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 … Continue reading OPINION: Helping parents afford childcare
Category: COMMUNITY VOICES
Contributed news, opinion and feature stories
York County government, college celebrate regional training partnership
By TAMMY WELLS, Contributing WriterCome 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 … Continue reading York County government, college celebrate regional training partnership
OPINION: Biddeford’s pain can be treated
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 … Continue reading OPINION: Biddeford’s pain can be treated
OPINION: Bacon & Eggs
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 … Continue reading OPINION: Bacon & Eggs
Rotary Club program brings holiday cheer to 200 local children
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 … Continue reading Rotary Club program brings holiday cheer to 200 local children
Finding meaning in community and each other
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 … Continue reading Finding meaning in community and each other
Your blood is desperately needed during holidays
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 … Continue reading Your blood is desperately needed during holidays
Hannaford invests $10,000 to bolster Biddeford-based non-profit
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 … Continue reading Hannaford invests $10,000 to bolster Biddeford-based non-profit
UNE students help families in need during holidays
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 … Continue reading UNE students help families in need during holidays
Biddeford’s annual holiday celebration offers something for everyone
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, … Continue reading Biddeford’s annual holiday celebration offers something for everyone
Climate change & Biddeford: What’s next?
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 … Continue reading Climate change & Biddeford: What’s next?
Celebrating Thanksgiving with gratitude
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 … Continue reading Celebrating Thanksgiving with gratitude
Biddeford Adult-Ed program earns prestigious, national grant
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 … Continue reading Biddeford Adult-Ed program earns prestigious, national grant
OPINION: Maine elections are already secure
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 … Continue reading OPINION: Maine elections are already secure
Area students launch campaign to fight hunger
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 … Continue reading Area students launch campaign to fight hunger
Ready to have some BiddeFUN?
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 … Continue reading Ready to have some BiddeFUN?
OPINION: Vaccines are vital, and Maine is leading
By State Rep. MARC MALON, Contributing Writer Do you know anyone currently suffering from polio? My guess is you probably don’t. But polio has existed throughout recorded human history, and the worst outbreak in the United States killed more than 3,000 people in 1952. It left countless others with lifelong health consequences. Photo credit: … Continue reading OPINION: Vaccines are vital, and Maine is leading
OPINION | Biddeford’s disappearing coast
By Thomas McPheeters, Contributing Writer In our not-too-distant future, the coast of Maine will look nothing like it does today — fewer beaches, many houses and businesses displaced, roads and utilities either abandoned or relocated further inland. That’s a certainty, according to Dr. Cameron Wake, a University of New England professor who served as the … Continue reading OPINION | Biddeford’s disappearing coast
Chamber will host annual Ten Talks event
[Contributed Sory] The Biddeford Saco Chamber of Commerce will be hosting its annual Ten Talks & Silent Auction on Wednesday, October 15. The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. at River Winds Farm and Estate in Saco. Organizers say that "this much-anticipated community event blends thought-provoking talks with an engaging silent auction," all in a … Continue reading Chamber will host annual Ten Talks event
Biddeford girl finds passion in gymnastics
[CONTRIBUTED STORY] Marie Metcalf, 12, of Biddeford, has been named the STAR Student of September at Maine Connections Academy, a tuition-free online public school serving students in grades 7-12 statewide. Marie began her first year at Maine Connections Academy as a 7th grader this year, and she couldn’t be happier as she balances online schooling and her … Continue reading Biddeford girl finds passion in gymnastics
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