Sweetser has opened a new program on their Saco campus aimed at supporting young adults called Fresh Start.

Live pro wrestling is returning to Saco. EWA-Maine presents The Nightmare Before Christmas, a live pro wrestling event taking place at the Saco Community Center at 75 Franklin St. on Dec. 14 at 7 p.m.

United Baptist Church, 318 Main Street, Saco, is celebrating the 100th anniversary of the joining of two Baptist churches, Main Street (1828) and Cutts Avenue Free Will (1832) to form United Baptist.  Located a block away from each other, the two churches had different philosophies of interpreting God's message, so the decision to unite as one parish was an extraordinary move. Good leadership and determined congregations brought about a formal unification on December 23, 1924. The church has made this a year-long celebration, looking at the history of United Baptist decade by decade.  On Sunday, Dec. 15, at 10 a.m. the church will have a special Sunday service to commemorate the unification to honor the people in the two parishes who made this move not only possible but also successful, and to honor all who have been part of the church since.   On Dec. 15, the Reverend Doctor Al Fletcher, Executive Minister of American Baptist Churches of Maine, will offer the morning message as parishioners rejoice and sing praises in honor of the last hundred years.  There will be refreshments and a celebratory cake downstairs in the vestry following the service. Tri Fold posters depicting the last 100 years, decade by decade, will be on display. Related story: Saco parishioners unite to celebrate centennial  

Many of us love to take regular walks either to soak in the beauty of nature or to get in some exercise. This month Libby Library in Old Orchard Beach, along with many other local organizations, businesses and artists, are working to bring you another wonderful reason for enjoying a walk. That reason being the opportunity to appreciate and support local artists and businesses while going about your walk. This Saturday, Dec. 7, the Annual Art Walk returns for a fourth year. No, an art walk doesn’t mean you have to time your walk with a Dali melting watch. It’s an opportunity to check out many fine local businesses like Beachology, Dockside Jewelers and Cottage Designs. You can also grab a warm drink or a bite to eat at Cafe 64 or Ocean Perk or get a weekend read here at Libby Library. Also along the route be sure to stop by the Ocean Park Artist Collective at 71 Seaside Avenue and the Makers Pop Up at 90 Seaview Avenue. The Art Walk starts at 10:00 am Saturday morning and runs until 3:00 in the afternoon. Another way to get into the holiday spirit is by visiting the Library and taking a tag off our Angel Tree between now and Dec. 13. Each tag has a child’s name on it. We ask that you purchase at least one toy and an item of clothing for that child. Leave all your gifts unwrapped in a gift bag. You will also need to include the angel tag code on the gift tag. Gifts are to be dropped off at the Salvation Army location at 2 6th Street here in Old Orchard Beach. If shopping online please have the gifts delivered to the Salvation Army’s 6th Street address. There’s holiday fun mixed with science Saturday Dec. 14 at 10:45 a.m. when sound and music will be the theme of this month's STEAM Saturday. We also have our Homeschool Hangouts every Friday at 12:30 p.m. which give local homeschoolers a chance to socialize in a fun and educational setting.  Before we finish, we’d like to inform you that the Library will be closing at 5 p.m. on Dec. 11 and opening at 10:30 a.m. on Dec. 19 due to library related meetings and events. We also want to remind you to be sure to check our website, ooblibrary.org or our Facebook Page for inclement weather closings and updates on our various programs and events. 

Saco and Biddeford are ringing in the holidays on Friday with holiday tree lightings and other festivities. Saco The tree lighting in Saco will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Friday at the Saco Transportation Center on Main Street. The Saco Middle School Chorus will sing Christmas carols, hot cocoa will be served, and everyone can join in on a countdown to light up the tree. Biddeford Also on Friday, the Merry and Bright Night will bring activities to Adams Street in downtown Biddeford from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. on Friday. There will be a tree lighting ceremony and performances by the Academy of Dance and Salvation Army Brass Band. For younger attendees and the young at heart, Merry and Bright Night will feature hands-on holiday activities, including cookie decorating with materials donated by Reilly’s Bakery and crafting fun with the Common Roots Studio Art Bus. Children can also meet Santa Claus and take a photo, while families can participate in festive games and activities. Coco Bar and Grill will have food for sale, and the Biddeford Recreation Department will offer refreshments. Hot cocoa will be available for the community as well. The Biddeford Cultural and Heritage Center will serve cookies from around the world.