Winter plans, handmade gifts and a week around Casco Bay
First Tracks at Thompson’s Point, craft shows, music, local jobs and neighbors helping neighbors.
Sandy Smith
| November 3–9, 2026|Issue #3|Casco Bay, Maine |
First Tracks: Winter Starts Here Ski season begins with a little planning—and Portland has a place to do it this weekend. First Tracks: Northeast Snow Show comes to Thompson’s Point Saturday, November 7, 10 a.m.–6 p.m., and Sunday, November 8, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. The outdoor-recreation expo brings winter gear, resort information, raffles and a kids zone together under one roof. The organizer advertises more than 50 vendors and brands. It is a chance to compare equipment, ask questions and decide what belongs on your winter calendar before the snow arrives. Expo admission is listed at $15 for one day or $25 for both days. Children 10 and under attend free with a paying adult. Film-festival-only and all-access tickets are separate options, so choose the product that matches your plans. On-site parking is available at Thompson’s Point, Portland. Allow time to park and find the entrance. Show information and tickets |
Casco Bay Trivia What time does Portland’s outdoor farmers’ market open during November? A. 6 a.m. B. 7 a.m. C. 8 a.m. D. 9 a.m. You’ll find the answer at the very end. |
From Sandy Good morning, neighbors. November gives us a different set of reasons to get out: winter plans at Thompson’s Point, handmade gifts in South Portland, music on Gray Street and a library afternoon with a stuffed dinosaur. It is also Election Day. If you haven’t voted, please make time today. Below you’ll find Maine’s polling-place lookup so you can confirm your local hours and location. We’re keeping an eye on the practical side of the week, too—market hours, food resources, heating help and actual job openings. If an event in your community belongs in a future edition, send its date, location and public announcement to sandy@mainethrive.org. Thank you for helping us build a useful newsletter for the whole Bay. — Sandy We use AI-generated illustrations when actual photographs are unavailable. Adoptable-animal photographs are real. |
Weather · November 3–9 Portland-area outlook · High / Low, °F Tuesday: Some sunshine, cooler · 60° / 48° Wednesday: Clouds and sunshine, warm · 70° / 53° Thursday: Some sun, then clouds · 66° / 55° Friday: Cloudy, rain possible · 65° / 50° Saturday: Cloudy, chance of rain · 59° / 49° Sunday: Sunshine and a few clouds · 61° / 42° Monday: Increasing clouds · 55° / 41° Forecast checked November 2. Inland towns and exposed coastal locations can differ; recheck before outdoor plans. |
Know Before You Go Today is Election Day, Tuesday, November 3. Maine polling places close at 8 p.m.; opening times vary. Find your polling place and local voting information. November market hours: Portland’s Deering Oaks market now opens at 8 a.m., rather than its summer opening time. It stays outdoors through November 25; the indoor move is in December. Island connections: Use the current Casco Bay Lines timetable for both your outbound and return trips. Leave time between a ferry arrival and a mainland event. Snow-show tickets: Expo, film-festival and all-access admission are different products. Review your selection before buying. |
Hidden Gem · Mast Landing Audubon Sanctuary A quieter Freeport outing waits beyond the shopping streets, with woodland and estuary trails at Mast Landing. Our guide covers access, footwear and the sanctuary’s visitor rules. Read the full Hidden Gem article · Sanctuary map and visitor information |
