By BRUCE HARDINA
Publisher, Journal Tribune
Hello, Journal Tribune reader. If you haven’t read the article about me, my name is Bruce Hardina and I am the new publisher here at the paper.
I have never spent any time in this part of our state. I am renting an apartment in downtown Biddeford, but I own a home in Nobleboro, where my 11-year-old daughter, my wife and my mother live. So, you’re thinking, Nobleboro ”“ where’s that? It is in Lincoln County, about 10 minutes up the coast from Damariscotta ”¦ where? About 45 minutes up the coast from Brunswick ”¦ where? Well, about an hour and 40 minutes up the coast from Biddeford, if I don’t hit any traffic.
During my nearly two weeks here in York County, I’ve been talking with dozens of people at garage sales, businesses and other places, and this is what I have come away with so far: Biddeford is a wicked cool little city. I walk around it every morning and evening (for exercise) chatting with folks along the way on the street or in the occasional business open that early. I have had dinner and a beer at Wonderbar on Washington Street (OK, two times on the beer) chatting with Vincent Keeley, the owner and bartender. He’s quite a character, and we had a blast talking about all kinds of things. He “carved” a shamrock in the head of my Guinness, without tools of any kind, in the traditional way he was taught at the Dublin brewery years ago. I’ll let him demonstrate it for you, should you wish to check it out.
I laughed out loud! I played pool at Coasters on Franklin Street and chatted with Lisa the bartender; bought ice cream at the Biddeford Market and talked with Nolan, the manager who has a degree in new media; got coffee at Dunkin Donuts on Elm Street and Elements on Main Street. I even ended up at Fat Boys on the far end of Main Street and played a set at the open mic.
Just about everyone I have met, or said hello to, has been courteous and friendly. I had dinner at Bebe’s Burritos on Main Street. Kieyana ”“ the server, bartender and daughter of the owner ”“ was very nice and helped me feel comfortable in my new home. Her sister, Shilyn, is the manager. It was nice see another family working hard to build a business together.
Biddeford is a great place with a very walkable downtown where the people are friendly and eclectic and interesting and entrepreneurial and wacky and nice, and I am so glad I am here.
I know Biddeford has had its ups and downs, but it certainly seems to be moving in the right direction now. I have been walking all hours of the day and night and although different people can be seen in the downtown at different hours, I never felt threatened or unsafe ”“ quite the opposite. Moreover, I noticed a significant police presence, a necessity for safety in almost any area.
So, anyway ”¦ I think everybody in Biddeford has a city that they can be proud of and enthused about. I am going to continue walking and talking with folks and getting to know the area and the people. I look forward to meeting and talking with you.
— Contact Publisher Bruce Hardina at bhardina@journaltribune.com.
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