Category: FEATURE

Get on the bus! Check out ‘Childish Things’

~ Randy Seaver ~ 1 Comment

Why run from your problems, when you can drive?

Although they are not yet as famous as the Coen brothers, Cash and Nick Cassidy are already making quite a splash in the world of independent (indie) filmmaking.

Their latest film – Childish Things – will kick off this year’s Vacationland Film Festival at City Theater in Biddeford on Thursday, August 21.

The movie’s tagline – ‘Why run from your problems, when you can drive?’ —encapsulates the 95-minute film’s premise, preparing the viewer for what could be described as a gritty docudrama.

In his publicly released director’s commentary, Nick Cassidy explains the film’s essence.

“I like to call Childish Things a “coming-of-more-age” story because, let’s face it, movie characters tend to come of age before graduating high school, but for many people, me included, it took a bit longer,” the elder Cassidy said.

The film is about a 30-year-old musician who is facing pressure from his girlfriend to get engaged. Thus, he embarks on a cross-country road trip to sell his beloved tour bus.

Childish Things kicks off this year’s Vacationland Film Festival at City Theater

During that jaunt across America – from Portland, Maine to Los Angeles, Calif., –the main character is forced to question whether he really wants to marry his girlfriend, especially after he meets a free-spirited woman near Nashville.

We caught up with the Cassidy brothers this week to ask them about their film, the vitality of the indie-film world and how technology, including AI, has impacted movie making.

Cash Cassidy, 22, is the film’s producer. In addition to editing the film, he was also in charge of the lighting, sound and location management.

Nick Cassidy, 32, is the film’s director and also portrayed one of the lead characters in the movie.

“We basically figured most of it out as we moved through it,” Cash explains. “We had a friend with a small bus. He was already planning a road trip across country, so we jumped on that opportunity.”

Today, even independent films not produced by major studios can still cost millions of dollars to produce.

While Cash and Nick did not have access to that kind of money, they relied on resources they already had available to them, such as free software that is available on the internet.

Cash and Nick Cassidy say new technology empowers people to produce quality independent films. (Seaver photo)

To say their budget was bare bones is an understatement.

“I was able to tap in to some of my college funds because I described the project as an independent study endeavor,” Cash said. “I already had a camera, and was able to borrow some other equipment.”

In order to take advantage of their friend’s planned trip across the United States, the brothers found themselves on a tight timeline that only allowed three months for planning and pre-production.

The Cassidy brothers did a lot of improvising to make the film possible.

In fact, some of their primary casting was done via Instagram, where they met Guinevere Berthelot of Nashville.

In her video audition for the role, Berthelot placed her laptop on the floor and then roller-skated from across to the room to participate in an online Zoom audition.

“We felt the connection immediately,” Nick Cassidy said. “We knew she was perfect – exactly what we were hoping for.”

The brothers say they were both surprised that Berthelot agreed to join them on a road trip across the country simply after an online Instagram meeting.”

Nick said the film’s vibe required all the actors to be in character throughout the filming even when cameras were not rolling.

“We were looking for authenticity,” he explained. “Some of the scenes are pretty emotional and we wanted the viewers to be fully engaged, wondering whether what they are watching is a true story or a made-up adventure.”

Cash, who began making movies when he was eight years old, described Childish Things as “guerilla filmmaking.”

“We wanted the viewers to be
fully engaged, wondering whether
what they are watching is
a true story or a made-up adventure.”

— Nick Cassidy

“We wanted all the elements and the true sense of an indie film,” he said. “We weren’t looking for polish. We were looking for a raw connection that would fully engage our audience.”

Principle shooting of the film’s scenes took two weeks of filming: two days of footage in South Portland, 10 days of shooting across the country and then two more days of shooting in Los Angeles.

In all, the brothers accumulated roughly 25 hours-worth of footage, which Cash edited into a 95-minute movie.

“Today, thanks to technology, just about anyone can make a movie,” Nick explained. “You no longer need a big budget to make a feature film. Audiences are craving things that are not glossy.”

Asked about the impact of AI (Artificial Intelligence) in the movie industry, both Nick and Cash said the only thing that really matters is “having the ability to tell a really good story.”

For more information about the upcoming Vacationland Film Festival, please visit vacationlandfilmfestival.com

Randy Seaver is the editor and founder of the Biddeford Gazette. He may be contacted by email: randy@randyseaver.com

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BHS Champions recognized by city leaders

~ Randy Seaver ~ 1 Comment

The Biddeford City Council Chamber came alive with excitement Tuesday as members of the state champion high school baseball team filed into the room amidst a buzz of respect and admiration.

Biddeford Mayor Marty Grohman said, “today is a proud day for Biddeford,” as the players and coaches stood against the wall, holding the giant golden-baseball glove trophy.

Players and coaches from the 2025 State Championship Biddeford Tigers Baseball Team pose with Biddeford Mayor Marty Grohman and members of the city council (Seaver photo)

On June 21 this year, the BHS Tigers rallied from two three-run deficits to beat Mt. Ararat and win their first state championship since 1984.

