Disney’s Moana JR. is playing at Biddeford Middle School’s Performing Arts Center on Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026, and Friday, Feb. 13, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. each evening.
The 60-minute musical, adapted from the book by Susan Soon He Stanton and the 2016 Disney animated film, brings the adventures of Moana and her village of Motunui to life onstage. The Biddeford Middle School Drama Club’s cast includes 85 students led by Coleen Hatt and Rob Petit.
“Much like Moana’s journey, this production is about courage, curiosity, and discovering your own voice. Our students have taken creative risks, supported one another, and grown tremendously throughout this process,” said BMS Drama Teacher Coleen Hatt. “Performing for a live audience brings that journey full circle, and we hope our community will join us in celebrating their hard work, growth, and the joy of storytelling on stage.”
Moana JR. tells the story of Moana as she sets sail across the Pacific to save her village and discover the truth about her heritage. Moana and the legendary demigod Maui embark on an epic journey of self-discovery and camaraderie as both learn to harness the power that lies within. With empowering messages of bravery and selflessness, Moana JR. is sure to bring out the hero within each of us.
Moana JR. features all the beloved songs from the film, written by Tony®, GRAMMY, Emmy, and Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Lin-Manuel Miranda, Opetaia Foa’i, and Mark Mancina, including “How Far I’ll Go,” “Shiny,” and “You’re Welcome,” with orchestration adapted and arranged by Ian Weinberger.
Both shows are open to the public with donations accepted at the door. Seating is general admission, and doors will open at 6: p.m. The Facebook event can be found at https://bit.ly/4k5LAvQ.
Disney’s Moana JR. is presented through a special arrangement with, and all authorized performance materials are provided by, Music Theatre International (www.mtishows.com).
For more information about licensing Moana JR. or other Disney shows, please visit www.DisneyMusicals.com.
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Karen Garnett is Director of Communications for Biddeford, Saco and Dayton schools.
Local author Susan Graham discusses her book that recounts devastating damageto Fortunes Rocks and other Biddeford neighborhoods
By RANDY SEAVER,Editor
It would become the largest natural disaster in Maine’s history, and it destroyed dozens of homes in many of Biddeford’s coastal neighborhoods.
Overall, the “Great Fire of 1947” caused more than $30 million in damages (roughly $438 million in today’s dollars) destroying entire towns and leaving more than 2,500 Maine people homeless.
Though the fires caused considerable damage in several communities, including Bar Harbor, York County was especially hard hit.
“It was devastating for so many families, especially in Fortunes Rocks,” says local author Susan Graham.
Graham recently published “Lost Fortunes Rocks: A Maine Summer Colony and the Fire of 1947,” a detailed account of how the devastating fires impacted the city of Biddeford, including its major employers and local government.
Local author Susan Graham holds a copy of her latest book, which offers detailed information about the “Great Fires of 1947” and how they destroyed entire neighborhoods and impacted Biddeford. (Seaver photo)
Graham’s book offers more than 180 pages of historical photos and meticulously researched information about the fire’s impact on local families, including her own parents who had moved to Biddeford from Kennebunkport just before the fire.
“It was a labor of love,” Graham said during a recent interview about her book at the Lincoln Hotel in Biddeford. “I just found it fascinating, and I had this personal connection to the fire because of where my family lived at the time.”
Much of Graham’s research was conducted at the McArthur Library in Biddeford during the COVID pandemic.
“The library was a treasure trove of information,” she recalled. “They are such a wonderful resource for the community.”
Graham said it seemed – at the time – that all of York County was on fire. In fact, the fire caused extensive damage in the western parts of the county, including the small towns of Newfield and Parsonsfield – but its most devastating impact in York County happened along the shoreline from Kennebunkport to Biddeford Pool, including the resort villages of Goose Rocks Beach, Granite Point and Fortunes Rocks.
According to Graham, the weather conditions that fueled the fire were quite similar to last year’s drought conditions in southern Maine.
“The summer of 1947 was exceptionally dry,” Graham explained. “It made heavily wooded rural areas into a virtual tinderbox.”
There are many theories about what ignited the blaze that raged for nearly two weeks in mid-October. Graham and other historians say it could have been a combination of things including human activity such as a tossed cigarette or autumn brush burning.
Graham said bucket brigades worked around the clock near Fortunes Rocks Beach, but those volunteers and the city’s firefighting resources were pulled away from the coast and redirected to protecting the central part of the city.
“There were concerns that the fires would continue up Rte. 111 from Arundel and cross Five Points, threatening the city’s hospitals, “Graham said. “The city’s fathers didn’t want to risk losing both the Webber and Trull hospitals. Who could question that decision?”
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“The city’s fathers didn’t want to risk losing both the Webber and Trull hospitals.”
— Susan Graham
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Graham says the fire raged from treetop to treetop, fueled by 40 mph wind gusts. Though roughly 50 people remained in Fortunes Rocks to fight the blaze, it was not enough to prevent what she describes as devastating damage to that neighborhood.
Large local employers, including the Saco-Lowell shops, shut down production so that their employees could help the city fight the rampaging fires.
About 60 homes were destroyed in Fortunes Rocks, Graham says, pointing out that eastern portions of Biddeford were at the time a “rural bread basket” that included several farms and a major source of food for the region.
Graham says it took her almost two years to compile the research and self-publish her book.
Copies of Graham’s book – in both hardcover and paperback — are available for sale at the Brick Store Museum in Kennebunk and online at grayeaglebooks@gmail.com
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Randy Seaver is the editor and founder of the Biddeford Gazette. He may be reached by email: randy@randyseaver.com
c.) 2026 All Rights Reserved
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Those who know Don Creighton will tell you that he is always the first to step up and help others in their time of need.
Unfortunately, Don is now on the other end of that equation and wondering how he’s going to make it through the next few weeks and months ahead.
Creighton, 57, is a beloved security guard at the McArthur Library. Over the last two years, he has developed quite a fan base and has become a well-known fixture in Biddeford’s downtown area.
Don Creighton, a beloved security guard at Biddeford’s McArthur Library, is facing an uncertain future. (Contributed photo)
Don’s co-workers at the library describe him as a “gentle soul,” and as a “man with a very big heart.”
Whether he is greeting an excited second-grader or a struggling member of Biddeford’s unhoused community, Don treats everyone the same: a big smile, a warm welcome and a commitment to respect.
“Everyone deserves to be treated nicely,” Don explains. “I may be a security guard, but I see my role as being a resource. I’m there to greet people and let them know that this a safe and welcoming place, no matter who they are.”
A few weeks ago, Don had a sudden seizure while working at the library. He was unconscious for several moments and was transported to the hospital.
According to his medical providers, Don had what is known as Non-Epilepsy Seizure (NES). During the seizure and resulting convulsions, Don suffered compression fractures along his spine.
Every day since has been an ongoing battle with pain so intense that Don has a hard time moving from room to room in his small apartment on Main Street.
After returning home from the hospital, Don says he avoided eating for several days because “sitting in the bathroom was just too painful.”
Several years ago, Don experienced a similar seizure while working on a lobster boat. “There is no history of epilepsy in my family,” he said, pointing out that he does take medication to prevent seizures.
Don lives alone with his dog, Mya. He describes Mya as his only source of optimism.
He says he misses his co-workers and the people he would see every day at the library.
“I love that job,” he said. “I get to spend a lot of time talking to people, and we also have a great staff – we’re like a big family.”
