Thumbs down to the false report of an attempted child abduction, which was given to police by two 10-year-old Sanford girls last week. The girls told police that a black man in a black van had tried to grab them while they were walking in the area of High and Bates streets, which prompted police to investigate and issue a statement asking for the public’s help. It wasn’t until later in the week that the girls admitted their lie about the incident. Sanford Police Chief Thomas Connolly made a good point that the girls’ accusation not only put area parents and youth in an unnecessary panic, but also placed any black men in the area in danger ”“ particularly since Maine is the second whitest state in the union. Fortunately, no altercations or arrests of innocents resulted from the girls’ report, but it is disconcerting nonetheless. If their parents were unable to instruct them against lying and its ill effects, perhaps the police will be able to convey that lesson in this instance.
Thumbs up to all of those who continue to support the Bacon Street Neighborhood Festival in Biddeford, which will mark its seventh year on Sunday, Aug. 3. The festival offers activities for children, such as pony rides and games, as part of the National Night Out campaign. While it’s free to participants, the time for planning and the funding for this event takes a great deal of commitment from several volunteers, nonprofit organizations and businesses. It’s heartening to see them all continue to support this festival, which celebrates the identity of the downtown neighborhood and its residents commitment to making it the best it can be, without drugs or violence.
Thumbs up to the Biddeford City Council and police department for reconsidering a parking ban along both sides of Elm Street, from Main Street to the Saco line, after hearing from a concerned business owner. The parking ban was suggested to help with traffic congestion in the area, but the owners of the Hair Loft salon told the council they need to have some street parking in that area for customers. Despite having purchased and demolished the former Dan’s Restaurant building to make way for parking, the salon does not have many spaces, and some of its customers, particularly the elderly, depend on street parking availability to be within close walking distance of the salon, according to its owners. After hearing their concerns, the council voted to eliminate parking on only the even-numbered side of the street, and we’re glad to see they embraced a compromise to accommodate the needs of both a downtown business owner and passing motorists.
Thumbs up to all those who participated in, or visited, the 12th annual Val Ranco Powwow in Wells July 19-20, which takes place at Wells Harbor Park. Powwows offer an important opportunity for people to learn about the culture and history of American Indians. Ceremonies are explained to onlookers, artwork and traditional clothing are on display, and traditional music can be heard. Many people who have native blood in their heritage did not learn much about the culture due to growing up among others, and powwows offer them a chance to connect with their ancestors. Even those who have no connection to a tribe can find a powwow instructive and interesting, and we’re glad to see the passion for embracing native culture is alive and well here in southern Maine.
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