During a previous interview with the Gazette, Coach Keith LeBlanc described his team, which includes seven seniors, as “battle-tested” and always ready to play their hearts out.

On Tuesday, LeBlanc once again referred to his players as “some of the hardest working young men I have ever met.”

LeBlanc pointed out that his team was also recognized with the statewide Sportsmanship Award. “That is something that is pretty impressive,” LeBlanc told the crowd. “Generally, that award is given to a team that has put in a lot of effort but came up short in the playoffs.”

Team Captain Landon Sirois presents Mayor Grohman with a jersey featuring the signatures of every member of the Championship Team (Seaver Photo)

From across the room, someone yelled out. “Don’t forget to mention you were named as coach of the year!”

“The community support we received was nothing less than amazing,” LeBlanc told the mayor and council. “It is something I will never forget.”

Councilor Neva Gross described her excitement while watching the state championship game. “We were all so pumped,” she said. “We had so much fun, cheering them on, and Marty was right there, keeping the fans focused and excited,” she said, gesturing toward the mayor.

The entire team and all the coaches posed for a photo with the mayor and council.

On her way out of the chamber, one person was heard, saying, “I’m just so damn proud of these boys. They worked so hard for this.”

————

Randy Seaver is the editor and founder of the Biddeford Gazette. He may be contacted by email: randy@randyseaver.com

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Should Mainers be concerned by shark sightings?

~ Randy Seaver ~ 1 Comment

By JULIA TILTON, Maine Monitor

John Chisholm has been interested in sharks as long as he can remember. Growing up in Plymouth, Mass. in the 1970s, he spent a lot of time searching for great whites on his dad’s commercial fishing boat. 

An adjunct scientist at the New England Aquarium’s Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life, Chisholm wasn’t the first in his family to take an interest in great white sharks. In 1921, Chisholm’s great-great grandfather caught white sharks on Prince Edward Island in mackerel nets while working as a lighthouse keeper.

Chisholm spent summers on Prince Edward Island as a kid and heard that story from his grandparents. Now, he says there’s scientific evidence, including fossil shark teeth, that white sharks have long been swimming in northern waters.

A great white shark swims off the coast of Cape Cod in 2021. Photo courtesy Kyle Oliveira.

“White sharks have always been here. They predate colonization by Europeans,” said Chisholm. “So it’s kind of frustrating when you see people saying they’re now moving into Canadian waters. They’ve always been in Canadian waters. They’ve always been in Maine waters.”

The presence of sharks are an indicator of an ecosystem’s good health, according to shark biologist Kyle Oliveira, a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Maine and Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences. Between the late 1800s and mid 1900s, the white shark population took a hit due to overfishing, meaning there were less recorded sightings of white sharks along the East Coast.

Thanks to protection measures like the Shark Finning Prohibition Act of 2000 and Shark Conservation Act of 2010, which make it illegal to remove shark fins from sharks at sea and promote sustainable shark management, those who track white sharks are beginning to see the populations recover. 

As with any predator, sharks will tend to go where the food is. That could be one factor driving the sightings reported in Casco Bay in July. Both Chisholm and Oliveira pointed to a high concentration of striped bass in the Gulf of Maine, which is a source of prey for sharks. 

“Everybody thinks the sharks are here for seals,” Chisholm said. While catching a seal is a “metabolic windfall” full of the lipid-rich nutrients adult sharks need, the predators have plenty of other food sources, too. Juvenile and sub-adult sharks tend to feed on schools of fish, according to Oliveira, who said recent research has found younger sharks are often the ones visiting Maine.

When it comes to finding food, Oliveira said convenience is key. “White sharks are really lazy animals, and they try and get whatever meal is gonna be easiest for them to catch,” Oliveira said. One favorite is a floating whale carcass because it provides easy access for sharks to chomp off pieces of blubber, another source of lipids. 

Independent of shark population numbers, technology may be another driver of reported white shark sightings. When Chisholm started tracking white sharks in the Atlantic in the late 1970s, he’d hear about sightings second or third hand. He’d spend weeks, months, or occasionally years tracking down witnesses to interview them about what they thought they saw, being careful not to ask leading questions that would sway the answers one way or another. 

“White sharks are really lazy animals,
and they try and get whatever meal
is gonna be easiest for them to catch,”

— Kyle Oliveira

“In 1985 I might have only had three sightings for that year. That doesn’t mean there were only three white sharks. It just means I tracked down three people that saw them,” Chisholm said. 

Nowadays, Chisholm opens up social media to track sightings across videos and photos posted to Instagram and X. Many of those sightings turn out to be basking sharks rather than white sharks, but the information contributes to data on multiple shark species and their behavior throughout New England.  

Through his role at the New England Aquarium, Chisholm is also responsible for verifying shark sightings reported on the Sharktivity app. The app is a form of citizen science, allowing witnesses to contribute to a growing database that helps inform work done by researchers across the region.

As of July 31 this year, there have been 15 confirmed sightings of white sharks off of Maine’s coast, with one sighting reported as far north as Camden.

In addition to reporting shark sightings on the app, Chisholm recommended that those who spot a shark contact their local harbor masters with the location and time of the sighting. 