The isolation, combined with the pain, is taking a toll – physically, financially and spiritually.
Although he has health insurance, he has still racked up roughly $40,000 in co-pays, medicines and day-to-day expenses including rent, utilities and food.
“I live alone, and my family is trying to help me as much as possible,” he said. “I have already drained my savings – and I’m not sure what my next steps will be.”
A community begins to rally
If you visit the library, you will likely notice that Don’s work station has been decorated by colorings and drawings done by some of the library’s youngest patrons.
“Saying that Don is missed at the library is a gross understatement, said Joe Sanderson who is the library’s technical coordinator and sometimes works at the adult reference desk.
Don Creighton’s work station at McArthur Library has been decorated by younger library patrons who miss their friendly security guard. (Contributed photo)
“He is a big part of our community,” Sanderson said. “Almost daily, we are asked about how he is doing – people want updates. They want to see him back at the library.”
Sanderson and some of his co-workers have started a GoFundMe campaign to help Don cover some of his most basic expenses.
“It’s the least we can do,” Sanderson explains. “Don is always so willing to help others. Now it’s time for us to help him.”
Sanderson and his co-workers have made flyers and distributed them throughout the downtown area.
“The response from the business community has been great,” he said. “People know Don. They know how important his presence is in our community.”
For his part, Don says he finds it hard to ask for help.
“It’s been very stressful,” he said. “It’s also very scary not knowing if my spine will heal. It’s easy to get stuck in your own mind with a lot of worry.”
Editor’s Note:If you would like to contribute to Don’s GoFundMe page, please click this link: Don Creighton Support Page
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Randy Seaver is the editor and founder of the Biddeford Gazette. He may be reached by email: randy@randyseaver.com
c.) 2026 All Rights Reserved
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This is the first installment of the five-part ‘Biddeford After Dark” series that was originally published in 2001 by the Biddeford-Saco-OOB Courier
ByRANDY SEAVER, Editor
[Oct. 2001] A heavy and ominous fog — the precursor of a cold and damp weekend — rolled westward over Biddeford early on Friday evening, and it remained like a blanket over the city for at least the next 48 hours.
Halfway through the weekend, near midnight on Saturday, that fog seemed to be the perfect backdrop for a lone reporter wandering the city’s streets. A reporter looking for stories — the tales of the weary and the songs of those who make the darkness their kingdom.
I didn’t have to travel far.
The fluorescent, unearthly glow of the 7-Eleven sign cuts through the late night fog and mist like so many shards of shrapnel. The wail of a police siren can be heard in the distance and the downtown bars are packed and rocking.
The late-night bargains are being struck over shots of tequila, and the lonely hearts are growing more and more desperate with each passing minute.
Welcome to Biddeford after dark.
The 7-11 convenience store located at the intersection of Alfred and Jefferson streets continues today to serve as the epicenter of Biddeford’s late-night activity. (Seaver photo)
A cut-rate Statue of Liberty
Perhaps by default, the 7-Eleven store, at the corner of Alfred and Jefferson streets, has become the de-facto epicenter of night life in downtown Biddeford.
It’s not hard to blend in, but my notebook and pen make me a curious commodity in a parking lot full of late-night activity. The store’s neon signs and its bright interior lighting serve collectively as a beacon for both the downtrodden and those who have nowhere else to go at this hour. It is almost akin to a cut-rate Statue of Liberty: send me your intoxicated, your restless and your lonely.
The store and its parking lot become a social scene unto themselves as wannabe gangsters, mostly teenagers, strut in and out of the store, buying Marlboros and Mountain Dew. After waiting in line for up to five minutes, many of those same customers leave the cash register only to sit in their vehicles or loiter near the store’s front door for as much as 30 more minutes.
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Send me your intoxicated, your restless and your lonely.
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Many of those wandering in the front door know each other, and they greet one another as if they were victims of watching way too much MTV. Suddenly, this portion of southern Maine (the way life should be) resembles an imagined life in “the hood” or some dilapidated barrio.
“Yo, G-man, what up?,” hollers a young man to an acquaintance as he jumps out of a shiny SUV. Inside that Jeep Grand Cherokee, the man’s girlfriend, obviously intoxicated, mascara dripping from her eyelids, fumbles with the stereo. The throbbing pulse of rap music fills the lot and the Jeep seems to pulsate to the beat of a song that, from only a few feet away, seems indistinguishable.
Somehow, this music seems to comfort the young woman in the Jeep. She tosses her head back and closes her eyes, silently mouthing the lyrics of a Tupac Shakur song.
There is an undercurrent of violence and uncertainty hanging in the air, lending an ironic balance to the comforting quiet of the rolling fog.
Tough guys don’t dance
Across the street, in front of the Mahaney building, I approach two young men who are wearing oversized jackets and gold necklaces.
“What’s going on?” I inquire, trying to sound hip.
The men stop and look at me, puzzled by my presence and my notebook. Paper makes these tough guys nervous.
“Why do you want to know?” the shorter man asks.
“I’m doing a series of articles about Biddeford after dark,” I respond.
“Oh yeah,” the taller man says. “Make it a love story and kiss my ass.”
I keep pressing, firing off questions and promising anonymity for honest responses.
They seem to think that I am a cop. Each of them shifts from foot to foot, making hand gestures as if to proclaim that they are not intimidated. “I’ll tell you about Biddeford after dark,” the shorter man says. “Biddeford sucks.”
“Why?” I ask.
“. . . ‘cause it just does,” he responds, carefully watching me write down his response. “Hey, do you believe this [expletive]? He’s writing down what I’m saying,” the short man tells his friend. “I’m gonna be in the newspaper. I’m gonna be famous.”
The taller man is making his way toward the ‘50s Pub on Franklin Street. He wants nothing more to do with me or my five-part series.
A few moments later, I come across another man walking along Alfred Street.
Patrick, 24, is clean-cut, wearing faded blue jeans and a maroon pull-over sweatshirt. He pauses to answer my questions, carefully contemplating his responses.
“Why does Biddeford suck,” he asks, rhetorically. “Well, they put a garbage dump [MERC] right in the middle of town. Who would think to put a waste facility right in the middle of the city?”
“Why aren’t there other businesses open late at night?” I ask.
“The downtown is lousy to look at,” he replies. “and there’s not enough parking.”
The downtown parking lots are virtually empty.
There is no question that the downtown presence of the MERC waste-to-energy incinerator stunted Biddeford’s growth for more than three decades
Twenty-four, seven—
Back at the 7-Eleven, Karen stands outside the front door, smoking a cigarette.
Karen, 30, has just returned to full-time work after a six-month hiatus. She is a third-shift clerk who says the late-night hours seem to match her sleeping habits.
“I’d rather work second shift,” she says. “But this shift is still better than first shift. I can’t get up in the mornings.”
Stewart previously worked at the store, and she gives an air of being nonchalant when talking about the things she sees while most of the city sleeps. She tells of a homeless man who waits each night for her to throw the old donuts in the garbage dumpster. She sees college students with fake ID cards and high school kids stumbling into the store, drunk or stoned.
“All of the weirdos come here because we’re the only place open,” Stewart explains between puffs of her cigarette. “Last Thursday night, we must have had 20 people waiting in line.”
What do they buy?
