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š± How UMaineās new program is already changing Orono special education
Hello Orono! Stay connected with the latest updates from around town. Let's dive in! āļøļø
In today's newsletter:
- How UMaineās new program is already changing Orono special education
- See what kids can try at UMaineās free 4-H open house
- How to score big at Oronoās returning Clean Sweep Sale
Also on today's calendar: GSG Formal Spring 2026 and 5 more events.
Today's riddle: What did the inventor of the knock-knock joke win? š¤ (Answer below!)
From our Partner
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- Friday: A couple of thunderstorms, with a high of 70 and low of 40 degrees.
- Saturday: Cloudy, temps: high: 64, low: 43.
- Sunday: Cooler with periods of rain, with a high of 48 and low of 32 degrees.
š° News we're reading
1. University of Maine pilot program fast-tracks special education teachers (newscentermaine.com) ā A new University of Maine pilot program is already putting specially trained teachers into Orono classrooms, with recent grad Emily Ernst now teaching second- and third-graders in town. Backed by a national grant and partnerships with RSU 26 and nearby districts, the four-year pathway lets UMaine students earn special education certification faster while gaining hands-on experience. Organizers hope it will become permanent to help ease the local teacher shortage. 
Ā Ā Ā 
2. UMaine Extension 4-H hosts open house at science center in Orono (bangordailynews.com) ā Families in Orono can drop into a free UMaine Extension 4-H open house on Saturday, May 2, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 491 College Ave. Kids can explore marine life, try hands-on STEM activities, and learn how to join local 4-H clubsāno registration required. Ā Ā Ā
3. Bodwell Center's Clean Sweep Sale Returns After Two-Year Hiatus (z1073.com) ā A massive, bargain-filled Clean Sweep Sale is coming back to the University of Maineās Alfond Arena in Orono on Friday and Saturday, May 22ā23, after a two-year renovation hiatus. Residents can expect deeply discounted dorm furniture, clothing, and household items, with organizers urging shoppers to arrive early and bring plenty of cargo space for their finds. Ā Ā Ā
4. Makowski, Griffith among 2026 Outstanding Graduating Students at UMaine (observer-me.com) ā UMaine in Orono has named twelve students as 2026 Outstanding Graduating Students, including honorees with ties to Dover-Foxcroft and Parkman. The piece spotlights their research, service through Maine Day Meal Packout, and post-graduation plans that loop back to supporting Maine communities. Local readers see how Oronoās flagship campus is shaping future leaders. Ā Ā Ā
5. Ella Boxall: Outstanding Graduating Student (umaine.edu) ā A UMaine engineering student reflects on how living and studying in Orono shaped her friendships, research, and love for Maineās outdoors. She describes hands-on water-resources projects, mentoring relationships, and plans for graduate study in the UK focused on coastal resilience. Her story highlights the supportive campus community Orono residents see every day. Ā Ā Ā
šø Around Orono
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š
Upcoming Events in
Orono
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
ā Featured events ā
-
Arthur Explicit
Versant Power Astronomy Center & Jordan Planetarium, University of Maine, 167 Rangeley Rd, Orono
5:00 pm
Saturday April 18
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Other local events
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Saturday Orono Writing Club
Orono, ME Calendar , 39 Pine Street , Orono
10:30 am -
Mahjongg Group
Orono, ME Calendar , 39 Pine Street , Orono
12:30 pm -
GSG Formal Spring 2026
IMRC Center - Innovative Media Research and Commercialization Center , University of Maine , IMRC Center 101 Stewart Commons , Orono
6:00 pm -
Patriots' Day
Orono, ME Calendar Orono, ME 04473 -
Geezers in Sneakers Getting Coffee
Orono, ME Calendar , 39 Pine Street , Orono
9:30 am -
Tuesday Readers Book Group
Orono, ME Calendar , 39 Pine Street , Orono
11:00 am -
Yarn Social
Orono, ME Calendar , 39 Pine Street , Orono
12:30 pm
Saturday April 18
Monday April 20
Tuesday April 21
š£ Orono Shout Outs!
Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!
š Events Nearby
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BHS - JV Baseball vs. Lawrence @ 4:30 p.m. (pre-season)
Bangor High School Bangor, ME 04401
4:30 pm -
BHS/HA - Boys Lacrosse @ Lewiston at V-5:30/JV-7:00 p.m.
Bangor High School Bangor, ME 04401
5:30 pm -
Riff Johnson: Bogeys - Bangor ME
Bogeys , 471 Stillwater Ave , Bangor
6:00 pm -
Bangor Farmers Market
Sea Dog Brewing Co , 26 Front St , Bangor
11:00 am
Friday April 17
Saturday April 18
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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š¬ Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- University of Southern Maine posted a job opening for Associate Professor of Psychology and Director of Clinical Training in Orono. Apply here.
- Dunkin' posted a job opening for Crew Member in Orono. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Orono here.
Ok Orono! 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: The NO-BELL prize (Thank you Gina M. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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