Doing so can help spread awareness and reduce paranoia. One rule of thumb is to avoid swimming with the bait, Chisholm said. Beyond that, Oliveira encouraged beachgoers to remember that the ocean is home for sharks.

“It’s a sign of a healthy, productive ecosystem, so having white sharks around is a really good thing,” Oliveira said.

As the climate changes, researchers like Oliveira are working to understand how white sharks will be affected. Sea surface temperatures in the Gulf of Maine are warming faster than 99 percent of the global ocean as a result of climate change, yet sharks can regulate their internal body temperature and find suitable habitat in waters ranging from 37-89 degrees Fahrenheit.

What’s unclear, Oliveira said, is how lower levels of the food chain will fare under changing conditions. Impacts there could eventually work their way up to white sharks at the top.

Note: This story was originally published by The Maine Monitor, a nonprofit and nonpartisan news organization. To get regular coverage from The Monitor, sign up for a free Monitor newsletter here.

_______________

ABOUT THE REPORTER: Julia Tilton is a freelance reporter covering climate and the environment, contributing to The Maine Monitor and The Daily Yonder. At the latter, she co-hosts the Keep it Rural podcast, a biweekly podcast that digs into the nuance of the latest science and politics news impacting rural America.

Julia previously worked on NASA’s Curious Universe podcast and her reporting has been featured in news outlets from Nashville to Mexico. She grew up in southern New Hampshire and is partial to the mountains and forests of the Northeast.

Contact Julia via email: juliatilton@gmail.com

‘For Biddeford’ event draws 150 volunteers

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By JUSTIN SWEENEY, New Life Church, Lead Pastor

(Photos by Joe McKenney)

On Saturday, July 12, New Life Church hosted its 8th annual “For Biddeford” event, a citywide serve day where close to 150 volunteers spread out across Biddeford to complete 10 service projects to bless the community.

For Biddeford is built on a simple but compelling idea: our city should be better because of the Christians worshiping in it. We believe the church should be known for who we are for, not simply what we are against.

We are “for” our city and the families who call it home.

For Biddeford is just one of the many ways we hope to reflect the love of Jesus in practical, tangible ways right here in our city.

This year’s projects included trail maintenance at Clifford and Rotary parks, painting at the J. Richard Martin Community Center and Memorial Park, deep cleaning the Biddeford Food Pantry, free hot dogs to the public, and lunch for first responders (police and fire).

What made this year’s ForBiddeford especially exciting was a sneak peek into The Reach, the church’s upcoming community center set to launch at the end of this summer.

Located at 118 Alfred Street, The Reach will serve as a hub of connection and support for individuals and families in the surrounding neighborhoods.

To learn more about ForBiddeford, visit www.forbiddeford.com

Bringing a bit of southeast Asia to Biddeford

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Almost two years ago, Sima and Breese Reagle opened their sandwich store on Main Street in Biddeford with a simple mission: to bring the flavors of Cambodia to southern Maine.

In just a short amount of time, the BiddoBanh shop has built a loyal fan and customer base.

Breese and Sima Reagle help a customer inside their shop at 299 Main Street

But like many other downtown merchants, Breese and Sima also say their business has been adversely impacted by an ongoing sewer upgrade project that sometimes snarls traffic but is often exaggerated on social media.

“On the positive side, we have seen a significant uptick in people using DoorDash and other delivery options,” Breese explains. “But overall, our business is down.”

When asked what people should know about their business, Sima smiles and says “We’re just two people who like to cook and share our food.”

In addition to running their shop, Breese and Simi both enjoy being part of the larger community and collaborating with other merchants.

BiddoBanh participated in last month’s Juneteenth celebration and were also at the most recent Confetti Bazaar in downtown Biddeford.

“We’re just two people who like
to cook and share our food.”

–Sima Reagle

“We really like being part of this community,” Sima says. “We’re not Portland, and we’re conscious of that. We’re part of the working class, and while we always strive to offer the highest quality food, we also work really hard to keep our prices affordable.”

So, what can you expect to find at BiddoBanh? Their summer menu features Cha lobster, a lemongrass falafel and Cambodian-style shaved ice.

Other menu items include a wide array of rice bowls, such as a ginger soy-glazed chicken bowl that is served with pickled vegetables and fresh cucumber.

“If there’s one thing that brings people together, it’s food,” Sima laughed.

BiddoBanh is closed on Tuesdays, but open every other day from 11.a.m. to 6 p.m.

You can learn more about BiddoBanh by visiting their website at https://biddobanh.com/

Randy Seaver is the editor and founder of the Biddeford Gazette. He may be contacted by email: randy@randyseaver.com

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Biddeford Tigers will face Mt. Ararat Eagles for Class A state championship

~ Randy Seaver ~ 1 Comment

In just a few hours, fourteen young men from Biddeford will create a memory that they will likely never forget.

Tomorrow, the Biddeford High School Tigers (15-4) will face the Mount Ararat Eagles (17-3) in the Class A Maine State Championship baseball game.

The game begins at 1 p.m. Saturday at St. Joseph’s College in Standish.

