SOUTH PORTLAND, ME — American Idol star Julia Gagnon will have a free Halloween performance at the Maine Mall-area Goodwill store 4:30-6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 18. Gagnon, a former Goodwill NNE employee, learned interpersonal skills working at the Falmouth, ME Goodwill that she now uses in her singing career. Now, Gagnon is giving back to the local nonprofit by helping to promote sustainable Halloween shopping. 

“In the three years I worked at Goodwill, I learned how to talk with people and the fact that everyone has a different story that is unique and beautiful in their own way,” Julia said. “I also learned how important shopping secondhand can be when it comes to the environment.” As advocates for sustainable fashion, Julia and Goodwill NNE are partnering up to bring a special DIY costume shopping experience that celebrates secondhand.

About 83% of costumes end up in landfills. Shopping secondhand, especially for Halloween, has never been more important. A leader in reuse, Goodwill NNE diverts 50+ million pounds of donated goods from landfills annually and makes shopping secondhand accessible and affordable. That’s important because according to Goodwill Industries International’s 2024 Halloween Survey, inflation is impacting what families are able to spend on Halloween costumes this year.

The survey shows that more people are planning DIY costumes this year with pop-culture and character-based costumes leading in popularity. Julia and Goodwill NNE will be serving thrifted costume inspiration like “how to make an idol” on their social media platforms and in-person at the event. 

“The average consumer can no longer afford to spend $50 dollars on something they’ll only wear once,” said Goodwill NNE’s Vice President of Retail, Dave Robison. “We’re here to provide affordable, sustainable costumes that offer room for creativity, and discourage throw-away culture.”

Revenue from Goodwill NNE stores goes towards funding their mission of helping people achieve personal stability in Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont. We at Goodwill like to call it value shopping, with values.

Julia and her fiancé Nate will be performing a mini-concert followed by a meet-and-greet at the event on Oct. 18  at the Goodwill store at 555 Maine Mall Road in South Portland. With your support, we’ll make a difference to people in our northern New England community, and the planet.

 WINDHAM, ME — Saturday October 19th from 5:30-11 pm at 14 Lilac Drive in Windham, Riding To The Top Therapeutic (RTT) Riding Center will host its 16th Annual Triple B ~ Boots, Band and BBQ.

This year’s event will celebrate “Team RTT,” and all the different ways that this manifests at the farm – from riding teams to volunteers to staff to client families to paddock mates. RTT pays tribute to the people, horses, businesses and organizations that have helped sustain Riding The Top since its beginning in 1993. Organizers for the October 19th event have a goal of raising $200,000 to support Financial Aid for RTT’s clients and Horse Care.

The evening will feature Schilly’s mouthwatering barbecue, a Mission Based Auction, dancing to the live music of local favorite “Under The Covers,” a fantastic raffle, photo booth, boot contests and door prizes.  Michelle Taylor of 99.9 THE WOLF will return to emcee and auctioneer Elizabeth Ross Holmstrom will call the unique mission based auction.  

This annual “Party with a Purpose” plays a vital to role in RTT’s ability to provide equine-assisted services for local children and adults with disabilities. Sarah Bronson, RTT’s Executive Director, shared that “this event has become a community favorite. While raising critical funds to support RTT’s programs and most notably our Rider and Horse Funds, it’s also an incredibly fun evening for our guests, including some time meeting our horses, enjoying delicious food, music and dancing!”

This year’s Triple B is supported by many local business partners led by our Grand Champion Sponsor, Portland Volvo, and Reserve Champion Sponsor, Norway Savings Bank.

If you’re interested in more information or reserving your tickets today, please visit: https://www.ridingtothetop.org/tripleb

RTT Client and volunteer riding team work with herd member, Dream

RTT Client and volunteer riding team walk with herd member, Paxton

GORHAM, ME — Halloween is creeping up and many stores have already started putting out inventory at scary good prices. Whether you’re looking for spooky decorations or a hat to finish your look, Goodwill is here for all your Halloween needs.

When you donate and shop at Goodwill, you’re supporting a circular economy (no trick here). And that’s the real treat! Have an old costume? Donate it today for someone else to enjoy!

GORHAM, ME – On Saturday, October 26, 2024, 7:00 PM at McCormack Performing Arts Center — Gorham High School, 41 Morrill Avenue, Gorham, Maine’s largest fiddle orchestra will perform.

Tickets available online or at the door $20 adults, $15 students.

Ages 12 and under free.

