Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Want to be on-call support for Portland neighbors in crisis?

And on the Portland Patch calendar - Fridays: Trivia in the Brewhouse!

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Sunday December 28th Patch AM
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Hello Portland! Here's our latest buzz. Let's get into it. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • Want to be on-call support for Portland neighbors in crisis?
  • Which frigid charity plunge near Portland will you brave this winter?
  • Meet the Portland neighbors recognized as Maine’s 2025 Community Champions.

Also on today's calendar: Fridays: Trivia in the Brewhouse! and 1 more event.

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

Today's riddle: I’m trying to think of a new cloud joke. 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

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

  • Sunday: Not as cold, with a high of 33 and low of 30 degrees.
  • Monday: Rain; breezy in the morning, temps: high: 45, low: 23.
  • Tuesday: Windy; mostly cloudy, colder, with a high of 26 and low of 13 degrees. ⛄️ Brr!

📰 News we're reading

• Nonprofit seeks volunteers to support survivors of traumatic events in Greater Portland area (newscentermaine.com) — A national nonprofit’s Greater Portland chapter is recruiting volunteers to support residents during traumatic events, working alongside first responders in homes and hospitals. TIP asks volunteers to take three 12-hour on-call shifts a month and complete required training at the Scarborough Public Safety Building from Jan. 29 to Feb. 7, with a $45 fee and full attendance.
   

• Polar Plunge, Lobster Dip, and other frigid outdoor swims for a good cause (newscentermaine.com) — Several icy charity plunges are coming up near Portland, including the long-running Polar Bear Dip and Dash at Southern Maine Community College in South Portland, with a 5K and plunge at Willard Beach. Other events in Old Orchard Beach, Kennebunk, and Casco raise money for Special Olympics Maine, domestic violence services, and Camp Sunshine, offering options from full plunges to “chicken dips” and virtual participation.
   

• Year in Review: 2025 Community Champions (wmtw.com) — Portland gets a nod in this year’s roundup of “Community Champions,” with resident Adele Efron connecting local kids with art supplies and a beloved Portland police officer sharing his path into retirement. The story also celebrates volunteers and helpers across Maine, from food pantries and pet rescues to veterans’ outdoor programs, and invites readers to nominate new honorees for 2026.
   

📸 Around Portland

Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!

🗓 Upcoming Events in Portland

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

    Monday December 29
  • Meet the Designers
    Victoria Mansion , 109 Danforth Street , Portland
    5:00 pm
    • Friday January 2
  • Fridays: Trivia in the Brewhouse!
    Allagash Brewing Company 50 Industrial Wy Portland, ME 04103
    6:00 pm
    • Saturday January 3
  • Saturdays: Live Music in the Brewhouse! (FREE)
    Allagash Brewing Company , 50 Industrial Wy , Portland
    5:00 pm
  • Ring in the New
    Victoria Mansion , 109 Danforth Street , Portland
    5:00 pm

📣 Portland Shout Outs!

Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!

🗓 Events Nearby

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

 

Thank you 👏👏👏 to the local businesses for making Portland PatchAM possible:

  • Mindsee.it — (646) 663-8317
    Teach your kids they can achieve the impossible!

Click here to show your appreciation! 💚

Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • 3-alarm fire under control in Portland, Maine.
    7:11PM on Dec 26: 3-alarm fire in Portland, Maine. 7:10PM on Dec 26: Fire has been knocked down, per social media sources. Firefighters continue to… (Nextdoor )
  • A large fire, reportedly at Luke's Lobster, broke out in Portland's Old Port on Commercial Street around 6 p.m., prompting responses from the Portland Fire Department.
    6:21PM on Dec 26: Fire reported in the Old Port. (Nextdoor )
  • Burger King posted a job opening for Team Member in Portland. Apply here.
  • World Gym posted a job opening for Front Desk Team Member- CLOSER in Portland. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Portland here.

🗞 Nearby News

South Portland

  • Portland boys basketball knocks off South Portland (pressherald.com)
  • Toy Fund volunteers go above and beyond to spread holiday joy to Mainers in need (pressherald.com)
  • Coalition-builder Pingree is the governor Maine needs (pressherald.com)

Westbrook

  • Westbrook church spreads holiday cheer with free Christmas dinners (wgme.com)
  • IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. $IDXX Shares Acquired by Beacon Investment Advisory Services Inc. (marketbeat.com)

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 haven’t the foggiest.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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