On Thursday, March 13, Sen. Donna Bailey, D-Saco, introduced a bill to expand access to preventive cancer screenings for first responders, including firefighters and police officers.

Food enthusiasts and community members are invited to experience the culinary excellence of Biddeford-Saco Restaurant Week, returning March 16-23. Organized by the Biddeford Saco Chamber of Commerce, Heart of Biddeford, and Saco Main Street, this annual event showcases the region’s food scene with special promotions, unique dining experiences, and interactive culinary events. Participating restaurants will offer a variety of exclusive deals, including pre-fixe menus, buy-one-get-one-free specials, and gift card promotion. A full list of Restaurant Week specials and participating establishments is available at bit.ly/eatbiddsaco25. Featured Events • Community Soup-er, 5 and 6 p.m., Sunday March 16, at First Parish Congregational Church, 12 Beach St., Saco. Tickets available online.  The week begins with the Community Soup-er, a gathering that brings together local flavors and community generosity. Attendees will enjoy a selection of soups, breads, and desserts donated by area restaurants, with all proceeds benefiting the Biddeford and Saco food pantries. In addition to the meal, handmade ceramic bowls will be available for purchase, with proceeds supporting local food assistance programs. Guests will also enjoy live music, making for a community-focused evening of good food for a great cause. • Fyood Cooking Competition, 5-7:30 p.m., Wednesday, March 19,  Biddeford Regional Center of Technology. Tickets available online. On March 19, local amateur chefs will put their skills to the test in FYOOD, a live cooking competition held at the Biddeford Regional Center of Technology’s Culinary Program kitchen. Teams will compete in two timed rounds—savory and sweets—using mystery ingredient baskets unveiled at the start of each challenge. Judges, including professional chefs, local celebrities, and BRCOT Culinary Program Director Chef Steve, will determine the winners of each round based on creativity, taste, presentation, and technique. All proceeds will go to a local cause decided by the Culinary Program students.

Brad McCourt brings his passion for beer to Brew England in downtown Biddeford.

Jim LaBelle, executive director of the Biddeford + Saco Chamber of Commerce + Industry, has announced plans to retire.

Today would have been Brian’s 50th birthday.

Any thoughts that Saco’s City Council was in the mood for a lovefest with neighbor Old Orchard Beach during its March 10 meeting were put to rest early, as councilors declined to adopt a resolution that would have created a partnership between the two communities and the Maine Department of Transportation with the objective of improving traffic conditions along the I-195 and Ocean Park Road corridors.

A recent fire at an Old Orchard Beach home where a man was found dead is currently under investigation by the state Fire Marshal’s office.

The Biddeford + Saco Chamber of Commerce, City of Biddeford and community members gathered among rows of shiny new washing machines on March 5 at a ribbon cutting to celebrate the opening of 5 Corners Laundry.

We’ve all heard the old saying that “You can’t see the forest for the trees.” And in the case of learning how to connect with nature, that’s a good one to keep in mind, although in the reverse.