NEWSLETTER: Baby, it’s cold outside

January 24, 2026January 24, 2026 ~ Randy Seaver ~ 3 Comments

Just as I was getting used to the lull of the holidays and a slower news pace during the early days of January, the local news cycle basically exploded and caught me a bit off guard.

For the first time I can remember, I have seven stories in development and stacked up for publication. I like it this way.

Keeping busy keeps me out of trouble; well, sort of.

Some cool stuff is happening on the sidelines.

*Even polar bears think it’s too cold outside Photo: Wikipedia commons*

Our sister city and an introduction to journalism

I more or less stumbled onto an opportunity to interview the mayor of Bideford, our sister city in England.

According to some of the town’s residents, Bideford and Biddeford seem to have many things in common. Bideford was once England’s third largest port and its history is steeped in manufacturing, including shipbuilding.

You can start to learn more about our sister city here: Bideford | Wikipedia

In other news (no pun intended), I am excited about an upcoming class I will be teaching through Biddeford Adult Education.

The tentative name of the class, scheduled to begin in April, is Introduction to Journalism: Inside the Craft.

The course is being described as follows: “Students will learn about the rapidly changing world of journalism from a veteran reporter and editor. This course will prepare students to pursue a career in journalism and will offer discussions regarding AP-Style writing (Associated Press); journalism ethics; and in-depth discussions about the impacts of advancing technology in the field of journalism.

The class will also feature lecture-and-answer discussion about the history of journalism in the United States; the rising trend of “citizen journalism” and a review of how media has changed over the last 50 years.”

Pretty cool stuff, eh?

Speaking of cool stuff, I had the pleasure this week of meeting up with one of Maine’s most prolific and respected reporters.

Chris Williams spent time as a reporter working at the Portland Press Herald, the Nashua Telegraph, the Portland Evening Express, the Lewiston Sun Journal and several other publications.

Turns out that we both worked for Harry Foote, one of Maine’s most beloved newspaper editors at the American Journal in Westbrook.

Chris reached out to me and said he really likes what we’re doing with the Gazette. He offered me some very valuable insights and suggestions and said we should stay in touch. It was the highlight of my week.

Baby, it’s cold outside

Of course, the news that is dominating media outlets all across Maine is centered upon this week’s ramped up enforcement efforts by the U.S. Immigrational & Customs Enforcement Agency (ICE) here in southern Maine.

This is an emotionally and politically-charged story that is extraordinarily fluid and rapidly changing. Journalists all across the state are struggling to keep up with this story, which includes activity happening here in Biddeford.

As a service to our readers, the Biddeford Gazette has created a special section on our website to give our readers updates and links to community resources and ongoing media coverage. You can find that resource page here: ICE | Biddeford.

Over the last few days, we have also published a wide range of stories, including our exclusive coverage of how a controversial downtown parking plan was funded; and a heart-felt story about a beloved McArthur Library security guard who has been sidelined by a serious spinal injury.

After suffering a serious spinal injury, Don Creighton is not sure how he is going to survive. The community — in including his co-workers, downtown merchants and library patrons — is rallying around him.

The best part of being a journalist is being able to help people in need. Within just a few hours of publishing our story, financial donations soared by more than $4,000.

This truly is a great community. Go here to read Don Creighton’s story and learn how you can help.

Looking ahead

We have some awesome stories in production, including an in-depth interview with State Rep. Marc Malon about his bill to prohibit the use of credit cards for mobile gambling sites; and another exclusive story about a book written by a local author that details how the notorious 1947 wildfires engulfed the Fortune’s Rocks neighborhood and even threatened downtown Biddeford.

We also sat down this week with Biddeford Fire Chief Larry Best to talk about the plans to build a new substation closer to the eastern portion of the city.

There’s a lot more, but I should probably focus on getting caught up with our news coverage.

It looks like we’ll be starting off the week with a big winter storm and some especially frigid temperatures.

Be safe, stay warm and have fun!

RECENT STORIES:

Questions raised about how a parking program was funded

Council unanimously approves UNE moratorium

Council rejects freeze on rising mobile home park fees

Community rallies around beloved security guard

Lessard blasts downtown parking program

___________

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

Never miss another update! Subscribe for free today!

COMMUNITY: When the helper needs help

January 22, 2026January 24, 2026 ~ Randy Seaver ~ 1 Comment

By RANDY SEAVER, Editor

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

__________

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

Never miss another update! Subscribe for free today!