“Hot dogs, sandwiches and cigarettes,” Stewart says. “Once the ‘50s [Pub] closes, they all wander over here ‘cause they got the munchies.”
As for the late-night beer runs, just moments before 1 a.m., Stewart confirms what we already suspected. The store becomes a madhouse of activity.
“We lock the beer coolers at 12:45,” she explains. “That way, people who are just wandering around in the store can’t buy alcohol after one.”
Life During Wartime
Inside the store, roughly a dozen people wander aimlessly through the narrow aisles, browsing the selection of potato chips, pastries and the six hot dogs at the bottom of a steamer.
The store is brightly lit, and a bag of garbage has spilled into one of the aisles. The coffee pots are full, and Stewart rings up each customer, many of whom toss crumpled dollar bills at her from across the counter.
The song playing on the store’s radio seems fitting. The Talking Heads’ “Life During Wartime”: I got some groceries — some peanut butter — to last a couple of days — but I ain’t got no speakers, ain’t got no headphones, ain’t got no records to play. . . I sleep in the daytime, work in the nighttime . . . this ain’t no party, this ain’t no disco — this ain’t no foolin’ around.
Outside, a teenager from Thornton Academy makes a deal in the parking lot. Within moments, a young man emerges from the store with a six-pack of Budweiser beer. A quick, bleary-eyed handshake later, and the student takes the beer and returns to the car where his friends wait.
Romeo and Juliet
On the edge of the parking lot, just beyond where the police cruisers roll past on Jefferson Street, a young couple is in the middle of a hushed conversation. I dub them Romeo and Juliet.
Romeo is nervous, and Juliet bravely walks alone across the parking lot. She is all of 15 and wearing braces. She buys Romeo a Mountain Dew and walks back to greet him across the street.
Romeo is wearing a baseball cap in reverse. I approach these kids.
What are you doing out this late?
“I fell asleep at my boyfriend’s house,” she explains. “My watch broke.”
“Yeah,” Romeo chimes in. “We’re cousins.”
I’m not buying what Romeo is selling tonight.
“No, we really are,” Juliet insists.
Where are your parents?
“Ain’t got no parents,” Romeo pronounces, growing more cocky with each passing second. “I live in hotels and work on a paving crew.”
Juliet thinks her father might be inside the ‘50s Pub, and she peers through the bar’s tinted windows to confirm her suspicions.
“He’s going to be pissed if he finds out I’m not home,” Juliet says of her father.
Why don’t you go home?
“Because he might be there,” she responds.
What about your mother?
“Don’t have one,” she shrugs.
Inside the bar, a cocktail waitress weaves through the sweaty crowd and a doorman stands his post near the door, keeping a careful eye on the crowded dance floor. I look for Juliet’s dad, but he’s nowhere to be found.
Juliet is in trouble, I surmise. And then, I walk home — past the closed pawn shops, nail polish parlors and restaurants. I can’t stop thinking about Juliet and her uncertain future.
This is Biddeford After Dark. Sleep well.
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Randy Seaver is the editor and founder of the Biddeford Gazette. He may be reached by email: randy@randyseaver.com
c.) 2026 All Rights Reserved
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The West Brook skating rink in Biddeford was first opened to the public roughly four weeks before Warren G. Harding was inaugurated as the 29th president of the United States in 1921.
Although the outdoor rink has undergone some dramatic changes over the last century, the heart of its mission has remained unchanged, and it has become an embedded part of the city’s cultural heritage — kept alive by a small team of dedicated volunteers and the generosity of local businesses.
A recent photo shows a wide age range of kids enjoy the West Brook Skating Rink (Seaver photo)
Mike Bouthillette is one of those volunteers. In fact, Bouthillette – a lifelong resident who grew up skating at West Brook – is today serving as president of the small group of older volunteers who work to keep the facility alive.
“It’s a lot of work, and we really need more volunteers,” he explains.
Bouthillette says the rink is almost part of his DNA, pausing during our interview to remember his late father, Norman who loved skating at West Brook.
“My dad was a big piece of this rink,” Bouthillette explained. “In fact, over there is the spot where he reportedly first kissed my mother,” he said pointing to the far western side of the outdoor rink.
“When I moved back here in 2018, I knew I wanted to give back to the community,” Bouthillette said. “That’s what drives our core group of volunteers. It’s the love of kids and seeing their smiles. That’s what drives us. That’s why we keep doing it.”
Some things have not changed since the rink first opened more than 100 years ago. There is no charge to use the rink. Ice skates – in a variety of sizes – can be borrowed for free.
The rink does accept donations but it’s the concession sales that keep the lights on and the building heated.
But even the concessions are sold with the needs of working families in mind.
“This is basically the only place in Biddeford where you can get in and out for under $10,” Bouthillette explains. “You can get a hot dog or slice of pizza, some popcorn, hot chocolate and candy all for under $10.”
During the chilly days of winter – especially on the weekends – you can expect to find anywhere from 300 to 500 people skating on the large outdoor rink.
“The rink is bigger than our parking lot, and our parking lot is pretty big,” Bouthillette laughed.
Mike Bouthillette talks about the generations of families that have enjoyed West Brook skating rink (Seaver photo)
Fond memories and a lasting legacy
Former Biddeford City Councilor Clement Fleurent has fond memories of skating at West Brook skating rink when he was a teenager in the late 1950s.
“Oh yes, it was quite the spot for young people,” he laughed during a recent interview. “That’s where the boys met the girls.”
Beyond socialization, Fleurent recalled fierce skating competitions on West Brook’s ice.
“I never won,” he laughed. “I always came in second or third. My older brothers – J.P and Jerry — would often win, but not me. They used to laugh a lot about that.”
Fleurent said he recalled hearing about another skating rink across the street from West Brook on the side of Pool Street known as Silver Skate, which was dominated by girls’ skating while the boys raced and did barrel jumping at West Brook.
Fleurent said he learned to skate the same way he learned to swim: trial and error.
“I remember skating at the airport,” he laughed. “There would be a little bit of rain, and it would glaze over. We lived just behind the woods at the airport, so I would just walk over and skate.”
Fleurent also recalled skating on Wilcox Pond near the cemetery on West Street. “We used to skate, regardless of the weather,” Fleurent said. “I remember skating as early as Thanksgiving back then. I would come home basically frozen.”
Fleurent, 90, says he still has his skates, but says his speed skating days are now behind him.
“What great memories we had there,” Fleurent explained. “I remember the parking lot was full and you would see cars parked up and down Pool Street.”
Even then, it was all volunteers who kept the rink operating,” Fleurent said, pointing out that the Laverriere family had a home near the Knights of Columbus Hall, and they would help maintain the ice.
“Kids like Danny Gagne and Henry Paradis were the local legends,” Fleurent recalled. “The only time I come in first is when I’m driving in traffic. I’m always first at the red light.”
A framed collection of photos from the 1940s adorns one of the walls at the West Brook skating rink
Keeping the lights on, and the ice clear
Maintaining the property and keeping the rink open is a challenge, and Bouthillette points out that West Brook is the city’s only self-sufficient recreational facility.
Over the past few years, several improvements have been made at the facility, thanks to the generosity of some local businesses and work completed by students at Biddeford’s Regional Center of Technology (BRCOT).
Bouthillette is a master electrician and a teacher at the BRCOT. He says his students helped install new parking lot lights and a sound system at West Brook.
Students from the carpentry program helped repair the rotting floors in the concession building and built new stairs leading down from the parking lot to the ice, he said.
