Tag: Saco

Age Friendly: Helping seniors stay in their homes

~ Randy Seaver ~ Leave a comment

By RANDY SEAVER, Editor

As members of the Baby Boom generation continue to age, a relatively new organization is dedicated to helping seniors maintain their independence and remain in their own homes.

The ‘Age Friendly’ program is an initiative launched by the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) and offers program services in several states across the country.

In Maine, cities and towns from Berwick to Fort Kent have been designated as Age Friendly communities and offer local chapters that provide services for aging residents.

Becky Hadiaris was recently named as executive director of the Age Friendly Saco program. (Seaver photo)

According to the AARP, the population of the United States is “rapidly aging.” By 2030, one out of five people in the U.S. will be 65 or older; and by 2034, the number of adults over the age of 65 will be greater than the number of children under 18.

On a local level, both Biddeford and Saco have an Age Friendly program in place.

Becky Hadiaris was recently hired as the executive director of Age Friendly Saco; and across the river, Betsy Martin is leading a small group of volunteers and trying to keep up with an increasing demand for services offered by Age Friendly Biddeford.

Both Hadiaris and Martin say more volunteers are needed; and they are both working to increase public awareness about the services provided by the Age Friendly program.

“Our program started in 2016, but we got disbanded by Covid in 2020,” Martin said. “We’re stretched thin, but we are trying to rebuild because there is a growing need in our community.”

The Age Friendly Saco program is standing on more solid ground and has 104 volunteers.

Martin said the two groups work closely, and she credits her Saco colleagues for their help in keeping the Age Friendly Biddeford program moving forward.

The Biggest Need

Hadiaris and Martin both say transportation for seniors is a dominant issue in Biddeford and Saco.

Mona Grandbois and Betsy Martin say the Age Friendly Biddeford program has a big need for volunteer drivers (Seaver photo)

Although both communities are served by a public transit system, many seniors still face challenges in getting to medical appointments.

“If you’re 80 years old, using a walker, you probably can’t get to the bus stop,” said Mona Grandbois, transportation director for Age Friendly Biddeford. “It’s just not practical.”

So far this year, Age Friendly Biddeford has provided 829 rides, and Martin says the need is only growing. “We need volunteers who are able to give just a few hours each week to help fill in the gaps. You can make your own schedule. It’s very flexible.”

In Saco, Hadiaris describes her group’s transportation program a shuttle akin to a free Uber ride for seniors.

“But there is only so much we can do,” she said. “We really need more volunteers.”

Beyond transportation services, both organizations offer other programs all designed to help seniors age in their own homes.

For example, Biddeford residents over the age of 55 can have a bucket of sand delivered to their homes for free.

In both cities, seniors are eligible to receive free handyman services, ranging from smoke detector installation to weather-proofing windows and doorways to increase heating efficiency.

Age Friendly Saco also offers free technical/IT services and guidance as well as opportunities for social interaction and activities.

“It’s all about helping people stay in their homes,” Martin said. “We’re moving forward, and that feels good, but we could sure use some more volunteers.”

Hadiaris agreed, pointing out that both programs are continually looking for ways to collaborate. “We’re not looking to reinvent the wheel,” she said. “And we’re always looking for ways to serve our older neighbors.”

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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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Veterans Day 2025

~ Randy Seaver ~ 1 Comment

Scores of people braved chilly temperatures and biting winds to celebrate the annual Biddeford-Saco Veterans Day Parade on Tuesday.

This year’s ceremony featured the unveiling of the Gen. Wallace H. Nutting Memorial Bridge.

RELATED: Cities will dedicate bridge on Veterans Day

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

Chamber will host annual Ten Talks event

~ Randy Seaver ~ Leave a comment

[Contributed Sory]

The Biddeford Saco Chamber of Commerce will be hosting its annual Ten Talks & Silent Auction on Wednesday, October 15. The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. at River Winds Farm and Estate in Saco.

Organizers say that “this much-anticipated community event blends thought-provoking talks with an engaging silent auction,” all in a lively, social atmosphere.

The event features 10 local speakers, each sharing a five-minute talk on a topic of their choice. The result is a fast-moving, inspiring program that highlights the voices and perspectives of our community.

