City of Biddeford, Maine
205 Main St. P.O. Box 586 Biddeford, Maine 04005
City Manager’s report
July 28 2009
John D. Bubier, City Manager
BLOOD BROTHERS opens at City Theater and will be playing Friday and Saturday nights un til August 1st . Tickets are available on line and at the Box Office. Don’t miss this great show directed by one of the regions pre eminent talents Linda Sturdivent.
High Bacteria counts were reported at Hills Beach Fortunes Rocks and Rotary Park. Retesting took place immediately
and we are awaiting the results. It is suspected that the high rain countin recent weeks may be the culprit.
Happy summer! May the June and July showers bring great things to Main Street and the mills, like...free music, a new coffee/bagel/smoothie shop, a hip new music venue, summer specials from our downtown merchants...read on, dear Biddeford enthusiast!Join Downtown Biddeford on Facebook...
If you're on Facebook, become of Fan of Downtown Biddeford and you'll automatically get notification of any events. It's a great way to stay abreast of what's happening. We have 325+ fans already!
Great article for inspiration...
New York Times article "Skid Row to Hip in Toronto" highlights how the creative economy can start the renaissance of a blighted section of a city. Here's the first paragraph...
"Named for a jumble of railroad tracks, the Junction section of Toronto was once a booming manufacturing hub, with lively pubs, hotels and shops. But industry declined and, in recent decades, the neighborhood withered as prostitutes and drug dealers staked their turf along Dundas Street West, the area's main thoroughfare. The pendulum, however, seems to be swinging back..."
This Thursday, July 9: Mark T. Small slated to kick off the Free Music on Main Street Series
Mark T. Small performs traditional delta blues numbers with a Chicago slant that transforms each tune into a "tour de force. Blazing flat-picking techniques grab every audience, and his hot slide guitar playing creates a mood and timbre change in each set. Small honed his showmanship with years of experience as a band "front man, and the result is a blues and boogie woogie hootenanny that can't be beat.
Concerts run from 11:45 am to 1:00 pm. Remaining dates: July 16, 23 and 30.
This Thursday July 9 and Saturday July 11: Hogfarm Studios Annex announces first two shows!
The Hogfarm Studios Annex, 140 Main Street (back alley), is opening with shows on Thursday and Saturday night this week starting around 8pm.
Thursday's lineup includes This Frontier Needs Heroes, The Plains and Chris Teret.
Saturday's show is what you might call moody Americana. Angela Easterling from South Carolina, Jeff and Benares from Massachusetts and local fave, Tin Ceilings. If you befriend the Annex on Facebook, you can get a preview of all the shows.
The HFS Annex is a listening room featuring music, spoken word, film and more, and will (eventually) be offering beer, wine and light fare. Visit their web site.
Friday, July 17: Collaborative Art Show
Three local artists will be hosting a special event from 5pm until 8:30pm at the Heart of Biddeford. Diann Libby will discuss her work and process used to create her unusual pieces. She will be showing early and new works. Jessica Libby's psychedelic work will be viewed under blacklight which have never been shown before. Anastasia Weigle of In A Bind studio will exhibit six new assemblage pieces (Triptychs) and true to her avant-garde style, she will create before the audience a live assemblage using model Melissa Libby. That's right, Melissa will become part of this large assemblage. You don't want to miss this! Music is provided by The World's Finest duo, Jeff and Erin. Preview of work can be seen July 10th and the exhibit continues through August 21st including ArtWalk night Friday, July 31st. For more info, please contact Anastasia Weigle of "In A Bind" Studio at 671-8244.
Wednesday, July 22: next FREE lunchtime business and real estate law consultation session
The 2nd of 3 sessions running featuring two local two experienced business lawyers who practice in Maine fielding your questions on business and real estate law topics of your choosing is right around the corner. Featured specific topics of interest may be presented in later sessions if several businesses ask about the same issue. The session runs from 12-1pm. Refreshments will be provided.
Remaining session dates:
Wednesday, July 22nd and Monday, August 17th
A question in a general session will not be confidential, but one asked of one of the attorneys in private will be held in confidence.
Thursday, July 30 and August 6: Free Music in the Park
Don't miss this new outdoor concert series, sponsored by the Heart of Biddeford, to be held in Shevenel Park on Main Street, Biddeford, across from Art Mart! Music starts at 5pm and runs until 7.