Jim Godbout, owner of Godbout Plumbing and Heating, donated and installed a new heat pump system. The St. Louis Alumni Association donated roughly $26,000 to obtain a tractor that can be used to clear the rink after a snow storm.
Kim Cocharane, the owner of Biddeford Painting, took care of repainting the building’s interior and never sent an invoice for the services or supplies. Jeff Brochu of Camille’s Electric also donated time and supplies for electrical upgrades.
“It’s just incredible,” Bouthillette says. “We have received so much support from the community, but there is still so much we need to do. A lot of things were put off for many years, and so we’re sort of in a catching-up phase.”
West Brook skating rink is a resource free to use for families and skating enthusiasts
A big bang for the buck
In November, Biddeford voters approved a $6.1 million bond package to be used for improvements and updates at more than a dozen recreational facilities across the city.
How and where those funds will be used has yet to be determined by the Biddeford City Council, which is planning to solicit broad-scale public comment about where and how the money will be used.
Bouthillette is keeping his fingers crossed that West Brook skating rink will get just a small sliver of that money, estimating he needs less than $50,000 to make much-needed repair to the building’s doors and windows, which are made of plexiglass.
“Right now, we’re pretty much heating the outside,” he said, pointing to a visible gap in the building’s main doorway.
While other facilities, including the Biddeford Ice Arena, the Community Center and the shuttered outdoor skate park near Rotary Park, are each asking for hundreds of thousands of dollars in needed repairs, West Brook has a rather modest funding request.
Plenty of skates — in a variety of sizes — are available for community use at West Brook skating rink
City Councilor Marc Lessard – an outspoken advocate for the city’s recreational facilities – says the city can get a “big bang for its buck” by investing a comparatively small amount at the popular skating rink.
“They are doing it all with volunteers,” Lessard said of West Brook skating rink. “When you look at how many people use that facility, it becomes quickly apparent that we can get a lot of citywide value for a pretty modest investment.”
Bouthillette says he knows there are other things that will be much more expensive to repair at West Brook including the dam under Pool Street that is used to help keep the water in the rink.
“We’re trying to be realistic,” he said. “We’re just trying to stay open to serve another generation of Biddeford families.”
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Randy Seaver is the editor and founder of the Biddeford Gazette. He may be reached by email: randy@randyseaver.com
c.) 2026 All Rights Reserved
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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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He’s known by many names. Some call him Father Christmas; others call him St. Nicholas or Kris Kringle. But here in North America, he is best known as Santa Claus.
Just two days before the Christmas holiday this year, Santa made time to sit down for an exclusive interview. He declined to give his age. In fact, he artfully dodged many of the questions our readers have asked.
Santa and Mrs. Claus pose for a photo during a recent visit to Saco.Photo: Joanie Fox
For this interview, we decided to let our readers pose the questions for Santa to answer.
Kelley B. wants to know what you view as major changes to your mission, specifically your annual stop at the Island of Misfit toys that started in 1964?
“Well, let’s get real. In my view, that was a very recent change, and I really owe a debt of gratitude to Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer for tipping me off about that place. Honestly, we are all misfits – every one of us, even me. We are all different. None of us is perfect. We are not defined by our flaws. We are defined by our capacity to love one another.”
Mark J. wants to know if Hermey the Elf is still practicing dentistry.
“Oh sure. His practice is thriving. In fact, he offers an advanced dental graduate program here at the North Pole. He’s always up my butt about the importance of flossing; as if I need another thing to worry about. (Laughs).
Celeste T. wants to know why she didn’t get an Easy Bake oven when she was a little girl.
“I get that question a lot.”
About Easy Bake ovens?
“No, silly. Lots of people wake up disappointed by something on Christmas morning. I remember when Celeste asked for that toy oven. It sort of broke my heart to see her disappointed that morning. But that was a tough year for Easy Bake ovens. There was a huge demand, and unfortunately my elves just could not keep pace.
“But you know what? Today, Celeste has a wonderful oven that she uses to cook her meals and to make treats for her family and friends.
“Many people all around the world do not have an oven. In fact, many people don’t even have a home. I’m just super pleased that Celeste is still willing to be nice to other people, even though she didn’t get exactly what she wanted on one particular Christmas morning.”
_________________
We are not defined by our flaws.
We are defined by our capacity to love one another.”
_________________
Deborah P. wants to know what kind of cookies are your favorite. She also wants to know whether she should leave carrots or sugar out for the reindeer.
“Well, she’s a very thoughtful young lady. I like all kinds of cookies. Dude, look at me. I didn’t get to be this size by licking icicles. There’s no such thing as a bad cookie, in my humble opinion.
“As for the reindeer, they prefer carrots. Carrots are rich in both calcium and Vitamin K. They promote good bone density and help with your vision, something that is very important if you’re flying all over the world at night.”
Suzanne C. wants to know more about Mrs. Claus and whether she helps you?
“There is no way I could do what I do without lots of love, help and support. Mrs. Claus and I have been married a long time. A very long time. I mean like centuries . . . you get my gist?
“Like most wives, Mrs. Claus is always willing to give advice. Over the years, I have learned that it’s best to listen to your partner. Sometimes, the most loving thing you can do is to listen when someone is speaking to you.”
Jeff R. wants to know your favorite Christmas movie.
“I like all of them, but let’s get real. Die Hard is not a Christmas movie. I suppose, my favorite Christmas movie is “It’s A Wonderful Life.” That movie really underscores the true meaning of this holiday.
“Mrs. Claus likes all those Hallmark Christmas movies. Let’s just say I’m quite grateful that we have two televisions and a Netflix subscription.”
Larry M. wants to know how you leave presents at homes without a chimney or fireplace.
“It’s magic.”
Magic? What do you mean magic ?
“Listen, Jimmy Olsen. There’s a lot you don’t know about magic. Magic is real as the nose on your face. Magic is simply the proper combination of love, faith and hope.
“Imagine a world without magic. A world where every single thing has to be analyzed, studied and proven? What a sad world that would be. Childhood is often described as ‘magical’ because children are willing to believe in things they don’t necessarily understand.
“Whenever you get on a plane or whenever you get in your car, you have faith. At least enough faith that you are going to arrive at your destination. You don’t have to understand aeronautics or how an engine works. You just need faith and a bit of hope. Magic is all around us if we focus on love. If we open our hearts and our eyes, each of us can see unlimited potential in each other and in ourselves.”
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“Imagine a world without magic.
A world where every single thing
has to be analyzed, studied and proven? “
_________________
So, I suppose you’re going to say that magic makes the reindeer able to fly or that you can visit every country in the world in just one night?
“Absolutely. Magic is a wonderful gift. Every time you smile at a stranger, you are spreading love. Every time you pet a dog or hold the door for an elderly person, you are acting out your love. Everyone – – and I mean every one of us – has the power to love. Love does not require anything. It costs nothing but is the most valuable thing in the world.”
Some people say you’re not real.
“Those people are right, but they are also wrong. I am as real as you want me to be. I don’t care if you’re four years old or 40, you can believe in me if you choose. Again, love is a choice. That’s the whole meaning of presents, a practice of showing love. You can’t buy love at the store; it lies within each of us.
“Look; I gotta run. The elves are working overtime, and I need to get ready for a very, very busy night.”
But I have so many more questions. Who are you? And why do you do this?