Newly hired Biddeford City Manager Truc Dever will be one of the 10 speakers during this year’s event. (Jim Krause photo)

The wide range of speakers this year includes Biddeford’s new city administrator Truc Dever; Ellis Baum from Tiger Investment Services; Jessica Walter from Maine Trust for Local News; Rhona Deah from Rhona’s Beauty Shop and many more.

Before and after the presentations, guests will enjoy networking, food, drinks and the chance to bid on unique items in the silent auction. Donations range in value, from $25 to over $1,000, including gift certificates, experiences, services, and specialty products from local businesses.

“We’re excited to once again bring together local voices, businesses, and community members for an evening of ideas and generosity,” said Chamber Director Matt Lewis. “Ten Talks has become one of our signature events, showcasing the talent, creativity, and spirit that make our region thrive.”

The event is free and open to the public.

Funds raised through the silent auction support the Chamber’s work to strengthen and connect the Biddeford and Saco business community.

For more information, please contact the Biddeford+Saco Chamber of Commerce at 207-282-1567

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A new bridge between Biddeford and Saco?

~ Randy Seaver ~ 1 Comment

It is a community project that has been in the “conceptual phase” for nearly two decades, but now the conversation about a new ‘multimodal’ bridge connecting the cities of Biddeford and Saco is once again bubbling to the surface.

On Tuesday, the Biddeford City Council will hear a proposal about the multimodal bridge that would connect Saco Island to the planned Pearl Point Park in Biddeford.

Representatives from the city of Saco and the Maine Department of Transportation will update the council about the project, a plan that will likely cost millions of dollars and require federal funding to complete.

The concept for a new bridge (City of Saco)

“It is an exciting concept,” said Biddeford City Council President Liam LaFountain. “But obviously, this is something that the two cities cannot take on alone. We would new federal and state funding.”

Although there is already a pedestrian bridge connecting the two cities closer to the Saco River falls, the new bridge is designed to be more user friendly

Creating a link between Saco and Biddeford is a long-term goal that has been identified in Saco’s comprehensive plans since 2011.

The new bridge is designed to improve walkability; promote equitable access to public transit and help alleviate traffic congestion by creating a shift away from personal vehicle use.

Proponents of the project also say the new bridge will encourage further economic development near the downtown core shared by both cities.

“It really is a very interesting project,” said Saco Mayor Jodi MacPhail. “We’ve been talking about this for a long time. It’s nice to see some forward momentum.”

MacPhail said the project has been an ongoing topic of conversation between the two cities during past joint workshop meetings.

She said conversation about the bridge “sort of fizzled” because former Biddeford City Manager James Bennett did not view the project as a priority.

Joint meetings between the two communities slowed for a period of time until both MacPhail and Biddeford’s Marty Grohman were elected as their respective city’s mayor in 2023.

“We’ve been talking about this
for a long time. It’s nice
to see some forward momentum.”

–Saco Mayor Jodi MacPhail

Today, both Grohman and MacPhail say the cities have an “excellent working relationship.”

The project is expected to cost roughly $5.5 million to construct. If the two cities decide to move forward and apply for federal funding, the project could start construction as soon as 2028.

“I think we can get back on track, and continue looking at things we can do together,” MacPhail said. “When you step back and look at it, we really are joined at the hip and one community.”

Disclosure: Saco Mayor Jodi MacPhail is the step-sister of Biddeford Gazette editor Randy Seaver.

_______________

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

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New Chamber director: ‘Lots of opportunities here’

~ Randy Seaver ~ 1 Comment

Matt Lewis sees nothing but potential in the Biddeford-Saco area.

Lewis, 58, was hired in May as the new executive director of the Biddeford-Saco Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Lewis moved to Maine from the San Francisco area a little more than two years ago. California, he said, is still struggling from the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“I had visited Maine many times as a leisure traveler,” he said. “I love it here, so when I saw a job opportunity pop up, I didn’t hesitate.”

That job opportunity was serving as the executive director of Hospitality Maine, a non-profit organization that represents the interests of the hospitality industry, including lodging establishments and restaurants.

Lewis bought a home in Saco and is now working to immerse himself in the community. “People are very friendly here,” he said. “It feels very welcoming.”

When asked about his priorities for the Chamber, Lewis said that continually increasing the visibility of the Chamber is very important.

“I’m always going to be
looking for opportunities
to partner with others.”

— Matt Lewis

“We want to continue building trust,” he said. “Obviously, we are always looking for ways to increase our membership, but I think it’s equally important to support our existing members.”

