Hi everyone,
It's been almost exactly three months since I moved to Maine and started working for the Maine Trust for Local News. I've heard that if you're not from Maine, you'll always be seen as an outsider, no matter how long you live here. I wonder if that's really what people think? It's definitely not how I feel. Everyone I have met has welcomed me with open arms, and I feel so grateful every day to call Maine my home.
Last week, someone asked me how long I've been here. When I replied that I moved in November, they said, "Wow, that sucks." I assume they were referring to the fact that so far, I've only experienced Maine in the winter. The wind and ice definitely took me by surprise, and I've had to adjust my life according to the whims of the winter weather, but I love it here anyway. I can't wait to see what the next three months will bring.
As always, please feel free to reach out to me anytime with story ideas or photos and events to include in the newsletter. I especially need your help today, because my parents are coming from Indiana to visit this weekend, so I'm looking for recommendations — restaurants, activities and places to visit. (I want them to love Maine so they'll come visit me all the time!)
In this week's newsletter: Greater Portland Metro's fares could increase and four new restaurants to try in Westbrook.
Thanks for reading and have a great week, - Salomé Cloteaux |
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| MORE NEWS |
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Gov. Janet Mills speaks Wednesday at a ceremony opening the new Cross Town Energy Storage facility in Gorham Industrial Park. It is the largest standalone battery facility in New England. (Robert Lowell/Staff Writer)
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COMMUNITY VOICES/AROUND TOWN |
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The Westbrook High School Chamber Singers are preparing for their annual Spring Performance Tour, when they will visit Chicago for two performances for senior citizens and veterans, as well as educational and cultural activities. They are hosting events to raise funds for the trip. The last fundraising event is the Chamber Singers Opus One Dance and Silent Auction at the Westbrook Middle School gym on Feb. 14. The swing dance lesson and silent auction begins at 6 p.m. and the band performs from 6:30 to 8:15 p.m.
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| THINGS TO DO |
Stephen W. Manchester American Legion Post 62 is hosting a blood drive for the American Red Cross from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Feb. 13. For an appointment, call 1-800-733-2767 or visit redcrossblood.org. American Legion Post 62 is located next to Riverbank Park at 17 Dunn St. in Westbrook. An A-frame double-sided poster will be placed at Main and Dunn streets.
Learn how to make your own embroidery and spend time with a room full of kitties in a workshop at the MEow Lounge at 630 Main St. in Westbrook on Feb. 12 at 6 p.m. It is a two-hour class led by Marie Trombley where you will learn to make earrings and pendants. All the tools and supplies will be provided. Register online. The cost is $45.
Celebrate Valentine's Day with a pottery class at Tannery Brook Pottery Studio. It's a two-hour wheel throwing class to throw and paint your own pots. It's perfect for any skill level. The studio is located at 10 Wentworth Drive in Gorham. |
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Salomé Cloteaux is a community reporter covering Scarborough and Westbrook. She was born in France but lived in Indiana for most of her life before moving to Portland in November 2025. Salomé has a degree in journalism from Indiana University, and she previously reported for the Indiana Daily Student and the Morgan County Correspondent. You can support this newsletter by encouraging friends and family to sign up and explore our other newsletters.
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