“Who am I? Take a look in the mirror, sonny. I am you; if you choose to be me. I am your neighbor. I am your co-worker, your classmate, your friend and your enemy.
“I am the guy you are argue with on Facebook. I am your grandfather, your favorite aunt. I am a man, and I am a woman. I am very young and very old. I am simply the personification of love. That’s why I exist.
“Why do I do this? Because I can. Because I choose to love. Because this day – no matter what you call it – no matter your religion, culture or education – – it’s all about hope. About the possibility of a new start, about the potential of unconditional love. Today is a call for us to love one another.
“Now, if you will excuse me, I need to put some fresh batteries in Rudolph’s nose. Ho, ho, ho . . . I’m almost ready to go.”
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Editor’s Note: On behalf of all of us at the Biddeford Gazette, we wish you a safe, warm and festive holiday! Merry Christmas!
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.
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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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There is little doubt that 2025 was a year of substantive change for the city of Biddeford. From political fallout to major infrastructure improvements and new business openings, this year featured a plethora of news stories about change.
In fact, even the news/media landscape changed as a new digital news source began operations, and a 36-year-old weekly newspaper ceased printing.
Like all other years, there was good news and bad news. Highs and lows.
So now we invite you to look back on what we believe were the Top-10 news stories in Biddeford during 2025. (Listed chronologically)
Bennett had announced his “phased retirement” in Oct. 2024, saying that he would leave his position in April 2025, with more than a year remaining on his contract.
Bennett subsequently filed a lawsuit against the city. The city opted to approve an out-of-court settlement of roughly $90,000.
Though the Courier is no longer published, its parent company now publishes a weekly, digital only newsletter.
The Courier was originally owned and operated by David and Carolyn Flood, Saco residents who later moved to Biddeford. David Flood was elected to and served briefly on the Biddeford City Council.
In her previous position as public work director in Kirkland, Dever oversaw a staff of more than “170 employees across multiple divisions, including utilities, transportation and capital projects,” according to the city’s website.
School Supt. Jeremy Ray said that moving the city’s youngest students to BPS will give those children more stability and a less fractured learning experience.
“Going forward, students will be in the same building from Pre- K to second grade,” Ray said. “This way, the kids have four years in one building with lots of familiar faces.”
Planning board approves UNE’s pier proposal
The Biddeford Planning Board held a site walk to review the University of New England’s proposed research pier (Seaver photo)
The approval of the controversial project drew the ire of several residents who attempted to appeal the decision. The Biddeford Zoning Board of Appeals, however, voted unanimously (3-0) to stand by the planning board’s decision. The city — in November — filed a formal complaint about the project in York County Superior Court. A judicial review is pending.
During that meeting, residents raised concerns about how the city managed the review process of the University of New England’s controversial pier proposal. Residents’ concerns included the city’s decision to remove the harbormaster from the review process and unanswered questions about impacts on moorings held by commercial fishermen.
Voters choose new mayor, city councilors
Liam LaFountain (foreground, wearing glasses) celebrates his win on election night with several of his supporters. (Seaver photo)
Biddeford voters sent a clear message in November: They wanted a big change in city government.
In a three-way mayoral race, Mayor Marty Grohman was denied a second term by nearly two-thirds of those who cast ballots in Biddeford’s biennial, municipal election.
LaFountain campaigned and won on a platform of more transparency and accountability from City Hall.
Four new city councilors were also sworn into office, including Lisa Vadnais, Abigail Woods, David Kurtz and Jacob Pierson. Former councilors Patricia Boston and Brad Cote returned to the council after an extended hiatus of several years.
Other stories:
Of course, there were several other significant stories that took place over the last year, including a significant August fire that displaced two Biddeford families; a rather scathing report issued by the city’s financial auditors in August and the approval of two significant housing projects near the site of the former MERC trash-to-energy incinerator.
And I’ll go ahead and toot our own horn. The Biddeford Gazette formally began its operations in January and now features a roster of contributing writers, expanded community-based news coverage and weekly obituaries.
Vincent Keely
When Laura and I started the project, we weren’t sure whether the endeavor would last six months. We exceeded all of our expectations, even after breaking my right arm in August.
I also want to note that our community lost Vincent Keely earlier this year. Keely, a former city councilor, was a beloved downtown business owner and reliably ensured the “raising of the Irish flag” at City Hall every year on St, Patrick’s Day. His restaurant – the Wonderbar – was a favorite hangout for city officials, reporters and others who wanted to keep updated about city news and events.
Now we’re looking forward to what 2026 will bring.
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Randy Seaver is the editor and founder of the Biddeford Gazette. He may be reached by email: randy@randyseaver.com
c.) 2025 All Rights Reserved
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Once again, Biddeford’s downtown holiday celebration and annual tree lighting ceremony Friday night drew a decent crowd downtown on lower Adams Street.
Poppy (3) was excited to see Santa Claus arrive along with her parents Stephanie and Michael of Biddeford (Seaver photo)
Santa Claus arrived on schedule, escorted by the flashing lights and the wailing sirens of a Biddeford Fire truck. Although the city’s new tree is less than nine feet tall, the crowd let out a roar once it was lit by strands of colored lights.
Santa Claus leads the crowd in a countdown to the tree lighting (Seaver photo)
This year’s event — coordinated by the Heart of Biddeford — offered something for everyone, including the “Merry Makerfair Holiday Market,”transforming the former Adams Street Courthouse into a modern-day North Pole elves’ workshop. More than 50 local vendors and artisans displayed a wide range of unique, handmade gifts.
The Merry Makerfair Holiday Market showcased unique, hand-crafted gifts from more than 50 local artisans (Seaver Photo)
Keeping traditions alive, the Biddeford Recreation Department offered a smores-making station and several firepits and games for younger children.
Micah, 6, from Saco, had some good luck at a fishing station. (Seaver photo)
City Councilor Roger Beaupre and his wife, Penny, attended the event. “Because of the cold, I didn’t expect this many people,” Beaupre said, pointing out that it was somewhat difficult to find a parking space.
Despite frigid temperatures, a good-sized crowd turned out for Biddeford’s annual tree lighting ceremony (Seaver photo)
According to our well-placed, high-level sources at the North Pole, Santa Claus will be making another visit to Biddeford on Sunday, December 14, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Central Fire Station on Alfred Street.
In related holiday news, on. Dec. 14, Biddeford will also kick off this year’s Hannukah celebration with a downtown Menorah Lighting ceremony beginning at 5:30 p.m.; 17 Lincoln Street.
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Randy Seaver is the editor and founder of the Biddeford Gazette. He may be reached by email: randy@randyseaver.com
c.) 2025 All Rights Reserved
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Given increasing complaints, are train horns in Biddeford louder and more frequent?
By JIM KRAUSE, Contributing Writer
People living near railroad tracks in Biddeford are making noise about freight train horns that sound at all hours of the night. Rail officials say they are required by law — and in some cases for public safety.
The railroad through Biddeford dates to around 1842, nearly 20 years before the Civil War.
When the tracks were built, they were mostly surrounded by trees and open areas. As the train approached town, it passed mills and downtown businesses.
The building that now houses Champions Sports Bar once served as the Boston and Maine Railroad’s freight station. A small yard sat alongside the main tracks for switching and storing freight cars headed to the mill complex.
The former Boston & Maine freight station is today the location of Champion’s Sports bar.
