GORHAM, ME – Author Event: Miriam Rimkunas on July 24, 6:00 pm

Join us for a reading and signing by Gorham’s own Miriam Rimkunas from their new novel, Survivor Concentrate: An Apocalyptic Fable.  Concentrate on the vast Siberian taiga and these claustrophobic wood walls. Tucked in the trees of a mountainside, these walls used to shelter the three sisters Popov and their impossible bloody secrets. Now this cabin is home to Song Min-jae, a North Korean fledgling. It is here in these walls that he discovers two doors, which seem to lead nowhere. The sisters Popov built those doors. The youngest built the door in the attic, seeking an escape from her own trauma and hunger. The eldest built her door in the bedroom, seeking only God. And the middle Popov sister, she is a god now. In these wood walls, Min-jae learns he is not alone.  Miriam I. Rimkunas is a lifelong Mainer and writer based in Portland. Prior to this work, they wrote and produced the serialized podcast Extraordinary Terrestrials. When not splicing genres, Miriam enjoys knitting, playing bass, gardening, and worshiping their two cats with their family.

Baxter Memorial Library is now offering Mango Languages using your library card!  Over 70 languages including ASL and ESOL are available anytime with your Baxter library card, and for younger learners we are also offering Little Pim.  Special thanks to the Trustees of the Baxter Memorial Library for funding this new offering!!  For more information, check out https://baxterlibrary.org/mango-languages/

Baxter Memorial Library’s Adult Summer Reading program continues throughout July and into August! 

Adults should be able to have a little fun and get credit for reading over the summer too! Fill out a raffle ticket for every book you read, either online (https://forms.office.com/r/R3G9yuBLiv) or in person, to be entered into weekly drawings for prizes and be in the running for our grand prize drawings at the end of the summer! No fine print needed – read anything! Everything counts: beach reads, serious reads, audiobooks, books you read aloud to kids. Reward yourself anytime for your reading progress by picking up stickers, bookmarks, and buttons from the library. 

Lakes Region Art Studio Exhibit runs from July 1 through July 31!  We have a truly lovely display of paintings and drawings produced by local artists from The Lakes Region Senior Center!

LEE, NH — Get ready to immerse yourself in a sea of golden blooms as Coppal House Farm proudly presents its annual Sunflower Festival, taking place Saturday, July 26 through Sunday, August 3, 2025. This highly anticipated summer celebration invites visitors of all ages to experience the beauty and joy of walking through five acres of vibrant sunflowers as they bloom throughout the week.

Weekends of the festival features local food vendors, a craft fair with over 40 artisans, and family-friendly activities—including animal viewing and children’s activities. Guests can enjoy live performances from local musicians throughout the weekend and sip local wine in the open-air wine garden, hosted by Flag Hill Distillery & Winery.

Special ticketed events include:

Booze & Blooms – A 21+ evening event on Friday, July 25, featuring early access to the sunflowers, live music by Black Sheep, and a glass of Flag Hill wine in a commemorative glass.

Sunrise in the Sunflowers – An early morning photography and mindfulness experience on Sunday, July 27, offering exclusive access to the fields during the golden hour.

Yoga in the Sunflowers – Flow among the flowers with a peaceful, guided practice surrounded by natural beauty with Align Yoga on Sunday, July 27th or Tuesday, July 29th.

Limited Mobility Day – This pre-ticketed event on Monday, July 28th is designed for those guests who require easier access to view the sunflowers. Make sure to check out their website for more information.

Evening Horse-Drawn Rides (pre-ticketed) – On the evening of Thursday, July 31st enjoy a scenic horse-drawn wagon ride around the sunflowers during the golden evening glow.

Sip n’ Snip (pre-ticketed) – This new event is perfect for a lady’s night out. Enjoy a cocktail while building your own beautiful bouquet with the guidance of a local flower farmer.

Tickets: Buy early and save! Discounted tickets are available online until midnight the night before your chosen date. Regular admission is available on a day online or at the farm.

“We look forward to this event all year,” says Carol Hutton, owner of Coppal House Farm. “It’s a chance to share the natural beauty of our farm with the community and to support several local non-profits through festival proceeds.”

Come wander the fields, make lasting memories, and celebrate summer at its most radiant.

Whether you’re a flower enthusiast, local adventurer, or just looking for a unique day trip, the Sunflower Festival is the perfect place to soak up the joy of summer. Come wander, wonder, and smile with us! Learn more & plan your visit: www.nhsunflower.com

About Coppal House Farm: Coppal House Farm is a family-owned and operated working farm in Lee, New Hampshire, offering sustainable agriculture, seasonal events, and a deep commitment to community. The Sunflower Festival is one of the farm’s signature events, drawing thousands of visitors each summer.

GORHAM, ME – North Gorham Public Library’s Monday Book Club will meet in the library on Monday, July 28, from 11:00 to noon. The group is reading How to Read a Book by Monica Wood. 

GORHAM, ME – Applicants on the Gorham Planning Board Agenda recently received a scam email requesting wire transfer payment of additional fees for their projects. Town IT staff confirmed that the information was extracted from the Planning Board application materials posted on the Town website.

