We, at the Heart of Biddeford, would like to extend our deepest gratitude for your incredible efforts on behalf of the HeartWorks Downtown Master Plan Project and Community Forum this past July 15th! Over 100 of Biddeford’s friends and residents attended this gathering despite sweltering summer heat, to stake a course for the future of our historic downtown. The range of ideas for developing an all inclusive, healthy, welcoming and safe Main Street community that truly defines the heart & soul of Biddeford was innovative and astounding! In true Biddeford form — everyone thought of each soul that lives and breathes in our city, and how important it is to never forget a single one as we begin making decisions that will shape the future of downtown. What a night it was!

Thank you to all of you who were able to come! Your presence made for the most productive effort toward our master plan yet — you celebrated and validated the values that emerged during our storytelling phase, and you helped us prioritize the ideas and issues we learned from you at 35 neighborhood meetings spread throughout the city from corner to corner. You added things that were missing from the list that were important to you — and you made sure to think of those whose voice is not always heard or organized. You made your case on behalf of our natural resources — and you struggled over the best possible vision for the future. Your work will help us make Downtown Biddeford a product of its citizens, and not a casualty of sprawl.

Thank you to all of the people who tirelessly helped put the night together! The decorations, the food, the tables, the facility — the building up and the breaking down. All of you worked so hard and up to the very last second and beyond! To our wonderful facilitators, and to Ariana and interns from Orton, Sue from Everyday Democracy, Mark and Terry from Planning Decisions, Dora from the library, Carolyn from the high school and her students, Jen and the Art Van behind the barbeque, Doug’s North Dam Mill, and all of the local non-profits at their booths — you made the night happen. We could not have done it without you.

As we move forward to craft this important master plan and vision, we will keep you all in the loop at every step of the way. Some of you signed on to help with specific issues to address with the master plan, and for you we will provide networking information to connect you with people who have the same interests, some great skills and strengths to lend in the effort, and some groups in Biddeford geared toward making a difference on these issues. Any of you who feel compelled to join a network, help in any way, or attend advisory council meetings, feel free to contact our office at Heart of Biddeford, or visit our website at www.heartofbiddeford.org (click on Heartworks Project) for more information.

Again, congratulations to each and every one of you on this wonderful achievement! Imagine where we will be in 5 or 10 years… hopefully meeting each other on the sidewalks of downtown, brimming with pride at our dreams realized!

Greatness, indeed.

We are so excited about this forum!!!  It has been a long time coming… people all over Biddeford have been telling stories about the heart & soul of downtown and going to neighborhood meetings to talk about their hopes and wishes for the future!  We started this process in 2008, and hundreds of people have put their ideas and dreams onto the table.  Our latest endeavor included 31 neighborhood meetings attended by over 300 Biddeford people… on their own turf!!!  Results from our city-wide interviews, high school digital stories (Carolyn Gosselin — teacher extraordinaire and innovator of place-based education!) and neighborhood meetings are providing the foundation for our Community Forum!  Please please come — one and all…. dinner and childcare provided.  We need you!

Everyone!  We encourage you to lend your voice to the collective!

• Learn about what’s happening on Main Street… Who’s here?  What’s here?
• Hear what others are saying!  Stories, values, ideas.
• Create a vision for the future.
• Set priorities for action.
• Enjoy a night out downtown!

The first hour will be an open house with dinner provided, and there will be childcare on the premises (– no need to open your wallet for supper or a baby sitter)!  The remaining 3 hours will be an inspiring opportunity to create a plan for our downtown.  Every age is important, every voice, everyone.  Hope to see you there!

Would you buy computer and printer supplies if a local store offered them?  Wouldn’t it be great to just pop into a shop downtown and grab a ream of paper or some ink for the old printer?  Here’s the deal…. yes.  The big box has the supplies and probably a little cheaper because they can buy in huge bulk.  But!  Put a price tag on your time, people … is it still cheaper?

Reply to this post and tell us what you constantly have to go out of town for!  We, of course, would love it if we could have everything right here for you, Downtown Biddeford.

“That’s all, she wrote,” was Coco’s farewell to her store space (where Art Mart is now located) … but don’t despair, dear anvil fans! You can still get Coco’s gorgeous jewelry at http://www.etsy.com/shop/hogfarmstudios ~  Coco & Gil remain the ever-faithful downtown fixtures with their wonderful listening room, HFS Annex.   To find out what’s playing go to http://www.hogfarmstudios.com/home.html and get the lowdown on some amazing shows no to be missed!

Wahoo! The Art Mart is staying in Biddeford, oh yeah, by popular demand.   If you haven’t gone in yet, take a step on the wild side and try something new!  Aw, just get yourself in there…  Russ is fab and so are the art supplies!

The new Art Mart can be found on Washington Street, next to the Wonder Bar — just a hop skip & a jump from Main Street, people!

We be lovin’ the Art Mart for hanging tough with our Main Street community!

If you see our hearts on a map, on a poster, or on a t-shirt, click it or read it or pass it on… these hearts connect you to what’s going on!

I like the fact that Biddeford is a real town. I live in Wells and there’s no downtown in Wells. I like the fact that you can walk outdoors and walk to the library, town hall, all these shops and restaurants.

Lots of great restaurants, coffee shops, and a wonderful health food cafe — little pocket parks and a gazebo for gatherings on the historic Saco River.  Last Friday o’ the month Artwalks!  In the summer we have live music at lunch outdoors, antique traders to peruse and lovely specialty shops for uniquely vintage gifts, handwrought artful jewelry and at night, some of the best shows in New England featured at City Theater and HFS Annex.  Yes, definitely park your car and come out to Downtown Biddeford!

Adapted from the City Theater website at http://citytheater.org   - The opera house opened in October 1860 with a play depicting slavery in the Southern states – appropriate on the eve of the Civil War.  An era of theatrical history began for the city of Biddeford.  Edwin Booth, Joseph Jefferson, and Pat Rooney appeared over the years before appreciative audiences.

Dramatic performances by stage immortals like the Barrymores, along with minstrel shows, community pageants and plays were popular offerings. Local director and actor J.J. Salvas entertained audiences with his portrayal of various characters. Illustrated songs were also well-liked. One such performance ended tragically and remains a part of City Theater’s folklore. On Halloween Eve, 1904 singer Eva Gray collapsed and died after her third encore of the song “Goodbye, Little Girl, Goodbye”. The beautiful 33 year old died backstage from heart failure with her 3 year old daughter present. Many since have referred to Eva as the theater’s resident “ghost”.