Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Why a Portland immigrant-services nonprofit is suddenly under intense scrutiny

And check out Blitz N' Spritz on the Portland Patch calendar

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Saturday December 13th Patch AM
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Hey there, Portland! Let's get started with what's happening in and around town. Read on and stay in the loop. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • Why a Portland immigrant-services nonprofit is suddenly under intense scrutiny
  • Could these two senior sweethearts be Portland’s next beloved housemates?
  • How 208 new South Portland apartments could reshape greater Portland living

Also on today's calendar: Blitz N’ Spritz and 8 more events.

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

Today's riddle: What did the boat dock say when it was arrested? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

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

  • Saturday: Partial sunshine, with a high of 32 and low of 26 degrees.
  • Sunday: Considerable cloudiness, temps: high: 29, low: 11. ⛄️ Brr!
  • Monday: Very cold; windy in the a.m., with a high of 23 and low of 15 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Portland nonprofit claims death threats after fraud allegations (wgme.com) — A Portland nonprofit serving immigrants and refugees says it has received death threats after media reports alleging Medicaid fraud and other violations. Portland police have responded to the group’s Portland location multiple times this week, while state records show past violations and the organization disputes a whistleblower’s latest claims.
   

2. Meet Bear and Dusty: Senior sweethearts seeking their fur-ever home together (wgme.com) — Two senior dogs, Bear and Dusty, are looking for a new home together through the Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland. This bonded pair is shy at first but becomes affectionate and calm once settled, and they may do best as the only dogs. Portland-area residents interested in adopting can meet them directly at the shelter.
   

3. Proposed South Portland development now includes 208 housing units (pressherald.com) — A major seven-story, mixed-use project in South Portland’s Knightville neighborhood would add 208 market-rate apartments across from Mill Creek Park, potentially easing the area’s housing crunch and boosting nearby businesses. Backed by recent zoning tweaks and located by the Mill Creek Transit Hub and Greenbelt, the project could also generate over $12 million for city infrastructure and housing programs.
   

4. Toy Fund uses donor support to help military veterans with disabilities (pressherald.com) — Portland-area families in need, including children of disabled military veterans, are receiving holiday toys and books through the Press Herald Toy Fund, supported by local donors. Contributions help kids across several southern Maine counties, and online donations through Dec. 19 enter donors to win tickets to a Portland Ovations show at Merrill Auditorium. Checks can also be mailed to the Toy Fund’s South Portland address.
   

5. Spurwink to establish behavioral health crisis center in Lewiston (sunjournal.com) — Spurwink’s successful crisis receiving center in Portland, known as the Living Room, is serving as the model for a new behavioral health crisis center planned for Lisbon Street in Lewiston by mid-2026. The Portland facility has already helped more than 2,400 people, and officials hope the Lewiston site will similarly divert residents from ERs and jail.
   

📸 Around Portland

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🗓 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

  • The annual Holiday Art Sale at Running With Scissors is this weekend!
    Paintings, prints, pottery, jewelry, the Portland Print Crawl, and more!! The studios are only open to the public twice a year, so this is your… (Nextdoor Dougherty Field)
  • Got stuff to give?
    https://www.pressherald.com/2025/12/09/where-and-how-to-donate-food-toys-furniture-and-more-in-maine/ --You could read this if you subscribe. (Nextdoor Rosemont)
  • American Cruise Lines, Inc. posted a job opening for Hotel Maintenance Manager in Portland. Apply here.
  • C&W Services posted a job opening for Cleaner, Part Time 1st shift 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 demand a jury of my piers.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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