PORTLAND, ME – The need for blood is constant, and the American Red Cross urges people of all blood types to make an appointment to give blood or platelets now to help ensure patients continue to receive the care they depend on. The Red Cross supplies hospitals across the country with more than 6.5 million blood products each year, all made possible through the generosity of volunteer donors. Now is the time to step into the fall season with a lifesaving act.

Book a spot to give blood or platelets now. Visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS or use the Red Cross Blood Donor App to schedule a donation appointment. Those who come to give Sept. 21-Oct. 18, 2026, will receive a $15 e-gift card to a merchant of their choice. See RedCrossBlood.org/Fall for details. Additionally, those who come to give Sept. 21-30, 2026, at Red Cross blood donation centers and mention the word “pickleball” to Red Cross staff or volunteers on-site can score a custom Red Cross pickleball paddle and ball (limited quantities available). Visit RedCrossBlood.org/FindADonationCenter for more information.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities Sept. 22-Oct. 6:

Cumberland

Bridgton

10/6/2026: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Bridgton Alliance Church, 368 Harrison Rd

Gorham

10/1/2026: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., St. Anne’s Catholic Church, 299 Main Street

Scarborough

10/6/2026: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Martin’s Point Scarborough, 153 US -1

South Portland

10/6/2026: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., American Legion Stewart P. Morrill Post 35, 413 Broadway

Standish

10/5/2026: 12 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., Gardenside Condo Association, 12 Gardenside Drive

Yarmouth

10/2/2026: 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., American Legion Post 91, 196 Main St

GORHAM, ME – What a celebration! Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce and Goodwill Northern New England extend a huge THANK YOU to everyone who joined us for the grand reopening of the Goodwill Northern New England Gorham store. Your support, smiles, and enthusiasm made this special occasion unforgettable!

Here’s to discovering new treasures, finding great deals, and many more years of serving the Gorham community.

GORHAM, ME – For years, Trick or Trunk has been a fun way to connect with our community, but this year we’re excited to take that heart of connection and turn it into something even bigger, a LifeChurch Community Fall Festival!

We’re excited to bring neighbors and families together for a fun, welcoming day filled with fall activities, connection, and community. We can’t wait to celebrate with you and make this a special event for everyone!

GORHAM, ME – The JB Music Org, an independent music funding organization dedicated to “breaking barriers forthe voices that deserve to be heard,” based in Gorham, ME announces its fall 2026 class of grant awardees. The cohort features three stand-out Maine talents: the alt R&B singer Angelikah Fahray and the hip-hop producer duo Y2Krazy.

Independent grant funding is core to The JB Music Org’s mission: uplifting incredible talent, creating unforgettable music, and elevating our communities. As an investment group, the organization’s unique funding model does not require any ownership or reciprocation from grant recipients.

“Each awardee is carefully selected. We prioritize artists that have an authentic voice and vision contributing positively to the culture,” says Jo Bacharach, Founder & CEO. “Our 2026 awardees represent the heart independent music.”

Awardees are chosen from a competitive pool of artists across the U.S. Applicants are evaluated on demonstrated commitment to their craft and alignment with the organization’s values. Grant applications are still open and accepted on a rolling basis.

With this latest round of 2026 awardees, The JB Music Org continues its commitment to transforming independent funding “one dollar at a time.”

Learn more about all our awardees here: thejbmusic.org/awardees.

GORHAM, ME – The USM Department of Theatre launches its ‘26-’27 season with a touring production of the musical The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical, based on the wildly popular book by Rick Riordan. When teenager Percy Jackson discovers he’s a demigod, he and his friends embark on an epic journey to find Zeus’ missing lightning bolt and prevent a war among the gods. Featuring a thrilling original rock score, The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical is an action-packed mythical adventure.

This show, produced in collaboration with the Osher School of Music, marks USM Theatre’s first touring musical. USM Theatre Lecturer Danny Hutchins directs while Osher School of Music’s Faculty, Jeff Christmas, provides musical direction. Students from USM’s Theatre and Musical Theatre programs serve as performers, assistant director, choreographer, stage managers, and costume, scenic, and props designers. Danny Hutchins says that a touring production, “…has proven to be a fantastic learning opportunity for our students, which enables them to graduate with the flexibility, patience, and problem-solving skills to take a show on tour professionally.”

After kicking off at Russell Hall on the USM Gorham Campus September 25th-27th, the show will travel to Maine schools through December. The tour includes stops at Maddie’s Theatre at the Children’s Museum and Theatre of Maine, a community partner of the USM Department of Theatre.

Director Danny Hutchins says the show’s themes of coming of age, being yourself, finding your community, and overcoming obstacles bundled with the energy of the show make it perfect for all ages. “These themes are often the hardest for us to understand, and this story gives us an ability to grapple with them, all wrapped in a fantastical, high-energy, and hilarious package. The show is truly great for everyone from the young to the young-at-heart, and I am excited to see families enjoy the show together.”