But why do the horns seem louder now?
City officials in July 2024 removed a homeless encampment from Mechanics Park. The hope was that displaced residents would move to shelters or other resources. However, many relocated instead to James Street along the tracks.
In July, a CSX train struck and killed a trespasser between James and Main streets.
Officials from CSX and Amtrak — CSX owns the tracks and Amtrak leases the right to use them — say train crews are trained under Federal Railroad Administration regulations. Those rules (49 CFR Parts 222 and 229) require the use of horns or bells near crossings and whenever there are obstructions or people close to the right of way.
“One engineer described the area as ‘like dodging raindrops.’” Engineers say distractions such as headphones pose dangers, leaving horns as their only warning tool.
Another factor: a phenomenon known as temperature inversion.
On clear, calm nights, sound waves can bend downward, making horns seem louder. With fewer competing noises at night — traffic, sirens, kids playing — the horns stand out even more. And with most leaves off trees during fall and winter, fewer barriers exist to absorb sound.
Are we hearing train horns more than before? Probably.
Are train crews sounding them simply to keep residents awake? Probably not.
These tracks existed long before most nearby homes and businesses. Anyone moving into the area should expect an active railroad.
In a sense, the public has built around the railroad, so it makes little sense to blame crews for loud horns and weather conditions that amplify them.
Speaking on the condition of anonymity, a longtime railroad employee put it this way:
“People assume train crews are cold and emotionless machine operators. They don’t know what it’s like to sit in that seat, knowing you are about to hit someone and can’t do anything but blow your horn.
“I can hit the brakes, but the train isn’t stopping for half a mile or more. So yeah — if I’m going through an area where I know there are homeless people camping along the tracks, I’m blowing that horn. A lot.”
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Jim Krause is a freelance writer living in Biddeford. He can be contacted at jiggyjim@live.com
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The Apex Youth Connection in Biddeford offers a wide range of programs to help teens transition to adulthood
ByRANDY SEAVER,Editor
It’s quite common to hear about after-school programs that get kids off the streets and into a productive, structured setting.
Apex Youth Connection (AYC) in Biddeford, however, takes a different approach to nurturing and empowering teens. Apex is all about getting kids on the street and engaged in their community.
APEX is a nonprofit organization that grew from rather humble roots and today serves hundreds of kids between the ages of 10 and 18 with after school programs between 3 and 6 p.m.; and a variety of free programs throughout the summer.
Founded in 2001, Apex was formerly known as the Community Bike Center (CBC), a project that began in founder Andy Greif’s garage, where kids could earn a bicycle by helping rebuild donated bicycles with spare parts.
Students learn valuable life skills while repairing and rebuilding bicycles at the Apex Youth Connection facility in Biddeford (Courtesy photo)
With broad support from the community, the CBC was able to grow and purchase its current facility on Granite Street in Biddeford. The property encompasses six acres, abutting Clifford Park. It includes a rock-climbing wall and a bike skills course.
Executive Director Michael Chapman said several programs have been added over the years. Apex today is much more than a clubhouse for kids who love to ride and work on bicycles, he said.
Chapman said the majority of kids served at Apex are students at either Biddeford Middle School or Saco Middle School.
“That age group seems to be the real sweet spot for us,” Chapman said during a recent interview. “We are all about building relationships, teaching kids the skills they will need as adults.”
The organization’s mission statement is straightforward
“Apex is dedicated to enriching the lives of youth through hands-on activities and outdoor adventure, while fostering meaningful mentorships in an environment where every child feels safe and valued.”
Chapman says Apex relies on a wide range of community partners, local businesses and donors to keep their programs accessible for all kids.
“If you’re thinking about Giving Tuesday, we’d love to have your support,” Chapman said.
Chapman says Apex offers young people an opportunity to get a head start on job readiness, providing the larger community with young people who are prepared for workforce development.
“It’s about much more than turning a wrench,” Chapman said. “We teach responsibility, goal setting and even customer service. You cannot teach anyone unless they respect you. We earn that respect by empowering these kids.”
Sarah Hoover is the program manager at Apex, one of four full-time employees.
Hoover said Apex is constantly looking for community partnerships. “Our goal is to be embedded in the fabric of this community,” she said. “To do that, we rely on volunteers and community connections.”
“You cannot teach anyone unless they respect you. We earn that respect by empowering these kids.”
— Michael Chapman
Kids at Apex learn much more than about how to rebuild or repair bicycles. They learn about good behavior; and about being good citizens within the community.
Although Apex offers several different programs and events, they are perhaps best known for their Apex Bike Factory program.
The Bike Factory program is at the center of Apex’s ongoing activities and skills training programs and “is the core of our Job Readiness Program.”
The bike factory is a full-service bike shop run by middle and high school students and is open to the public for bicycle repairs and tune-ups.
“We’re able to provide work experience and skills that these kids can take forward into their adult lives,” Chapman says. “Every kid has a spark. You just need to light that spark and watch them grow into the person they were meant to be.”
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Randy Seaver is the editor and founder of the Biddeford Gazette. He may be reached by email: randy@randyseaver.com
c.) 2025 All Rights Reserved
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Gen. Wallace Nutting’s children attended the dedication ceremony of a bridge named in their father’s honor. (L-R) Sally Nutting Somes, John Nutting, Katherine Haughs and Elizabeth Hood.
Nutting’s four children were on hand for the dedication of the bridge at the base of York Hill.
This year’s parade featured marching bands from Thornton Academy, Biddeford High School, and Saco Middle School.
Members of the Biddeford High School marching band played Taps during the opening ceremony.
A small crowd on the Biddeford side of the bridge awaits the start of the annual parade
Local leaders pose with members of Gen. Nutting’s family moments after the bridge was dedicated (L-R) State Rep. Marshall Alexander (D-Saco), Saco Mayor Jodi MacPhail, State Rep. Marc Malon (D-Biddeford), Katherine Haughs, John Nutting, Sally Nutting Somes, Elizabeth Hood and Biddeford Mayor Marty Grohman (Randy Seaver photo)
Saco Mayor Jodi MacPhail and Biddeford Mayor Marty Grohman attended the ceremonies.
Members of Boy Scout Troop 310 raised the American flag
Members of the Southern Maine Boys & Girls Club got a special surprise on Wednesday when they were presented with a new passenger van to support the many programs the Club offers to area youth.
The van was donated by Bridgestone Retail Operations as part of an ongoing celebration to mark the opening of the company’s first Firestone Complete Auto Care store in Maine, located on the Alfred Road in Biddeford.
Community members, Bridgestone/Firestone officials and representatives from the Boys & Girls Club of Southern Maine celebrate the donation of a new passenger van. (Courtesy photo)
Company officials said the new van will provide Club kids with transportation to and from their clubhouses and other enrichment activities, addressing one of the biggest hurdles families face and giving more kids and teens access to high-impact, out-of-school programming.
The donation is part of the Bridgestone Driving Great Futures initiative, which has raised nearly $30 million to help kids and teens gain access to Boys & Girls Club resources across the United States since 2015.
The company’s partnership is currently celebrating 10 years of impact with major donations, special giving campaigns and unique engagement opportunities for Club kids throughout the remainder of the year.
Speakers at the event included Brian C. Elowe, CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Southern Maine and Patrick Cassella, region manager of Bridgestone Retail Operations.
