Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: What Portland’s massive harbor dredging means for the working waterfront

And on the Portland Patch calendar - Blitz N' Spritz

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Tuesday December 16th Patch AM
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Coffee in hand, Portland? We've got the latest town updates for you. Keep reading to stay in the loop. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • What Portland’s massive harbor dredging means for the working waterfront
  • How green upgrades are changing three Portland elementary schools
  • How could Mark Dion’s priorities reshape Portland’s budget and daily life?

Also on today's calendar: Blitz N’ Spritz and 7 more events.

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

📸 Have a great pic of holiday decorations from around Portland? Post it to Portland photos of the day! ☃️ 🟢-🟠-🟣-🔴-🟡-🔵 ☃️

Today's riddle: Can February March? 🤔 (Answer below!)

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

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Weather forecast:

  • Tuesday: Turning cloudy; not as cold, with a high of 32 and low of 27 degrees.
  • Wednesday: Partly sunny and breezy, temps: high: 41, low: 27.
  • Thursday: Sun and areas of high clouds, with a high of 44 and low of 39 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Portland Harbor dredging begins to clear sediment (wgme.com) — A major dredging project is starting in Portland Harbor and the Fore River to clear decades of sediment that have reduced water depths and usable berths along the working waterfront. Contaminated material will be sealed in an underwater disposal cell in South Portland and capped with clean material, improving navigation at more than 45 sites.
   

2. Three Portland schools awarded LEED silver certification (mainebiz.biz) — Three Portland elementary schools—Reiche, Presumpscot, and Longfellow—have earned LEED silver certification, confirming healthier, more energy-efficient learning spaces for local students. Funded by a $64 million bond approved by city voters, the renovations emphasize better air quality, lower energy costs, and water-saving fixtures, with plaques coming soon to highlight the district’s green building achievements.
   

3. Portland mayor delivers 'State of the City' address (wmtw.com) — Portland Mayor Mark Dion’s State of the City address laid out concerns that directly affect local households, from needle waste and public drug use to school resource officers and small-business support. He also warned that federal changes to SNAP and ACA tax credits could raise costs for Portland taxpayers as the city enters budget season.
   

4. What not to donate to Maine nonprofits this holiday season (pressherald.com) — A Portland nonprofit, Maine Needs, is urging residents to donate only useful, safe items like winter clothing, tents, and essentials instead of odd or spoiled goods left at its Portland site. Leaders from Maine Needs, Goodwill, and Biddeford Food Pantry share donation horror stories and stress that cash, gift cards, and season-appropriate items best support neighbors in need this holiday season.
   

5. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announces Maine temple during local Christmas devotional (abc4.com) — Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Portland just learned a temple will be built in the city, the first ever in Maine. Announced during a local Christmas devotional, the project’s exact site and construction timeline are still to come, but church leaders say it will greatly expand access to temple ordinances for area members.
   

📸 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!

★ Featured events ★

    Thursday December 18
  • Blitz N’ Spritz
    Exchange Street, Exchange St, Portland
    4:00 pm

Want to see your event featured? Click here!

Other local events

📣 Portland Shout Outs!

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🗓 Events Nearby

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

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Found a well loved bunny in the snow the other night on Anderson Street.
    Hoping to find it's owner. They're getting a bath now and will fit in well with my daughters stuffies until it's rightful owner is found. (Nextdoor East Bayside)
  • Hey y’all, my name is Abdullahi and I’m 20.
    I’ve been thinking and contemplating on getting my own place but in this economy it’s hard living alone and paying $1500+ for a single room. I am… (Nextdoor East Deering)
  • The Adecco Group posted a job opening for Manufacturing Associates in Portland. Apply here.
  • FedEx posted a job opening for Freight Handler Part-Time in Portland. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Portland here.

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 don't know, but April May!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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