The Chamber is not the only organization with a mission to boost local businesses. The Heart of Biddeford and Saco Main Street have overlapping goals with the Chamber. Lewis describes that as a wonderful opportunity for a team approach and collaboration.

“I’m always going to be looking for opportunities to partner with others,” Lewis said.

Both the Heart of Biddeford and Saco Main Street have a downtown focus. The Chamber, Lewis says, has a much wider area to cover, including the cities’ industrial and business parks.

“We have members in Waterboro, Kennebunk and Old Orchard Beach,” Lewis said.

Lewis describes life in southern Maine as “interesting.”

“I get phone calls here that I never expected,” he said. “People here really do value the Chambers. I recently got a call from someone asking me for information about the pet cemetery in Saco.”

Lewis says he has a sales and marketing background. In just the last few weeks he has already “signed up several new members.”

Lewis said he could not be happier with his new job.

“We have a great board of directors,” he said. “I also feel supported by local leaders including the mayors of Biddeford and Saco. We all share the same goals.”

Lewis said he sometimes wonders if residents realize just how lucky they are to live in the Biddeford-Saco area.

“This community has so many positive things going for it,” he said, pointing to beaches, easy access to I-95, thriving business parks and a downtown that is being revitalized and transformed.

“There is so much potential here,” Lewis said. “I’m not suggesting that we don’t have challenges, but we have a solid foundation to build on here.”

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

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Downtown merchants struggle, remain hopeful

~ Randy Seaver ~ Leave a comment

There has been almost endless talk on local social media sites about recent traffic congestion in Biddeford and Saco.

The seven-month sewer upgrade project began in April and is expected to be completed in November. In the meantime, traffic sometimes becomes snarled near the cities’ downtown core.

That traffic and constant negative chatter on social media is taking a significant toll on several small, downtown businesses.

Linda Dobnikar and Anastasia Rizas, bartenders at Mulligan’s. say they have taken a “big hit” in tipped wages while their revenues have dropped by more than 40 percent during the last two months (Seaver Photo)

From restaurants to boutique stores, many merchants say they are seeing a drop of roughly 40 percent in revenues, compared to this same time last year.

“It’s really scary, especially for those of us who rely on tipped incomes,” said Linda Dobnikar, the night bartender at Mulligan’s on Lincoln Street.

Travis Kern, co-owner of Nibblesford– a gourmet cheese shop on Washington Street in Biddeford — says he’s trying to keep an open mind about the situation and is open to hearing suggestions from other merchants about creative ways to bring more customers downtown.

“It’s really frustrating,” Dobnikar said. “We had one regular customer from Old Orchard Beach who told us she won’t be coming back to Biddeford until this is all over.”

Biddeford Mayor Marty Grohman says he is also feeling frustrated about the issue.

Grohman has begun weekly community meetings in his office at City Hall in order to “brainstorm” with merchants, residents and others to find creative solutions that might ease the burden.

RELATED: Downtown merchants, others meet with mayor to discuss traffic concerns

In response to what is becoming a local economic crisis, the Biddeford Gazette is teaming up with other organizations, including the Chamber of Commerce, Heart of Biddeford and Saco Maine Street in creating a new section called Taking Care of Business.

This new initiative is aimed at helping support local businesses by raising public awareness about the many different businesses and services that are located in downtown Biddeford and Saco.

Each week, a new business profile will be added. We will be working with our social media partners to share these stories with as many people as possible.

If you are a local merchant or would like to nominate a business to be profiled, please contact us.

We kick off this series with a profile about New Morning Natural Foods in Biddeford: A Family Affair Continues at New Morning Natural Foods

Chase and Kelsey Caras, the new owners at New Morning Natural Foods in Biddeford (Seaver photo)

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

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Mayor hopes to tackle traffic frustration

~ Randy Seaver ~ 5 Comments

Biddeford Mayor Marty Grohman took to social media Saturday to express his own frustrations about an ongoing sewer update project and its impact on local traffic and downtown businesses.

In the short video clip that was posted to Facebook on Saturday, Grohman reminded residents that he too is sometimes frustrated by the work and hopes people will still support downtown business owners.

Beyond sharing his frustration about local traffic, Grohman will be hosting a public meeting on Wednesday morning in the mayor’s office at City Hall on Main Street. He says he is looking for a wide range of public “brainstorming.”