Photo by Joe McKenney Photography)

BHS Coach Keith LeBlanc says that his team, which includes seven seniors, is “battle-tested” and ready to play their hearts out on Saturday.

“I am very proud of these players,” LeBlanc said during a brief interview on Thursday.

LeBlanc took over as the Tigers’ head coach in 2012. He has seen a lot of games, but says his current team really stands out – both in performance and attitude.

Saturday’s game will be LeBlanc’s first state championship match-up. He says he and his players are taking nothing for granted.

“These players have faced many high-pressure situations,” LeBlanc said. “I am confident in them, but we’re not easing up even an inch before this game.”

LeBlanc said the Eagles (the No. 1 seed team in the north) will likely offer a formidable challenge to the Tigers.

“They [the Eagles] are very similar to us,” LeBlanc said. “They have strong pitching and an overall solid defense.”

The 2025 BHS Tigers team will face the Mt. Ararat Eagles in Saturday’s Class A state championship game at Dt. Joeseph’s College (Joe McKenney Photography)

Speaking of defense, LeBlanc says sophomore Ernie Dore will lead off the mound for the Tigers. Dore is a second-team, all-conference pitcher.

LeBlanc is also expecting strong performances from the team’s co-captains, Gavin Haggett and Landon Sirois, both first-team, all-conference players.

Haggett will be attending Stonehill College in the fall, and Sirois will be attending Southern Maine Community College.

LeBlanc said he considers himself lucky to be this team’s coach.

“Every team is a good team,” he said. “But there is something special about these players. It’s their humility and willingness to push themselves.”

According to LeBlanc, the players have created their own motto: “Stay humble.”

Randy Seaver is the editor and founder of the Biddeford Gazette. He may be contacted by email: randy@randyseaver.com

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Biddeford’s Juneteenth Celebration a success

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By Emma Bouthillette, Contributing writer

Maine still holds the title for the whitest state in the country, but as historian and retired journalist Bob Greene is quick to point out, Black history has deep roots in Maine. Greene was welcomed as the keynote speaker at Biddeford’s Juneteenth Celebration, hosted by the city’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committee in partnership with Heart of Biddeford and the Maine Black Chamber of Commerce. 

Coco Corral, owner of Loving Anvil, has lived in Biddeford for 20 years. She and her husband Gil, who previously owned a gallery on Washington Street and a small event space on Main Street, were among the early wave of artisans integral to setting the Biddeford renaissance in motion. She attended Thursday’s event as one of the dozen vendors, selling her jewelry and other artwork.  

Attendees enjoyed performances and a wide array of food at Biddeford’s first Juneteenth Celebration (Photo: Flo Leighton)

“This absolutely felt like a return to community,” said Coco Coral. “I truly didn’t know what to expect and was so very joyously surprised. It’s so good to see this event in particular with such good energy and so well attended. Seriously, hats off to the Heart of Biddeford and the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee. What a beautiful day by the river, dancing, snacking, and trading stories.” 

“Juneteenth is a time for reflection and
celebration. It is not just part of Black history,
it’s American history.

— Flo Leighton

Established as a federal holiday in 2021, Juneteenth recognizes the day in 1865 — two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed — that Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas to announce the end of the Civil War and that the last enslaved people were now free. It serves as a day to recall this history, as well as a celebration of Black community and continued fight for human rights and equity in our nation. 

“Juneteenth is a time for reflection and celebration,” said DEI Committee Chair Florence Leighton. “It is not just part of Black history, it’s American history. To see people of all races and ages gather together, including elected officials at the city and state level, and folks that traveled from different parts of the state and even out of state, in Biddeford is a testament to the city’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.”  

More than 100 people gathered for Biddeford’s Juneteenth celebration held at The Foundry, including Mayor Martin Grohman, City Councilors Liam LaFountain and Scott Whiting, Representative Marc Malon (D), and members of the city’s DEI Committee. Entertainment was provided by DJ B.Aull and catering from Soul Food Paradise and Biddo Banh. The event also highlighted local Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) vendors like Coco Corral, whose tables featured an array of goods from jewelry to original art, hair care products, and Jamaican jerk marinades. 

Photo by Delilah Poupore

“Against a backdrop of anti-DEI sentiment at a national level, the success of today’s Juneteenth event shows us what is possible when we work together, not against each other,” said Councilor Whiting, who also serves on the DEI Committee. “Biddeford has historically been one of the most diverse cities in Maine, including the Black community, and everyone in attendance today demonstrates that we will continue to be proud of that.” 

Emma Bouthillette is a Biddeford native and author of A Brief History of Biddeford. She is a marketer, yoga instructor, and corgi mom.

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La Kermesse 2025: A lot of work to have a lot of fun

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Today (Thursday, June 19) is the first day of the 42nd annual La Kermesse Festival.

 But the volunteers who make the annual festival possible have been working hard behind the scenes for the last 11 months in order to make this year’s celebration even more festive.

Although the festival celebrates the region’s Franco-American culture and heritage, there is lots to do, eat and see underneath the big tents and throughout the carnival fairway on St. Louis Field — no matter your own ancestry.

