’t Wait” dictum in the state’s plan, local advocates and government are finding it slow going.

That’s partly due to the nature of government, with its myriads of committees and boards and councils, and partly because adjusting to new realities has so many different aspects.

“Getting things from the proposal stage to legislation is a grind,” said one panelist at the Nov. 12 Climate Action Workshop held by the Southern Maine Planning and Development Commission (SMPDC) and the University of New England.

Every picture tells a story. Coastal property owners in Biddeford prepare for the next big storm

 As we have all experienced, with rapidly changing weather patterns anything is possible and anything can happen at any time. Biddeford had one “wakeup call” set of storms in January of 2024, but no one knows when the next such event will arrive. But clearly, it will, in its own good time.

A small but dedicated group of citizens have been working on ways to address climate change in Biddeford, both to reduce the city’s carbon footprint and how to mitigate the worst effects of extreme weather. With a mandate from the city council, the Biddeford Climate Change Task Force has so far focused on three areas where rules or ordinances could be amended:

  • Solar, with an eye to making it easier to develop solar arrays that are large enough to actually cut local government energy costs or reduce electric bills for residents;
  • Electric Vehicle charging stations, with potential mandates or incentives to developers to provide more changing stations or at least make sure the infrastructure is in place for future installations;
  • Land use: finding the right balance between use of undeveloped land in Biddeford recognizing that the city’s abundance of forested land should not be developed and that large solar arrays are not appropriate for every site.

All of these areas have the potential to bump up against property rights and to impede desired development. (And some issues — the example used at the SMPDC Workshop was about attempts to ban pesticide use — are simply too difficult for many local governments to handle.)

Will Kochtitzky, a professor at UNE who was speaking as the chair of Biddeford’s Sustainability Commission, noted that some of the commission’s work does not involve legislation. He later expanded on his comments in a Nov. 18 report to the Biddeford City Council.

The Sustainability Commission is charged with working with city departments where appropriate and advising the city council about implementing the Biddeford Climate Action Plan.

The Commission has applied for several grants, inventoried bike racks, is working to improve bike riding as an alternative to automobiles in Biddeford and assisted the city in reclassifying coastal areas as limited growth zones in its comprehensive plan.

The commission also conducted a second inventory of emissions from the city last summer.

“I am not pleased to report that we are going in the wrong direction,” Kochtitzky said.

While energy use in both residential and commercial buildings went down, automobile traffic in Biddeford was substantially up.  Biddeford has committed itself to reduce carbon emissions by 2030 and must make more progress to meet this goal. 

The new inventory from 2023 included more vehicles from other locations that came to Biddeford than the 2019 inventory — tourism is a “major industry” for Biddeford.

The commission has proposed legislation to increase electric vehicle charging stations in the city, and also a landscaping ordinance for new developments—both municipal and private.

The experience in other Maine cities was reviewed and integrated in the new draft ordinances.  New legislation proposed affects property development and has been slow going.  As local governments make sure that they do not drive away needed development, both of the proposed new laws are currently in committees to refine the wording and not discourage new projects.

“I am not pleased to report that
we are going in the wrong direction.”

— Will Kochtitzky, UNE professor

Councilor Marc Lessard may have spoken for other council members at the Nov. 18 meeting when he stressed to Kochtitzky that he is mainly interested in things that either break even or lower city costs.  He hoped these new proposals would include city costs to help the council make decisions, such as the municipal building energy audit.

Kochtitzky replied that the commission’s strategy, working with city staff, is to look for grants to facilitate this work.   Unfortunately, federal grants are currently very limited and cannot be counted on for local projects.

Also, in Biddeford’s case, one of the most pressing issues is sea level rise with storm surge, that causes flooding and beach/dune erosion that affects beach front properties. 

The Sustainability Commission is collaborating with SMPDC to get a grant to engineer a detailed beach management plan for southern Maine’s beaches that would make Biddeford’s beaches FEMA disaster assistance eligible. 