The Lightning Thief: Theatre for Young Audiences Edition

The Percy Jackson Musical

A Touring Production in Collaboration with the Osher School of Music

Book by Joe Tracz

Music & Lyrics by Rob Rokicki

Adapted from the book The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan

Directed by Danny Hutchins

Musical Direction by Jeff Christmas

Russell Hall, USM Gorham Campus

September 25th at 7pm

September 26th at 11am & 3pm

September 27th at 11am & 3pm

Ticket Info

General Admission: $24

Senior 65+: $18

USM Faculty/Staff/Alumni: $18

USM Students & Non-USM Students: $10

Group rate: $10/person – for schools and community groups

Tickets available through PortTIX, the official ticketing agent of the USM Department of Theatre. To purchase tickets, or for more information, visit PortTIX at: https://porttix.com/whats-on/a-monster-calls-usm/, call (207)842-0800, or in person at 400 Congress St., Suite A, Portland, ME. For more information on USM’s Department of Theatre events and programs, click here.

Group Reservations, Questions, & Special Accommodations

Contact Audience Services & Outreach Coordinator Janice Gardner at (207)780-5289 or janice.gardner@maine.edu. Hearing impaired: call USM’s telex / TDD number (207)780-5646.

Covu Fernandes (Grover), Benet Moholland (Percy Jackson), Kiki Belanger (Annabeth) in a recent rehearsal of The Lightning Thief. Photos by Kat Moraros Photography

FALMOUTH, ME – Join Maine State Ballet under the sea for this enchanting Hans Christian Andersen tale about a curious mermaid longing to leave her ocean home. The Little Mermaid comes to life with imaginative choreography and colorful costumes. Dive into the underwater world of mermaids, a sea witch, and playful sea creatures for a delightful afternoon at the ballet!

The ballet is staged by Artistic Director Janet Davis with choreography by Resident Choreographer Linda MacArthur Miele, costumes and scenery by Gail Csoboth, and light design by David Herrman.

Performance Schedule

Dates: Oct 9th-17th (Two weekends)

Venue:  Maine State Ballet’s Lopez Theater, 348 US Rt 1 Falmouth

Tickets: $25-36 with discounts for seniors & children at mainestateballet.org or 207-781-3587.

WINDHAM, ME – Ready to try lacrosse? Your first stick starts here! Join us and Mass Youth LAX right here in Windham, Maine for one of two FREE MYLax First Stick Clinics designed for players with 0-1 year of lacrosse experience.

Saturday, September 26

Saturday, October 10

10:00-11:30 AM

Manchester School Fields I Windham, ME

FREE to participate

Players will learn the basics of the game through fun drills and activities focused on getting a stick in their hands, building confidence, and discovering what makes lacrosse fun.

No stick? No problem! Sticks will be provided for athletes to use during the clinics.

Choose the date that works best for your family – or come join us for both!

Register today at Mass Youth LAX’s website.

MAINE – New to Medicare or reviewing your coverage? Join the Southern Maine Agency on Aging (SMAA) for a free Welcome to Medicare seminar or Preparing for Open Enrollment session.

These educational seminars are designed to help you understand your Medicare options and make informed, confident decisions about your healthcare coverage. You’ll learn the basics of Medicare Parts A, B, C, and D, important enrollment timelines, common mistakes to avoid, and how to choose coverage that best meets your needs.

Our Preparing for Open Enrollment sessions will also cover upcoming Medicare changes and help you better understand your current coverage, compare plan options, and decide whether to stay with your current plan, switch plans, or move between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage.

All sessions are led by certified volunteer State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) counselors. SHIP is federally funded program by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), ensuring you receive free, unbiased, and confidential Medicare counseling.

Seminars are offered both in person and virtually, are easy to follow, and include time for questions. Whether you’re approaching Medicare eligibility, recently enrolled, reviewing your current coverage, or helping a family member navigate Medicare, these sessions provide trusted information to help you make informed choices.

To register, please call (207) 396-6524 or visit smaaa.org/events.

Tuesday, September 29 10:00am-11:30am SMAA – Biddeford Preparing for OEP

Tuesday, October 6 5:00pm-6:30pm SMAA – Virtual Welcome to Medicare

Wednesday, October 14 5:00-6:30pm SMAA – Virtual Preparing for OEP

Thursday, October 22 10:00am-11:30am SMAA – Virtual Welcome to Medicare

Tuesday, November 3 5:00pm-6:30pm SMAA – Virtual Welcome to Medicare

Thursday, November 19 10:00am-11:30am SMAA – Virtual Welcome to Medicare

Tuesday, December 1 5:00pm-6:30pm SMAA – Virtual Welcome to Medicare

Thursday, December 17 10:00am-11:30am SMAA – Virtual Welcome to Medicare

MAINE – Come support our amazing young entrepreneurs as they bring their businesses, creativity, products, treats, games, and more to local communities at Upcoming Kids Markets in the Portland area!