Please be aware that the Town of Gorham will not request and does not accept payment for projects from applicants through wire transfers, and if additional funds are needed for a project, Town of Gorham staff will contact applicants and/or request that applicants make payment at the Gorham Municipal Center.

If a citizen has clicked a website link contained in an email scam that was requesting payment via wire transfer for projects that are under review by the Gorham Planning Board, and if the citizen has entered any personal information through the website link, it is recommended that they contact the Gorham Police Department at their non-emergency phone number at 207-839-5581 for further guidance.

GORHAM, ME – Baxter Memorial Library is now offering Mango Languages using your library card!  We’re still working on the promotional materials, but there are some links on our website to get you started.  Over 70 languages including ASL and ESOL are available anytime with your Baxter library card, and for younger learners we are also offering Little Pim.  Special thanks to the Trustees of the Baxter Memorial Library for funding this new offering!!  For more information, check out https://baxterlibrary.org/mango-languages/

Baxter Memorial Library’s Adult Summer Reading program continues throughout July and into August! 

Adults should be able to have a little fun and get credit for reading over the summer too! Fill out a raffle ticket for every book you read, either online (https://forms.office.com/r/R3G9yuBLiv) or in person, to be entered into weekly drawings for prizes and be in the running for our grand prize drawings at the end of the summer! No fine print needed – read anything! Everything counts: beach reads, serious reads, audiobooks, books you read aloud to kids. Reward yourself anytime for your reading progress by picking up stickers, bookmarks, and buttons from the library. 

By Allison Carrier, Scarborough Marketing & Communications Manager

Construction is officially underway on the long-anticipated Close the Gap project in Scarborough, Maine.

In partnership with the Town of Scarborough, Eastern Trail Alliance, and the MaineDOT, this project will add 1.6 miles of off-road trail to the Eastern Trail, connecting the trail segment off Eastern Road to the northern trail segment near the Wainwright Sports Complex in South Portland. This new segment will eliminate a key on-road gap, improving safety and accessibility for trail users.

The completion of a 1.6 mile “gap” in trail will provide 16 miles of continuous off-road connection from South Portland’s Bug Light to Downtown Saco. This project is the result of several years of work to raise the necessary funds, complete the project design, align stakeholders, and acquire the necessary permits and land rights. It went out to bid in Spring 2025 and construction began in June.

Plans for the Eastern Trail first began in 1998, when a group now called the Eastern Trail Alliance (ETA) held its first public meeting to make a trail connect Scarborough and Saco. Other major milestones were the steel footbridge over the Scarborough Marsh that was installed in November 2004, the South Portland Greenbelt completed in 2005, and trail extensions to Kennebunk in 2010-2011. The “Close the Gap” fundraising campaign began in 2012 with gradual momentum over the past 13 years.

The construction project will be completed in phases. The section from Pleasant Hill Road to Wainwright is expected to be completed by October 2026. The section from the Nonesuch River crossing (off Eastern Road extension) to Pleasant Hill Road will take a little longer, as it requires the construction of two bridges (one over the river, as seen in the photos, and the other over the railroad tracks). The full project will likely be complete in October 2027.

For ongoing project updates, please visit scarboroughmaine.org/close-the-gap.

GORHAM, ME – The Town of Gorham is excited to announce the 2025 Capital Expenditure (“CapEx”) matching grant program to support Gorham businesses and farms seeking to expand and grow through a one-time purchase of a capital item, service or site expansion project. These single, one-time procurements will help grantees accelerate plans for growth, and create opportunities for expansion, innovation and job creation in Gorham. 

The match grant program provides up to 50% reimbursement of a total project with a maximum award of $12,000 awarded to a single business.

The program will award grants to businesses in three distinct sectors using a competitive grant application process 

Agriculture, Agribusiness and Agritourism

Manufacturing and Skilled Trades

Retail & Food Services

Detailed information (including eligibility criteria) and the Application Form can be found at Local Grant Programs – Gorham Economic Development at the Town of Gorham’s website.

The application deadline is July 31, 2025 at 5pm. Applications will be accepted either by email (preferred) or in-person to the Department of Community Development at the Gorham Municipal Center (75 South Street).

For assistance with any questions or to discuss ideas for grant funding, please contact Economic Development Director Kevin Jensen and/or Economic Development Specialist Nina Yeliseyev at 207-222-1620.

GORHAM, ME – Get ready for a summer of adventure with the 2025 Trail Challenge, sponsored by REI Co-op of Westbrook Maine, Westbrook Community Center, the City of Westbrook, Portland Water District, Windham Parks and Recreation, the Town of Windham, and Gorham Parks and Recreation! This community-wide challenge invites you to explore five of our most popular natural sites—and rewards you for doing it.

This self-paced summer adventure is open to all ages—whether you’re looking to hike, bike, or walk your way through some of the region’s most scenic trail systems.