While new construction — and some repair projects from the January 2024 storms — have opted to build or rebuild houses on stilts, most of the properties on or near Biddeford’s beaches are affected by Biddeford’s zoning ordinances and Maine’s beach and dune management ordinances (many through the Dept of Environmental Protection).

The city did obtain federal funding to rebuild roads that were washed out by those storms, and also to rebuild the granite boulder sea walls at Fortunes Rocks beach and Ocean Avenue in Biddeford Pool.

But some issues remain unresolved and apparently undiscussed.

Biddeford is one of the few municipalities in York County that has so far declined to sign on to a compact to use the dredge that York County purchased with federal funds.

According to a county report, the dredge is scheduled to remediate dunes and beaches in other coastal areas starting this month, beginning in Wells and moving on to the eroding beach at Camp Ellis, directly across Saco Bay from Biddeford Pool.

Municipal collaboration among the Saco Bay communities may be important in the next 10 years. 

______________

Tom McPheeters is a life-long lover of Maine and a year-round resident of nearly three years. After a journalism career or 25 years at three newspapers in Ohio and New York State, Tom spent the last 30 years as a community organizer and advocate in Albany, NY. He lives in Biddeford Pool. 

The Biddeford Gazette welcomes commentary and feedback from our readers. To learn more, please CONTACT US

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Celebrating Thanksgiving with gratitude

~ Randy Seaver ~ 1 Comment

There are many resources available for those struggling with food insecurity

By STATE SEN. HENRY INGWERSEN Special to the Gazette

This week, I hope that the residents of Senate District 32 — whether in Dayton, Biddeford or Arundel, Hollis and Lyman, — can celebrate the holiday with their families, friends and neighbors. This time of year, our community always seems to pull closer together, and the past month has been no exception.

As we experienced the uncertainty of funding for SNAP (food stamps) for the nearly 1,500 families in our area that depend on it, businesses, groups, individuals and organizations rose to the occasion. Some of you donated items, money or time. Some of you shared flyers and posts on social media. Some of you checked in on a friend or a neighbor and found help for them. I am grateful for all of you and your efforts.

(Photo Courtesy Youth Full Maine)

Although folks ultimately received their full SNAP benefits, hunger remains present in our community. Among the many food assistance resources available, I want to spread the word about the new Maine Food Access Map from the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry.

The Ending Hunger Corps collaborated with food security organizations throughout the state to collect and compile data on a wide range of resources, which you can view online here. Because the map is new, I still encourage folks to contact the organization to confirm details such as hours of operation and services. I hope you explore the map, whether you are looking for help or you are looking to help.

In addition to the Maine Food Access Map, Youth Full Maine has put together a more local list of food resources for residents of Biddeford, Saco and Dayton. You can view the chart online here. I would like to highlight that, thanks to Youth Full Maine and our School Departments, every school in the district has an emergency food pantry. They offer take-home ingredients and meals, which may be helpful over the holiday break.

Looking a little beyond Thanksgiving, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 4, Youth Full Maine will host a free food distribution in the parking lot of Biddeford Ice Arena (14 Pomerleau St.). It will be a drive-thru event with dry goods and fresh produce, featuring Santa. Mark your calendars and share the event.

As a reminder, for the entire month of November, the Maine Federation of Farmers Markets continues to provide Maine Harvest Bucks to SNAP participants at farmers’ markets. When you show your EBT card at a participating farmers’ market, including the nearby Kennebunk Farmers Market, you will receive $15 in Maine Harvest Bucks to spend on fresh produce. You can do this every time you visit the market in November. (Please be sure to check the hours ahead of time.)

Even before the SNAP crisis, I was proud to work on a bill that allocates ongoing funding to the Maine Harvest Bucks program. Although the full amount did not make it into the state’s budget, my proposal has been carried over to the next legislative session. That means I can try again.