Summary of concert information and tickets available at  fiddleicious.com/performances/

GORHAM, ME — All are invited to attend a public Open House:

When: October 15th from 5:30 to 7:30pm on Tuesday, October 15th

Where: Gorham Municipal Center (Burleigh H. Loveitt Council Chambers)

 The Town of Gorham has hired Camoin Associates, a leading economic development consulting firm, to create an Economic Development Strategic Plan.  This plan will define an economic vision for the next 5-10 years with corresponding goals, strategies and actions through economic and market research, land use analysis and a comprehensive assessment of local assets.  In addition, the consultants are engaging community and business leaders in one-on-one interviews and small group forums, and they are seeking input from citizens to inform and guide their recommendations.

The Open House is an opportunity for citizens to contribute their opinions and feedback to the strategy.  The format allows for participants to “drop in” at any time between 5:30pm – 7:30pm.  Topics will include local business climate; commercial land use; development opportunities; and community assets.

Unable to attend?

Citizens unable to attend can share input via a digital survey at the Town’s website.

Questions

For assistance with questions leading up to the event, please contact Kevin Jensen – Economic Development Director via email at kjensen@gorham.me.us or by phone at 207-222-1628.

WESTBROOK, ME — Join us as we play toe-tapping fun and familiar music for all ages – show tunes, marches, and patriotic tunes!

Tuesday, October 15, 2024  7PM – 8PM

Westbrook Community Center

426 Bridge St. Westbrook, ME

GORHAM, ME — White Rock Community Clubhouse at 34 Wilson Road, Gorham invites the public to a homemade bean supper on Saturday, October 5,  4:00-5:30pm.

Eat in or take out. Meal includes baked kidney & pea beans, coleslaw, potato salad, macaroni & cheese, biscuits, hot dogs and dessert.  $10 adults, $5 under 12

Follow us on Facebook for updates: facebook.com/whiterockcommunityclub

GORHAM, ME — Real estate and personal property tax bills for the fiscal year 2024-2025 will be mailed to property owners and available online by or before October 1, 2024.

The tax rate that was set as of the commitment date of September 19, 2024 is $14.70 per one thousand dollars of assessed value.

Town of Gorham taxes are due on November 15, 2024 and May 15, 2024. Payments can be made in-person in the Town Clerk’s Office or placed in the mail and addressed as follows:

Town of Gorham

Tax Collector

75 South Street, Suite 1

Gorham, ME 04038

For assistance with questions relating to real estate and/or personal property taxes, please contact the Assessor at the Cumberland County Regional Assessing Office at 207-699-2475.

GORHAM, ME — Join University of Southern Maine Art Gallery for a panel discussion on October 5 at 4 pm on issues around land claim, mining’s impact on the local economy, and how themes of economic and ecological intertwinement can be viewed as a microcosm of the concerns that face many communities throughout the ecoregion.

This program is part of our under/current exhibition.

Panelists include:

Stephanie Garon, Artist

Bruce Taylor M.D., Public health physician

Nickie Sekera, Community Water Justice

Nick Bennett, Natural Resources Council of Maine Staff Scientist and Healthy Waters Director

Jan Morill, Earthworks Tailing Campaign Manager

Please note: This program will be in-person in our McGoldrick Center and held simultaneously via Zoom. Register for the Zoom session at USM’s website.

This event is sponsored by a Maine Humanities Council Major Grant.

MAINE — Goodwill Northern New England now offers donation pick-ups, thanks to a new partnership with ReSupply. The partnership will begin in the Greater Portland, Maine area and expand in the coming weeks.

“Getting to a donation center can be difficult for some folks, especially if they have large, bulky items like furniture,” said Goodwill’s Director of Logistics Rick Mooney. “Our goal is to make donating easier and more accessible for our communities by offering donation pickups.”

ReSupply offers a fee-based pickup service to donors and in turn provides that donation to Goodwill. Goodwill does not take any part of the pick-up fee. Any items Goodwill cannot take ReSupply will then take to other charities to further help keep items from ending up in landfills.

Goodwill stores and donation centers will always remain a free option for donating clothing and household items. 

ReSupply will initially serve folks surrounding these stores: Biddeford, South Portland (Maine Mall), Gorham, Westbrook, Falmouth, Windham, Topsham and Brunswick.

“We hope our donors find value in this alternative donating option,” Mooney said. “If it’s not your cup of tea, our donation specialists are ready for you at our stores.”

Visit goodwillnne.org/donate/ or call (361) 264-1467 to schedule a donation pickup. ReSupply will reach out to coordinate the pickup within 24-48 hours.