Watching the national news these days can be a sobering experience, with all the challenges associated with inflation, wars, Supreme Court decisions, violence, and more, some of which feel intractable at times to solve. But a good antidote to that is just to go outside and interact with neighbors and community members locally, and see everything positive that’s going on around here lately. We’ve come such a long way, and what’s even more encouraging is that there are so many ways you can directly participate in our community going forward to help make things better.
It’s very motivating to see all the exciting commercial developments we’ve had around here in the past few years. Millions of dollars of new investments have reinvigorated mill spaces, brought on new food, drink and retail amenities, added much needed residential and mixed-use space in our cities, and created the necessary infrastructure for future progress. We’ve had scores of ribbon cuttings celebrating new business ventures. Look no further than Washington Street. and Lincoln Street. in Biddeford to get a glimpse of the impressive next-generation economic development activity happening around here lately. But what’s most fulfilling is to see how the local entrepreneurs and residents support one another through collaboration, support and a joyful embrace of each other’s efforts. It’s an ecosystem here that celebrates everyone’s successes and hard work.
While the Chamber of Commerce is primarily focused on the business community, in Biddeford & Saco we also are fortunate to have city leaders and volunteers who are not just basking in the glow of all the positive press and development activity we’ve had these past few years. We have local leadership teams that continue to work hard on long-range visions for our communities, and initiatives to see those visions realized. They also don’t shy away from focusing on and addressing ongoing challenges like climate change, affordable housing, transportation and mobility, and infrastructure. There is also a proactive and flourishing arts, music and creative scene continuing to build here which has added so much enrichment for us all to experience and enjoy. There are many ways you can help on committees, clubs, civic initiatives and volunteering to keep our momentum going and provide more opportunities for everyone to benefit in our area.
In Biddeford and Saco, it’s been especially gratifying to see all the efforts made to be inclusive and respectful of all cultures as the demographic composition of our community continues to evolve, as it always has over the years. A perfect example of that recently was seeing how La Kermesse, our heritage Franco-American festival, made extra efforts to showcase the many cultural culinary traditions we have here now in their recent event, which we were so happy to see return after a few years absence due to Covid.
There is a great word that captures the essence I think of what makes the Biddeford and Saco region special: “gestalt”. It’s the notion that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. As much as we all can make a detailed list of the many aspects of what feels uniquely noteworthy around here, it also feels bigger than any list. Ultimately it’s our emotional connection to place and each other, along with pride in our community, that is closer to the defining and all-encompassing essence of what makes our region special.
Ironically, if you watch television news shows and programs, things “out there” in society often feel divisive and polarizing. Yet if you participate in person in any forum, event or activity locally, the opposite feeling is apparent: that we have more in common than not; that we are better together; and that we are continuously striving to keep building a better future.
Of course not everything around here is perfect and ideal — we have many obvious challenges, individually and collectively. But there is a palpable commitment around here towards progress that is tremendous to see and be a part of as much as possible.
If you’ve lived here your whole life, this column is not newsworthy, you know all this already. If you’ve recently moved here, lucky you, you’ve stumbled into something pretty amazing,we are glad that you have chosen to make this your home. While everyone deserves a pat on the back and should take pride in the many positive developments happening around here recently, I encourage you to keep up all the great work and community spirit, it’s contagious and makes such a positive ongoing difference in our quality of life.
Comments are not available on this story.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