Last month, I also successfully made the case for why the Legislature should, next session, consider a new bill to ensure we can continue to fund this critical program from private or state sources – even if federal match dollars disappear or dry up. After the Legislature resumes its work in January, I will be sure to share more information on this bill, including how and when to testify on it.

Being a grandfather, I am looking forward to time with my family this week. I hope you will, too. If the resources in this column do not provide the help you or someone you know is looking for, you can always call 211 or contact me at Henry.Ingwersen@legislature.maine.gov. You can also call the Senate Majority Office at (207) 287-1515.

___________

Henry Ingwersen is serving his second term as the state senator representing District 32, which includes Biddeford, Arundel, Dayton, Hollis and Lyman.

He may be contacted at  Henry.Ingwersen@legislature.maine.gov.

Biddeford Adult-Ed program earns prestigious, national grant

~ Karen Garnett ~ 1 Comment

By KAREN GARNETT, Contributing Writer

Biddeford Adult Education’s First Teachers Family Literacy Program has been selected as one of only three programs in the entire nation to receive a $10,000 grant through the newly launched Barbara Bush Fund for Family Literacy, an initiative of the George & Barbara Bush Foundation aimed at addressing America’s growing literacy crisis.

Biddeford Adult Education’s Family Literacy Coordinator Julie Berube promoting Family Literacy Month.

The fund’s launch was formally announced on November 5, 2025, during a reception at Texas A&M University’s Bush School for Government & Public Service in Washington, D.C. At the event, George & Barbara Bush Foundation CEO Alice Gonzalez Yates highlighted the urgent literacy challenges facing U.S. families—and the critical national role of family literacy programs like Biddeford’s.

Biddeford Adult Education’s First Teachers Family Literacy Program rose to national attention following an in-depth review by Pamela Cote, Senior Director of Literacy Programs and Partnerships for the George & Barbara Bush Foundation. Over the past year, Cote examined the program’s family learning events, parent–child literacy activities, and photos illustrating the authentic ways Biddeford families learn together.

“This recognition means so much because it affirms the heart of our work,” said David Durkee, Adult Education Director. “Julie Berube, our Family Literacy Coordinator, pours so much into creating supportive, joyful learning experiences for families. To be identified as one of the most impactful programs in the country is incredibly uplifting and motivates us to expand this work even further.”

When we invest in family literacy,
we strengthen our students’
foundation for lifelong learning.

–Supt. Jeremy Ray

National data underscores the need: more than half of U.S. adults read at or below a sixth-grade level, and 69% of fourth graders lack proficiency in literacy—challenges linked to multigenerational poverty, academic struggles, and workforce-readiness barriers.

The $10,000 grant will enable Biddeford Adult Education to expand parent–child literacy events, increase early childhood reading activities, offer more parent education workshops, and strengthen partnerships that promote literacy from early childhood onward.  These funds will broaden both the reach and depth of programming, ensuring more Biddeford families have access to tools, resources, and support that help build strong literacy foundations.

Superintendent of Schools Jeremy Ray praised the program’s national recognition, noting its direct impact on students and families: “This award shines a light on the powerful work happening right here in Biddeford. When we invest in family literacy, we strengthen our students’ foundation for lifelong learning. I’m incredibly proud of our Adult Education team for creating spaces where parents and children learn, grow, and succeed together.”

The new Fund represents the next chapter in a decades-long national commitment to literacy. Since 1989, the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy has invested more than $130 million in literacy programming across all 50 states. The establishment of the Barbara Bush Fund for Family Literacy transitions the Foundation’s historic program operations into a national grantmaking model designed to amplify high-impact local programs.

In announcing the first three recipients, the Foundation recognized Biddeford alongside Briya Public Charter School in Washington, D.C. and Achieve Plant City in Florida—placing Biddeford Adult Education in extraordinary company as part of the inaugural national cohort. As the Fund moves forward, the George & Barbara Bush Foundation will work closely with national literacy experts to shape the full grantmaking process, with the next round of grants expected in 2026.