Featured Trail Destinations:

White Mountain Overlook – East Windham Conservation Area, Windham

Mill Brook Overlook  – Mill Brook South Preserve, Westbrook

Diamond Trail Boardwalk  – Black Brook Preserve, Windham

Snake Pond – Part of the Sebago to Sea Trail, Standish (Please note: Snake Pond is located on Portland Water District land. All visitors must register at kiosks located next to the parking areas.)

Gambo Preserve Mill Ring  – Gambo Preserve, Gorham

 Instructions

This year’s challenge is centered around a custom-designed passport, created in partnership with Perch design firm. Here’s how it works:

Register For The Challenge

Register for the challenge on PRLT’s website, then pick up your passport at one of the sponsoring locations, or print your own at PRLT’s website.

Pick Up Your Passport

Passports are available for pick up at the following locations

PRLT Office (Westbrook City Hall, top of the stairs, second floor)

REI (Westbrook)

Windham Town Hall

Westbrook City Hall

Westbrook Community Center

Standish Town Hall

Gorham Parks & Recreation

Download your passport on PRLT’s website, if you would prefer to print your own. Each person participating—kids and adults alike—should have their own passport.

Visit The Trails & Stamp Your Journey

Each of the five featured sites will have:

A clearly marked sign

A stamp station

Use the stamp at each station to mark your passport. You must collect all five stamps to complete the challenge and be eligible for the prize.

Claim Your Prize

Once your passport is complete, bring it to REI Westbrook in early September to receive your exclusive 2025 Trail Challenge water bottle—a badge of honor for your summer accomplishment.

Additionally, submit your favorite photos from the challenge to outreach@prlt.org to enter a raffle for a PRLT-branded Miir Coffee Mug.

By submitting photos, you grant PRLT permission to use them in digital or print publications.

Key Dates:

Passport Pick-Up Begins: June 30

Challenge Runs:  July 1 – August 31, 2025

Prize Pick-up Begins: September, date TBD – email notification will be sent out when prize pick-up begins. As a reminder, you need to be registered for the challenge to be eligible for the prize.

Thank you for being a part of this community effort to connect with nature and each other through local trails. We look forward to seeing you out there!

– The PRLT Team

outreach@prlt.org

P.S. A contribution to our Path Forward Fund helps keep these trails welcoming and maintained.

WINDHAM, ME – Ashley Liberty, a virtuoso violinist, and Daniel Strange, a master pianist, are returning to North Windham Union Church (723 Roosevelt Trail, Windham, Maine) to perform their “Hot Fiddle” concert on Saturday, July 12, at 7 p.m.. Ashley and Daniel are Maine natives from this area and are beloved favorites of local audiences. They are known for their skill at multiple genres of music, including classical, jazz, rock, swing, and, of course, fiddle! They have both accompanied numerous pop, Broadway, and classical performers, including Norm Lewis, Michael Feinstein, Ann Hampton Calloway, Andrea Bocelli, Wyclef Jean, and Bernadette Peters. Ashley and Daniel reside in Miami, but have graciously agreed to perform this benefit concert while home during their summer vacation. Special guests for this show will be Dan and Ashley’s children, Summer and Harrison. This will be their first local Hot Fiddle show since 2019. Their past shows have been to a full house—so come early for the best seats. It will certainly be an evening to remember!

ADMISSION DONATION: The concert is Free Will Offering, with a suggested donation of $15. Seating is by general admission. The lobby opens at 6 p.m. and the doors will open at 6:30 p.m.

More about Sebago Lakes Region Fuller Center for Housing

Started in 2019, the Sebago Lakes Region Fuller Center for Housing is part of a national organization, the Fuller Center for Housing, started by MIllard Fuller, the former founder of Habitat for Humanity. The only Fuller Center in New England, it was founded in Windham, Maine, by five churches—Unity Center for Spiritual Growth, North Windham Union Church, Windham Hill UCC, Raymond Village Community Church, Faith Lutheran Church, and St, Joseph’s College. St Ann’s Episcopal Church of Windham later also joined. The Sebago Lakes Region Fuller Center for Housing is a nonprofit organization that relies on an all-volunteer force to serve seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities in the communities of Windham, Raymond, and Standish.

PORTLAND, ME – The Maine-based non-profit, Lives in the Balance, is excited to welcome the Juno award-winning folk trio The Wailin’ Jennys to Portland’s Merrill Auditorium on November 22, 2025 at 7:30 PM for a special benefit concert. Tickets can be purchased at boxoffice.porttix.com.

Lives in the Balance founder, Dr. Ross Greene, says, “The Jennys have been supportive of the work of Lives in the Balance for many years, and we are incredibly excited to welcome them back to Portland for the first time in several years. Best of all, we love their music. Their three-part harmonies are as good as it gets, they sing from the heart, and they’re wonderful human beings. A powerful combination. We’re really glad to partner with them and hope as many of our friends as possible can attend the performance.”

Proceeds from this event will support Lives in the Balance’s efforts on behalf of our most vulnerable kids and their caregivers and will help us grow our training, legal, and advocacy efforts. Lives in the Balance partners with families, educators, and policymakers to ensure that all kids are understood and treated with compassion. The organization provides resources and training to reduce or eliminate the use of harmful disciplinary practices like expulsion, restraint, and seclusion.