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Gorham kindergarten parent information meetings scheduled

GORHAM, ME — Gorham Kindergarten Parent Information Meetings for our incoming 2024 Kindergarten students are coming up soon! If you have not pre-registered yet, please do so as we will be sending reminder emails and future communication to those that have pre-registered!

Parent information meetings will be held on Thursday, March 7th at 5:30pm at your neighborhood school. At this meeting, parents will meet school staff, learn about a day-in-the-life of a Kindergarten student, and receive information about the enrollment process. This meeting is for parents/guardians ONLY! You will pick up enrollment packets, receive information on how to schedule your student for a Kindergarten screening, and learn about a future date to bring your student in to see the school!

Please click on your neighborhood school on the Gorham school district website and pre-register using the kindergarten registration link. All families that have a student entering Kindergarten should pre-register (even if they are currently in the PK program at Narragansett this year).

Gorham HS students volunteer at North Gorham Public Library

GORHAM, ME – We at the North Gorham Public Library have a wonderful group of Student Volunteers from Gorham High School and Windham Christian School who have added a whole new dimension to our library family. With their help, we have instituted a routine of checking the order of books on the shelves and assessing any that haven’t been borrowed in more than 10 years. We are also delighted to hear their views on books and authors.

Many schools require high school students to complete social service hours to graduate. If your school does and you’re looking for a place to volunteer or if you just love books and libraries, please reach out to us.

NEWS CENTER Maine collects coats, toys for local kids

PORTLAND-BANGOR, ME – In just over one month, more than 14,000 coats, 3,860 toys, and $16,111 were donated to The Salvation Army during NEWS CENTER Maine’s 41st year of Coats and Toys for Kids campaign. The campaign started in mid-November collecting gently used coats and new toys at Hannaford and Shaw’s stores. NEWS CENTER Maine also offered donors the option to purchase a new coat or toy from The Coats and Toys for Kids Wish List and have it delivered directly to the Salvation Army.

All items were distributed statewide to help Mainers stay warm this winter season. Money from the donations was given to nine Salvation Army locations to purchase more coats and toys to help their communities. Toys were distributed throughout Maine to families in need during the holiday season. Coats, blankets, hats, gloves, and snowsuits have been and will continue to be distributed throughout the winter months.

NEWS CENTER Maine was able to hold its one-day, live kick–off event, Coats and Toys for Kids Day on December 2, 2023, sponsored by Maine Savings Bank. Mainers once again stepped up and donated coats and toys to help fellow Mainers. NEWS CENTER Maine crews were live at Pratt Abbott in Portland, Hannaford in Augusta and Sanford, and Shaw’s in Auburn and Bangor.

“We’ve all been children,” Salvation Army’s Ted Tressler stated. “We know what Christmas morning feels like. For those who have – it’s a wonderful time. For those who have not – not so much.”

NEWS CENTER Maine not only thanks the viewers who made donations or purchases for the campaign, but also appreciates Pratt Abbott Cleaners for cleaning all the gently used coats, PepsiCo for distributing the coats and toys boxes, and Hannaford and Shaw’s for hosting the collection boxes in its stores.

Coats for Kids was originally designed 41 years ago by The Salvation Army. NEWS CENTER Maine became a partner seven years later helping to collect coats for Maine families who cannot afford a warm winter coat.

In November of each year, donation boxes are placed in the NEWS RELEASE Hannaford Supermarkets and Shaw’s stores across the state. In 2004, NEWS CENTER Maine also saw the need for toys during the holiday season and expanded the program to Coats and Toys for Kids.

All the coats are cleaned and stored by Pratt-Abbott Cleaners and the Salvation Army distributes the coats and toys. PepsiCo has assisted this great effort by donating and delivering the boxes to Hannaford Supermarkets and Shaw’s stores.

By estimation, NEWS CENTER Maine has collected more than 869,000 coats – all of which have helped to keep Maine children warm. Since 2004, they have collected 85,910 toys to distribute to those in need during the holiday season.

