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Author Archives: TCT Editorial Staff

The unaccounted for circles of hell: A poetry reading, discussion

AUBURN, ME — In Dante’s Inferno, he easily descends into Hell and explores circles reserved for traitors & betrayers, liars & thieves.

The Unaccounted for Circles of Hell wrestles with the terrifying notion that we are currently there, that the things we suffer on a daily basis — Violence Against Women, Body Image, Death and Dying, and Grief — are a part of some larger punishment.

Join Lynne Schmidt for a reading of their work, and a discussion of how this collection came into being. This program will take place on Friday, March 15, starting at 4 p.m., and will take place in the Androscoggin Community Room. No registration is required.

Lynne Schmidt is the granddaughter of a Holocaust survivor and a mental health professional with a focus on trauma and healing. They are the winner of the 2020 New Women’s Voices Contest and author of the chapbooks, Dead Dog Poems (Finishing Line Press), and Gravity (Nightingale and Sparrow Press) which was listed as one of the 17 Best Breakup Books to Read in 2020, and On Becoming a Role Model (Thirty West), which was featured on The Wardrobe’s Best Dressed for PTSD Awareness Week. Their work has received the Maine Nonfiction Award, Editor’s Choice Award, and was a 2018 and 2019 PNWA finalist for memoir and poetry respectively.

For more information on this or other upcoming programs offered by the Auburn Public Library, visit www.auburnpubliclibrary.org.

When: Friday, March 15, 2024; 4:00-5:00 p.m.

Where: Androscoggin Community Room

Bill supports St. Mary’s Hospital, Tri-County Mental Health

AUGUSTA, ME —The Legislature’s Committee on Health and Human Services approved a bill from Sen. Peggy Rotundo, D-Lewiston, to provide $10.8 million to support behavioral health services in Lewiston. The bill includes $8.9 million for St. Mary’s Hospital in Lewiston for the purpose of allowing the hospital to continue to provide critical behavioral and mental health treatment and $1.9 million to help Spurwink acquire Tri-County Mental Health Services. The vote was unanimous of members present.

“In the aftermath of the tragic Lewiston shooting, we are searching for policy solutions to keep us safer and better identify those who may be ill enough to do others harm,” said Sen. Rotundo. “At the same time, we are still dealing with the fallout from years of isolation during the pandemic, resulting in a skyrocketing need for all kinds of mental health services. I believe an important component of our response to these challenges should be to reinforce the existing mental health resources in our state. St. Mary’s Hospital and Tri-County Mental Health Services are staffed with dedicated professionals who do excellent work. I believe we should prioritize keeping St. Mary’s funded so it can continue to work on the front lines of this crisis, and we should do all we can to prevent Tri-County from permanently closing its doors.”

The bill — LD 2105, “Resolve, to Protect and Enhance Access to Behavioral Health Services in Androscoggin County and Surrounding Communities” — originally sought to appropriate $10.4 million in Fiscal Year 2025 to St. Mary’s. The hospital is now expected to save $1.5 million in revenues in Fiscal Year 2024 as a result  of changes to MaineCare hospital rate increases proposed in the Governor’s supplemental budget. The amount needed by St. Mary’s is now projected to be $8.9 million. The Committee also approved $1.9 million to allow Spurwink to acquire Tri-County Mental Health Services, in order to further reinforce the continuum of care in the Lewiston area. The bill’s new total is $10.8 million.

Representatives from St. Mary’s hospital attended the work session. LD 2105 will be the subject of votes by the full Legislature in the coming weeks.

Entertaining, thought-provoking new play at TPT

LEWISTON, ME — The Public Theatre, Lewiston/Auburn’s professional theatre is proud to produce the compelling new play Secret Hour, March 15 – 24. This will be the play’s second production after its world premiere last year in New York. Entertaining, humorous, poignant, and thought-provoking, if you’ve ever been in a relationship, you’ll be discussing this provocative new play all the way home.

