Saco Pathfinders
provide holiday meals

Since 2013 The Saco Pathfinders Snowmobile Club has provided six complete holiday dinner packages that are delivered to local families by the First Parish Congregational Church in Saco. Three of the baskets were delivered for Thanksgiving and three more will be delivered at Christmas time.

The snowmobile club clears, maintains and grooms approximately 42 miles of trails in Saco, Scarborough, Biddeford and Dayton. These trails are used by snowmobilers, bicycle riders, cross country skiers, hikers and dog walkers.

The club thanks the many local landowners who provide the club access to their property to have these trails available for use.

BMS invites community to
multicultural celebration

The halls of Biddeford Middle School will come alive with  cultures from around the globe during the Biddeford Rising event on Thursday, Dec. 12, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. This unique evening celebrates diversity, creativity, and the spirit of collaboration as students transform the school into a multicultural showcase for family, friends, and the community, according to a Biddeford Schools press release.

Under the guidance of their Tiger Time teachers, students have spent weeks researching, creating, and designing exhibits to represent countries from across the world. Attendees can explore interactive displays featuring flags, traditional clothing, art, geography, music, and cuisine, providing a window into the rich traditions and practices of each nation.

Highlights of the evening include:

• Cultural Displays: Students’ presentations will explore unique customs, holidays, and attractions from their chosen countries.

• Interactive Activities: Guests can try their hand at traditional games, enjoy hands-on crafts, and experience language demonstrations.

• Live Performances and Music: Enjoy sounds from around the world as students share samples of the music that define their countries’ cultures.

Students have chosen to highlight the countries of: Angola, Australia, Bahamas, Brazil, Canada, Djibouti, France, Germany, Honduras, Iceland, Ireland, Ireland/Nigeria, Iraq, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Kenya, Mexico, Philippines, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Spain, Turkey, Uganda, United Kingdom, United States, and Zimbabwe.

“Biddeford Rising is more than just an event – it’s a celebration of diversity, understanding, and unity,” said Principal Scott Descoteaux. “We are incredibly proud of the effort our students and staff have put into creating an evening that brings our community together to learn and celebrate.”

This free event is open to the public, and all are encouraged to attend. Bring family and friends to join the celebration and  be immersed in the sights, sounds, and cultures of the world.

Socks for Seniors
looking for donations

Tis the Season for Giving: The “Socks for Seniors 2024 Sock Drive” has begun at The Landing at Saco Bay and The Landing at Cape Elizabeth, helping make the holidays warm and joyful for area seniors.

Socks for Seniors is a program sponsored by the Saco Police Department, in partnership with Coastal Care Solutions, to provide senior residents in the community with new, warm socks, just in time for winter.

According to Northbridge Community Relations Director Margaret Bushey, many seniors face clothing insecurities during the winter months, which can affect daily living functions.

“Our senior community, and those living independently, face many obstacles and warm clothing is one of them,” Bushey said. “Our goal is to help provide some warmth and comfort and take a small amount of that burden off of them.”

Donations of new socks will be accepted until Dec. 16 and can be made in Saco at 392 Main St. and in Cape Elizabeth at 78 Scott Dyer Road.

Pictured from left, back row: Ladies Auxiliary Terry Lamontagne, Ronnie Cretien, and Linda Boisvert; and front row: Jeremy Thibodeau, Post Finance Officer Jim Thibodeau, Post 2nd Vice Commander Lionel Lamontagne, and Ladies Auxiliary Tracey Dorais. Contributed / Kevin Morin

Biddeford AMVETS hold
flag retirement ceremony

Biddeford’s AMVETS Post 1 annually conducts a flag retirement ceremony using prescribed procedures that are repeated every year by veterans service organizations, among others. Recently Jim Thibodeau and Lionel Lamontagne performed the ceremony during which each flag individually is placed in the fire while another person reads the appropriate passages of the flag retirement ceremony.

Lamontagne said, “We do this every year because it is part of our post’s charter as a veterans service organization.”

Thibodeau added, “People are always stopping by the post and dropping off unusable American flags for us to retire. Every year we seem to get more than before. Maybe it’s because our post is open at noon every day and that makes it easy for people.”

“We don’t charge anyone who drops of flags for retirement,” Post Adjutant Gene Foster said. “We’d much rather take in unusable flags than have people toss them in the trash – or worse.”

Mainebiz honors Chenette
with 40 Under 40 Award

Mainebiz has named York County Commissioner Justin Chenette to their 40 Under 40 list, which highlights the next generation of leaders. This is the third year the outlet has published a list of individuals they deem as Maine’s “up-and-comers who are changing Maine and the economy for the better.” Chenette accepted the award at a ceremony at Brick South on Thompson’s Point last month. Profiles of award winners are available at Mainebiz.biz.