According to their website, the Boys & Girls Club of Southern Maine includes five Club locations serving Greater Portland and the Lewiston/Auburn area.
Kids from the Boys & Girls Club of Southern Maine check out their new passenger van (Courtesy photo)
The Boys & Girls Club of Southern Maine was founded in 1909 and has nearly 2,000 members between the ages of six and 18 attending the clubs each year.
The organization’s staff works to ensure that “the Clubs are safe places for our members to learn, grow and have fun.”
Among other programs and services, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Maine prioritize Club members’ academic success by providing after school and summer programs to elementary, middle and high school students.
“We work to ensure Club members stay on track to graduate from high school and leave our Clubs with a plan for their future,” reads their website. “Our programs include homework help, tutoring, STEM programs, coding, and career and college exploration and preparation.”
You may have heard about the Great Pumpkin, but have you ever seen a pumpkin fly hundreds of feet through the air and smash into a thousand pieces?
Well, get ready because the much anticipated 22nd annual Pumpkin Chunkin event will take place on Sunday (Nov. 2) across the road from Andy’s Farm and Garden store on the River Road, just beyond the town line in Dayton.
The event begins at 1 p.m.
Andy Cole rigs one of the two catapults he will be using for Sunday’s event (courtesy photo)
Since 2003, Cole has delighted spectators with his home-built catapults and “air cannons” launching pumpkins hundreds of feet into the air and across a pastoral field.
“It is a lot of fun,” Cole laughed. “And it seems to be growing in popularity each year.”
According to one of the event vendors, “Pumpkin Chunkin is the must attend event of the year and your chance to seek revenge on pumpkin spice everything and Halloween.”
“The sound of the pumpkins launching brings anticipation, the sight and sounds of the pumpkins hurtling to earth smashing into thousands of pieces brings satisfaction,” reads an Instagram post from the No Bowl Empty Pet Food Pantry.
The two-hour event will begin at 1 p.m., and will feature food vendors, including The Hot Dog Lady and maple-flavored soft-serve ice cream.
“Pumpkin Chunkin is your chance to seek revenge on pumpkin spice everything and Halloween.”
— No Bowl Empty pet food pantry
The charity event benefits both the No Bowl Empty pet food pantry and the York County Shelters Food Pantry. Attendees are asked to consider bringing a non-perishable human or pet food donation.
In a previous interview with this reporter, Cole said he first got the idea for building the catapults from watching shows on the Discovery and History channels.
“I thought to myself, man, I could build one of those,” he said. (Laughs) “It took me about a year, and we first tied it out in 2003.
“We had about 25 people come to watch. We quickly found out what worked and what didn’t work. (Laughs) One pumpkin went straight up into the air, over our heads and everyone had to scramble out of the way.” (Laughs).
“It’s pretty cool to watch the kids’ expressions when they see the pumpkins launched. We also have an air cannon now to launch smaller pumpkins. It’s a lot of fun.”
_________________
Randy Seaver is the editor and founder of the Biddeford Gazette. He may be reached by email: randy@randyseaver.com
c.) 2025 All Rights Reserved
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The Biddeford Education Foundation (BEF) held its Eighth Annual Pillars of Pride event to honor two remarkable community members: longtime educator Joyce Tarpy and local photographer Maureen Grandmaison. The celebration, hosted at The Lincoln Hotel in Biddeford, raised over $20,000 for the Foundation, which provides resources outside the school budget to enhance learning opportunities, assists students in need of food, clothing, and shelter, and supports teacher mini-grants to maximize opportunities for students Pre-K through Grade 12.
The event began with a welcome from BEF President Shelley Kane, who expressed gratitude to the evening’s sponsors, local businesses, and community members for their generous contributions. Kane reminded attendees that the Pillars of Pride celebration is more than just a night of recognition—it is the Foundation’s primary fundraiser and a vital source of support for Biddeford students.
The Biddeford Education Foundation honored longtime educator Joyce Tarpy (right) and photographer Maureen Grandmaison (center), pictured with Biddeford School Department Superintendent Jeremy Ray (left), at its Eighth Annual Pillars of Pride event on October 18, 2025.
“These are difficult times for many families, with housing and food insecurity at record highs,” Kane shared. “In Biddeford Schools alone, we have 134 students experiencing homelessness—an increase of nearly 300 percent in just five years. Thanks to the generosity of donors and events like Pillars of Pride, we can respond quickly when families need help and ensure students have access to opportunities that make learning meaningful.”
“These are difficult times for many families”
— Shelley Kane, BEF president
Funds raised by the Foundation have had a powerful impact across the district, helping students and teachers alike. BEF has served 220 students through funding the Backpack Program and after-school snack programs, prevented homelessness of 51 students through emergency rent relief, assisted 36 families from having their utilities disconnected, provided winter clothing for all students in need, partnered to provide 103 families with Thanksgiving meals, and awarded teacher mini-grants benefiting 1,651 students by bring creativity and innovation into the classroom. Recent mini-grant projects have included implementing a Unified Bocce Ball team to promote inclusion, a bird-watching initiative that allowed students to study local ecosystems firsthand, as well as hands-on art collaborations that connected creativity with community service.
“This event was a wonderful reminder of how much stronger we are when community members step forward to share their gifts,” said Superintendent Jeremy Ray. “Joyce and Maureen are the kind of people who make a lasting mark—not because they seek recognition, but because they show up, time and again, for our students and staff. Their care, generosity, and quiet leadership embody the very best of Biddeford. The success of this event reflects the spirit of Biddeford and the pride we all share in helping every child thrive.”
“This event was a wonderful reminder of how much stronger we are when community members step forward to share their gifts.”
— Supt. Jeremy Ray
Following the Superintendent’s remarks, honorees Joyce Tarpy and Maureen Grandmaison were recognized with silver plaques that will be displayed in their honor—Tarpy’s at Biddeford High School’s Tiger Gym, where seniors take their final graduation walk, and Grandmaison’s at Waterhouse Field, where she has spent countless hours photographing student milestones. Both women shared heartfelt remarks reflecting on their deep connection to the community, Biddeford students, and their gratitude for the recognition.
The ability to help our local families in need through this major fundraiser is made possible thanks to the following: Diamond Sponsor – Jim Godbout Plumbing & Heating and Provencher Fuels; Gold Sponsors – Maine Community Bank and Saco & Biddeford Savings; Silver Sponsors – Locke & Sons Plumbing & Heating, PeoplesChoice Credit Union, and The Lincoln Hotel; Bronze Sponsors – Bergen & Parkinson LLC, Brown Dog Carriers and Logistics, Great Falls Construction, Rotary Club of Biddeford-Saco, and Saco Veterinary Walk-In Care & Animal Hospital of Saco; Black & Orange Sponsors – Academy of Dance, Atlantic Federal Credit Union, Diverse Anecdote, Kennebunk Savings Bank, Randy Forcier/CMG Home Loans, Rousseau Insurance Agency, and Saco House of Pizza; and the many local businesses and individuals who donated to the silent auction.
Through the continued generosity of sponsors, donors, and attendees, the Biddeford Education Foundation remains committed to fostering innovation in classrooms, supporting families, and ensuring every student has the opportunity to succeed—academically and beyond. For more information about the Biddeford Education Foundation, contact BEF President Shelley Kane at 207-391-6885.
Karen Garnett is Director of Communications for Biddeford, Saco and Dayton schools. She can be reached at kgarnett@biddefordschools.me
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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)
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.