______________

Karen Garnett is the communications director for the Biddeford School System. She can be contacted at kgarnett@biddefordschools.meN

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OPINION: Maine elections are already secure

~ marcmalon9bbd0f805b ~ 1 Comment

By REP. MARC MALON, Special to the Gazette

Next week is Election Day, but for many, including my wife, Jenn, and me, ballots have already been cast. This is because of Maine’s excellent voting laws, which allow voters to cast an absentee ballot as early as 30 days before Election Day.

This flexibility is a godsend for many of our neighbors, especially seniors, folks with disabilities and people whose jobs make it difficult to vote during the business week. All of these neighbors share with us the sacred constitutional rights and freedoms to vote and to have our votes counted in a fair election. 

This year, in addition to the many seats up for election in Biddeford, Mainers are being asked to vote on two referendum questions, which can be found in detail here. In short, Question 1 limits citizens’ rights to request an absentee ballot, among other restrictive measures, and Question 2 allows concerned family or household members to petition the court to issue an extreme risk protection order that will temporarily remove dangerous weapons from an individual’s possession. These are important questions of public policy which I urge everyone reading this to consider carefully.

As someone who has professionally observed elections for 20 years, the mechanics of Maine’s elections are exceptionally well-run. Serving on the Legislature’s Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee — which, among many other issues, oversees the Secretary of State’s Elections Division — I have learned a great deal about this topic, including how ballots are distributed to communities. 

“This system works because
it is thorough and fair“

— Rep. Marc Malon

Ballots are printed at a reputable Maine printshop in Augusta and are then sealed with security tape and clearly marked as ballots at the printer. From there they are marked additionally for tracking and chain of custody purposes. They are shipped directly, with tracking information, from the printer to Maine’s towns and cities using the U.S. Postal Service and UPS. Once they arrive at the municipality, the appropriate municipal official must sign for it. That official must then count the number of ballots received, confirm the number and submit a receipt directly to the Secretary of State’s Elections Division. 

And that’s not all! Absentee ballot envelopes are printed separately at a different printer, and then sent — and tracked -– separately to towns across the state. This prevents them from being mixed up with ballots during shipment and provides extra security.

When a voter requests an absentee ballot, the clerk records the request, confirms the voter’s registration, marks the return envelope with the voter’s information and makes a record of sending the ballot to the voter. The absentee ballot must be returned in the envelope provided, then sealed and signed by the voter on the appropriate line. Upon return, the clerk will inspect the envelope and signature — and any affidavit and witness certification on the envelope — and determine whether the voter has returned the ballot appropriately. Then, they must mark whether the returned ballot was accepted or rejected. 

“Your vote is yours,
and it is sacred”

— Rep. Marc Malon

If there is an issue, the clerk is supposed to make a good-faith effort to contact the voter so that the voter may fix the issue if they are able. The envelope of an accepted ballot is not opened then, but rather stored securely until the time at which the town processes its absentee ballots — which can be no more than seven days before election day. Additionally, there is the added safeguard that all citizens who reside in Maine and wish to register to vote must provide ID and proof of residency upon registration. 

This system works because it is thorough and fair. It has appropriate checks, balances and safeguards to ensure that when something goes wrong, election integrity is not compromised. And it ensures that every eligible Mainer is able to cast their vote and have it counted. 

The safeguards and procedures behind how our elections are administered are essential to a free and fair democracy. In my committee, politicians sometimes introduce unnecessary bills to restrict voting rights or cause problems in the mechanics of our elections. Sometimes these politicians tell dishonest stories about election integrity or deny the legitimate results of elections, like Donald Trump did in 2020. Then they say we should pass restrictive measures because voters “have concerns.”