Whether you’re shopping, supporting, or just coming out to cheer on these incredible kids, we’d love to see you there!

PORTLAND, ME – First Parish Unitarian Universalist in Portland celebrates the 200th Anniversary of its historic Meeting House with a weeklong celebration that includes a star-studded concert featuring the best of local musicians on Wednesday, September 23 at 7pm. Artists include Organist Christian Clough, Singer-Songwriter Max Garcia Conover, Blues Musician Samuel James, Palaver Strings Quartet, and Native Flutist and Storyteller David Lone Bear Sanipass. Tickets are $25 and available online and at the door.

The weeklong celebration, September 20-27, also includes a panel discussion of leading historians in partnership with the Maine Historical Society and Longfellow Books on Tuesday, September 22, and a collaboration with State Theatre and Portland Ovations to present “Travesty” with celebrated drag artist Sasha Velour on Friday, September 25. Worship services looking back to the congregation’s 350-year history and forward to its bright, justice-focused future will be held at 10am on Sundays, September 20 and 27. A full schedule of events follows below.

A feature of Portland life for more than 350 years, the congregation at First Parish is focused on its mission “to help heal the world.” The church hosted the city’s emergency warming shelter for two years and currently works with community partners to distribute meals to the unhoused twice a week, while also offering a monthly Community Dinner. Teams of First Parish congregants focus on a range of pressing issues from Wabanaki sovereignty to the climate crisis and transgender rights. The congregation has played multiple, key roles in response to ongoing ICE activity in southern Maine. The congregation is a proud participant in the Greater Portland Multi-Faith Organizing Group.

A member of the Unitarian Universalist Association, the First Parish practices a liberal faith that affirms the “inherent dignity and worthiness” of all people and advocates for a “free and responsible search for truth and meaning.” Worship services are offered every Sunday at 10am. For more information, visit www.firstparishportland.org or call (207) 773-5747.

Schedule of Events

All events, with the exception of “Travesty” on September 25, take place at First Parish Unitarian Universalist in Portland, 425 Congress Street, Portland, Maine, and are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted.

Sunday, September 20, 10am

Special Anniversary Worship Service: “The Most Sacred and Delightful Moments”

In dedicating our historic Meeting House two hundred years ago, Rev. Ichabod Nichols declared that we shall “spend here some of the most sacred and delightful moments of our lives, that our sorrows shall be soothed and comforted and those of our friends also.” As we launch this week of celebration, we look back on those sacred moments – delightful, challenging, and transformative.

Tuesday, September 22, 6:30pm

Witness to History: 200 Years of First Parish

In collaboration with Longfellow Books and the Maine Historical Society

Join historians and authors Paul J. Ledman (Portland, Maine: Connections Across Time; Walking Through History: Portland Maine On Foot), John William Babin (Henry Wadsworth Longfellow in Portland) and Kip DeSerres (Welcome: A History of First Parish) for a panel discussion of how Portland’s history and First Parish’s history are intertwined, followed by Q&A, and book signing by the authors.

Wednesday, September 23, 7pm

History Through Performance: 200th Anniversary Benefit Concert

In Collaboration with Portland Ovations and the State Theatre

A journey of music and spoken word with: Christian Clough, organist; David Lone Bear Sanipass, native flute & storyteller; Palaver Strings Quartet; Samuel James, blues musician; students from The Telling Room; Max Garcia Conover, singer-songwriter, and special guests.

Tickets: $25

Friday, September 25, 8pm

“Travesty” with Sasha Velour | State Theatre, 609 Congress Street

We are pleased to collaborate with the State Theatre and Portland Ovations for this celebrated drag performance by artist/scholar/activist Sasha Velour. Discount tickets will be available to congregants as part of the First Parish celebration, along with access to Stepping Out, a queer history tour of Portland the following day.

Tickets $37-87

Sunday, September 27, 10am

Concluding Anniversary Worship Service: A Monument of Liberality

Two hundred years ago, Rev. Ichabod Nichols declared our beloved Meeting House a “monument to liberality” and called for actions that would bring “joy and peace” to “our children’s children.” This morning, we rededicate ourselves to that task, looking ahead to a bright and challenging future as we fulfill our mission to “Nurture the Spirit, Grow in Community, and Help Heal the World.” (Followed by an Ice Cream Social, Time Capsule presentation, and conclusion of our celebration week.)

Native Flutist and Storyteller David Lone Bear Sanipass