Things To Do South Portland Craft Show · November 7–8 Saturday, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. · South Portland High School, 637 Highland Avenue · Free admission. The Society of Southern Maine Craftsmen’s juried show offers a head start on holiday shopping with handmade work. Bring your gift list, but leave room to browse and talk with the makers. Organizer’s show schedule. Mighty Mary · Thursday, November 5 5–8:30 p.m. · USM Hannaford Hall, 88 Bedford Street, Portland · $50. The documentary follows the first all-women America’s Cup team. Yarmouth’s Merritt Carey gives the screening and panel a local connection. Reception is 5–6 p.m., screening 6–7:40 p.m., and the panel starts at 7:45 p.m. Program and registration. Maine Irish Song Project with Castlebay · Saturday, November 7 Maine Irish Heritage Center, 34 Gray Street, Portland. Julia Lane and Fred Gosbee explore songs collected in Maine’s Irish communities. Workshop 4–6 p.m.; bring-your-own-food dinner interval 6–7 p.m.; concert 7:30 p.m., doors 7 p.m. Workshop or concert alone is $25; combined admission is $40. Dinner is not included. Program and tickets. |
More Events Craft Fair & Italian Bake Sale · Portland Saturday, November 7, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. · Italian Heritage Center, 40 Westland Avenue · No admission charge. Browse crafts and baked goods; lunch is available to purchase. Organizer’s listing. T-Rex Tea Party · Portland Friday, November 6, 3:30–4:30 p.m. · Portland Public Library Downtown, 5 Monument Square. Children ages 0–5 can bring a stuffed dinosaur or another stuffed animal. Children’s event details. First Friday at the library · Portland Friday, November 6, 5–7 p.m. · Downtown library. Add the library’s Art Walk event to your evening; individual downtown venues set their own hours. Library calendar. Peaks Island storytimes · Friday, November 6 Baby Storytime, 10:15–10:45 a.m.; Preschool Storytime, 10:45–11:15 a.m. · Peaks Island Branch Library, 129 Island Avenue, inside the Kennedy-Carter Community Center. Choose the session that fits your child and allow separately for ferry travel. Branch program details. AmaziNG Illusions · Portland Sunday, November 8, 2–3 p.m. · Mayo Street Arts, 10 Mayo Street. Magician Norman Ng’s show lists ticket options from $12–$34. Show and ticket information. Westbrook Music Boosters Vendor Fair · Sunday, November 8 10 a.m.–3 p.m. · Canal Elementary School, Westbrook. Shop local makers and businesses while supporting school music programs. Organizer’s fair information. Dirigo Chess Club · Falmouth · Saturday, November 7 2–4:30 p.m. · Russell Room, Falmouth Memorial Library, 5 Lunt Road. Free and open to all skill levels; bring a chess set if you have one. Chess club details. |
Municipal Meetings · November 3–9 Falmouth Planning Board · Tuesday, November 3, 6:30 p.m. Council Chambers, Town Hall, 271 Falmouth Road. Board information and agendas. Westbrook Planning Board · Tuesday, November 3, 7 p.m. Westbrook High School, Room 114, 125 Stroudwater Street. Hybrid attendance is offered; the agenda includes the Zoom link and telephone access. Official agenda and participation instructions. Scarborough Town Council · Wednesday, November 4, 7 p.m. Town Hall, 256 US Route One. Public notice and agenda topics. Cape Elizabeth Planning Board workshop · Wednesday, November 4, 7 p.m. Jordan Conference Room, Town Hall, 320 Ocean House Road. Housing and comprehensive-plan amendments are on the workshop agenda. Written comments may be submitted to the Town Planner; the workshop does not offer oral public comment. Official workshop agenda. South Portland Library Advisory Board · Thursday, November 5, 5:30–8 p.m. Main Library Community Room, 482 Broadway. This is a hybrid meeting; the city’s agenda portal supplies the remote-access link. Meeting notice and agenda access. Cumberland Town Council · Monday, November 9, 7 p.m. Town Hall Council Chambers, 290 Tuttle Road. Official meeting notice. Chebeague Island The November 4 Selectboard meeting is cancelled. The town calendar lists Climate Action Team on Zoom November 5 at 5 p.m.; Finance Committee in the Ross Room November 6 at 11 a.m.; and a Planning Board hearing at the Hall November 9 at 6 p.m. Town notices and meeting access. Gorham · Looking ahead to November 10 The school district’s official calendar lists the Town Council meeting for Tuesday, November 10, at 6:30 p.m., outside this issue’s November 3–9 window. The Council’s regular venue is the Burleigh H. Loveitt Council Chambers, Municipal Center, 75 South Street. District calendar. |
