Each participant is provided with their own personalized journal—a space for goal-setting, self-reflection, and celebrating their inner “mountain mover”. PHOTO BY CALLY GUDROE Dayton Consolidated School has joined the national movement to empower young girls with the launch of its first Girls on the Run program this spring. Led by PE and STEM teacher Jill Keimach and librarian/Ed Tech Wyeth Spike, the program kicked off April 1 and will run through June 1, culminating in a celebratory 5K run. The nationwide nonprofit, which combines physical activity with life skill development, is designed to build confidence, foster leadership, and encourage emotional resilience in girls from third to fifth grade. With a…

Since 2012, the Biddeford Mills Museum has been preserving and preparing exhibits for public access. PHOTO BY CALLY GUDROE Originally established in 2012, the Biddeford Mills Museum was born out of an effort to preserve the rich history of the local textile industry. When WestPoint Pepperell moved its operations south, a vast collection of equipment and records was left behind. Recognizing the historical significance of these artifacts, the property owner assembled a team of 20 former mill employees to curate a collection that would eventually become the foundation of the museum. After years of behind-the-scenes work, the museum officially opened to the public in 2019. The museum recently relocated in…

Pizza by Alex’s entrance and neon sign. Since its founding in 1960 by Alex Mantis, Pizza by Alex has become a beloved fixture on Alfred Road in Biddeford, Maine. Run by the Mantis family for over 60 years, this pizzeria is renowned for its warm, family-friendly atmosphere that attracts patrons of all ages. Manager Chris Rowe, who has been with the establishment for 32 years, shares his love for the camaraderie among employees and the welcoming environment. Their commitment to homemade ingredients—like fresh dough, rich sauce, and a unique blend of cheddar cheese—sets them apart from other pizzerias and keeps customers coming back year-round. Chris Rowe, the current manager of…

Sat. Oct. 12, 2024 In 2018, public elementary schools in Biddeford, Saco, and Dayton along with St. James in Biddeford launched a low-cost Cross-Country program for third, fourth, and fifth-graders, offering not only physical competition but also valuable lessons in personal goal-setting. The leader pushing for this program back in 2018 was Jeremy Ray, superintendent of schools in all three school districts. Inspired by seeing similar programs Down East, Ray and others decided to bring this opportunity to their local community, and it has since grown into a successful program. Despite initial challenges, like COVID affecting participation, the program now thrives with strong community support and a partnership with local…