Sandy Smith
Oct 27, 2026
| October 27, 2026|Issue #2|Casco Bay, Maine |
AI-generated illustration of an autumn Maine harbor. Halloween Around the Bay — A Little Spooky, A Lot of Local Casco Bay has Halloween plans for several kinds of evenings this week: a free business-to-business trick-or-treat route in Falmouth, handmade haunted-house scenery in Portland, and daytime museum celebrations for young children. Falmouth Village Plaza’s community trick-or-treat runs Friday, October 30, from 4–5:30 PM. Start at Mornings in Paris, 240 US Route 1, beside Jersey Mike’s, and collect a map. There is no admission charge, purchase requirement or registration. A completed map can be returned to the café for the gift-card prize drawing. In Portland, Heck House’s Lost in the Woods installation fills Mayo Street Arts, 10 Mayo Street, Friday through Sunday, October 30–November 1, from 6–9 PM each night. Admission is free by donation. The artists build their own creatures, sets and soundscape; this is an all-ages walk-through haunt, though families should judge whether a spooky setting suits their children. The Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine has separate sessions for tots, a sensory-friendly Friday evening and Saturday’s family celebration. We’ve put the ages, times and prices below so you can choose the right fit. Falmouth route details · Heck House details · Museum events and tickets |
Casco Bay Trivia Which Casco Bay community was part of North Yarmouth until 1849? A. Cape Elizabeth The answer is at the end of this edition. |
From Sandy Welcome to issue #2 of Casco Bay Voice. I’m glad you’re here. As we build this publication, I want the communities around the Bay to see themselves in it. That means looking beyond Portland for events, useful notices, local businesses and neighbors lending a hand. This week brings us to Falmouth for trick-or-treating, Yarmouth for local history, Scarborough for the marsh, South Portland for community resources and municipal news, and Cumberland and Gorham for local notices. If something is happening in your town that deserves a place here, send it my way. A small event can be a very good story when it brings neighbors together. — Sandy Reading a forwarded copy? Subscribe free here and invite a neighbor to join you. |
Weather — October 27–November 2
Portland-area forecast, updated October 26. Temperatures are in °F; coastal and inland conditions can differ.
Tuesday, Oct. 27: Mostly sunny and cooler. High 52° / Low 31°.
Friday brings the mildest afternoon of the week. Halloween looks mostly sunny, with an extra layer useful as temperatures drop toward evening. |
Know Before You Go Yarmouth — Route 1 and I-295 Exit 15. A town traffic notice lists alternating single-lane traffic at the Route 1/Exit 15 intersection from 8 AM–3 PM through November 15. Overnight closures of all Exit 15 northbound and southbound ramps are scheduled from 10 PM–5 AM during the weeks of October 26 and November 2. Follow posted detours and allow extra time. Island travelers — winter ferry timetable. Casco Bay Lines’ 2026–27 winter schedule took effect October 13 and runs through May 20. Use the timetable for your island and return trip before making mainland connections. |
AI-generated salt-marsh illustration; not a photograph of Scarborough Marsh. Editorial recommendation, not a paid placement. Hidden Gem — Scarborough Marsh Before the week’s costumes and crowds, consider a quieter look at the landscape that makes this coast distinctive. Scarborough Marsh is Maine’s largest salt marsh: a roughly 3,100-acre estuary of tidal marsh, creeks, freshwater wetlands and uplands. Maine Audubon describes it as an important resting, feeding and breeding area for wildlife. The marsh offers a reason to slow down and notice the edges of the Bay rather than hurry past them. Bring binoculars if you have them, stay on designated access routes and give wildlife room. This is a landscape recommendation, rather than a promise that seasonal rentals or the nature center are open. Maine Audubon’s Scarborough Marsh visitor information. Hidden Gem is an editorial recommendation, not a paid placement. |