Saco business owner raises
funds for Travis Mills Foundation

The spirit of giving is alive and well in Saco, thanks to the efforts of Heather Prejean, owner of On the Go Hair Designs. Throughout the year, Prejean has led an inspiring initiative, collecting donations to support the programs of the Travis Mills Foundation (TMF), which serves post-9/11 recalibrated veterans, their families, and first responders.

Prejean, whose husband is a veteran, made it her mission to incorporate philanthropy into her business, offering clients an opportunity to contribute to a cause that resonates deeply with her values.

“The Travis Mills Foundation provides life-changing programs for veterans and their families,” Prejean said.

The funds raised by On the Go Hair Designs will directly support TMF’s year-round programs, which include retreats, therapeutic activities, and Warrior PATHH training—a program designed to help veterans and first responders rediscover purpose and build resilience after trauma.

“We’re incredibly grateful for Heather’s dedication and the outpouring of support from the Saco community,” said U.S. Army SSG (Ret.) Travis Mills, founder and president of the organization. “Efforts like hers ensure we can continue to serve those who have served us all.”

Prejean plans to continue her fundraising efforts in 2025, aiming to increase the impact her business has on the lives of veterans and their families.

“I hope this inspires others to find ways to give back, no matter how small,” Heather said. “Together, we can make a difference.”
For more information about the Travis Mills Foundation and how to support its mission, visit travismillsfoundation.org.

Nominations open for
local Music Hall of Fame

The Greater Biddeford-Saco Music Hall of Fame is accepting nominations for 2025. For the first time, nominations are being extended to include all of York County – expanding the opportunity to recognize and honor the outstanding musicians and influential figures who have shaped the region’s vibrant musical heritage. The deadline for submissions is Jan. 1.

Following the success of last year’s event – which inducted four bands and two individuals and drew over 700 attendees – the 2025 Induction Ceremony and Show promises to be even more memorable. This year’s celebration will take place on Sunday, May 4, at the Biddeford Middle School Performing Arts Center, honoring the new class of inductees with live performances that pay tribute to their lasting contributions.

To qualify for induction, nominees must meet the following requirements:

• Be a band, solo performer, or an influential individual from York County.

• Have made significant contributions to the local music scene and must have been established at least 25 years ago (2000 or earlier).

“We’re thrilled to continue celebrating York County’s incredible musical legacy,” said Jim Paquette, committee chair. “The overwhelming response to last year’s ceremony showed how deeply music connects us as a community. We can’t wait to see who will be honored in 2025.”

The Greater Biddeford-Saco Music Hall of Fame provides a platform to honor the legacy of York County’s musical pioneers. By nominating an artist, band, or influencer, you help preserve their place in history and inspire future generations of musicians.

Last year’s inductees were celebrated in a ceremony featuring performances and tributes that highlighted their exceptional achievements. The event drew over 700 attendees, making it a true community celebration of local talent.

Nominations can be submitted online at: biddefordculturalandheritagecenter.org/gbs-music-hall-of-fame-nomination-form.

For more information, visit the Greater Biddeford-Saco Music Hall of Fame page on the Biddeford Cultural and Heritage Center website: biddefordculturalandheritagecenter.org, email music@biddefordcultural.org or call 207-283-3993.

Twin City Theater Academy
performs ‘Annie JR’

Twin City Theater Academy is closing its 10th season with a production of the musical “Annie JR” this December at the Performing Arts Center at Biddeford Middle School. The production, runs from Dec. 5-8.

“Annie JR” tells the classic tale of a spunky orphan navigating life in 1930s New York City during the Great Depression. Annie, who is determined to find her parents, faces the hardships of growing up in a dismal orphanage under the control of the cruel Miss Hannigan. Her fortunes change when she is invited to spend the holidays with billionaire Oliver Warbucks. With iconic songs like “Tomorrow,” “It’s the Hard-Knock Life,” and “Maybe,” the show captures themes of resilience, hope, and the importance of family.

Directed by Ann Guiney and featuring choreography by Emily Murray, and technical direction by Mary Hyde Reed, “Annie JR” involves over 70 students, in grades 2-10 from Saco, Biddeford, Waterboro, Lyman, Dayton, Kennebunk and Kennebunkport and Arundel.

Performances will take place Thursday through Saturday, Dec. 5-7 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 8 at 2 p.m. Tickets are available for $5 at the door if space allows, though it is advised to purchase in advance to secure seats. To purchase tickets, visit tinyurl.com/4xhrmapf.

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