Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How a 30-story tower could change Portland’s Old Port forever

Make time for Caravan Artist Market at Allagash Brewing on the Portland Patch calendar

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Wednesday December 10th Patch AM
Wednesday December 10th Patch AM (Patch graphic)

Hi there, Portland! We've got your morning read ready! Read on to stay connected. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • How a 30-story tower could change Portland’s Old Port forever
  • What will Eckart Preu’s extended contract mean for Portland’s symphony season?
  • When and where you can see Julia Gagnon’s holiday performances

Also on today's calendar: Caravan Artist Market at Allagash Brewing and 2 more events.

Find out what's happening in Portlandfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: What did the alien say to the puzzle? 🤔 (Answer below!)

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Find out what's happening in Portlandfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Weather forecast:

  • Wednesday: Cloudy; p.m. rain, breezy, with a high of 41 and low of 31 degrees.
  • Thursday: Windy; a p.m. snow shower, temps: high: 34, low: 14. ⛄️ Brr!
  • Friday: Partly sunny, windy and cold, with a high of 28 and low of 15 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Portland approves plans for Maine's tallest building (wmtw.com) — Portland’s Planning Board has approved a 30-story tower at 45 Union Street, poised to become Maine’s tallest building and dramatically alter the Old Port skyline. The project combines condos, a hotel, and retail, drawing both excitement over new economic activity and concern about scale, neighborhood character, and affordability. Developers now move into permitting and preparation.
   

2. Encore presentation: Portland Symphony renews contract of music director Preu (mainebiz.biz) — Portland’s classical music fans can expect continuity on the podium as the Portland Symphony Orchestra has extended Music Director Eckart Preu’s contract through July 2029. The longtime conductor will continue shaping seasonal concerts, youth programs, and newer offerings like the Summer at Seaside Pavilion and a statewide chamber series. His renewed role helps anchor the orchestra’s second century of performances in Maine.
   

3. Maine's Julia Gagnon to perform 'Magic of Christmas' with Portland Symphony Orchestra (newscentermaine.com) — Portland’s beloved “Magic of Christmas” returns Dec. 12–21 with Maine singer Julia Gagnon as the Portland Symphony Orchestra’s special guest. The show blends holiday favorites with broader themes of love and hope, and a digital version will follow in January. Gagnon, soon performing under the name “Julia Haven,” is keeping her exact set list a surprise.
   

4. Catholic Charities leases former Lewiston monastery (sunjournal.com) — Catholic Charities Maine is shifting some administrative offices and programs out of Portland into a renovated former monastery in Lewiston, freeing Portland space to serve more local needs. The move expands services statewide, including support for seniors, people in recovery, and women experiencing homelessness, while keeping Portland as a key hub for social services.
   

5. Maine's reproductive health providers worry about crisis pregnancy centers as they face defunding (newscentermaine.com) — Portland residents are hearing growing concerns about local crisis pregnancy centers, including ABBA Women’s Choice, which resembles a medical clinic but isn’t state-licensed or bound by federal privacy rules. Reproductive health advocates and Portland city government warn such centers may provide misleading information as federal funding cuts squeeze regulated providers, while center leaders insist they simply offer options and support without government money.
   

📸 Around Portland

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • CBL Finance Committee meeting Fri 12/12 07:45.
    As always, meeting will be hybrid, participation is welcome either in person at the terminal or virtually. Details and link to join virtually are… (Nextdoor Peaks Island)
  • My brand new engagement ring slipped off of my finger yesterday while out in Portland area.
    I know this is probably a long shot but if anyone out there found a ring yesterday/last night please message me. (Nextdoor East Deering)

Ok Portland! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I come in peace. You come in pieces.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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