For fun, a married couple invents a game where they confess unflattering truths about themselves and promise to love each other anyway. But is unconditional love really possible? Is being truthful the same thing as being true to oneself? Thankfully, they have a wise and hilarious handyman with a life coach certificate to help them answer these and other compelling questions.

Secret Hour is also a powerful play for women as its female character must face the decision of pursuing a career path or a family. The play cleverly asks if committed relationships brings out the best in us,  or make us compromise our true selves in consideration of the people we love.  Couples of all ages will find this play relevant to their lives and appreciate its intelligence, humor and fascinating questions.

Playwright Jenny Stafford will be joining The Public Theatre in the rehearsal process and participating in two free post-show discussions with the cast and director directly following the Saturday, March 16 and Sunday March 17th matinees. This is the second production this season where the playwright has attended their show at The Public Theatre and shared their thoughts and insights with our audience.

Playing the role of Kate, a successful college Ethics professor will be Katharine McLeod. Katharine previously appeared at The Public Theatre in Last Gas and regularly performs in professional theatres across the US and Canada. Playing her husband Ben is Jason Cadieux. Jason has been seen at The Public Theatre in Wait Until Dark and Wrong for Each Other. For the last 5 seasons, Jason has been a company member of the acclaimed Shaw Festival Theatre in Canada and has also appeared in Blue Bloods, FBI and Law & Order: SVU. Playing this couple’s wise and hilarious handyman Leaf is Josh Adams. Although based in NY, Josh has performed to acclaim at multiple well-known theatres in the D.C. area including The Folger and The Woolly Mammoth. At the directorial helm of this production will be Chris Clavelli. Chris last directed A Doll’s House Part 2 for The Public Theatre. He is currently a resident Director at Florida Repertory Theatre, and a recipient of a Carbonell Award for Best Actor and a Barrymore Award. His direction earned him an Alan Schneider directing nomination through Theatre Communications Group. The Set Design for Secret Hour will be by Chez Cherry, lights by Matt Cost, costumes by Kevin Hutchins and sound by John Morrison.

Secret Hour will be performed at The Public Theatre, Lewiston’s Professional Theatre March 15 – 24. Showtimes are Thurs and Fri at 7:30pm, Sat at 3pm, Sun at 2pm with an added Sat evening on March 23 at 7:30pm.  Tickets are $30 Adults, $25 Groups 10+, $20 Student 19+ with ID. For tickets call 782-3200 or visit thepublictheatre.org.  The Public Theatre is located at 31 Maple St., Lewiston.

Sponsored by IBEW Local 567 Portland and Warp and Weft

Season Underwriters: Sun Journal, Platz Associates, and Bennett Radio Group

Katharine McLeod as Kate and Jason Cadieux as Ben

Glow Dance Party coming to Franco Center March 15 

LEWISTON, ME—The Franco Center will host a Glow Dance Party at Heritage Hall Bar, from 7 to 10 p.m. Friday, March 15. DJ Jake Hodgkin, production manager at the Franco Center, will lead line dancing occasionally during the evening. 

“Wear as much white and neon-colored clothing as you can because blacklights will be in use throughout most of the building,” said Hodgkin. “The effect will be stunning! Glow sticks will be available for extra fun.” 

A cash bar will be available in Heritage Hall. “For people wondering if the Franco Center has a bar, yes, we do, and our bartenders are the best! This dance glow party is a good time to check us out,” said Hodgkin. 

Cover charge is $10 at the door or pay what you can. 

The Franco Center is at 46 Cedar St., Lewiston. Parking is in the mill lot on Oxford Street. Handicap access is via an elevator on the Lincoln St. Alley side of the building. Membership is not required to attend this event. 

 Jake Hodgkin, production manager at the Franco Center. Photo credit: Franco Center. 

Jonathan Knowlton joins Champoux Insurance Group

AUBURN, ME — Champoux Insurance Group is pleased to announce that Jonathan Knowlton has joined their team in February as an Account Executive. Jonathan brings 20 years of experience in the insurance and investment field with him to this new position. 