On July 30, dance to Mirror Image, an 80s cover band and then on August 6, enjoy The World's Finest, Irish music.
Music is free. $2 beverages and beer will be served by Run of the Mill. Proceeds benefit the Heart of Biddeford.
buzz opening soon! Coffee drinks, smoothies, bagels and a rock-star barista
buzz is opening in the North Dam Mill, hopefully the week of July 13. With its warm yellow wall and glowing orange inside, buzz will be serving up some fine coffee drinks, smoothies, bagels and more. Biddeford, meet Dan,your new barista...hi Dan! Become a Facebook fan of buzz and get wind of the grand opening.
Forever Fit Upcoming Events
July 10: Kennebunk Free Library Road Race
Join Forever Fit's team participating in the Road Race to benefit the Kennebunk Free Library.
Starting Saturday, July 18: Fit n' Food
Join Kennebunk Inn Chef/Owner for a one-hour cooking class followed by a one-hour fitness class with Kaye Richardson of Forever Fit. Cost is $60/class or $300 for all six Saturdays.
August 29: Miles for Max
Join Kaye in a charity bike ride through the beautiful Kennebunks area of Maine, raising funds for pediatric cancer research at Children's Hospital Boston/Dana Farber Cancer Center.
Every Saturday: Summer Walking Club
The group takes off from Gooserocks Beach. There's incentive in numbers! Join the group...$20 includes a Forever Fit T-shirt.
Visit our web site or email us for more information and events!
KilConn Creations at LACAVA
Artisan Bonnie Killion and her collaborator, Tim Conn, are the creators of a collection of fabulous leather products including purses, totes, and bracelets. A stunning selection of these items is now available for viewing and purchase at LACAVA.
LACAVA, under the bright purple awning at 12 Water Street, Biddeford, is excited about this new addition to their shop, and in celebration will be hosting a Trunk Show of the KilConn line from 5-8 p.m. on the night of downtown Biddeford's ArtWalk, July 31, 2009.
JULY IN-STORE SPECIALS: look for items with purple or green dots for 20% off! Good through July 31st.
Visit our blog and sign up for updates
Now exhibiting at Saco Museum
A TREASURED TEN: A Decade of Collecting at the Saco Museum
July 5 through November 15, 2009
Come and see what treasures a decade brings to YOUR Saco Museum! Visit our web site for hours and more information.
Dyer Library and Saco Museum, 371 Main St., Saco, ME 04072
Jessica Routhier, Museum Director, 207-283-3861 ext. 114
September 23: Fore the Kids of York County Golf Classic
Please join us for the 3rd annual Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southern Maine's Fore the Kids of York County Golf Classic at Cape Neddick Country Club. The format is a Two Ball Best Ball, played with handicaps. Maximum USGA handicaps are 40 for Women and 36 for men. Team, hole and event sponsorships are welcome!
After the tournament there will be a luncheon and prizes will be awarded. We have some great prizes so far including Patriots, Celtics, Bruins, and theatre tickets! Mark your calendars, put your team together and plan on joining us for a great day.
Email Eileen Foley to register or call 207-939-3859.
Upcoming Events
Friday, July 31 (and every Final Friday of the month):
July Biddeford Art Walk from 5-8pm downtown and the North Dam Mill.
Thursdays July 9, 16, 23 and 30:
Music on Main Free Concerts from 11:45am to 1pm at Biddeford Savings on Main Street in downtown Biddeford.
July 30 and August 6:
Music in the Park. Free music shows in Shevenel Park on Main Street.
Tuesdays from July 7 through August 18:
ArtVan from 10am - 12pm & 1pm to 3pm in Mechanics Park.
September 23:
For the Kids of York County Golf Classic sponsored by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southern Maine at the Cape Neddick Country Club.
Saturday, September 26:
Chalk on the Walk. City Hall parking lot and throughout downtown.
There's space for lease in downtown Biddeford and the Mills!
Visit the HoB's Properties web page to see a listing of currently available spaces. Rents are affordable, compare it to Portland or Portsmouth! Contact the Heart of Biddeford with questions regarding specific spaces.
July 8,2009
Travel Often? ten-ride passes on sale now
For a limited time, the Downeaster is offering a discounted 10-Ride Pass, valid for 10 one-way trips taken within 45 days of purchase. The sale price is just $171.