To me, the best way to alleviate voters’ concerns about our elections is to tell the truth about them. So when you see a proposal containing a mess of restrictions on voting, it is important to ask “why,” “is this really necessary,” and “is this information true and accurate?”  

Your vote is yours, and it is sacred. The truth about Maine’s elections is that they are safe and secure, and they are set up so that you can exercise a freedom that generations of Americans fought for. 

Happy voting. 

Happy? Not Happy? The Biddeford Gazette welcomes feedback from our readers, especially when it comes to different opinions and perspectives. For more information, about how to send a Letter to the Editor or Guest Column, please contact us.

_______________

Rep. Marc Malon is serving his second term in the Maine House, representing a portion of Biddeford. He serves as a member of the Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee and the Housing and Economic Development Committee. He can be reached via email at marc.malon@legislature.maine.gov. 

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Area students launch campaign to fight hunger

~ Karen Garnett ~ 1 Comment

By KAREN GARNETT, Contributing Writer

Beginning today (Oct. 29) students across the Biddeford, Saco, and Dayton school districts are joining forces to help fight hunger in their own backyards through a new initiative called “Spare Change Fills Plates.” The campaign comes at a critical time, as SNAP benefits end for many local families, impacting children who already face food insecurity.

“In our three communities, one in two students is economically disadvantaged,” said Superintendent of Schools Jeremy Ray. “No one should have to worry about where their next meal is coming from, and while all students receive free breakfast and lunch at school, that support doesn’t cover dinners, snacks, or weekends. We’re proud of our students for taking action to help their peers and for showing that even the smallest acts—like donating spare change—can have a big impact.”

Superintendent of Schools Jeremy Ray with students Cordelia Kane of Biddeford High School, Kennedy Ray of Saco Middle School, and Camden Belanger of Dayton Consolidated School. (Contributed photo)

Led by students from each district, Spare Change Fills Plates encourages everyone to take part.

Donation containers and food collection boxes will be placed at each school to collect spare change and non-perishable food items. Local businesses are encouraged to participate by hosting a coin jar and/or a non-perishable food box to help extend the campaign’s reach.

“No one should have to worry about
where their next meal is coming from”

— School Supt. Jeremy Ray

Community members who prefer to give online can contribute directly to the Biddeford Education Foundation for Biddeford and Dayton students, or to Aid for Saco Kids for Saco students, at the following links: https://givebutter.com/BiddEdFoundation or https://givebutter.com/AidForSacoKids.

Every dollar and donated food item will support the local backpack programs and the community, ensuring that students and their families have meals beyond the school day.

Suggested food donations include pasta, sauce, canned meat (tuna, chicken, etc.), Tuna/Hamburger Helper, rice, beans, canned soup, vegetables, and fruit, pop-top canned goods (Chef Boyardee, etc.), oatmeal, pancake mix, instant potatoes, cereal, kid-friendly snacks such as granola/protein bars, microwave popcorn, peanut/sun butter and jelly, and crackers.

“Together, we can fill plates, lift spirits, and show the true power of community,” said Ray. 

To learn more, watch the student launch videos: Biddeford/Dayton video at https://youtu.be/X92mPtjDWII and Saco video at https://youtu.be/X82-DqAjPPY.

_____________________

Karen Garnett is Director of Communications for Biddeford, Saco and Dayton schools. She can be reached at kgarnett@biddefordschools.me

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Ready to have some BiddeFUN?

~ Randy Seaver ~ Leave a comment

By EMMA BOUTHILLETTE, Contributing writer

Once listed among Food & Wine’s Next Great Food Cities, Biddeford does not disappoint when it comes to the food and beverage scene. But between eats, treats and sips, what’s there to do in and around downtown? The answer is PLENTY!

Rift Arcade or The Gutter will take you back to simpler times. Rift Arcade features 40 coin-operated games from pinball to Pac-Man and everything in between with the mission to be an inclusive, affordable, and safe space for all ages.