After graduating from Thomas College with honors, he went to work for MetLife as a personal financial representative. From there, he worked for Allstate Insurance, and within 3 years, had opened his own agency on Sabattus Street in Lewiston. Jonathan closed the agency after 13 successful years. 

Making sure clients are educated about the risks they face and protecting them with auto, home, and life insurance products has always been important to Jonathan; local families truly are in good hands with him. 

Jonathan lives in Auburn with his wife and son, and enjoys ice fishing, ATVing, hiking, growing hot peppers and volunteering with the Boy Scouts.

Champoux Insurance Group welcomes John to our Team.

Registration is open for Hike for Hospice

LEWISTON, ME–Androscoggin Home Healthcare + Hospice invites all Mainers to Hike for Hospice on Saturday, May 18th at Pineland Farms to raise awareness for the importance of end-of-life care, emphasizing the support, kindness, and compassion that hospice services offer to patients and their families throughout Maine. Hike for Hospice aims to help ensure that high-quality hospice services are available to all individuals and their families throughout the state regardless of their ability to pay.

The event will include a traditional or ADA compliant trail, face painting, and family fun. Although the event is scheduled from 9am-1pm, there is no designated start time – participants are encouraged to come to hike and enjoy all that Pineland Farms has to offer at their own leisure.

Can’t attend in person? No problem! Join us virtually where you can walk at your own pace in the location of your choice- as an individual or a team! Virtual participants can submit photos, videos, and/or stories of their participation via email to leslie.ogilvie@androscoggin.org, on the Androscoggin Facebook page, or through the hashtag #HikeForHospice2024.

“We invite everyone to join us for this meaningful event, either in-person at beautiful Pineland Farms or virtually at a location of your choice” said Androscoggin’s Community Relations and Development Manager Leslie Ogilvie. ” Hike for Hospice is more than just a walk. It’s an opportunity for people to celebrate the lives of loved ones who have passed away, whether in Androscoggin’s care or elsewhere.” To register or learn more, please visit https://androscoggin.org/get-involved/hike/.

For more information about the Hike for Hospice, please contact Leslie Ogilvie at leslie.ogilvie@androscoggin.org.

L-A swim team shows potential at New England championships

AUBURN, ME–The YMCA of Auburn-Lewiston is excited to announce the results from our Twin Cities Swim Team’s (TCST) performance last weekend at the New England Age Group Championships. Held at the Boston Sports Institute in Wellesley, MA (Feb 24-25), this is the highest level of competition in New England for swimmers aged 11 to 14. This was the first year TCST has competed at this meet, with nine swimmers attending.

Results

12 top 20 finishes for individual events.

7 top 20 finishes for relay events.

7 team records were broken in total.

TCST finished 20th of 64 teams in attendance.

8 swimmers continue to nationals.

Top Performers

Alex Kozckodan, Ian Lane, Eli Vandeventer, and Caden Laplante: Placed 3rd in New England in the 11-12 Boys Freestyle Relay.

Caden LaPlante: Finished 1st place in 4 individual events. His time of 24.70 seconds in the 50-yard butterfly ranks #1 not only in New England, but #1 in the USA! Caden finished 2nd overall at the meet.

SBA Disaster Loans: Not just for businesses

The US Small Business Administration (SBA), Office of Disaster Recovery & Resilience, works alongside FEMA after a Presidential Disaster Declaration, which happened after the catastrophic storms and flooding in Maine in December 2023. The SBA provides low-interest, long-term disaster loans to homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes, and non-profit organizations to cover damage not covered by insurance or another source.

If you live in Androscoggin, Franklin, Kennebec, Oxford or Somerset County and had wind or flood damage to your home, personal property, business or non-profit on December 17 – 21, 2023, you can apply for a low-interest disaster loan from the SBA. There is no cost to apply, and no interest or payments for the first year of the loan. After the first year with no interest or payments, the interest rate for most homeowners and renters is as low as 2.688%; for most businesses as low as 4%; and 3.25% for non-profits. With these low interest rates and a loan term up to 30 years, monthly payments are very reasonable.