Click here to watch the mayor’s video:

Grohman says he is hoping that members of the public will bring forward some creative ideas and constructive criticism to help the city as the ongoing project continues through the summer and into November.

“People need to remember that this is a project that could no longer be ignored,” Grohman said of the ongoing construction. “None of us want raw sewage seeping into the Saco River. We can no longer afford to keep kicking this can down the road.”

This photo, taken last month, shows the traffic impact of the ongoing sewer upgrade project (Seaver photo)

The mayor says he will make the meeting live on Zoom for people who want to participate online. He also says he will be joined by other city officials and downtown business advocates, including the Heart of Biddeford and Saco Main Street.

“I’m really hoping we can get sone good, positive feedback,” Grohman said during an interview on Sunday. “Downtown is open for business, and I’m confident that we can do some good brainstorming to make things just a bit easier.”

Wednesday’s public meeting will begin at 10 a.m.

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OPINION: Merchant is a dumbass, and mayor is not a “Nazi”

~ Randy Seaver ~ 1 Comment

Despite what one downtown merchant in Biddeford is saying on Facebook, Mayor Marty Grohman – despite his pale skin tone, blonde hair and blue eyes – is not a member of the Aryan Nation.

I’ll be kind and not call the merchant out by name — but calling the mayor a “Nazi” for something he didn’t actually do is quite a leap and a profoundly stupid move, especially when it’s posted on your business Facebook page.

I’m not suggesting that Grohman is above reproach or criticism. In fact, the most dangerous place in Biddeford is getting between Grohman and a camera. He does love posting selfies, showing us all how connected he is to the city. He is also somewhat overly genial in how he runs city meetings, but to call him or anyone else a “Nazi” is simply despicable.

So, what incurred this merchant’s wrath and their subsequent public vitriol?

Two days ago, the Saco Bay News site posted an update about this year’s Memorial Day celebration, pointing out that the traditional parade had been cancelled.

That was near the top of the story.

Apparently, a lot of people stopped reading the story beyond its second sentence and they jumped on Facebook to accuse Grohman and other municipal officials for “a slap in the face to our local veterans.”

Here, hold my beer.

One, the annual celebration is a two-community event. Where was the outrage for my step-sister, Saco Mayor Jodi McPhail?  Are we absolutely sure that she’s not a Nazi? I’ve known her since she was 12, but you can never be too trusting,

Some people just love to be outraged and can’t wait to share their righteous indignation all over Facebook. The technical term for this behavior is “dumbass-it is.”

If you had taken the time to read the story – beyond the headline – you would see that this year’s Memorial Day celebration will be bigger and better than ever before.

Or, as Saco Rep. Marshall Archer says, “it will be like a parade without all the walking.”

Archer knows a thing or two about local veterans. He served four years in the U.S. Marine Corps and did two tours in Iraq. He is today the Post Commander for the Amvets in Biddeford.

Archer is also a former city councilor and today serves as a member of Maine’s Legislature. He said he was saddened by many of the comments he saw on Facebook.

“It will be like a parade
without all the walking.”

Marshall Archer, Commander, Biddeford AMVETS

“This was not a last-minute decision,” Archer explained. “A lot of people worked very hard over the last several weeks to organize the event.”

Archer says that closing Main Street in both Saco and Biddeford for a parade was not a viable option this year, considering the ongoing, state-mandated road repair project.

“It’s just a different approach,” Archer explained. “We will close down the bridge for five minutes to do the annual wreath laying on the Saco River.”

Archer said this year’s event is a coordinated effort between several different organizations and dozens of volunteers.

AMVETS Post Commander Marshall Archer (Contributed photo)

I don’t suspect that the outraged businessowner was one of those volunteers.

This year’s celebration will also include musical performances by marching bands from schools in Biddeford and Saco. More details can be found by clicking this link:

“I felt compelled to respond to the rumors and criticism,” Archer explained. “There is no need to feed off the negative energy. My fallen brothers and sisters will be well-honored this year, and I’m proud to be part of that.”

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Biddeford’s ‘Big Dig’ will begin in April

~ Randy Seaver ~ 4 Comments

The seven-month project is expected to have a “significant impact” on local traffic

No matter how you slice it, there is no denying that a major road repair project will significantly impact traffic in Biddeford and Saco.