SEE ALL OF OUR DEALS - CLICK HERE
Boston Events
Sail Boston: Tall Ship Festival
July 8-12, 2009
Boston, MA
The five-day Sail Boston Festival will begin with ship arrivals into the Boston Harbor on July 8th, continue with a crew and cadet parade through the downtown streets of Boston, crew and cadet soccer tournaments, exciting harbor tours, shopping, music, entertainment, and the best cuisine in New England.Click here for more information.
Cultural Survival Bazaar: Indigenous Cultural Festival
Boston Common, Boston MA
Saturday, July 11, 2009 from 10am-6pm
FREE ADMISSION: The Cultural Survival Bazaar is an Indigenous Festival which features fair trade jewelry, clothing, carvings, tribal rugs, pottery, art, and other crafts handmade by Indigenous Artisans from Africa, Asia, and the Americas. Meet many of the visiting artisans, watch some craft-making demonstrations, or enjoy the live music, Native American storytelling, and much more.All the proceeds support fair trade, indigenousArtisans, and cultural survival's non-profit work helping native people keep their languages, lands, and cultures.
Free Children's Program- One World
Mary Baker Eddy Library, 200 Mass Ave., Boston MA
Tuesdays, July 7 through August 11, from 10am-12pm
The Mary Baker Eddy Library hosts it's annual "One World" program with varying craft projects, multicultural performers, book giveaways, a poetry wall, and tours of the Mapparium. Registration is required. Please call 1-617-450-7330.
Other things to do in Boston
Old Orchard Beach Events
Palace Playland
Old Orchard Beach, ME
www.palaceplayland.com
Ride the Amtrak Downeaster to Maine's premier beachfront amusement park, Palace Playland. Admission into the parkis always free! Enjoy over 25 rides and attractions including the new Wave Swinger and Crop Duster. Or perhaps you would rather try you luck on over 200 games in the video arcade.
Portland Events
Portland Sea Dogs
Hadlock Field, Portland, ME
www.seadogs.com
Take the train toa game and check out the Portland Sea Dogs as the team hits home runs over our very own Maine Monster. General Admission tickets are $7 foradults and $4 for children/seniors.
Sunday, July 12 vs.. New Hampshire Fisher Cats @ 1:00pm
Monday,July 13vs. New Hampshire Fisher Cats @ 12:00pm
And remember, when traveling northbound you canbuy one adult full fare ticket and get the second FREE. Tickets must be purchased 3 days in advance of travel. Reference Promotion Code V773.
Lucky Catch Cruises
170 Commercial Street, Portland, ME
See how that tasty lobster gets from the bottom of the ocean to your dinner plate! Captain Tom will guide your through the daily routines of a Maine lobsterman, while you enjoy close-up views of historic lighthouses. Brave seamen can even participate and pull a trap if they like. The Lucky Catch Cruise is sure to be fun for the entire family.
Other things to do in Portland
Other Events
July Calendar of Events- Wells, Maine
Saturday, July 11: Family Fun Day @ Wells Harbor Park
· Come enjoy Wells Family Fun Day, afamous Chicken BBQ, silent auction, and the summer concert series featuring "Straight Lace".
Saturday, July 18 & Sunday, July 19: Native American Pow-Wow
· The 7th Annual Native American Pow-Wow will be held at the Wells Harbor Park and features music, dance, crafts, demonstrations, and specials guests. This event is fun for the entire family. Gates open at 9:00am.
And remember, visiting the coast of Maine is easier than ever during the summer months with the Shoreline Explorer Trolley & Bus Network. Use these service to get around, play and shop. The trolley's pick you up at the Wells Amtrak Downeaster station.
Cochecho Arts Festival
Rotarty Arts Pavilion, Dover NH
Friday, July 10, 2009 @ 7pm
Beatles Tribute Band All Togather Now will be performing their extensive song list that is sure to have everyone singing, dancing, clapping and having a great time.Click here for more information on the Cochecho Arts Festival.
ticketing now available at old orchard beach
The Amtrak Downeaster is pleased to announce that a Quik-Trak Machine has been installed at the Old Orchard Beach Chamber of Commerce.During the week, ticketscan be purchasedbetween 8:30am-4:30pm and from 9:00am-5:00pm on weekends.
Where do you get information before planning a vacation?
Click here to answer the question of the month.
Please join us- Bring your friends! Enjoy this opportunity to eat great food, listen to wonderful music, and, assist the non-profits that provide services in your community. The Maine Way, Inc. is among those to receive funding.