Business & Networking Wednesday, November 4 · Marketing & AI Noon–1 p.m., online. Rich Brooks of flyte new media leads a Midday Conversation on building a simple AI assistant for business marketing. Program and registration. Wednesday, November 4 · JA Maine Business Hall of Fame 5–8:30 p.m. · Holiday Inn By the Bay, 88 Spring Street, Portland. The recognition evening honors Donna Cassese, the Reny family and Bob Mancini. Event and ticket information. Thursday, November 5 · Green Home + Design Awards 5–7:30 p.m. · Maine Studio Works, 170 Anderson Street, Portland. Regular tickets are listed at $35 for the sustainable residential design and construction awards evening. Organizer’s awards information. Thursday, November 5 · Mainebiz 40 Under 40 5–7 p.m. · Brick South at Thompson’s Point, Portland. Meet the honorees at a reception with appetizers and cash bars. Registration and ticket details. BNI Visitor Meetings · November 3–6 Current days, times and formats were checked against BNI Maine’s live chapter directory. Register with a chapter before attending so its host can provide the invitation and any last-minute changes. Tuesday, November 3 Referral Masters · 10:30 a.m. · Online. Visitor invitation. BNI Energy · 2 p.m. · Hybrid; Dormir Hotel’s Roosevelt Room, 965 Roosevelt Trail, Windham. Visitor invitation. Wednesday, November 4 Harraseeket Business Builders · 7:30 a.m. · Cadenza, 5 Depot Street, Freeport. Visitor invitation. Business Leaders · 8:30 a.m. · Yarmouth History Center, 118 East Elm Street, Yarmouth. Visitor invitation. Lakes Region · 10 a.m. · Dormir Hotel’s Roosevelt Room, 965 Roosevelt Trail, Windham. Visitor invitation. Profit Partners · 11:30 a.m. · New York Life office, 500 Southborough Drive, Suite 300, South Portland. Visitor invitation. Thursday, November 5 Portland Business Builders · 7 a.m. · Clarion Hotel, 1230 Congress Street, Portland. Visitor invitation. Casco Bay Money Movers · 8 a.m. · Norman, Hanson & Detroy, Two Canal Plaza, Portland. Visitor invitation. Friday, November 6 Business Partners · 8:30 a.m. · Westbrook Community Center, 426 Bridge Street. Visitor invitation. Dirigo · 8:30 a.m. · Online. Visitor invitation. |
Business Pulse Lucky Sevens opens on Hanover Street A new name is operating at 82 Hanover Street, Portland, the former Bar Publica space. Portland Food Map reports that Lucky Sevens opened October 23. That makes this an opening update, rather than another projected launch date. Opening report. Oat Mode · A project to watch The planned business at 25 Pearl Street, Portland, has been described as an oatmeal-and-yogurt-bowl café with smoothies. Earlier coverage targeted November; a firm opening day has not been announced in the material reviewed for this issue. Treat it as a development project, rather than an operating stop. Development updates. Have an opening, ownership change, move or expansion to share in South Portland, Scarborough, Falmouth, Cumberland, Westbrook, Gorham or an island community? Send the business name, address and announcement to Sandy. |
Farmers’ Markets · November Hours Portland · Wednesday, November 4, and Saturday, November 7 8 a.m.–1 p.m. · Deering Oaks Park The opening time moves an hour later in November. The outdoor season continues through November 25; the winter market begins December 5 at 631 Stevens Avenue. Ask at the information booth about SNAP/EBT and Maine Harvest Bucks. The market currently advertises bonus produce purchasing power through the program; staff can explain eligible purchases and how to use it. Market schedule and food-access programs. Cumberland and Falmouth’s published summer-market seasons ended in October. November trips deserve a fresh seasonal schedule rather than a summer-hours assumption. |
Give your smoke alarms a November check. Press each alarm’s test button and check its manufacture date. NFPA recommends monthly testing and replacing smoke alarms 10 years after manufacture. Follow your model’s instructions for battery replacement. NFPA smoke-alarm guidance |
Make room for a little movement. A short brisk walk or an indoor activity break can help you build toward the CDC’s weekly goal of 150 minutes of moderate activity for adults. You can spread that time across the week in smaller chunks. Choose an activity that fits your abilities; at moderate intensity, you can talk but not sing. CDC activity guidance |