Volunteers ride a float during a previous La Kermesse parade (La Kermesse photo)

“It’s really an opportunity for the whole community to gather and celebrate all the things that make this such a great place to live,” said Abigail Worthing, the festival’s marketing director.

Worthing says that this year’s festival will include all the favorite things that people in the community look forward to each year, including a parade, live musical performances and a spectacular fireworks show on Saturday night.

Because of an ongoing sewer upgrade project in the city’s downtown area, this year’s La Kermesse Parade on Friday will proceed along a different route, beginning at Biddeford Middle School and continuing to West Street and onto the field entrance on Prospect Street.

The parade begins at 6 p.m.

This year, local brewery Banded Brewing will be operating out of the Main Tent, offering bar and food services for guests over the age of 21 to enjoy.

But don’t be fooled. There will also be tons of activities for families with children.

In fact, Worthing recalls growing up with La Kermesse dominating some of her favorite childhood memories.

“It was always a big deal for my family,” she smiled while reminiscing about not wanting to leave the field when she was a little girl.

“I know how much this festival meant to me and my family over the years,” Worthing said. “Now, I am so honored to be part of all the hard work that goes into making this festival happen, continuing a cherished tradition.”

This year’s festival will include a car show, plenty of live entertainment and the traditional fairway that offers carnival rides and everything from sausage sandwiches to fried dough.

Featured entertainment includes local band The O Harrows on Thursday evening, and the Studio Two Beatles Tribute on Friday evening from 8:30-11:00 p.m.

On Saturday night, The Inflatables will perform with a fireworks intermission.

In traditional La Kermesse fashion, Alex Silver, Roger Hurtubise and Julia Pouliot will be treating guests to traditional French music throughout the weekend, according to event organizers.

A traditional fireworks show will once again take center stage on Saturday night during this La Kermesse festival (Contributed photo: La Kermesse)

Worthing says that area dance schools will also offer performances, including an Irish dance review.

“It’s a lot of work, and it takes a lot of time, but it’s so worth it when you see it come together,” she said. “When you see the smiles on the kids’ faces.”

“I really want this to be a legacy, not just an event,” Worthing added.

Organizers are expecting good weather and look forward to crowds of 1,000 or more people. Attendance, Worthing said, has been resurging over the past decade.

For more information about the festival, please visit the La Kermesse website.

Randy Seaver is the editor and founder of the Biddeford Gazette. He may be contacted by email: randy@randyseaver.com

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Gen. LaFayette will return to Biddeford on June 24

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In just a few days, General Marquis de LaFayette – a hero of the American Revolutionary War — will be making his triumphant return to Biddeford.

Well, sort of.

Members of the Biddeford Cultural & Heritage Center and the Biddeford Historical Society are now busy preparing for some festivities that will celebrate LaFayette’s last visit to Biddeford, 200 years ago this week.

LaFayette was a French military officer and politician who volunteered his services to join the Continental Army, which was then being led by Gen. George Washington.

Gen. Marquis de LaFayette became an American hero when he was just 17 years old and a volunteer in the Continental Army (Wikipedia image)

LaFayette was a teenager at the time, according to Rose Dionne, an archivist at the McArthur Library in Biddeford.

“Actually, there is a lot of evidence that showed that he and George Washington had a close relationship,” said Dionne. “We do know that LaFayette named his first son George, in honor of Washington.”

According to Dionne, LaFayette returned to the United States in 1825, almost 50 years after the end of the Revolutionary War.

Diane Cyr is the president of the Biddeford Cultural & Heritage Center, and she is quite excited about some of the plans to commemorate the anniversary of LaFayette’s return to the United States.

Cyr said that she and others will have a booth set up during this year’s La Kermesse Festival at St. Louis Field.

Diane Cyr and Rose Dionne are planning a celebration to honor the legacy of Gen. Marquis de LaFayette’s return to Biddeford in 1825

But some other things are also planned to celebrate LaFayette and his commitment to the United States.

The library, the heritage center and the historical society are collaborating to host a historical event in front of the Main Street library on June 24. Some folks will be dressed in historical costumes, there will also be a historical presentation and snacks from that time period offered, including switchel (a vinegar-based beverage) and other foods sweetened with caraway spices.

When visiting Biddeford in 1825, LaFayette slept at Spring’s Tavern, which was owned by his friend Capt. Seth Spring. Today, that site is home of the Deering Lumber Company. Spring Island is now known as Saco Island.

LaFayette’s previous tour included all of the states that were part of the Union at that time. Today, the local chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution is helping with the celebration.

Dionne pointed out that LaFayette was seriously injured during the Battle of Brandywine, which was fought on Sept. 11, 1777, giving the British control of Philadelphia.

“He really hated the British,” Cyr laughed. “And he became a legend throughout America. People were so excited about his return to the states.”

Lafayette was also a key figure in the French Revolution of 1789 and he continues to be celebrated as a hero in France.

The June 24 ceremony will include a performance by the Alumni Band. The festivities are scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m. on the grounds of the McArthur Library.