City officials are asking motorists in the two cities to prepare for significant delays, plan accordingly and try to be as patient as possible during the construction project.

Facing increasing pressure from the Maine Department of Environmental Protection, the city of Biddeford needs to upgrade a section of its stormwater and sewer infrastructure on a section of Elm Street (Rte. One).

Biddeford City Engineer Craig Chekan presented a project overview

The project will begin in early April and will extend from the intersection of Hooper and Elm streets (near the ‘Black Bridge”) and will continue southbound on Elm Street, past Main Street to Center Street in Biddeford.

While southbound traffic from Saco into Biddeford will not face detours, northbound traffic from Biddeford into Saco will all be redirected onto Main Street for the duration of the project.

The project is expected to take seven months to fully complete, meaning summer tourism traffic will also be impacted.

While the city works to upgrade its sewer separation systems, Maine Water will also use the opportunity to upgrade its infrastructure with new 16-inch water pipes in the construction area.

The project is expected to cost Biddeford roughly $3 million. Maine Water is expected to spend $2 million on its upgrades in the area.

Brace for impact

Biddeford Public Works Director Jeff Demers said the city knows the project will leave people feeling frustrated as they attempt to navigate between the two cities.

“We have been doing as much advance work as possible,” Demers said. “We are working closely with our counterparts in Saco. We have been studying traffic patterns and we’ll be adjusting timing of the traffic lights in downtown.”

During an informal public meeting about the project, City Engineer Craig Chekan said the project has been “in development” for more than a year.

“We really can’t put this project off any longer,” Chekan said. “The DEP is breathing down our necks to get this [sewer/stormwater separation] done.”

As part of the project, existing gas lines in the area will be removed and reconfigured.

During the construction, Hooper Street residents will still be able to receive city services, such as trash and recycling collection. But area residents will likely be impacted by noise as crews work through bedrock in the area.

Hooper Street resident Shawn O’Keefe attended Thursday’s meeting. When asked his opinion, he shrugged his shoulders and smiled. “It is what it is,” he said.

Demers said the project will be conducted during daytime hours to increase efficiency and save a significant amount of money.

“If we tried to do this at night, the project costs would be tripled,” Demers said.

But wait, there’s more

As the city tackles the Elm Street project, public works crews will begin their construction repair project of a retaining wall near the Riverwalk area on lower Main Street in Biddeford.

The parking lot at the North Dam Mill on lower Main Street will be closed so that city crews can get equipment in and out of the area.

Demers said the city was able to secure federal funding for the repair project, but said the city needs to move forward because of concerns regarding federal funding for local and state projects.

Delilah Poupore of Heart of Biddeford and Angie Presby of Saco Main Street attended Thursday’s meeting.

Both Poupore and Presby acknowledged that the project will have a significant impact on downtown businesses and downtown events.

“We’ll just have to pivot,” Presby said.

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Chamber director announces pending departure

~ Randy Seaver ~ Leave a comment

After nearly seven years at the helm, Jim LaBelle announced Thursday that he will be stepping down as executive director of the Biddeford-Saco Chamber of Commerce + Industry.

LaBelle, 60, said he plans to stay in place and help the Chamber with its transition to new leadership.

“It’s not an easy decision because I really enjoy what I am doing,” LaBelle said during a telephone interview. “I’m just at a point in my life where I want to take a step back and focus on my personal life and goals.”

Jim LaBelle/ Contributed photo

LaBelle said he is proud of his accomplishments at the Chamber, most notably a significant increase in membership, from the mid-300s to more than 460 members today.

“We have held more than 100 ribbon cuttings, and this community has experienced unprecedented economic growth,” LaBelle said. “I live in this community. I love this community, and I will be forever rooting for this community.”

LaBelle said he believes the Chamber needs to be continually evolving in order to better serve its members and the overall business community.

“The next leader will need to be visionary,” LaBelle said. “Hopefully someone a bit younger with fresh ideas to make sure that the Chamber remains relevant well into the future.”

LaBelle, known for his trademark optimism, admits that he has always been a glass-half-full person. “It’s easy to be optimistic in this community,” he said.

“He’s basically working all alone, and yet he’s always ready to dig in.
Always looking for ways to help. It will not be easy to fill his shoes.”

— Mayor Marty Grohman

Biddeford Mayor Marty Grohman had nothing but praise for LaBelle and his performance as the Chamber’s executive director.