McArthur Library names new director

November 10, 2025 ~ Randy Seaver ~ Leave a comment

The McArthur Library’s board of directors today announced that Nicole Clark has been hired as library director.

Clark, who first joined McArthur Library as Adult Services Supervisor in December 2024, has been serving as Interim Director since earlier this year.

“It is with great excitement that we announce the hiring of Nicole Clark to lead McArthur Library as its new director,” said McArthur Library Board Chair Victoria Foley.

“In her time as Interim Director, Nicole has strengthened the library’s community relationships and expanded program offerings, delivering on McArthur’s mission to enrich the lives of its patrons. The board looks forward to working with Nicole to continue to serve the Biddeford community.”

RELATED: Not Your Father’s Library

“Libraries are incredibly special places, and McArthur exemplifies what a public library should be,” Clark stated. “Over the past year, I have been absolutely blown away by the dedication the staff and board put in every day to create a space that is warm, creative, and deeply connected to the people it serves. I am truly honored to have the opportunity to continue to support them in this official capacity.”

Before joining the McArthur team, Clark worked at Louis B. Goodall Memorial Library in Sanford, Maine, where she held the positions of Youth Services Librarian, Assistant Director, and Interim Director throughout her tenure. Prior to her library career, she taught English and Theater at Sanford High School.

Clark holds a master’s degree in Library and Information Science from Simmons University and a Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education/English from the University of Maine at Farmington.

Originally from Kittery, Clark now lives in Berwick with her partner, Jake, and a lively household of pets—a bunny, two guinea pigs, and two cats. The guinea pigs are frequent visitors at the library, where patrons enjoy reading to them and saying hello during visits.

Gen. LaFayette will return to Biddeford on June 24

June 16, 2025June 19, 2025 ~ Randy Seaver ~ Leave a comment

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

NEVER MISS ANOTHER UPDATE! Subscribe for free today!

OPINION: What do I want? How about some tax relief?

May 7, 2025May 7, 2025 ~ Randy Seaver ~ 3 Comments

They say that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over, and expecting different results.

That’s how I felt on Tuesday evening, sitting in the back row and watching the second and final public hearing on Biddeford’s proposed budget for the upcoming year.

In fact, Tuesday’s meeting was almost a carbon copy of last year’s public hearing on the city’s budget.

On Tuesday, former city councilor Stephen St. Cyr was the only member of the public who spoke in favor of trimming the projected $65.5 million budget, an increase of 5.83 percent, which would require a tax (mil) rate of $15.05.

Sure, a handful of other people spoke up, but they were there asking the council to not cut their requests for funding, including representatives from the Heart of Biddeford, the McArthur Library and the Biddeford Community Gardens.

*Council President Liam LaFountain, Mayor Marty Grohman, Acting City Manager Brian Phiiney and City Clerk Robin Patterson listen intently to a member of the council.*

By my count, the council saw a 4-1 margin of support for the budget.

Last year, only one member of the public spoke on behalf of beleaguered taxpayers. That’s right, it was Stephen St. Cyr. Not a peep from any other member of the public, except for those who had their hands outstretched for some municipal pork.

And then, autumn comes and people begin to open their property tax bills. Now residents go ballistic, clutching both their hearts and their wallets.

“This is outrageous,” they scream. “I can’t afford to live in my own house! Before you know it, dogs and cats will be living together.”

A total meltdown with all sorts of apoplectic flair, flooding social media accounts from near and far.

As St. Cyr pointed out on Tuesday, this latest increase comes on the back of similar increases last year and the year before, a sum impact of nearly 20 percent in local taxes.

A somewhat innocuous zoning change
got obliterated, preventing another
pizzeria from opening across the street.
But it was about traffic flow . . .
Right. Whatever (wink, wink).

Every year, it’s the same thing. I encourage people to get involved. I urge them to call their councilors or go to a meeting. And what do I get? Mostly crickets and some lame ass excuses.

“It doesn’t matter what I say. The council doesn’t listen to me.”

“The council doesn’t care about the little people, and they’ll just do what they want.”

“I’m too busy to go a meeting.”

“I didn’t know there was a meeting.”

My response? Bullshit.

You wanna see the council turn on a dime? Do what the owner of Pizza by Alex did last year. Flood the council chambers with people wearing Pizza By Alex t-shirts, including the owner and scores of employees and local fans.

A somewhat innocuous zoning change got obliterated, preventing another pizzeria from opening across the street. But it was about traffic flow . . . Right. Whatever (wink, wink).