Randy Seaver is the editor and founder of the Biddeford Gazette. He may be contacted by email: randy@randyseaver.com

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BHS grad sets her sights on a bright future

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Eliza Doyon of Biddeford seems to be headed toward a very bright future.  The 2025 BHS grad is a high achiever: a straight-A student and a very competitive field hockey player.

This fall, Doyon will be attending Saint Anslem College to study nursing and continue playing field hockey.

Eliza Doyon of Biddeford was able to snag a very competitive scholarship to study nursing at Saint Anslem College this fall. (Seaver photo)

Like all college-bound seniors, Doyon and her parents are facing significant tuition costs.

Trisha Doyon, Eliza’s mother, estimates that each year of college will cost her daughter roughly $70,000.

Fortunately, because of Eliza’s outstanding academic performance at Biddeford High School, she has been able to secure several scholarships, including one from FedPoint, a wholly-owned subsidiary of John Hancock Life & Health Insurance company.

In fact, Doyon was one of only four students from throughout New England who was chosen from a field of nearly 120 applicants for that particular scholarship.

“She’s worked very hard,
and her good grades are really
paying off.”

— Trisha Doyon

Eliza said she hopes to become a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) nurse while working her way toward becoming a nurse anesthesiologist.

“I like the idea of providing direct care for babies that need extra help,” she said.

During the latter part of her high school career, Eliza took medical sciences classes and a CNA course at the Biddeford Regional Center of Technology.

This summer, before heading off to college, Eliza will be working as a CNA at the Maine Veterans Home in Scarborough.

“We are proud of her,” Trisha Doyon said of her daughter. “She’s worked very hard, and her good grades are really paying off.”

Eliza is also looking forward to playing field hockey at Saint Anslem, an opportunity that she says will give her a chance to make some new friends well before the start of classes in the fall.

“I’m a little bit nervous,” Eliza said during a recent interview. “But I’m also looking forward to what’s next.”

Eliza said her 14-year-old brother Evan often likes to tease her. “But I think deep down, he’s going to miss me when I leave,” she laughed.

Randy Seaver is the editor and founder of the Biddeford Gazette. He may be contacted by email: randy@randyseaver.com

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Big laughs in Biddeford this week

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Why did the reporter cross the road?

To interview a comedy promoter. Duh!

Okay, so that’s not very funny, but maybe you are one of those people who can always make people laugh.

Have you ever thought about doing some stand-up comedy? If so, Patrick ‘Buzz Gordon’ Ouellette of Biddeford wants to talk with you.

For more than a year now, Buzz — as he is known to his friends and family — has been pouring his blood, sweat and tears into creating a vibrant comedy scene in southern Maine. He is a co-founder of the Comedy Mill, which promotes professional comedy shows and runs a weekly open-mic night for aspiring comics who want to perform before a live audience.

Patrick ‘Buzz Gordon” Ouellette of Biddeford (Facebook photo)

“It’s not as easy as it looks,” Buzz laughed during a recent interview. “Behind the scenes it’s a lot of work. We’re not getting rich, but we love it. We really love it.”

Buzz – a gregarious guy who always seems to be smiling – is especially excited about an upcoming show at Mulligan’s this weekend.

On Saturday, June 14, Brendan Eyre of New York will return to Biddeford to open for Connor McGrath, a nationally known comic who has appeared on the Comedy Channel and on the Late Night with Seth Meyers show.

“This is a big deal for us,” Buzz said. “We’ve been doing this for a year and now Brendan’s coming back to Biddeford to help us celebrate our one-year anniversary.”

That show will take place at Mulligan’s on Lincoln Street, beginning at 8 p.m.

When asked about the weekly open-mic nights on Wednesdays, Buzz says “there’s nothing like hearing a room full of people laughing.”

We’re not getting rich, but we love it.
We really love it.”

— Buzz Gordon

“I think we could all use some laughs these days,” he said.

The Comedy Mill is also helping promote this year’s Portland Maine Comedy Festival, which takes place at several venues in Portland from July 17 – July 20.

“Sometimes, we barely break even on our shows,” Buzz said. “But we are driven by one thing: we want people to have fun.

“We’re all delinquents, just hanging out,” he added.

But Buzz also has a soft spot. He and his partners regularly donate to the Biddeford Food Pantry. Earlier this year, they organized a comedy show that featured George Hamm, a nationally known comic and Marine veteran from Maine. All the proceeds from that show were donated to the Maine Homeless Veterans Alliance.

“We got to have each other’s backs, right?” Buzz said, saying the Comedy Mill would not have survived without the support of Mulligan’s. “This is a great city, chock full of great people.”

Buzz graduated in 2005 from Biddeford High School, where he was an avid football player. “Football was life when I was in high school,” he said.

Like most people, Buzz followed a winding path to get where he is today. “I remember thinking I wanted to be a cop, and then I thought I wanted to be a teacher,” he said during an earlier interview.

 Today, Buzz works for a bio-tech firm near Portsmouth.

When asked what advice he would give to an aspiring comic, Buzz doesn’t hesitate. “Don’t wait. Just do it.”

“You want to make God laugh, Buzz asked. “Tell him your plans for the future.”

