Community Corner
🌱 Patch AM: What this free-speech settlement means for Augusta school board meetings
And on the Augusta Patch calendar - Board of Education Business Meeting
Good morning Augusta! We're back again in your inbox, keeping you updated with what's happening in and around town. ☕️️
In today's newsletter:
- What this free-speech settlement means for Augusta school board meetings
- How to enjoy October's Celebrity Chef Challenge at Augusta Civic Center
- How UMA's record class and free tuition are reshaping Augusta
Today's riddle: What did the bartender say to the jumper cables when they walked in? 🤔 (Answer below!)
- Wednesday: Cloudy, with a high of 73 and low of 59 degrees.
- Thursday: Rain most of the time, temps: high: 68, low: 59.
- Friday: Warmer with a few showers, with a high of 77 and low of 60 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
1. Augusta School Board, activist, reach settlement in First Amendment lawsuit (wabi.tv) — An Augusta resident and the Augusta Board of Education have reached a federal court settlement over how public comments are handled at school board meetings. The board agreed not to enforce parts of a repealed participation policy, to pay symbolic damages, and to cover some legal fees, clarifying how residents can speak at future meetings. 
2. Spectrum Generations Celebrity Chef Challenge Returns to Augusta (ultimatemaine.com) — An October 5 Celebrity Chef Challenge at the Augusta Civic Center will bring three Maine chefs together for a food competition that raises money for Spectrum Generations' Meals on Wheels and other services. Augusta residents can buy tickets or tables, enjoy live music and a silent auction, and help spotlight downtown communities across Central Maine while supporting older adults.
3. UMaine System projects 10-year high in enrollment as classes begin (pressherald.com) — Students in Augusta are part of a milestone year as the University of Maine at Augusta welcomes its largest-ever incoming class of first-time, first-year students, boosted by a free-tuition offer for most Pell-eligible Mainers. Across the UMaine System, enrollment is projected to hit a 10-year high, with strong growth in adult-focused, online, and graduate programs statewide.
4. Maine legislators urge MaineHealth to reassess closure of Lincoln Hospital's maternity unit (newscentermaine.com) — State lawmakers meeting in Augusta are pressing MaineHealth to reconsider closing Lincoln Hospital's Miles maternity unit and are exploring ways to stabilize maternal care, especially in rural areas. After a public forum in Augusta, the committee also asked state leaders for emergency funding to keep key community health services operating while they craft longer-term legislative solutions.
5. How to prepare for higher home energy costs this winter (wmtw.com) — From Augusta, utilities and advocates are urging residents to prepare now for higher winter energy costs by applying for HEAP and related assistance programs. Augusta-area CMP customers are encouraged to explore income-based credits, usage alerts, and flat-rate billing options so they can avoid disconnection risks when cold weather drives up electricity and heating bills.
📸 Around Augusta
Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!
🗓 Upcoming Events in Augusta
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
- Board of Education Business Meeting
Augusta Public Schools Capital Area Tech Center, 7 Pierce Dr, Augusta, ME 04330, USA
7:00 pm - Anti-Bullying Committee
Rsu 12 Chelsea Elementary School, 560-566 Togus Rd, Chelsea, ME 04330\
4:30 pm - Curriculum Committee
Rsu 12 Chelsea Elementary School, 566 Togus Rd, Chelsea, ME 04330, Un
5:00 pm - Policy Committee
Rsu 12 Chelsea Elementary School, 560-566 Togus Rd, Chelsea, ME 04330\
5:15 pm - RSU 12 Board of Directors Meeting
Rsu 12 Chelsea-Togus Elementary School, 560-566 Togus Rd, Chelsea, ME
6:30 pm
Wednesday September 9
Thursday September 10
📣 Augusta Shout Outs!
Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!
🗓 Events Nearby
- Unabashedly →
Waterville Opera House, 1 Common St, Waterville
7:30 pm - Rock the Dock: The 7 Wonders →
The Woodshed, 911 Western Ave, Manchester
6:00 pm - LABOR DAY (NO SCHOOL)
Rsu 38 Manchester, ME 04351 - Lincoln Academy Boys Varsity Soccer @ Erskine Academy →
Erskine Academy, 309 Windsor Rd, South China
3:30 pm - RSU #38 Board of Directors Business Meeting @ MCMS Cafeteria
Rsu 38 Manchester, ME 04351
6:30 pm - Board of Education Business Meeting
Augusta Public Schools Capital Area Tech Center, 7 Pierce Dr, Augusta, ME 04330, USA
7:00 pm - Anti-Bullying Committee
Rsu 12 Chelsea Elementary School, 560-566 Togus Rd, Chelsea, ME 04330\
4:30 pm
Friday September 4
Saturday September 5
Monday September 7
Tuesday September 8
Wednesday September 9
Thursday September 10
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
- Hazards can remain long after a hurricane or other major storm has passed.
Take your time, follow guidance from local officials, and stay alert as you begin cleaning up. A little extra caution can go a long way. P.S. This… (Nextdoor )
- Premium Retail Services, Inc. posted a job opening for Seasonal Merchandiser in Augusta. Apply here.
- Teleperformance USA posted a job opening for Payroll Tax Processor - Remote in Augusta. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Augusta here.
Ok Augusta! 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: Don't you 2 start anything (Thank you Mary L. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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