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!

BRUNSWICK, ME — Maine State Music Theatre (MSMT) is excited to announce a magical holiday event for families, the MSMT Santa Sing-a-Long, taking place on Saturday, December 14, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at MSMT Creative Studios, located at 22 Elm Street, Brunswick, ME.

This festive event will feature a special appearance by Santa and Mrs. Claus, offering children the opportunity to meet the holiday icons, share their wish lists, and take memorable photos. To add to the holiday fun, Santa will lead sing-a-longs of classic holiday songs every hour, inviting families to join in the seasonal cheer. In addition, a crafting station will be available where children can create holiday-themed keepsakes to take home, making this a morning of fun and creativity for all ages.

“This event is a fantastic way for MSMT to give back to the community and share the joy of the holiday season,” said Curt Dale Clark, MSMT Artistic Director. “While many think of us as a ‘summer activity,’ we’re thrilled to provide opportunities like the Santa Sing-a-Long that bring families together and create lasting memories throughout the year. It’s a wonderful chance to celebrate the magic of the season right here in Brunswick.”

The MSMT Santa Sing-a-Long is free to attend, and no reservations are required. Families are encouraged to stop by anytime during the event to enjoy this festive experience.

Event Details:

Date: Saturday, December 14

Time: 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Location: MSMT Creative Studios, 22 Elm Street, Brunswick, ME

MSMT invites the entire community to celebrate the season with Santa and Mrs. Claus. For more information, please contact MSMT at 207.725.8769.

GORHAM, ME — Terri Whyte has joined North Gorham Public Library as the new board president. Terri takes over for Kathy Corbett, who has a long history with the library. Kathy was our librarian from early 2010 to the end of 2014. She has served on the Board since then and has been President twice, most recently since 2022. She will continue on the Board as a member at large.

Terri and her family moved to Standish 22 years ago. She has been active in several local communities. While her son was in the Bonny Eagle School system, she worked in the Windham School system. Having the same hours as her son meant she could take him to practices and group events. She was on the Bonny Eagle School Board for six years and has held other volunteer positions with the North Windham Union Church and the Bonny Eagle youth sports programs. She’s been on the North Gorham Public Library Board since 2022. She says she looks forward to meeting many new people in her role as President and seeing that the library continues to be a mainstay of the community.

NGPL also welcomes our newest Board member, Anastasia Sawchuk. Anastasia is a native of Brewer and a University of Maine graduate, She has lived in the Greater Portland area for almost 15 years. She discovered our library when she moved to the Standish Neck community and learned that the closest library was connected to the Fire House on Standish Neck Road.

She enjoys volunteering on Saturdays and helping patrons find the “perfect book”. She also helps at our annual events. Volunteering at the library has allowed her to pursue her love of reading and make some great neighborhood friends. She is thrilled to bring her skills and love for books to the NGPL Board of Trustees.

 Anastasia will be taking over Marie Plummer’s seat on the Board. Thank you, Marie, for your many years of service and for continuing to volunteer. We’ll see you at the upcoming Book Sale!

Welcome new volunteers

Annie Boissevain from Gray

Roberta Willis from Gorham

Kylee Huard, St. Joseph’s College

and returning volunteers

Katherine Wales, Windham Christian School

Ava Moffett, St. Joseph’s College

 Also, thanks to the many volunteers helping us with the Holiday Fair, and the North Gorham Fire Department and the United Church of Christ at North Gorham for letting us use their Community Rooms. We couldn’t do it without you!

GORHAM, ME — Governor Janet Mills announced on December 3, 2024 that a second round of applications is now open for Maine small businesses to help them rebuild and recover from last winter’s devastating storms.

The Department of Economic and Community Development opened applications on December 3rd for approximately $2 million in remaining funding for Maine small businesses and nonprofit organizations through its Business Recovery and Resilience Fund to make storm-related repairs and strengthen infrastructure to better withstand future storms.

The Business Recovery and Resilience Fund was created as part of the $60 million storm relief package secured by the Governor and approved by the Legislature earlier this year — the single largest investment in storm recovery by any Administration in Maine history.

The Mills Administration has already awarded approximately $8 million through the first round of Business Recovery and Resilience grants to 109 Maine businesses and nonprofit organizations to help them recover from last winter’s devastating storms. The Administration has also awarded $21.2 million in resilience grants to help rebuild 68 working waterfronts and $25.2 million in grants for 39 communities to help them recover and build more resilient infrastructure.

The Business Recovery and Resilience Fund provides grants for businesses and organizations, including nonprofit organizations, that have been affected by last winter’s severe storms. Business and non-profit applicants may initially request up to $100,000 toward design, permitting and construction costs for their project. Projects receiving grants may include a recovery component for damage sustained and must include efforts to increase business resilience to future storms and other climate conditions. Funds awarded through the program may can pay for up to 50 percent of total project costs, with applicants providing matching funds equal to the total amount requested. Applications must show that the funding will support efforts to make properties resilient to future weather events.

The application and a Frequently Asked Questions document with additional information are available online. Applications are due by no later than 11:59 pm on January 14th, 2025.

GORHAM, ME – It’s that time of year again, and we are excited to announce our 3rd Annual St. Nick’s Christmas Fundraising Fair, taking place on December 14th at Cressey Christian Church on Cressey Rd., Gorham, ME. Additionally, we will host our “Polar Express Experience” on December 7th at the Kennebec YMCA in Augusta, Maine. Santa & Mrs. Claus will be at both events for the kids along with John Merrifield, musician playing music for the day and featuring an amazing luncheon.