Things To Do Yarmouth — History Center annual meeting and lecture Falmouth — Village Plaza Trick or Treat Portland — Hoot & Howl family Halloween |
More Events Portland — Halloween for Tots, Friday, Oct. 30, 10 AM–noon. The museum’s ages 1–5 celebration uses party favors rather than candy. Included with $20 general admission; free for members and babies under 12 months. Portland — Play Your Way, Friday, Oct. 30, 4:30–6:30 PM. A quieter, sensory-friendly museum Halloween session with activities and trick-or-treat stations. Free; reservations strongly recommended. Portland — After Dark, Thursday, Oct. 29, 6–9 PM. The museum’s adults-only Halloween fundraiser is for ages 21+. The official event page lists $35 tickets; food-truck purchases and bar drinks cost extra. After Dark details and tickets. Portland — Heck House, Oct. 30–Nov. 1, 6–9 PM nightly. Mayo Street Arts, 10 Mayo Street. Handmade walk-through haunted installation; free by donation. South Portland — Trunk-or-Treat, Saturday, Oct. 31, 11 AM–2 PM. The city calendar lists the event at the South Portland Community Center. South Portland event calendar. Westbrook — Trunk or Treat, Friday, Oct. 30, 5–6:30 PM. Westbrook Crossing Plaza. Bring the kids for an evening of Halloween trick-or-treating. Details from participating business The Animal House. Freeport — Lioness Lions Trunk or Treat, Saturday, Oct. 31, 1–3 PM. Masonic Lodge parking lot, 33 Mallett Drive. This free community event welcomes children and families. Event details. Check the linked organizer listings before heading out for weather-related changes. |
Municipal Meetings
South Portland, Tuesday, Oct. 27: Willard Beach Paid Parking Working Group, noon–2 PM, City Hall Council Chambers; City Council, 6:30–9 PM, South Portland High School Lecture Hall.
South Portland, Wednesday, Oct. 28: Housing Authority, 6–8 PM, at the Housing Authority; Planning Board, 6:30–9 PM, hybrid, City Hall Council Chambers.
South Portland meetings and agenda access.
Scarborough, Wednesday, Oct. 28: Sustainability Committee, 8–9:30 AM; Conservation Commission, 6–7:30 PM. Use the individual meeting listing for its venue and participation information.
Gorham, Tuesday, Oct. 27: Planning Board site walk, 4 PM, 239 County Road. Wednesday, Oct. 28: Minor Site Plan Review Committee, 1 PM. Monday, Nov. 2: Planning Board Ordinance Committee, 6 PM, followed by Planning Board at 7 PM.
Falmouth, Tuesday, Oct. 27: Board of Zoning Appeals, 6:30 PM. Official meeting notice and viewing information.
Yarmouth, Thursday, Oct. 29: Complete Streets Advisory Committee, 9 AM, Town Hall Community Room with a remote option. The announced topic is the feasibility of a Route 1/Spring Street roundabout. Meeting and remote participation details.
South Portland — Housing zoning presentation, Wednesday, Oct. 28, 6:30–8 PM. Main Library, 482 Broadway. The city will explain its new rules for accessory dwelling units, duplexes, triplexes, cottage courts and other housing forms. This is separate from the Planning Board meeting at City Hall that evening. City calendar and presentation details.
Portland — Tuesday, Oct. 27: Hybrid Planning Board meeting, 4:30 PM. The agenda PDF in the city’s meeting portal includes the Zoom link.
Portland — Wednesday, Oct. 28: Rent Board, 5 PM, remotely via Zoom.
Portland — Thursday, Oct. 29: District 1 annual meeting, 6 PM, Portland High School, 284 Cumberland Avenue.
Portland — Monday, Nov. 2: City Council, 5 PM. Official meeting notices, agendas and participation details.