“Jim has been truly incredible,” Grohman said. “He makes it look easy, but he has done so many positive things for the community.”

A few years ago, Grohman served on the Chamber’s board of directors and today the mayor is an ex-officio member of the Chamber.

“From behind the scenes, I can tell you that Jim is one of those people. He’s the guy with the enthusiasm and the optimism. He’s basically working all alone, and yet he’s always ready to dig in. Always looking for ways to help. It will not be easy to fill his shoes.”

LaBelle said running the Chamber has not always been easy, pointing to the Covid pandemic. “You know, the Chamber is all about bringing people together, and we had to figure out how to do that without actually getting together in person,” he laughed.

LaBelle also looked for ways to capitalize on technology, and the use of social media to promote the community. During his tenure, a Chamber employee created what would become one of the area’s most prolific Facebook community groups. Today, the Biddeford+Saco Community page is no longer managed by the Chamber but has more than 18,000 members.

But for all of its benefits, social media proved to have its own pitfalls, continually requiring more time to moderate and manage the online forum.

For his part, LaBelle said he is looking forward to having some more down time. He’s not exactly sure what his future will look like, but says a change of pace will allow him the opportunity to take stock of where he is and where he wants to be.

“I have been really lucky so far,” he said. “Now, I’m just looking at the future as a blank page, but there is no doubt that I am going to miss the opportunity I had while working here.”

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Community rallies for fallen officer’s family

~ Randy Seaver ~ Leave a comment

Despite frigid outside temperatures, a layer of warmth blanketed the cities of Biddeford and Saco Wednesday night as people from both communities turned out to support the family of a fallen police officer.

Sgt. Jacob Wolterbeek, a veteran member of the Biddeford Police Department, was killed in a traffic accident in December.

Biddeford Mayor Marty Grohman organized Wednesday’s event in order to raise funds for Wolterbeek’s family, including his wife and three young children.

Nearly 20 Biddeford restaurants, taverns and shops participated in the four-hour ‘Mayor’s Night Out’ event. Many of the businesses donated a percentage of their proceeds to a fund in honor of Wolterbeek.

Many residents wandered from location to location, donating funds along the way.

Wolterbeek’s parents, Jacob and Ky, were surrounded by supporters at Or Nell’s Barbecue on Franklin Street shortly after the event started.

Left to right: Mayor Marty Grohman, Ky Wolterbeek, Deputy Biddeford Police Chief Steve Gorton, Jacob Volterbeek, senior and Police Chief JoAnne Fisk

Wolterbeek’s parents each held back tears as they shared stories about their son with well-wishers, city officials and reporters.

“We are grieving internally and externally,” Ky Wolterbeek said.

Jacob Wolterbeek, Sr. said he was “deeply touched by the stories he read on social media about his son, especially one in which a resident wrote that Jacob had literally saved his life by helping him overcome a troubled life.

“He loved this city,” the elder Wolterbeek said. “He was passionate about it, and he always said how much he loved the opportunity to work with some very fine people. The last time I was in Biddeford was last August during the ceremony when he was being sworn in as a sergeant.”

Those who participated in the event said they were happy to support Wolterbeek’s family because he had given so much back to the community.

Former Biddeford Mayor Bonita Pothier (center) chats with Ky Wolterbeek (right) during the Mayor’s Night Out

“Jacob was a cop’s cop. He always had a good word for everybody. He was just a great human being.”

— Juliet Angis

Jim Albert, a Saco native and the owner of Cowbell Burger on Main Street, said it was a “no-brainer” when he was asked if his restaurant would participate in the event.

Jim Albert, owner of Cowbell Burger, Saco Mayor Jodi MacPhail and Saco City Councilor Tricia Huot. (Seaver photo)

“It’s a great cause,” Albert said, recalling Wolterbeek’s trademark smile. “He was very personable and super friendly. It is so tragic what happened to him, leaving behind three little kids. We were more than glad to help.”

Biddeford Police Chief JoAnne Fisk accompanied Wolterbeek’s parents during the event.

“Jake was one of the kindest, most thoughtful people I have ever met. That’s what made him a great cop,” Fisk said, choking up a bit with her words.

“He had a way of dialing into people he encountered,” Fisk added. “He had this uncanny ability to see beneath the surface and see people where they really are.”

