FREEPORT — Executive Director Melanie Sachs said 100 percent of calls fielded Sept. 27 by Sexual Assault Response Services of Southern Maine referenced the confirmation of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh. Sachs, who is also a Freeport town councilor, took a minute during the Oct. 2 council meeting to encourage anyone feeling “overwhelm(ed)” by the proceedings to […]
Portland Forecaster
City-wide news from The Forecaster.
Posted inCoastal Journal, Northern Forecaster, Portland Forecaster, Southern Forecaster, The Forecaster
Maine gets $5.5M to address student mental health
AUGUSTA — Students affected by mental health or social-emotional issues often experience poor school attendance and achievement, among other problems. To ensure that schools across the state are better equipped to address these concerns, the Maine Department of Education is launching a new initiative with the help of a $5.5 million grant from the federal Department […]
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Posted inPortland Forecaster, The Forecaster
Name change puts foundation focus squarely on Portland schools
PORTLAND — The former Portland Education Foundation has a new name it hopes will make it more explicit to donors and the wider community that its only mission is to help the public schools achieve their priorities and goals. The nonprofit is now known as the Foundation for Portland Public Schools. “We hope that the name […]
Posted inPortland Forecaster, The Forecaster
Farnsworth faces 2 challengers in Portland House District 37
PORTLAND — Opposing candidates have been a rarity for incumbent state Rep. Richard Farnsworth. But this year, the Democrat in House District 37 has two: Republican Jane Frey and unenrolled candidate Justin Benjamin Pollard. Frey declined an interview request. She said personal and professional commitments keep her from actively pursuing her candidacy. Farnsworth is funding his […]
Posted inPortland Forecaster, The Forecaster
Portland to conduct 3 flu-shot clinics
PORTLAND — The city’s Public Health Division, in collaboration with VNA Home Health Hospice, will hold three community flu clinics in the next several weeks. No appointments are needed, and flu shots are free for those without health insurance. Those with insurance should bring their cards for billing purposes. The clinics will be held Oct. 26, 3-7 p.m., […]
Posted inPortland Forecaster, The Forecaster
Westbrook plans could end Portland pier concerts
PORTLAND — The shows will go on, but the backdrop may change next year. On Oct. 2, the Westbrook Planning Board got its first look at a site plan amendment request from Waterstone Property Group to allow a “temporary” outdoor amphitheater at the Rock Row development, which straddles the Portland-Westbrook line off Larrabee Road and Brighton […]
Posted inPortland Forecaster, The Forecaster
Presumpscot community on alert as Portland schools discuss cost cuts
PORTLAND — School leaders have made it clear that the purpose behind a new Enrollment and Facility Study is to save money. That’s what concerns people who fear their local school could be closed or students could be redistricted. Supporters of Presumpscot Elementary School, in particular, are worried their school is one of the most vulnerable. […]
Posted inPortland Forecaster, The Forecaster
Portland schools help bridge food gap for students
PORTLAND — Childhood hunger has become such a pressing issue that the Portland Public Schools has formed a Food Security Task Force to better address the food needs of students and their families. With the support of the Cumberland County Food Security Council, the School Department has created a five-step plan to better bridge the food […]
Posted inPortland Forecaster, The Forecaster
Portland seeks a big tree for holiday season
PORTLAND — The hunt is on for a Christmas tree for Monument Square. City spokeswoman Jessica Grondin said the city and Portland Downtown are looking for a 45- to 60-foot tree to be the centerpiece of the holiday season in town. An evergreen, spruce or fir tree from the city, South Portland, Cape Elizabeth, Scarborough, Gorham, Westbrook, […]
Posted inPortland Forecaster, The Forecaster
Portland preschool celebrates 40 years of children learning through play
PORTLAND — Forty years after it was founded, the mission at The Children’s Center remains the same: to create a foundation for lifelong learning by providing an environment where kids are encouraged to indulge their curiosity. The nonprofit center, on Stevens Avenue, has an enrollment of about 100 students and just hired a new executive director. […]