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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.
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 ongoing passion for competing in gymnastics.
For the last four years, Marie has grown increasingly passionate about gymnastics.
What started as an athletic and creative outlet has turned into nine to 11 hours a week of dedicated training and practice. After her first year, she was invited to be on the team at Dudziak’s Gymnastics.
This year, Marie reached the gold level and is allowed to use her creativity and build her own floor routine. Marie and her family are excited to see heads turn at her first gold performance in November.
(Marie Metcalf, Contributed photo)
In her previous brick-and-mortar school setting, Marie was finding it difficult to dedicate enough time and attention to her educational needs while still allowing time to pursue her passion for gymnastics.
So, her family turned to Maine Connections Academy for the next step in her education. After only the first three weeks of classes, Marie’s mother, Lisa, saw the difference: “She is more engaged with her teachers, more engaged in the work, and is starting better study habits already.”
“We hope to hear more inspiring stories as she builds her career as a competitive gymnast locally, regionally, and potentially nationally one day,” said her instructors.
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About Maine Connections Academy:
Maine Connections Academy opened in 2014, and is a unique, tuition-free, online public school for students in grades 7-12 with 500 students enrolled. Authorized by the Maine Charter School Commission, Maine Connections Academy offers a high-quality educational experience that keeps students motivated and engaged in a safe, virtual learning environment. In addition to academics, teachers focus on building fundamental life skills, working closely with families to help students learn how they learn best. Here, students gain the skills and confidence they need to direct their own educational journey, learning to thrive in the real world by first learning how to be resourceful and resilient. For more information, call 1-833-591-0251 or visit www.MaineConnectionsAcademy.com.
In a modest, second-floor apartment on Alfred Street, Zimra Winters is making his dream come true.
Winters, 29, has a daytime job working as a baker at Rover Bagel in Biddeford. But his real passion is cookies – cookies so delicious that after your first bite, you may think you have died and gone to heaven.
Earlier this week, Winters formally launched his own small business – Thank You Cookie Box, a boutique, mini bakery he operates in his own kitchen with a standard oven that you would find in most homes.
Zimra Winters of Biddeford shows off a tray of his artisan cookies that are made in his own kitchen. (Seaver photo)
Winters says he cleared all the hurdles necessary before launching his business, including inspections by the city’s code enforcement office and a state inspection.
“This is something I have wanted to do for as long as I can remember,” Winters said. “When I was just 10 years old, I would bake cookies and sell them at the end of our driveway.”
Winters is truly passionate about cookies.
“I like how they look, and especially how they smell” he said.
Although the focus is on making handmade cookies from scratch with local ingredients, Winters points out that a standard artisan box of cookies comes in a recyclable cardboard box with eco-friendly wrapping.
Photo from the company’s website
“It really does make the perfect thank you gift for individuals or companies,” Winter says. According to their website, giving someone a custom-made box of cookies is “an effortless, consistent and customizable way to show gratitude.”
Winters says he can add a company’s logo to each gift box and provides online ordering and free delivery in the Biddeford-Saco area.
Thank You Cookies come in four signature flavors with a gourmet twist, including:
Chocolate Chunk – Fudgy soft with a rich brown butter flavor and generous chunks of milk chocolate – an elegant twist on the classic cookie;
Birthday Cake – A buttery vanilla sugar cookie is studded with creamy white chocolate chips and bright sprinkles for a birthday party in every bite
Red Velvet Crinkle – A delicate dusting of powdered sugar tops this velvet soft cocoa cookie on a local version of the classic red velvet cake;
Snickerdoodle – The timeless snickerdoodle with a rich brown butter flavor that perfectly complements the warm cinnamon.
Winters is also proud of his new company’s commitment to sustainability. Each cookie is individually wrapped in biodegradable cellophane sleeves to keep it fresh and soft for over a week while also reducing single-use plastic waste.
While Zimra is the cookie expert, his partner Katie Schraeder handles all other aspects of the new business. “We make a good team,” Winters said.
“I hope that someday we can expand this business,” he said. “For now, we’ll just have to see how it goes.”
For more information about Thank You Cookie Box, please visit their website.
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Randy Seaver is the editor and founder of the Biddeford Gazette. He may be reached by email at randy@randyseaver.com
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Ryan Paige grew up in Biddeford, and he has now taken the worst part of his life and turned it into a resource that has helped hundreds of people achieve sobriety all across Maine.
Paige, 43, has been sober and drug-free since 2019. Flash forward six years, and he is now running a statewide non-profit organization dedicated to helping others achieve sobriety.
“I would not be able to do this if I hadn’t gone through all the pain and my own poor decision making,” he said. “My own past, including incarcerations and all sorts of other stuff, has allowed me to build a reserve of empathy for others who are struggling.”
As part of his own recovery process, Paige started an informal support network to help those who want to pursue recovery.
Ryan Paige talks about the recovery network that he built from the ground up (Seaver photo)
At first, it was just him and his cell phone, interacting with people he met on the street. People he knew. People his friends knew.
Over time, the calls increased . . . dramatically.
“It was just word of mouth,” he said during a recent interview. “I was just staying busy, focusing on helping others, which is a big part of the recovery process.”
Before he knew it, Paige was helping people by driving them to recovery facilities between Kittery and Caribou.
“In the beginning, I was getting maybe 20 calls a month from people seeking help in their own recovery journey,” he said. “Before too long, that turned into a hundred calls a month.”
Today, Paige’s non-profit organization fields between 800 and 1,000 calls per month.
The AccessDirect Recovery Network partners with several other non-profit service providers across the state, including Opportunity Alliance, Spurwink and the Seeds of Hope Neighborhood Resource Center. Paige said.
“Our phones are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week,” he said.
“I would not be able to do this if I hadn’t gone through all the pain and my own poor decision making,”
— Ryan Paige
Paige said he would not be able to do what he is now doing without the help of his wife, Cynthia.
“She’s the business part of it,” he explained. “She does all the office stuff and so much more.”
Ryan and Cynthia were able to transform AccessDirect into a stand-alone non-profit organization. From there, Cynthia was able to apply for grant money to help keep the network running.
“I was doing everything out of my own pocket,” Ryan explained.” The expenses can add up quickly.”
Just two months ago, AccessDirect was able to secure a $500,000 grant from the Maine Recovery Council, the agency that was charged with dispersing Maine’s share of the federal opiate settlement funds provided by several pharmaceutical companies.
Ryan and Cynthia are using that money to add staff for their inbound call center, which is based in Biddeford. They are now also able to reimburse mileage expenses for their volunteer drivers.
AccessDirect has worked closely with the Biddeford Police Department and the city of Biddeford.
Paige says he has been asked to help train police officers about dealing with addicts and those struggling to achieve sobriety.
He also credits former Mayor Alan Casavant and current Mayor Marty Grohman for helping his organization grow and provide services.
In fact, Paige says City Council President Liam LaFountain was proactive in reaching out to learn how the city could support the recovery network.
Paige feels a strong connection to his hometown of Biddeford, which is why his organization is headquartered in the city.
“This is where I grew up,” he said. “These are the same streets where I was using.”
“None of this would be possible if I hadn’t lived through the darkest time of my life,” Paige said. “I was sick, desperate and hopeless. Today, I can leverage that part of my life to help others who are struggling.
THE BIDDEFORD GAZETTE 