Cumberland: No municipal meeting within October 27–November 2 was confirmed from the town’s posted calendar and agendas as of October 26. Town meeting calendar. |
Business & Networking Standing BNI meetings Tuesday, Oct. 27: Referral Masters, 10:30 AM, online. BNI Energy, 2 PM, hybrid, serving Portland/Westbrook/Windham; its published in-person venue is Dormir Hotel, 965 Roosevelt Trail, Windham. Wednesday, Oct. 28: Harraseeket Business Builders, Freeport, 7:30 AM; obtain the venue with registration because published locations conflict. BNI Business Leaders, 8:30 AM, Yarmouth History Center, 118 East Elm Street. Profit Partners, 11:30 AM, New York Life, 500 Southborough Drive, Suite 300, South Portland. Thursday, Oct. 29: Portland Business Builders, 7 AM, Clarion Hotel, 1230 Congress Street. Casco Bay Money Movers, 8 AM, Norman, Hanson & DeTroy, Two Canal Plaza, Portland. Friday, Oct. 30: BNI Business Partners, 8:30 AM, Westbrook Community Center, 426 Bridge Street. Dirigo BNI, 8:30 AM, online, with statewide coverage. On the Portland Regional Chamber community/member calendar Preservation Awards Bash — Tuesday, Oct. 27, 5:30–8:30 PM. Greater Portland Landmarks celebrates local preservation at Mariner’s Church, 368 Fore Street, Portland. Live music and refreshments. Event and ticket information. American Heart Association Executive Breakfast — Thursday, Oct. 29, 7:30–9 AM. Canopy Hotel, 9 Center Street, Portland. Organizer listing. Other local calendar listings appear in Things To Do and Helping Hands to keep this section from repeating the same events. |
Business Pulse Portland — New café taking shape on India Street Scarborough — Café Luna plans a move to The Downs |
Farmers’ Markets Portland — Wednesday, Oct. 28, and Saturday, Oct. 31, 7 AM–1 PM. The outdoor market continues in Deering Oaks Park. Its official 2026 schedule runs through November 25, with an 8 AM opening time for November markets. That gives shoppers more time to buy directly from Maine growers before the seasonal move indoors. Bring a bag and plan your shopping around what vendors have harvested rather than expecting a summer selection. Portland market information and food-access programs. Falmouth — Wednesday, Oct. 28, 10 AM–1 PM. Final listed summer-market date, 22 Hat Trick Drive, behind Walmart beside Casco Bay Arena. Cumberland — Saturday, Oct. 31, 10 AM–1 PM. Final listed summer-market date, outside Town Hall, 290 Tuttle Road. Cumberland and Falmouth market schedules. Yarmouth — Thursday, Oct. 29, 3–6 PM. The market’s posted May–October schedule places it on Memorial Green in front of Town Hall. |
Expert Tip — Ask Before You Buy If you are considering a home energy project, make a short list before requesting estimates: which rooms feel uncomfortable, what work has already been done, and what you want the project to accomplish. Falmouth offers free appointments with trained volunteer Energy Coaches. A conversation can help residents organize their questions before choosing their next step. |
Wellness Tip — Make Room for a Quiet Hour A busy week does not require a busy evening every night. Choose one small thing that gives you a pleasant break: a walk with a neighbor, a library visit, a meal without your phone beside the plate, or an hour at home with a book. Put it on the calendar with the same care you give an appointment. The laundry can wait through one chapter. |
Helping Hands South Portland Food Cupboard. The pantry is at 405 Western Avenue, Suite 17, behind Staples. Its published distribution hours include Tuesdays, 9:45–11:30 AM, and Thursdays, 8:30–11 AM. Read the recipient guidelines before your first visit; call 207-874-0379 with questions. Nonperishable donations can go into the outdoor collection box. Get food, volunteer or donate. Cumberland — Thanksgiving food drive. The Community Food Pantry’s tenth annual Give Thanks & Give Back drive supports the more than 100 families it serves monthly. The town has posted the drive announcement and contribution information. Food-drive announcement. Portland — Lift All Boats fundraiser, Tuesday, Oct. 27, 4–9 PM. Luke’s Lobster, 60 Portland Pier, hosts a dine-and-donate evening supporting student travel to a fishing-industry summit. Find the Lift All Boats table when you arrive so your meal counts toward the fundraiser. Fundraiser details. Regional food help. Preble Street’s food programs and the Good Shepherd Food Bank food map offer starting points for finding assistance beyond one neighborhood. Food programs and regional resource links. |
Furry Friends Two organizations serving our region help animals find suitable homes: the Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland in Westbrook and Midcoast Humane. |
 Bandit — photo from ARLGP’s adoption listing. |
Bandit is a small, affectionate adult dog at ARLGP in Westbrook who enjoys attention and staying involved with his people.
Resident dogs need a meet-and-greet; suitability with children and cats should be discussed with the adoption team.
Meet Bandit and learn about adoption. Listed for adoption October 26; availability can change. |
 Roxanne — photo from Midcoast Humane’s adoption listing. |
Roxanne, about a year and a half old, is a playful black-and-tan dog at Midcoast Humane’s Brunswick campus.
She enjoys fetch and being part of the activity, making her worth meeting for a household ready to keep an energetic young dog engaged.