Brian Yocono and David Guildford help to fill a Salvation Army van with coats and toys from The Coats and Toys Wish List

Chris Costa and Anne Baldridge help fill a truck with items from the Coats and Toys for Kids Wish List

NCM morning report team with a viewer in Sanford on Coats and Toys for Kids Day

NCM talent and employees helping to collect coats and toys in Auburn on Coats and Toys for Kids Day

MOFF presents celebratory film event for Int’l Women’s Day

PORTLAND, ME — Join The Maine Outdoor Film Festival at Toad & Co. in East Bayside to celebrate International Women’s Day with a two hour program of women-driven* outdoor adventure and conservation short films. It’s our 2nd Annual WOMEN IN THE WILD.

Friday, March 8 (International Women’s Day),

Venue Name: Toad & Co, East Bayside, Portland, ME

Street Address: 31 Diamond St B, Portland, ME 04101

Time: Doors at 6:00PM, films begin at 7PM, end approximately 9PM

Tickets: $15 Advance / $18 at the Door

Nonprofit Partner: The Maine chapter of the Pink Boots Society  – who aims to assist, inspire and encourage women and nonbinary individuals in the fermented/alcoholic beverage industry to advance their careers through education – will be offering beer samples with any donations going directly toward their mission. Please read about the Pink Boots Society expected behavior at events.

Screening Sponsor and Host: Toad&Co, committed to designing clothes that make you feel good, inside and out. The Toad&Co Portland location features our pre-loved program, ToadAgain as well as a curated selection of vintage apparel, locally made goods, and sustainable clothing from our 2024 spring collection.

Festival Sponsor: The 2023 Maine Outdoor Film Festival is presented by ReVision Energy

Other Info: The film program will last about two hours, including a 15-minute intermission. The screening will be inside the Toad & Co warehouse and seating is limited. Seltzer, Cider, Beer and Wine samples are for 21+ individuals with ID. Film program is subject to change.

*MOFF strives for an inclusive and equitable world where all genders and identities experience a sense of belonging without fear or judgment.

 Film Program:

#MOCRAZYSTRONG – 18 minutes – by Jamie MoCrazy, Mark Locki – from Utah – Short synopsis: Professional skier Jamie MoCrazy suffered a serious traumatic brain injury following an accident at World Tour Finals 2015, but following years of rehab, her miraculous recovery helped revolutionize TBI treatment and charted her on a course to help others with TBI challenges. #MoCrazyStrong tells the important story of family involvement, losing and regaining your identity and working through the challenges that traumatic brain injuries present on the path to recovery.

IF THE ISLAND COULD TALK – 29 minutes – by Katie Fisher – from New York – Short synopsis: A mile off the coast of Boston Harbor in Massachusetts lies a tiny island coined Peddocks, home to a tight-knit, working-class community that is a relic of a century-old Portuguese fishing village, maintaining and passing down their humble cottages since the 1800s. Now, the state has claimed the island for parkland, and the current generation is the last to own their beloved summer escape. The film takes a look at the islanders’ efforts to preserve its traditions and ruminate its history.

CHICAS AL AGUA – 17.99 minutes – by Liz McGregor – from Maine – Short synopsis: You can count the number of female paddlers in Futaleufu, Chile on one hand… and they want to change that. After many riverside matés and floating conversations, the idea to create a kayak course for local teenage girls was hatched. Thanks to a committed group of women from around the globe, what started as a dream is now an inspirational contribution to the local community.

INTERMISSION

ELEVATED – 15 minutes – by Palmer Morse – from California – Short synopsis: Effective communication is a challenge every climber faces. It’s a sport that requires intense focus, dedication, and overcoming fear. For Deaf climber Sonya Wilson, communication and community is of vital importance. Elevated is a non-verbal film sharing Sonya’s experience as a Deaf woman and outdoor advocate working to bridge the gap between the Deaf community and the outdoor industry, one crag at a time.

