Community Calendar

The event will begin on the library lawn with the Presentation of the Colors to honor the troops by the members of the Massabesic High School Band, led by retired Navy Captain Douglas Howell and Chief Joseph Lipp; members of the award-winning Biddeford High School Band, led by Michael Murphy, will accompany the Massabesic Color Guard. Both groups will be introduced by Biddeford's Mayor Martin Grohman, with no other speeches & no seating, and will be moved indoors in the event of inclement weather.

The ceremony will be followed immediately by Capt Don Chretien's talk in the Library's Community Room, titled "A Vietnam History of Occupation, Warfare, & US Involvement."

Attendees may bring memorabilia and will be invited to share a brief remembrance to honor those they know/knew who served. The Event will conclude with the playing of Taps by a member of the Biddeford HS Band.

Two general notations:

Nicole Clark is the recently appointed Adult Services Supervisor and Interim Director of Biddeford's McArthur Public Library.

Biddeford native Don Chretien lived through the Vietnam War as a Marine helicopter pilot who flew 560 missions, came home to an indifferent or even hostile reception, and has lived to see a much more appreciative public now open to revisiting that collective experience.

The title of Emily Hass’ current exhibition, no one leaves home unless, is a line from the poem, “Home,” by Somali British poet Warsan Shire. Maine-based poet Anna Wrobel will recite the poem, then co-host a conversation with Hass about her artwork and about the impact of forced migration on people and cultures.

Blue Wrap Project Runway, the Partners for World Health humanitarian fashion extravaganza, is BACK! This year we’re excited to showcase brand new designs inspired by the traditional dress of our partner countries. This iconic show is happening May 15th and 16th at the new home of the Good Theater in Stevens Sq., Portland, Maine. Join us for an event that merges fashion and fun - all while raising awareness and urgently needed funds for our environmental and humanitarian mission.

Blue Wrap Project Runway, the Partners for World Health humanitarian fashion extravaganza, is BACK! This year we’re excited to showcase brand new designs inspired by the traditional dress of our partner countries. This iconic show is happening May 15th and 16th at the new home of the Good Theater in Stevens Sq., Portland, Maine. Join us for an event that merges fashion and fun - all while raising awareness and urgently needed funds for our environmental and humanitarian mission.

This presentation addresses school funding, the costs of lack of education, student achievement, graduation rates, and indicators of student emotional health. The presentation concludes with high leverage practices that show up to 10:1 return on investment.

On November 13, Freeport Speech will host If the Planet Could Speak: How Our Health and the Planet’s Intertwine, featuring two powerful voices in climate and sustainability, Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson and Barton Seaver. This inspiring evening at Meetinghouse Arts will explore how our health is deeply linked to the well-being of our planet, bringing forward ideas on sustainable solutions for a brighter future. Dr. Johnson, a marine biologist and policy expert, will share insights from her work on climate solutions, while chef and author Barton Seaver will highlight the connection between sustainable food choices and ecosystem health. Together, they will lead us down a path to a healthier planet and healthier selves. Combined, Johnson and Seaver’s TED talks have had over 5 million listeners.

Proceeds from this event will support Friends of Casco Bay. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with these visionary thinkers while contributing to our efforts to protect and sustain our treasured coastal waters.