City councilors are just like anybody else. Their opinions can be swayed, and for a stipend of $85 a month (net) you can’t expect any of them to be fierce profiles in courage.

Politicians know which way the wind blows. My grandmother always told me that the squeaky wheel gets the grease. That’s just the way it works. It’s damn hard to raise your hand and say no when you’re looking over a sea of angry and hopeful faces. Please tell me you won’t support slaughtering puppies

Bitching on Facebook doesn’t cut it.

So, let’s look at those excuses. 1.) The council will and does listen to the people who actually show up, call or send an email. It happens all the time. 2.) The council does care. They’re just in the difficult position of trying to make the right decision. 3.) Too busy? Too busy to send an email or make a phone call, but you have plenty of time to bitch on Facebook? Please. 4.) I didn’t know. You are a member of a community. You have an inherent responsibility to be an engaged and informed citizen.

Since I have probably pissed off Pizza By Alex (a felony offense in Biddeford), allow me to get a couple of other things off my chest.

To the Heart of Biddeford, the McArthur Library, the Community Gardens, the teen center and the food pantries and all the other social service groups who help make our community a great place to live: thank you for your work and service. But I also hope you guys are looking for efficiencies and alternative sources of funding.

Do we really need three food pantries? Are there opportunities for you guys to work together, collaborate?

We are funding a museum and a cultural and heritage center. Another opportunity for collaboration?

And how many years in a row do we need to fork over $20k on downtown Christmas wreaths and lights?

To the McArthur Library, when are you guys actually going to start that capital fundraising campaign you’re always talking about? Maybe this is the year when you want to tap into you rather comfortable source of private endowments?

In the movie Scarface, narcotics king Tony Montanna is negotiating with a bank president who launders the drug money. At one point, Tony gets frustrated and says, “I know how this goes: you go high, I go low.”

Thus, if you really need $750,000, you ask the city for $1 million at budget time. That way the council can slash your funding request and you still get your $750,000. Otherwise known as a win-win scenario.

What do I want?

The world, and everything in it.

Never miss another update! Subscribe for free today!

FEATURE: Not Your Father’s Library

April 26, 2025November 10, 2025 ~ Randy Seaver ~ 1 Comment

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.

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 29^th 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.”

Never miss another update! Subscribe for free today!

Support for library, and a new bathhouse

April 2, 2025April 26, 2025 ~ Randy Seaver ~ Leave a comment

Scores of Biddeford residents turned out Tuesday for the first of two public hearings on the city’s proposed budget.

Only one resident — former City Councilor Michael Swanton — suggested a budget cut, calling on the council to close and sell the city’s public access television station on Pool Road.

“Technology has zoomed by cable television,” Swanton told the council. “That’s $300,000 each year for something that only a handful of people use.”

Nearly 40 other people approached the podium one-by-one to voice support for various social service agencies, including the McArthur Library, Biddeford Community Gardens and the Heart of Biddeford.

Although there are more than 30 social service agencies requesting funding from the city, only three of them were mentioned during the public comment period — and once again — public support for the library dominated the 45-minute public hearing.

In a repeat of last year, the majority of comments came from people asking to fully fund the library’s budget request, which is just over $1 million this year, mainly to support ongoing renovations at the 160-year-old building. According to documents filed with the city, the library’s board of directors indicated that only 25 percent of their funding request would be used for salaries.

*The McArthur Library is once again seeking roughly $1 million from the city*.

“How we fund these things should reflect our values,” one man told the council.

More than 30 people spoke in support of the library, but 12 people expressed support for Biddeford’s Community Gardens; and one person spoke in favor of the funding request from the Seeds of Hope Neighborhood Resource Center.

New Bathhouse Should be Ready on Memorial Day

Although the iconic Biddeford Pool Bathhouse in the Gilbert Boucher Park was destroyed during a January 2024 coastal storm, a new bathhouse is expected to be ready by Memorial Day.

After reviewing several bids from private contractors, the city council was poised to spend roughly $222,000 to build a 24 x 24-square foot replacement facility. Councilor Marc Lessard, however, suggested having the city’s Public Works Department submit their own proposal for the project.

Public Works Director Jeff Demers said his department could complete the task and construct a larger facility for roughly $135,000., a savings of roughly $87,000.

According to Recreation Director Lisa Thompson, the new bathhouse will be a 28 x 32-square foot structure that will include two regular bathrooms, a family bathroom, an accessible bathroom for persons with disabilities and outdoor showers.

Never miss another installment! Subscribe for free today!