Randy Seaver is the editor and founder of the Biddeford Gazette. He may be contacted by email: randy@randyseaver.com

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FEATURE: Glory Days; they will pass you by

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Yesterday was “Career Day” at the Biddeford Intermediate School, an annual event that gives third, fourth and fifth-graders an opportunity to explore various career fields.

I was asked to be one of the many presenters, but I knew that I was in trouble as soon as I walked through the front-door, clutching a stack of old newspapers, a reporter’s notebook and two pens (always two).

The other presenters were so much cooler and interesting. The police K-9 officer and her dog showed up, a firefighter arrived wearing his helmet with a large oxygen tank on his back. There was a nurse with a stethoscope draped around her neck.

For Pete’s sake, Graig Morin of Brown Dog Trucking even brought one of his 18-wheeler trucks for the kids to explore.

Admittedly, I was a bit nervous as I waited for my first of three-groups of students to arrive in my designated classroom. It’s been a while since I have been grilled by a group of nine and ten-year-olds.

Tempus Fugit: Lessons learned from a stack of old newspapers

If you’re not careful, they can really get into your psyche and throw off your whole game. For example, during one of the Q & A sessions, one young lady asked me if I was afraid of heights. I quickly admitted that I am terrified of heights.

“What about snakes?” was her follow-up question. “Yes,” I responded, I am also very afraid of snakes.”

A quarter century? Really?

On the night before the event, I ventured into my basement and hauled out an old-cargo chest that holds scores of old copies of the weekly Biddeford-Saco-OOB Courier. I was in a rush, so I just reached in and grabbed five copies, paying no particular attention to the dates or the stories.

I have worked for several newspapers, but most people ‘round here equate me to my fun-filled days as the Courier’s editor (1997-2006) and my infamous weekly column, All Along the Watchtower.

As I was waiting for the kids to arrive, I started flipping through the old papers. Yes, I know that all past issues of the Courier are available on microfiche at the McArthur Library, but this seemed like a more practical way to make my presentation.

As luck would have it, the papers I grabbed were all from April of 2000, exactly 25 years ago. It seems like yesterday, but it was a quarter-century ago. A quarter century.

Just a few weeks ago, the Courier’s new owners (the Portland Press Herald’s parent company) abruptly announced that they will no longer offer print versions of the paper that had been delivered to every household in the Biddeford-Saco area since 1989.

When I heard that news, I didn’t realize how deeply that weekly paper was connected to the community. A wave of nostalgia washed over me as I flipped through the pages of yesteryear.

As luck would have it, the papers I grabbed
were all from April of 2000, exactly 25 years
ago. It seems like yesterday,
but it was a quarter-century ago.

Time may change me. But I can’t trace time.

The kids were eager to pore through old copies of the Courier. Sure, I still write news and opinion, but I can’t imagine 25 years from now that a bunch of kids would be so excited about reviewing a web site.

It was interesting to see what caught their eyes and their imagination. Each of the newspapers had a full back-page ad from Marc Motors. Apparently, in April of 2000, you could buy a 1998 Pontiac Sunfire for $10,995 or a weekly payment of $38. Or you could get a 1997 Ford F-150 for $17,995 (or $65 per week).

In April [2000], we ran a contest: Find the Mistakes in the Courier. The person who found the most verifiable mistakes each week got a free lunch at the Wonderbar. We were all glad when that contest ended.

A lot of the names have changed, but the news back then was not much different than it is today.  Ironically, one of the headlines told readers that Biddeford voters may soon be asked to approve construction of a new school to address overcrowding. That school? Yup, the Biddeford Intermediate School, where I was sitting yesterday morning.

The Old Orchard Beach School budget was up $500,000. There was an explosion of a propane tank at the former Maine Energy trash incinerator in downtown Biddeford. Another story explained how Biddeford’s tax rate would increase $1.50 if MERC left town. The top five taxpayers then were MERC, IBC (Nissen Bakeries), Central Maine Power, Walmart and D.K. Associates Limited.

Saco residents were faced with a possible pay-per-bag trash disposal fee, a downtown landlord in Biddeford found himself in hot water with the city’s code enforcement office.

On and on. Into infinity and beyond.

I asked the kids if any of them remember the Yellow Pages. They were stumped; their brows furrowed with intrigue. It’s quite likely that someday the same fate that killed the Yellow Pages will finally overcome print newspapers.

I don’t look forward to that day.

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FEATURE: Not Your Father’s Library

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The acting director of Biddeford’s McArthur Library talks about a never-ending evolution of services and some of the challenges facing downtown libraries

Even to the casual observer, it becomes quickly evident that once you walk through the front door of Biddeford’s McArthur Library – – you are no longer in your father’s library.

Gone are the days of strident, middle-aged ladies admonishing you for the volume of your voice or the mounting late fees on your overdue books.

Today’s libraries have evolved and are working to keep pace with both technology and a changing community. Nowhere is that more evident than inside the McArthur Library.

Nicole Clark

Originally housed in the “City Building” (City Hall), a devastating fire in 1894 gutted the building and forced the library’s trustees to search for a ‘stand-alone’ location. The library is today housed in the former Pavilion Church on Main Street.

