Four speakers will be giving talks as part of the Union Church Speaker Series in Biddeford Pool. Contributed / Union Church
Summer speaker series
at Union Church
Tickets are on sale now for Union Church’s 23rd Annual Summer Speaker Series in Biddeford Pool, which begins July 18.
“Union Church is proud to continue its long tradition of bringing diverse genres and unique perspectives of Maine – and beyond – to our community,” said series spokesperson Debbie Lamb. “This year, four distinguished speakers will introduce us to different worlds through fiction, photography, and centuries-old maps – looking at the past, present and future.”
• Thursday, July 18 — Monica Wood
Award-winning author Monica Wood’s latest novel, “How to Read a Book,” has been described as a “charming, openhearted novel, deceptively easy to read but layered with sharp observations, hard truths and rich ideas.” (New York Times review). Other outstanding works include “The One-in-a-Million Boy,” her play “Saint Dad,” and acclaimed memoir, “When We Were the Kennedys.”
• Thursday, Aug. 1 — Philip Bermingham
A distinguished photographer, Philip Bermingham is known for his portraits of politicians, royalty, and world leaders (published in Portraiture: Philip Bermingham on the Job). His portrait of the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg graces a “Forever” stamp. But he is also “devoted” to the landscape of coastal Biddeford. His photographs will be displayed at the Biddeford Pool Community Center.
• Thursday, Aug. 15 — Dr. Matthew Edney
Dr. Edney, author, and Osher Professor in the History of Cartography at USM, will explore how the state of Maine came to be. Drawing on the vast map and rare book collections at USM, Harvard, Brown, Yale, and other collections, he will trace John Smith’s travels along the New England coast in 1614 and track the Massachusetts Bay Colony’s expansion northward.
• Thursday, Aug. 29 — Nick Fuller Googins
“The Great Transition,” Nick Fuller Googins’ debut novel, was named one of the 10 best science fiction and fantasy novels of 2023. (The Washington Post.) Set in the not-too-distant future after the climate crisis has peaked, the novel explores how individuals, families and countries cope with the new reality. Googins teaches elementary school in Saco and is a founding member of the Biddeford-Saco Climate Action Team.
Events begin at 7 p.m. (doors open at 6:30 p.m.) at Union Church, 3 Stonecliff Road, Biddeford Pool, except the Aug. 1 event, which will be at the Biddeford Pool Community Center, 2 Yates St., Biddeford Pool.
Tickets (four-event series/$65; individual event/$20) are available at unionchurchme.com/News&Events. All proceeds benefit community nonprofits, including Seeds of Hope, Biddeford Food Pantry, Saco Meals Program, APEX Youth Connection, Ever After Mustang Rescue, and individuals and families in need. The series is sponsored by Saco & Biddeford Savings.
Town & Country FCU named
best in state by Forbes
Forbes recently released its listing of ‘Best In State Credit Unions’ for 2024 and Town & Country Federal Credit Union became the first Maine credit union to become a four-time recipient of this designation in the seven-year history of the rankings.
To create this seventh annual list, Forbes partnered with market research firm Statista and surveyed approximately 26,000 residents (including a portion in Maine) throughout the country.
David Libby, president and CEO of Town & Country, called the designation “an honor and indicative of our deep commitment to serving our members and our community. As with any designation, I would like to recognize the great work of our staff and board for the service, support and leadership provided to receive this type of recognition. At Town & Country, we are a team that all make contributions to serve our members and set a standard of excellence dedicated to a mission of helping to make a difference every day.”
This marks the fourth major award recognizing Town & Country FCU as a top financial institution in the past 10 months. Previously, the credit union took top honors as ‘Best Credit Union’ in ‘Best of Portland’; ‘Best Credit Union’ in the ‘Best of the 207’ program; and ‘Best Home Mortgage Lender’ out of all Maine credit unions and banks in the ‘Best of the 207’ program.
“Our focus on ‘Local Helping Local’ with financial services and community involvement and engagement is clearly resonating with our members and consumers at large in southern Maine,” Libby said. “We are honored to be recognized for delivering on our mission.”
Don Bisson receives
Rotary Club award
Biddeford Mayor Martin Grohman awards Biddeford Food Pantry Director Don Bisson an award from the Biddeford Saco Rotary Club at a luncheon on June 19. The award was presented to Bisson because of the services provided to residents by the pantry for over 20 years. Contributed / Don Bisson
Local graduates receive
scholarship from SBSI
Saco & Biddeford Savings has surpassed a significant milestone by donating over $100,000 in scholarships to more than 100 graduating seniors since 2018.
This substantial contribution underscores the organization’s steadfast commitment to fostering educational growth within the community and providing financial assistance to those with great potential but limited resources, according to an SBSI press release. This year, SBSI has given out $24,000 in scholarships to students from 16 schools.
The scholarship initiative began in 2018. As college tuition fees continue to rise, this financial aid has opened doors for many students who might otherwise be unable to afford post-secondary education.
“Our youth represent the bright future of our community, and investing in their education is the most powerful way we can ensure a legacy of innovation, leadership, and success,” said Mark Jones, president & CEO of SBSI. “We believe that every student, regardless of their economic background, deserves the chance to pursue their dreams without the burden of financial hardship.”
The scholarships have been awarded to selected graduating seniors who have not only excelled academically but have also shown remarkable commitment to their community through volunteer work, initiatives, or innovative projects.
“We are incredibly grateful to have made these scholarships possible,” Jones said. “Scholarships are more than just financial aid; they’re an investment in the promise and passion of our youth. We are setting the stage for these young individuals to build a better world for us all.”
Maine CASA to hold
training Aug. 12-16
The Maine Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) program is holding its summer training for volunteer advocates from Aug. 12 – 16.
This free, five-day training is designed to prepare attendees for certification as volunteer guardians ad litem (GALs) in Maine child protection cases. Trainees may participate virtually or in person. For those who wish to participate in person, the training will be held in Augusta. Accommodations may be available.
The foundation of a CASA’s work is learning about the case and then advising the court what the CASA believes is in the child’s best interest. CASAs come from a wide variety of professional and personal backgrounds and are guided throughout the process by CASA program staff.
Those interested in the training must complete an application and, if invited to participate, must also complete criminal and child protection services background checks.
For more information about becoming a volunteer, contact Maine CASA Legal Services Advisor Darren Defoe at 213-2864 or by e-mail at casa@courts.maine.gov
Comments are not available on this story.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