ADAPTIVE ADVENTURE – 14 minutes – by Meg White – from United Kingdom – Short synopsis: While navigating her way through an arduous journey with lupus, Kate Appleby continually engages and wholeheartedly immerses herself in outdoor adventures. Spreading awareness of hidden illnesses, Kate has become a powerfully inspiring woman among those in the outdoor community. This documentary examines the psychological and physical benefits yielded through thoughtful and respectful engagement with one’s environment and explores the human connection to nature.

WHATEVER FLOATS YOUR GOAT – 5.66 minutes – by Jack Lewis Elder – from Colorado – Short synopsis: Nico is a woman in her late 20s who lives in her sprinter van with 2 goats, 3 chickens and a dog. In this quirky 6 minute film you’ll spend a day with Nico goat-packing a raft up to a high mountain lake. We take a dive into her lifestyle, the goats’ personalities, and Nico’s deeper mission to use her unique lifestyle for sustainability education.

LOVE – 14.68 minutes – by Tara Reynvaan Kerzhner – from Colorado – Short synopsis: After a miscarriage and a historic ascent of the famous sport climb Dreamcatcher, Paige Claassen follows her own path as a professional athlete training through pregnancy, finding new meaning in strength and identity through the early days of motherhood.

Gorham MS Cheerleaders take 1st place, finish season undefeated

GORHAM, ME — Congratulations to the Gorham Middle School Cheerleaders for their first-place win. They also had the highest score of the entire competition. They are ending their season undefeated.

Connector Road between Gorham & Maine Turnpike announced

PORTLAND, ME – A specific location for a regional connector road between Exit 45 on the Maine Turnpike and the Gorham Bypass of Route 114, south of Gorham Village, was announced today by area municipalities in partnership with Maine Turnpike Authority (MTA) and Maine Department of Transportation (MaineDOT).

Fueled by direction from the Maine Legislature and joint municipal/agency agreements with Gorham, Scarborough, Westbrook, South Portland, and MaineDOT, MTA has been working on plans for this connector for multiple years. The need for such a connection has been part of regional transportation conversations for over two decades. MTA has been meeting with the Army Corps of Engineers and the Maine Department of Environmental Protection since 2014, with increased engagement since 2019 in preparation for the required environmental review.

Because toll revenue will fully fund the connector’s construction and ongoing maintenance, no taxpayer dollars will be required to make the road a reality.

In terms of mapping the specific alignment the road will take, MTA started with determining the two endpoints of the connector: Turnpike Exit 45 in South Portland at one end, and the junction of the Gorham Bypass with Route 114, south of Gorham Village, on the other end. The criteria used to determine the route in between heavily depended on skirting as many environmentally sensitive areas as possible and avoiding negative effects on homes and businesses.

Area municipalities have long awaited this connector road and are helping to host and facilitate the public outreach program. Tom Hall, Scarborough Town Manager, indicated they will shortly be at the point where direct public feedback is desirable. A project website is immediately available for public access, showcasing a background video, FAQs, project updates, and, most importantly, an easy-to-access format for the public to comment and ask questions 24/7.

The first public meeting for this project will take place in March in Gorham. The meeting will provide multiple opportunities to learn about the project, ask questions, and make comments. The meeting will be available virtually for those who cannot or do not choose to travel. More details on the public meeting will be available several weeks prior to the meeting date.

Hall noted that over the past 18 months, meetings and conversations have taken place with landowners and with the municipalities and agencies that have signed multiple Memorandums of Understanding regarding the connector and other key transportation and environmental stakeholders. Hall added, “Many good early conversations have taken place, and we now look forward to broadening the dialogue.”

Proposed roadway alignment for potential Gorham Connector

Reminder from Gorham Economic Development Corporation

GORHAM, ME — Important notice for those who have not requested forgiveness or begun repayment of your pandemic Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Forgivable Loan or Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL):

WHAT IS HAPPENING: If borrowers have not begun payment or requested forgiveness, the loan balance could be referred to Treasury for collection.

WHY THIS MATTERS: A referral to Treasury will result in a significant fee being added to your loan, garnishment of future wages, Social Security benefits, and tax refund. Defaulting on a government loan could severely impact credit and is very difficult to undo.