Helping Hands Preble Street Food Pantry · South Portland The Food Security Hub is at 75 Darling Avenue, with the pantry entrance on the left side of the building. Published pantry hours are daily, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Current access information. South Portland Food Cupboard The distribution notice directs visitors to 405 Western Avenue, Suite 17, behind Staples. New recipients are directed to Tuesday intake, 9:45–11:30 a.m. Existing recipients should follow their appointment arrangements. Call 207-874-0379 about the intake process and which distribution fits your household. Distribution details. Heating help MaineHousing’s Home Energy Assistance Program helps eligible households with heating costs through local Community Action Agencies. Emergency fuel assistance season opened November 1. Use the state’s agency finder for your address; eligibility and benefits depend on the program’s rules. Apply or find your local agency. If you can help, ask a pantry what it needs before loading the car. A requested food donation, volunteer shift or reliable ride can be more useful than an item it cannot store. |
Furry Friends This week, meet Chance at the Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland and Inky through HART of Maine. Their photographs are real, and each has different needs. Speak with the adoption team about the home you can offer; availability can change. |
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Chance is a young male mixed-breed dog at ARLGP in Westbrook.
Meet the adoption team to discuss his needs and household fit. Read More... |
Meet Chance at ARLGP 217 Landing Road, Westbrook · 207-854-9771. Adoptions 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Thursday–Sunday; closed Wednesday. Current roster and adoption process. |
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Affectionate Inky needs a quiet home and continued veterinary support for medication and behavior needs.
Learn about this adult cat through HART of Maine. Read More... |
Meet Inky through HART of Maine 302 Range Road, Cumberland · 207-829-4116. Start with the application and discuss Inky’s ongoing care needs with the adoption team. Application and visit arrangements. |
1-2-3 Beef Stew One packet of onion soup mix, two cans of condensed mushroom soup and three pounds of beef form the base of this easy oven supper. The full recipe includes the covered, low-and-slow method and serving suggestions over egg noodles. Get the full recipe and dish photo. |
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 |
Duck-fat Belgian-style fries, soup and a Middle Street stop: this week’s dining feature visits Duckfat in Portland. Read the full Duckfat article · Menu and visitor information |
A browse on Exchange Street is an easy way to put a local bookshop into your downtown plans. This week’s business spotlight is Sherman’s Maine Coast Book Shop in Portland. |
Looking Ahead November 10 · Speed networking in Windham BNI and Sebago Lakes Chamber, 4:30–6:30 p.m., Roosevelt Room, 965 Roosevelt Trail. Free. Chamber event listing. November 10 · Maine Mariners return home Wheeling visits Portland for the Mariners’ next home game. Team schedule and tickets. November 11 · Veterans Day Confirm office, library and transportation arrangements before planning an errand. November 13 · Ronald McDonald House Maine Gala 6–11 p.m. · Thompson’s Point, Portland. Event and admission information. Organizing a holiday fair, hunters’ breakfast or cookie swap? Send the date, hours, address, price and public announcement to Sandy. |
Who’s Hiring? Westbrook · Equipment Operator I Full-time municipal opening; published pay $26.43–$28.33 per hour, depending on qualifications. The employer notes sign-on-bonus eligibility. Westbrook · Operations Supervisor, Streets Full-time; posted range $30.39–$44.63 per hour, based on experience and qualifications. Review the posting’s note about possible contract-related rate changes. Westbrook descriptions and applications. South Portland · Community Planner Full-time, 37.5 hours, four-day workweek; open until filled. South Portland · Tax Clerk/Cashier Full-time, 37.5 hours, four-day workweek; open until filled. South Portland · Trash/Recycling Audit Intern Temporary opening, listed open until filled. South Portland requirements and applications. Apply through the employer’s posting. Vacancies may close as hiring proceeds. |