Both events will feature gift collections, raffles, and silent auctions showcasing amazing Maine-made items. We are incredibly thankful to everyone who supported us last year, enabling us to assist families throughout Maine in need.

This initiative began in 2019 with our daughter, Julia Swett, who started the “Giving Tree of Maine.” Julia was featured on WCSH6 207Maine and was honored as the youngest recipient of the WCSH6 Teens Who Care scholarship and award. Since then, we have made significant strides with our events, and we are thrilled to host two major ones this December!

In addition to these events, we are also hosting our “Queen’s Winter Ball” (Bridgerton Experience Event) on November 30th at the Senator Inn & Spa in Augusta. This event, which is currently sold out, aims to raise funds for my husband, Joe Swett, who is on dialysis and on the Maine Transplant List.

The Queen’s Winter Ball will feature an exciting silent auction with amazing items, including a signed helmet by Tom Brady, a signed stand-up photo by Taylor Swift, and signed memorabilia by Larry Bird and Kevin McHale. We are also proud to present performances by Thomas Bailey, a talented 13-year-old sixth-generation violinist who plays at Maine hockey games, and Steph Dlugan, who will perform on the electric violin.

GORHAM, ME — North Gorham Public Library will be hosting its annual Holiday Craft & Book Fair on Saturday, December 7, from 9 to 2. Mark your Calendar!

This year, we’re offering a little more than usual and a few changes. First, we’re taking advantage of all the available space in our corner of North Gorham. The Library, Fire Department, and United Church of Christ will all buzz with activity.

The book sale will be in the Fire Department Community Room to the left of our front door. In the library, to the right of the front door, we’ll sell raffle tickets for a beautiful quilt, several gift certificates to local businesses and establishments, and a few other items.

The library will also be offering free child care. Leave your children in the capable hands of Paula Boyce, who runs our weekly Story Hour, Becky Steenburg, who fills in when Paula is away, and St. Joseph’s College student and library volunteer Ava Moffet. They’ll read stories and do crafts with the kids while you shop, shop, shop!

We are also hosting two mini estate sales in the library. Collections from two separate estates — Ice Yarns for knitting enthusiasts and costume jewelry. Every penny raised from the sales will go to North Gorham Public Library.

The craft fair will be next door in the church’s community room. The extra room will allow us to include more vendors. The Church Guild will also be there with their annual Holiday Bake Sale. Delicious homemade goodies.

We’ve been working hard to get everything set up. We hope you’ll take the time to visit all three locations, which are all accessible.  Our volunteers will help point the way for you and answer any questions.

See you Saturday, December 7 from 9 am to 2 pm!

GORHAM, ME — The Cherry Hill Dryland Dash is back! Save the date! Saturday December 7 at 7AM!

This one day race will feature the same 2.2 mile course as last year. Classes will include canicross, 1 & 2 dog bike, 1 & 2 dog scooter, fun run, and the relay. More info to come!

Cherry Hill Rd, Gorham, ME 04038, United States

GORHAM, ME — Paul Doiron will read from his crime novel series featuring Maine game warden Mike Bowditch, answer questions, and sign books, which will be available for purchase from The Bookworm at the event.

This reading is open to the public and free of charge

GORHAM, ME — Will they do it? Can a theatre ensemble possibly perform thirty plays in under an hour?! Join the USM Department of Theatre for the high-octane, interactive theatre experience that is Greg Allen’s 30 Neo-Futurist Plays from Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind (30 Plays in 60 Minutes), one of Chicago’s longest-running theatre phenomena.

Each night audiences receive a menu of play titles that run the gamut between funny, serious, political, poignant, and abstract. Part theatre, part sporting event, each night is different as the audience determines the order and cheers on the cast to make it past the finish line before the buzzer sounds.

USM Theatre’s Associate Professor, Rachel Price Cooper, directs the USM Department of Theatre’s first-year cohort in this play that truly has something for everyone. “There is a lot of audience participation in that everyone receives a menu of all the plays on their way in and gets to yell out which ones they want to see”, she says. “It’s a kind of choose-your-own-adventure theatre experience. It’s a great one to take your friend to who thinks they don’t like live theatre. It is also great for those of us (myself included) who don’t have the longest attention span. This will keep you interested, start to finish. You’ll laugh, you’ll think, and can come back a second time and have another totally new experience.”

30 Neo-Futurist Plays from Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind (30 plays in 60 minutes)

By Greg Allen

Directed by Rachel Price Cooper

December 5-8, 2024

Russell Hall, USM Gorham Campus

Performances

December 5th at 7pm

December 6th at 7pm

December 7th at 7pm

December 8th at 2pm

Location

Russell Hall Stage, USM Gorham Campus

Tickets

Online: https://usm.maine.edu/department-theatre/box-office-tickets Box Office: 207-780-5151

$18 for Adults

$14 for USM Faculty, Staff & Students

$12 for Seniors

$8 for Students/Youth

Pay-What-You-Can on Thursday, December 5th.

Content Advisory

This show contains the use of strobe and flashing lights; profanity, depictions of alcohol consumption, violence; brief references to suicide.

Appropriate for ages 14 and up.

Those needing special accommodations to participate fully in this program, contact Janice Gardner at (207)780-5289 or janice.gardner@maine.edu. Hearing impaired: call USM’s telex / TDD number (207)780-5646.

Students Jamie Henderson, Cece Flint, Ethan Mann in a recent rehearsal.  Photo by Kat Moraros Photography.