While no one's goal is to come in third place, we recently read an interesting article about the importance of establishing a "third place" in our lives. The idea is that in addition to home/family and work, it's beneficial to have an additional component of your life for which you feel great passion and excitement. Here's a Wikipedia reference to the concept, as well as another article that details the community-wide benefits of this idea.
Many people already have this via their hobbies and interests, church and community groups, sports & fitness clubs, volunteering, etc. But if you find yourself wanting more connection and community, it's often helpful to take a class or participate in an orientation session to see first-hand if a new activity or endeavor is something you want to pursue further.
Within the Chamber, we have many members who offer classes or workshops that could spark interest in a new activity. Here's some initial ideas (and please send us yours if you're not on this list for another set of options in next month's newsletter!):
-
Health & Wellness - Take a Yoga or Meditation class at ToGather
-
Fitness - Check out Saco Sport & Fitness or Impact Fitness
-
Book Clubs / Books - Blaze Brewing, McArthur Library, Elements
-
Candle-Making - Sea Love offers workshops at their new location
-
Golf Lessons - Reach out to a local course about lessons: Biddeford-Saco Country Club, Dunegrass Golf Club, Dutch Elm Golf Course
-
Outdoor Activities - Apex Youth Connection offers great classes
-
Volunteering - Lend a hand at one of scores of great local non-profits, including Biddeford Food Pantry, Habitat for Humanity, Saco Food Pantry, Saco Meals Program, Seeds of Hope
-
Downtown Associations: Join community-minded folks by helping out at our two local downtown organizations: Heart of Biddeford and Saco Main Street
-
Service Clubs - Fellowship and positive community impact via joining one of our local Rotary Clubs or the Kiwanis Club
-
Adult Education - Take an Adult Education class in Biddeford or Saco, or look into class options at UMA Saco Center or YCCC
|
|
Welcome New Chamber of Commerce Members This Past Month |
|
Please help us welcome the latest new members of the Chamber:
Blaze Brewing Company: Blaze Brewing is a brewery taproom focused on wood-fired fare and a constantly rotating selection of fresh beer. Visit them at 28 Pearl Street in Biddeford and enjoy the great view of the Saco River.
4 Maine Promos: Your one-stop shop for promotional products and business gifts. Their extensive range of promo products, plaques and trophies will help you build your brand with current and potential customers.
George's Sandwich Shop: This classic Biddeford sandwich shop has been serving delicious Italian and other sandwiches since 1948.
Journey Magazine: This Maine-based media company produces a print and digital magazine for the recovery community, devoted to amplifying hope about recovery from addiction.
ToGather: ToGather is a beautiful studio space on Pearl St. in Biddeford that offers a variety of wellness classes such as yoga, barre & meditation, along with fun & unique workshops.
|
|
ChamberFest is Coming! ChamberFest is Coming!
Had Paul Revere known about this, he might have promoted ChamberFest by excitedly repeating it along with his famous allusion to the British.
ChamberFest will take place on July 21st at Mechanics Park in Biddeford. This event is a showcase opportunity for Chamber members to share more information about their products and services. Please join us for:
At ChamberFest, you can exhibit and show who you are and what you do to raise more awareness and interest for your business, as well as just informally interact with other members in a fun venue. PLEASE SIGN UP to participate in one of two ways:
-
Yes I plan to attend this event (without exhibiting) - REGISTER HERE
-
Yes I would like to reserve a free table for my business - SIGN-UP HERE
|
|
Monthly Member Article Submission:
UMA Saco Center Osher Scholarship Program
We love working with Dan Philbrick who runs the University of Maine Augusta - Saco Center, and volunteers as well on our Chamber Board of Directors. We are looking forward to a Business After Hours at the Saco Center coming up in August. For this newsletter, Dan graciously documented a fantastic scholarship program that is available through UMA Saco Center. Read this month's member article submission by CLICKING HERE
|
|
La Kermesse Festival
June 23rd-26th
The legendary La Kermesse Franco-Americaine Festival is back, taking place this summer at St. Louis Field in Biddeford from June 23-26th. This year's highlights include a Classic Car Show, Fireworks, Music, Food, Family Fun, and so much more! For more information and all the daily schedule details, please visit: https://www.lakermessefestival.com
|
|
21st Annual Summer Speaker Series
Union Church in Biddeford Pool is once again hosting their Summer Speaker Series. They will be welcoming interesting writers and speakers whose work represents creative expression across its many forms, including storytelling, memoir, fiction, poetry, and photography. All proceeds benefit area non-profits. Be a $100 sponsor, or just attend these great and compelling sessions.
|
|
Saco Sidewalk Arts Festival Saturday, June 25th
The Sidewalk Arts Festival Committee invites you to attend the 51st Annual Saco Main Street Sidewalk Arts Festival on Main St. in downtown Saco. Over a thousand people attend this annual event where more than 75 artists and craftsmen display a rich variety of artwork, photography, and sculpture. The festival will be held from 9am to 3pm this year.
|
|
Biddeford ArtWalk This Friday June 17th
Biddeford ArtWalk is a free open to the public monthly event celebrating local arts and creativity. ArtWalks are an intersection of Maine’s contemporary art scene, its historic downtowns, and the natural world. Many artists are accessible from outdoors in the fresh air of downtown. These free self-guided walks lead you to some of Biddeford’s working artists, local businesses, and restaurants and cafés exhibiting local artwork. Different every time, an ArtWalk evening may include opening receptions, street performances, and visits to open studios. For more info, go to: www.feedtheengine.org
|
|
Biddeford City Theater's Next Show: Rocky Horror! |
|
Click on the ads below for more information: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