Maine Celtics · Opening Weekend at the Expo The Celtics begin their 2026–27 NBA G League season with two home games against the Westchester Knicks at the Portland Expo, 239 Park Avenue. Friday, November 6 · 7 p.m. Sunday, November 8 · 12:30 p.m. Sunday’s early tip gives families an afternoon option. Choose seats through the team’s ticket links; prices depend on availability and seating. Home schedule and tickets · Expo parking information Maine Mariners · Three Games at Greensboro All three are road games at First Horizon Coliseum, Greensboro, North Carolina. Times are Eastern. Thursday, November 5 · 10:30 a.m. Friday, November 6 · 7 p.m. Saturday, November 7 · 7 p.m. The official schedule includes watch and listen links for following the team from home. Mariners schedule and coverage Looking ahead: Maine returns to Portland’s Cross Insurance Arena against Wheeling on Tuesday, November 10, at 6:30 p.m. That home game falls just outside this issue’s coverage window. |
Hockey weekend in Gorham All four games below are at USM Ice Arena, Gorham. Friday, November 6: USM women vs. New England College, 4 p.m.; USM men vs. WestConn, 7 p.m. Saturday, November 7: USM women vs. Plymouth State, 1 p.m.; USM men vs. Keene State, 4 p.m. Women’s hockey · Men’s hockey and parking links Basketball tips off Friday, November 6 USM women visit the University of New England in Biddeford at 5:30 p.m. USM men travel to Thomas College in Waterville at 7 p.m. Women’s basketball · Men’s basketball |
High School Sports · Local Playoff Watch Tuesday, November 3 · Soccer at Scarborough High School 4 p.m. · Boys’ Class A South final: Falmouth vs. Thornton Academy. 6:30 p.m. · Girls’ Class A South final: Scarborough vs. Kennebunk. Two regional titles are on the line at the same site. The boys’ matchup features Falmouth after its semifinal win over Scarborough. Wednesday, November 4 · Soccer at Falmouth High School 4 p.m. · Boys’ Class B South final: Yarmouth vs. Cape Elizabeth. 6:30 p.m. · Girls’ Class B South final: Yarmouth vs. Cape Elizabeth. The same neighboring schools meet for both regional championships. MPA broadcast listings and coverage · Tournament information. Friday, November 6 · Football 6 p.m. · Windham at Portland · Fitzpatrick Stadium, Portland. 6 p.m. · Falmouth at Marshwood · Marshwood High School, South Berwick. 6 p.m. · Dirigo at Freeport · Freeport, Class D South semifinal. Windham–Portland · Falmouth–Marshwood · Dirigo–Freeport. Saturday, November 7 · Soccer state championships Regional winners advance to the state finals. Kennebunk hosts Class A; Lewiston hosts Class C. Other classes use the MPA’s designated sites. Matchups depend on this week’s regional results. Winter next: The general first practice date for winter sports is November 16. Basketball and boys’ hockey game schedules follow later; fall postseason games remain this week’s focus. All times above are Eastern. |
From Sandy — Keep the Bay Connected A newsletter becomes more useful when readers help it see beyond the familiar stops. If you know a small public event, a business change or a neighbor doing good work, send it along. I hope this issue helps you make a plan, find a resource or start a conversation. Invite someone along if you head to a craft show, a concert or the market. Thank you to Marshall Communications for supporting Casco Bay Voice, and thank you for reading. Forwarded this copy? Subscribe free. For news tips and sponsorship inquiries, email Sandy. — Sandy |
Nancy Marshall, The PR Maven® — Public Relations, Strategic Communications & Visibility. Maine Based, Globally Connected. |
Marshall Communications |
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Trivia Answer · C. 8 a.m. Portland’s outdoor farmers’ market opens at 8 a.m. during November. Wednesday and Saturday markets run until 1 p.m. at Deering Oaks Park. The market’s current schedule. |