By Will Sedlack, Executive Director Presumpscot Regional Land Trust

MAINE — Looking back on my first year leading the Presumpscot Regional Land Trust, I’m struck by the collective power of this community to achieve big things. Together, we’ve strengthened connections to nature, preserved critical lands, and laid the groundwork for an even brighter future.

Here are just a few of the highlights from 2024:

East Windham Conservation Area Opening: This long-awaited project, made possible through partnerships with the Town of Windham, the Greater Portland chapter of the New England Mountain Bike Association, and Runaways Run Club, has become a community favorite. With Gorham Savings Bank as a key sponsor, the trails will soon be even more accessible, with ADA-compliant paths coming in 2025.

Enhancements at Rivermeadow: Located in downtown Westbrook, this preserve is nearing the completion of new boardwalks, with plans for story walks in 2025. These efforts will ensure that over 8,000 Westbrook residents can easily access and enjoy the beauty of the Presumpscot River.

A New Treasure in Gorham: Thanks to a generous gift, Deer Woods—a pristine 30-acre property—is now protected forever, adding to the tapestry of conserved lands in our region.

Water Quality Monitoring and Alewife Migration Support: Our Water Quality Monitoring program continues to safeguard the health of the Presumpscot River, a vital ecosystem for native species like the alewife. Each spring, thousands of alewives migrate upstream, a sign of the river’s resilience and a testament to our conservation efforts. This natural phenomenon connects us to the rich biodiversity of our watershed and the traditions of this land.

Trail Challenge Success: Participation in this year’s Trail Challenge grew by 150%, encouraging even more families and individuals to explore the outdoors and deepen their connection to nature.

Looking ahead, we are planning exciting new conservation projects in Westbrook, Gorham, and Standish and finalizing a strategic plan that will guide the Land Trust’s next chapter. None of this would be possible without your generosity.

We’re so close to reaching our $100,000 goal for 2024, and your tax-deductible gift can help us get there. Every dollar fuels projects like new ADA-accessible trails, habitat conservation, and water quality monitoring. Let’s cross the finish line together!

Thank you for being a vital part of our success. Together, we are building a legacy of conservation for generations to come.

LIMINGTON, ME — Did you know your holiday tree can continue to bring joy even after the season ends? Saco River Wildlife Center is accepting tree donations to provide enrichment for our curious patients—they love to climb, chew, and explore them for enrichment!

Donation Details:

Drop-off Location: 238 River Rd, Limington

Hours: 9 AM – 6 PM

Important Guidelines:

Trees must be completely free of tinsel, garland, ornaments, or any decorations.

Natural trees only, please!

Please note, we are a working rehabilitation center and cannot offer tours. Our patients’ safety and well-being remain our top priority!

Thank you for your kindness and support—our patients appreciate it!

GORHAM, ME — Ring in the new year at New Year Gorham, Gorham’s annual New Year’s Eve extravaganza, with activities and entertainment for people of all ages, great food, and an amazing laser light show finale!

2024 Program Information & Event Times for All New Year Gorham Events

The New Year Gorham committee, comprised of volunteers from the community, have lined up family-friendly stage shows, family-friendly food options, and a laser light show display at 9pm. See the full lineup online. The start times for events and activities are as follows:

USM Ice Skating (55 Campus Avenue) begins at 2pm

Young family events begin at 3:00pm on the Gorham Recreation side of the Gorham Municipal Center (75 South Street); doors will open at 3pm.

Performances at Gorham High School begin at 4:30pm

Laser light show at the Gorham High School Gym at 9pm

Tickets

Pre-register for tickets online or pay at the door.  Pricing is as follows:

$7 per person December 26 – December 31

(Children under 2 free)

$7 per person at the door

Sponsors

The New Year Gorham event is made possible by donations and the generosity from various businesses and individuals. Thank you very much to the 2024 New Year Gorham Sponsors.

The New Year Gorham Committee and the Town of Gorham wish everyone a safe and happy New Year!

GORHAM, ME — Gorham Food Pantry Friends are getting ready to hand out toothbrushes and toothpaste to our clients during the month of January; any dental care items that we receive during December will be put to good use in the next few weeks.  Thanks!

GORHAM, ME — Gorham BackPack Program is giving a heartfelt THANK YOU to all the incredible volunteers who make the BackPack Program possible! Whether you’re managing inventory, placing orders, packing or distributing bags, donating items, or contributing financially—you are the backbone of the program.

Your generosity and dedication ensure that no child in the Gorham Schools goes without food, and we truly couldn’t do it without the unwavering support of our amazing Gorham community.

As we head into Winter Break, our hearts are filled with appreciation and gratitude for each and every one of you. Together, we are making a difference.

Thank you for being part of this journey with us!

GORHAM, ME — If you are looking for a fun senior center with lots of activities daily, come join us at Little Falls Activity Center, 40 Acorn Street, Gorham, Maine.  We are open from 8:30 to 2 or 3 pm depending on the activity.  Our calendar is online. 

Call Gerry Day, President, at 839-3859 for more information 

Membership fee is $20 a year with many perks. 

GORHAM, ME — Every two weeks for the past two years, a group of women meet at the library to discuss the prose and poetry they have written. They call themselves Women Who Write. Last month, they co-hosted a community reception with the library and read stories, poems, and other works they developed over their time together.