Bowling on Main Street at The Gutter in Biddeford (Main Street Maine photo)

While you try to best the top scores, enjoy a curated cocktail from the full-service bar or elevated 1990s-inspired grub. If you’re passionate about arcade games and supporting a local business, you can buy into Rift’s NuMarket Campaign and get 120 percent back in credits to redeem (buy-in for $100, get $120 credits).

The Gutter takes a bigger step back in history, turning the first level of the historic Marble Block Building into a mid-century modern delight with wooden paneling, stained glass pendant lights over the bar, and eight classic 10-pin bowling lanes. The full-service bar and kitchen makes it a great place to strike up some fun.

Interested in catching some live entertainment, there are several well established businesses with a weekly roster for you to choose from. If you haven’t heard about it yet, the Rumors are true.

Upstairs from Mulligan’s, Rumors offers live shows Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, featuring a wide array of musical genres. If you’re looking for a laugh, The Comedy Mill might be more your speed. Also located at Mulligan’s, The Comedy Mill hosts open-mic nights for local standups to take a spin at getting laughs, but has also hosted events for nationally-known comics like Connor McGrath.

Just around the corner, Champions Sports Bar offers a little bit of everything for entertainment, including karaoke, trivia, DJ dance parties, and live local music. It’s also a great place to catch your favorite New England teams on the big screens or the flat screens.

While you’re distracted by the wide selection of books at Elements waiting for your morning cup to be poured, you may have missed that they host live local music every Friday and Saturday evening, as well as social events Thursday evenings and Saturday afternoons. These curated events foster community while you sip a barista crafted beverage or a selection from the beer and wine list. Other businesses in town offering live music, trivia nights, karaoke, and more, include Cowbell, Lucky Pigeon Brewing Co., Banded Brewing, and Sacred Profane.

Tour the Riverwalk in Biddeford (City of Biddeford photo)

When the weather is nice, there are plenty of adventures to be had with the kids following the River Walk or the trails at Clifford Park, exploring tidepools at our beaches, or enjoying one of the playgrounds and recreation facilities at Clifford Park, Rotary Park, Mayfield, or J. Richard Martin Community Center.

For those rainy, cold, or snowy days, however, head to The playLOT with your littles. In addition to several structured events throughout the week, this indoor playground offers endless fun and a place for parents to connect. Another great option for bigger littles is Mill Studio Arts. Miss Amy has curated an array of lessons and camps great for the creative kids and teens, with some workshops for the whole family and some just for adults too.

Another great place to explore is McArthur Library, which offers more than books for all ages. The wonderful librarians have curated daily events like educational workshops and book clubs to family-friendly activities and cultural programs. And if you have a library card, you can borrow more than books; check out digital books and audiobooks via Cloud Library and Hoopla, magazines, movies, music, comics, video games, and recreational equipment like fishing poles, snowshoes, lawn games, a telescope, binoculars, WiFi hotspots and more.

If learning about the city is more your speed, there are a few tour opportunities, each with a unique spin. The Biddeford Culinary Walking Tour features our food and beverage scene, combining the tastes of the town with its history, culture, and hometown stories. The Biddeford Mills Tour gives you a deeper look inside the mill buildings, with background on the textile industry and the workforce that populated the city. You can also delve deeper into the history at the Biddeford Mills Museum.

Learn about Biddeford’s history on a Biddeford Mills Tour (Photo: Main Street Maine)

You can also enjoy a slice of Biddeford history at one of the many stellar shows hosted by the City Theater. With its story dating back to 1860, the John Calvin Stevens designed theater is an iconic landmark dedicated to celebrating performance arts.

________

Emma Bouthillette, a special contributor on behalf of Heart of Biddeford is a marketer, writer, yoga instructor, corgi mom, and native of Biddeford, Maine. In addition to publishing A Brief History of Biddeford with The History Press in 2017, her byline has appeared in the Portland Press Herald, Maine Women Magazine, and several other Maine-based publications.