Biddeford State Rep. Marc Malon is joined by Dianne and Bob Cyr of the Biddeford Cultural and Heritage Center at Banded Brewing. during the Mayor’s Night Out event

Saco Mayor Jodi MacPhail said she was honored to participate in the event.

“In times like these, there are no boundaries. We are one community,” MacPhail said. “We celebrate together, and we grieve together.”

Wolterbeek’s fellow officers spoke highly of their deceased co-worker and friend.

“We miss him every day,” said Corporal Matthew Baldwin, a 27-year veteran of the Biddeford Police Department who helped train Wolterbeek. “it still almost doesn’t feel real that he is gone. He was definitely one of the good guys.”

Deputy Police Chief Steve Gorton described Wolterbeek as a dedicated family man. “That was the thing about Jake. His top priority, first and foremost, was his family.”

Kennebunk Police Officer Juliet Angis shows a bracelet that she any many other officers are wearing to honor the memory of Sgt. Jacob Wolterbeek

Larry Angis, who recently retired from the department, said he is still processing the grief of losing his friend and co-worker. “I’m not there yet. He was a good cop and a good friend.”

Angis’ wife, Juliet, is a police officer in Kennebunk. “Jacob was a cop’s cop,” she said. “He always had a good word for everybody. He was just a great human being.”

Ky Wolterbeek said her son was the second of nine children, six of whom were adopted. “He was our second child, but oldest son, and it leaves a big void.”

“This is truly a great community,” she added. “The outpouring of support has touched us deeply.”

Editor’s Note: If you would like to donate to Sgt. Wolterbeek’s family, please visit the Trooper Black Foundation at https://trooperblackfoundation.org through February 15.

Checks may also be mailed to the Trooper Black Foundation (PO Box 104, Cape Neddick, Maine 03902) and should be marked as designated for the Wolterbeek family.

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‘Mayor’s Night Out’ event will support fallen officer

~ Randy Seaver ~ Leave a comment

A group of former mayors and Biddeford’s current mayor are all hoping to run into you at one of several downtown restaurants on Wednesday evening (Feb. 5)

The “Mayor’s Night Out” event will actually be a fundraiser to support the family of Sgt. Jacob Wolterbeek, an 18-year veteran of the Biddeford Police Department who was killed in a December traffic accident on his way home from work.

Wolterbeek left behind his wife Julie and three young children under the age of 5.

Mayor Marty Grohman said he has been thinking of different ways to help Wolterbeek’s family over the past few weeks.

“I can’t imagine how hard it has been for them to absorb this awful loss,” Grohman said during a recent interview.

Grohman said he decided to get other mayors and a number of local restaurants involved in the project.

During the event, Grohman and former mayors Alan Casavant and Donna Dion, and Saco Mayor Jodi MacPhail will join diners for conversation and connection by visiting participating Biddeford businesses throughout the evening.

Participants will have the opportunity to use a QR code on their smartphones at each location to make a donation to the Trooper Black Foundation, a non-profit organization that will direct the proceeds to the Wolterbeek family.

Some of the participating restaurants and businesses will also donate a portion of their sales during the event to support the Wolterbeek family, according to a press release from the city.

Saco Mayor Jodi MacPhail said she was happy to be part of the event. “The cities of Biddeford and Saco are essentially one community, and we’re always looking out for each other,” she said.

Participating business include Cowbell Burger, Sacred Profane, Fish & Whistle, Pizza By Alex, The Garden Bar, Apero, OG’s, Ore Nell’s Barbecue, Banded Brewing, Brickyard Hollow, Round Turn Distilling and the Super Sub Shop.

“Biddeford is a city that shows up for its own,” Grohman said. “This event will be a testament to the strength and compassion of our community. This event is about more than fundraising; it’s about honoring Jacob’s service and standing by his family in their time of need. I hope to see neighbors, friends, and families out for a great cause.”

Former mayor Alan Casavant agreed with Grohman.

“When something like this happens, we all wonder how we can help, how we can come together as a community,” Casavant said. “I like being downtown, so I was more than happy to be involved, and hoping to see a lot of people.”

Those who would like to support the Wolterbeek family but cannot participate in the event may direct donations to the Trooper Black Foundation at https://trooperblackfoundation.org through February 15.

Checks may also be mailed to the Trooper Black Foundation (PO Box 104, Cape Neddick, Maine 03902) and should be marked as designated for the Wolterbeek family.

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