Afterward, everybody got to enjoy delicious refreshments and delightful conversations at the Women Who Write reception. Hands down, the event was a great literary and social success!

Many thanks (L-R) to Cheri Wing-Jones, Windham; Annie Boissevain, Gray;  Mary Snell, Gorham; Carolyn Gaul, Windham; and Lynne Mentzer, Gorham. Your works were thoughtful, funny, serious, well-written, and well-delivered. Also, thanks to our friends next door, the North Gorham Fire Department, for letting us use the Community Room.

We’re already talking about next year’s reception!

MAINE — If you use a generator, be aware of the danger of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning and know how to use your generator safely:

1) Never run gas powered generators in the garage, barn, or shed (even with the door open).

2) Keep the generator at least 20 ft. from windows and doors.

3) Make sure your CO detectors in your home have fresh batteries.

Written by Wendy Bowen, Casco FCU and Jake Holmes, Maine Credit Union League

As we step into the New Year, it’s a great time to reassess our habits and resolutions—and that includes safeguarding ourselves against scams. Fraudsters are always looking for new ways to take advantage of unsuspecting individuals, especially during periods of transition like the start of a new year. Whether it’s a fraudulent investment opportunity, a phishing email, or a phone scam, the tactics used by scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated. We’re sharing some tips from Jake Holmes, Director of Outreach and Financial Education at the Maine Credit Union League. He’ll explain red flags to watch out for and practical steps you can take to protect yourself from scams, helping you stay safe and secure as you begin a fresh year.

What is a scam? A scam is a scheme or a trick that uses misinformation and scare tactics to obtain your personal, financial, or other important information. Scams can take place over the phone, by email, mail, and even in person. The groups or individuals perpetrating these schemes, known as scammers or fraudsters, often pose as people, agencies, and companies that you know and trust.

What are some signs of a scam? You need to act fast. Acting in urgency is a warning sign of a scam. Scammers want you to act quickly and make payments without taking the time to think the situation through. They’re using fear tactics. If someone threatens to arrest you, sue you, or subject you to any other consequences if you don’t pay them, it’s likely a scam. Scammers know that fear can lead to poor judgement. Unusual payment methods are requested. If you are asked to send a payment via a wire transfer, prepaid card, or cryptocurrency, do not do it. These methods are nearly untraceable, and once the money is sent, it’s usually gone for good. Pre-payment is requested. If someone offers you a prize or debt relief, if you pay an upfront fee or shipping cost to get it, it’s most likely a scam. They want your personal information. If you are contacted and asked to verify sensitive information over the phone, hang up. Never provide personally identifiable information like your birthday or social security number in response to an unsolicited call, email, or text message. You need to keep it a secret. If you are asked to keep a transaction a secret, it’s likely because the scammer doesn’t want you to share the situation with someone who might detect it as a scam.

How can you avoid scams? Never open unsolicited attachments or links. If you receive an unexpected text, email, or message that contains an attachment or link, delete it. Store or shred documents with personal information. If you have documents with your birthdate, passwords, Social Security Number, or other personal information, store them away for prying eyes or hands, or shred them before disposing of them. When in doubt, don’t give it out. Trust your instinct. If someone asks for your information and you feel uncomfortable or that it could be a scam, end contact with them. Casco FCU emphasizes that protecting yourself from scams in the New Year demands awareness, vigilance, and proactive steps. By staying informed about common scam tactics and adopting security best practices, you can minimize the risk of falling victim to fraud. Sign up to have Casco FCU immediately text you alerts about new scams happening in our community. The more awareness we spread, can help prevent future victims. Simply text the word Casco to 207-530- 8205. Message and data rates may apply, opt out at any time. Call 207-839-5588 with any questions. As you embrace the new year, Casco FCU wants you to make it a priority to stay alert, secure, and prepared to spot potential scams, ensuring a safer and more confident year ahead for you and your loved ones.

MAINE – Presumpscot Regional Land Trust says thank you to our volunteers, who have been essential in making this year a success. From trail maintenance to outreach efforts, your time and dedication are at the heart of what we do. We can’t thank you enough for your commitment to preserving and enhancing our natural spaces.

Thank you to our volunteers who helped with our mailing party at the end of November, thank you: Jan Bosse, David Cole, Joanne Chessey, Amy Leddy, Terri Powell, Nancy Rollo, Allen Sample, Sandy Truslow, Mikki vanSummern, and friends!

Thank you for our trail work volunteers: Jim McBride, Allen Sample, Stephen Signor, David VonSeggern, and Jen Deraspe.

Thank you to our partners from at Strive for their work clearing trails at Rivermeadow Nature Preserve.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY

What We Need:

Volunteers who are knowledgeable about local flora, fauna, and trail safety.

Individuals who enjoy engaging with people and fostering a love for nature.

A commitment to lead one hike per month.

What We Offer:

Training and support from our team.

Opportunities to connect with fellow nature enthusiasts.

A chance to make a positive impact in your community.

Interested? Please contact Brenna Crothers at brenna@prlt.org for more information and to sign up.

Thank you for considering this opportunity to inspire others to explore and appreciate our natural resources!