TAKE ACTION NOW: Visit SBA’s PPP Direct Forgiveness Portal at https://directforgiveness.sba.gov or call 1-877-522-2692. If you got a PPP loan and think it might have been forgiven (but aren’t sure), it’s important to check – you should have received something in writing from your lender. For EIDL loans, contact 1-833-853-5638 or COVIDEIDLServicing@sba.gov. If you are unable to pay, you NEED to contact the SBA to arrange a Hardship Accommodation Plan.

Interfaith service: Solidarity with suffering in the Middle East

BRUNSWICK, ME — The Brunswick Area Interfaith Council (BAIC) is pleased to announce an interfaith service in response to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. As faith leaders from a variety of backgrounds, we feel a need to speak out and strive together for an end to suffering. If your heart is breaking (as ours are), if you find yourself bereft of hope or isolated, please consider joining us as we come together in solidarity with one another and with all who are suffering.

The interfaith service will include readings, prayers, wisdom, and music from our various traditions, and is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, February 28th, at 4:00 pm at Fellowship Hall in Pilgrim House (of First Parish UCC, directly across the street from Bowdoin College). (Snow date: 4 pm on the 29th.) The service will last approximately 1 hour, followed by a time of fellowship with Middle Eastern snacks to highlight a common connection shared through food in the region. Registration is free but required for security purposes. Visit https://rb.gy/f967ip.

About BAIC

The Brunswick Area Interfaith Council (BAIC) is a non-sectarian, not-for-profit agency committed to fostering understanding, respect, and cooperation among diverse faith traditions in the Brunswick area. Through collaborative efforts, BAIC promotes the religious life and spiritual, moral and social welfare of our larger Brunswick Area community.

Cajun Cookin’ returns for flavorful Fat Tuesday feast

PORTLAND, ME — WMPG, Portland’s beloved community radio station, is thrilled to announce the return of its highly anticipated annual event, the Cajun Cookin’ Challenge. This gastronomic celebration will take place on Fat Tuesday, February 13th, from 11 am to 2 pm at the McGoldrick Student Success Center on the Portland Campus of the University of Southern Maine.

Station Manager, Jim Rand says “The Cajun Cookin’ Challenge promises to be a feast for the senses, featuring a perfect blend of vibrant Cajun music, delectable food, and good old-fashioned fun”. Attendees can expect an unforgettable experience as they indulge in the rich and spicy flavors of authentic Cajun cuisine.

Local restaurants and caterers will showcase their culinary prowess, offering a diverse array of Cajun delights for attendees to savor. From savory gumbo to zesty jambalaya, the event will be a true showcase of the region’s culinary talent.

In addition to the mouthwatering dishes, attendees will be treated to Cajun music that will transport them straight to the heart of Louisiana. The lively atmosphere, coupled with the enticing aromas wafting from the food stations, promises to create a festive and communal experience for all.

The McGoldrick Student Success Center provides the perfect backdrop for this celebration, offering ample space for attendees to mingle, enjoy the music, and savor the delicious offerings from the participating vendors.

“We are excited to bring back the Cajun Cookin’ Challenge for another year of culinary delight and community celebration,” said Annella Linton, Development Director at WMPG. “This event has become a cherished tradition in our community, and we can’t wait to see everyone come together to enjoy great food, music, and company.”

Experience the joy of Mardis Gras close to home

PORTLAND, ME — For the first time, after appearing only in the Mount Washington Valley for the benefit of Mountain Top Music Center since their inaugural show @ Stone Mountain Arts Center on February 25, 2020, Mardis Gras with The Heather Pierson Band will be live at One Longfellow Square on Friday February 9, 2024 at 8:00 pm.

The Band includes Craig Bryan, Shawn Nadeau, Mike Sakash, Davy Sturtevant, and George Wiese, all stellar musicians and they and Heather Pierson are thrilled to be bringing this wonderfully collaborative show to Portland, Maine!

Doors at 7:00 pm; Tickets are $25 Adv, $35 Day of show. 


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