Over the years, the library has been expanded and renovated and continues to be a hub of activity for people of all ages in the downtown area.

Once again, the McArthur Library is facing another transition.

Earlier this year, long-time director Jeff Cabral accepted a position at another library in New Hampshire. While the library’s trustees are in the middle of a search for a new director, Nicole Clark – the Adult Services supervisor – has been serving as a temporary director.

Clark, 31, is a native of Kittery and attended the University of Maine Farmington where she earned a degree in teaching. She taught high school English for a little more than four years but says she became “burned out from teaching” and took a job in the Goodall Library in Sanford before making her way to Biddeford.

We caught up with Clark recently to ask her how the library is changing and adapting and about some of the challenges facing today’s board of trustees.

Why did you switch from teaching high school English and theater to working in a library?

“Teaching was a rewarding career, and I loved working with my students. The changes in education recently, and the expectations put on teachers and just the lack of support that teachers have; I just got burned out. I loved it, but I could tell that I was not myself. 

“Working in a library was just a much better fit for me. I fell in love with it. You’re not teaching to a test or facing mounting standards and regulations. I always loved books and helping people. You get to connect people with things that they enjoy, whether it’s literature or a fun program or helping with a bit of research.”

Have you put your hat in the ring to become the library’s next director?

“It’s not something that I was originally considering at all. I like being a librarian, I like connecting with the public, I like the front-facing nature of it. Being a director is oftentimes more the big picture, the behind-the-scenes stuff: administrative tasks, dealing with the stakeholders, the politics and the budget.

“I feel a little back and forth about it because I think this library deserves someone who is passionate about those things. If for some reason, somebody doesn’t come forth who is passionate about all those things and serving the community . . . it just depends on what is best for the library. I would very happy, either way.”

What do you think are some things that the public should know about today’s library?

The library is one of the last places
in the country where you can exist
without the expectation of spending money

— Nicole Clark

“I love that question. In this day and age, the library is not just a repository for books anymore. The library has evolved. Yes, we still have many, many books that we love to connect our patrons with, but we also have a slew of programming for all ages. From author events to children’s story time that connects them with animals or music, to technology classes for seniors.

“This is a place where people come to socialize, to connect with other people; to learn something or to feel a sense of warmth and joy and not have to stress about having to spend money to get that.

“The library is one of the last places in the country where you can exist without the expectation of spending money. The reason we provide all of our services for free is to provide access. That’s one of the biggest things about the library.

“We want people to access information, entertainment; to access everything from WiFi connectivity to a social coffee hour for seniors so that there’s someone to chat with on a Thursday morning, and you don’t have to worry about spending money to do that.”

We all know that you can check out books from the library, but what are some of the other things you can check out for free?

“People may know about our expanding list of DVDs, but we also have a library of things – it’s a recreation collection. People can check out things like fishing poles or a croquet set if you have people over for a barbecue.

“People can check out things that they may not have the money to buy. For example, we check out a telescope so that kids who might be learning about the moon and the stars have access to the resources they need. That can be an expensive item that some parents may not be able to afford.

“We have snowshoes and sleds available in the winter, we have portable DVD players or even a Ukulele.

As libraries evolve, how are you keeping pace with instant, on-demand information resources such as Google or Wikipedia?

“You can ask Google anything, but you can’t necessarily be sure that the information is accurate, but a professional librarian can help you look at information sources that are trustworthy and cross-reference.

“On the other hand, we are embracing technology, providing people with a quiet space to do their own research. We offer free WiFi throughout the building, and we also provide free phone chargers and access to public computers.

“We provide free access to things like Ancestry.com without the paywall you would have to pay for at home.”

Recently, there has been some negative chatter on social media about unhoused persons ‘loitering’ at the library.

“A public library is a library for everybody. We are here to provide safe, warm, welcoming and equitable access for everyone, regardless of their socio-economic status, age or anything to do with their identity.

“We do have a significant population of people who are unhoused in the downtown area, and the library being one of the places where they are not expected to spend money, and where they can be warm, safe and charge their devices and take a break from some of their struggles.

“We are definitely an open-door to them and to those who are not going through that.  The majority of our unhoused visitors are just lovely human beings. We love getting to know them and learning about the things that interest them.

“As with any population, there are some folks who have challenges and bring those challenges into the library. We do have a security officer who is just a wonderful human being. He gets to know just about everybody who comes into the library.

On the issue of unhoused people, the library has an upcoming event regarding the issues of homelessness in Maine.

“Yes, we’re looking forward to the free Biddeford screening of a documentary that showcases stories from Maine with a message that there is hope to ending the suffering of homelessness.

“After the film, we will be hosting a panel discussion with from local folks such as Jake Hammer from the city of Biddeford’s General Assistance office and Vassie Fowler from Seeds of Hope.  That will be taking place on May 29th at 6 p.m.

You have a new program starting soon about downtown.

“Yes! The theme of our summer reading program this year is “Summer on Main Street.” We will be working with different businesses here downtown. Especially amidst the construction and detours to encourage foot traffic to all businesses downtown.

“We’ll be offering raffles, gift cards and lots of fun ways for people to connect with downtown and all the businesses here.”

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