Meet Roxanne and learn about adoption. Listed for adoption October 26; availability can change. |
Recipe of the Week — Apple-Cranberry Crisp
Sweet apples, tart cranberries and a buttery oat topping make this week’s apple-cranberry crisp a fall dessert to share.
The recipe serves six and includes the full ingredient list and baking directions. |
Episode 16: Living the Life I Choose — Jennifer Goddard
Jennifer Goddard of Bangor’s Thriving Proof joins Sandy on Maine Thrive Voices. Their conversation follows her move to Maine to be closer to her grandchildren, her experience becoming USOA Mrs. Maine 2025, and the story behind her business and book.
The 38-minute episode is now available on Spotify and other podcast platforms.
Listen to Jennifer’s episode on Amazon Music · Choose Spotify, Apple Podcasts or another platform |
AI-generated dining illustration; not a photograph of Chaval. Casco Bay Dining — Chaval For this week’s dining spotlight, we’re heading to 58 Pine Street in Portland’s West End. Chaval serves Spanish- and French-inspired cooking built around seasonal Maine ingredients, with a menu that changes with the season. Diners give Chaval 4.6 out of 5 on Google, based on 768 reviews as of October 23, 2026. That is a strong showing across hundreds of dining experiences. Read the reviews to see what guests say about the food, service and setting before planning your evening. Chaval’s co-owner and pastry chef, Ilma Lopez, also offers custom cakes. Dinner hours are Monday–Saturday, 4:30–9 PM. Reservations are available through the restaurant’s website. Read Chaval’s Google reviews · Menu and reservations Editorial spotlight based on published restaurant information and diner ratings; not a firsthand dining review. Ratings and review counts may change. |
AI-generated seafood illustration; not a photograph of Harbor Fish Market. Editorial recommendation, not a paid placement. Best of Casco Bay — Harbor Fish Market At 9 Custom House Wharf in Portland, Harbor Fish Market is part of a much longer waterfront story. The location has housed a fish market since the late 1800s; the Alfiero family established Harbor Fish Market in 1966. The business also has a Scarborough shop at 246 US Route 1, opened in 2022 in partnership with Rosemont Market. For a home cook, either location offers a way to build dinner around seafood and ask questions at the counter. Portland’s wharf location also puts a familiar local business in the middle of the working waterfront. The market’s history and locations. Best of Casco Bay is an editorial recommendation, not a paid placement. |
Looking Ahead Portland — Junior Achievement’s Maine Business Hall of Fame, Wednesday, Nov. 4, 5–8:30 PM. The regional Chamber calendar lists the recognition evening. Portland — Growth & Visibility midday conversation, Wednesday, Nov. 4, noon–1 PM. The listed topic is building a simple AI assistant to support marketing. |
Who’s Hiring South Portland — Community Planner. A full-time, 37.5-hour position with a four-day workweek, posted October 19 and listed open until filled. South Portland — Tax Clerk/Cashier. A full-time, 37.5-hour Finance Department position, listed open until filled. South Portland openings and applications. Falmouth — Equipment Operator II. The town’s current openings page lists a Public Works equipment operator position, open until filled. Falmouth job descriptions and application instructions. Apply through the employer’s posting and review its required qualifications. Openings may close as hiring proceeds. |
Nancy Marshall, The PR Maven® — Public Relations, Strategic Communications & Visibility. Maine Based, Globally Connected. |
Marshall Communications |
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From Sandy — Keep the Bay Connected Thank you for spending part of your week with Casco Bay Voice. Whether you found an outing, a useful local notice or a new way to lend a hand, I hope there is something here you can use. Help us grow. If someone forwarded this edition to you, please subscribe to Casco Bay Voice. It is free. Already a subscriber? Forward this newsletter to a friend, neighbor or coworker who would enjoy knowing what is happening around the Bay. Put your business in front of local readers. Ask about newsletter and section sponsorship opportunities in Casco Bay Voice. Email Sandy about sponsorship for information about available placements. What is happening in your town? Send me local events, business openings, closings, relocations and community stories. Include the town, date, location and a useful source link so we can follow up. Share a local news tip or event. — Sandy |
Trivia Answer — B. Yarmouth Yarmouth and North Yarmouth were one town until 1849, a connection highlighted in the Yarmouth History Center’s announcement for this week’s lecture. |
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