SBA’s Office of Disaster Recovery & Resilience wants you to build back stronger and be more resilient against potential future damage. Thus, homeowners and businesses can request an additional 20% of total estimated damage to be used for mitigation—to prevent future damage (such as installing a sump pump, modifying landscaping to divert flood water, or elevating your furnace).

Even if you already used a credit card or bank loan to pay for repairing your home or business, you can still get an SBA disaster loan and replace that more expensive debt with a low-interest SBA loan. Homeowners and renters should register first with FEMA for possible grant assistance. Deadline to apply: April 1, 2024. Apply at no cost Now, Decide Later. Keep your options open. If offered, you have 2 months to decide. You can easily decline the loan offer at no cost to you.

3 Ways to Apply: 1. Online at https://sba.gov/disaster 2. Call or email to learn more: 800-659-2955 or disastercustomerservice@sba.gov

3. Visit a local Disaster Recovery Center, with SBA and FEMA staff to assist you:

Disaster Recovery Center locations (with SBA & FEMA): All open Monday – Saturday, 9-5

1) Androscoggin County: Lewiston Armory, 65 Central Ave., Lewiston

2) Oxford County: Rumford Municipal Building, 145 Congress St., Rumford

3) Kennebec County: Manchester Fire Department, 37 Readfield Rd., Manchester

4) Somerset County: Somerset County EOC, 4 County Dr., Skowhegan

5) Franklin County: Roberts Learning Center, 270 Main St., Farmington

**You can visit any of the DRCs. Hours subject to change.

Auditions announced for CLT’s “Alice in Wonderland”

AUBURN, ME — “Alice in Wonderland” is the classic story of a young girl who falls down a rabbit hole and finds herself in a fantastical world filled with colorful characters and exciting and unusual adventures. CLT is looking for approximately 26 actors, some roles may be doubled.

Auditions for Alice in Wonderland at LA/CLT are March 10 and 11 at 6pm at 30 Academy St, Auburn ME. Auditioners need only attend one day of auditions. However, callbacks may be scheduled later in the week.

Those wishing to audition for the Mad Hatter may be asked to perform some light choreography.

For more information, contact info@LACLT.com

The production dates for “Alice in Wonderland ” are June 14-23.

L/A Community Little Theatre, located at 30 Academy Street in Auburn, has been producing live theatre since 1940. A volunteer, non-profit organization, our goal is to provide affordable and quality entertainment in the performing arts as well as education, training, and experience in theatre for area youth. www.laclt.com.

Boiler operator, land surveyor technician trainings offered

High-Pressure Boiler Operator Training 2024

AUBURN, ME – The Center for Workforce and Professional Development at Central Maine Community College (CMCC) is partnering with area employers and service providers to recruit candidates interested in completing their High-Pressure Boiler Operator Certification.

Information and registration for the free program is available at centralmaine.cc/workforceapply.

Running from March 19th – June 18th, this course offers a practical approach, knowledge, and techniques to power plant operation and is designed to prepare the student to sit for the Maine High-Pressure Boiler License Exam. Upon completing this course and the required in-service experience under a state-issued training permit, the student can take the Central Maine Community College licensing exam. The cost of the exam is included.

The average starting wage for a High-Pressure Boiler Operator is $42,000 in the State of Maine.

Registration for this course is required.

This training is just one of the many free courses offered by Workforce and Professional Development including Introduction to Phlebotomy, Certified Pharmacy Technician, Computer Support Specialist – 2 Course Bundle, CETP Gas Training, Refrigerant EPA 608, Fiber Optic Technician, Heat Pump Installer Training, and the Welding Academy.

For more information or to register, please contact Central Maine Community College’s Center for Workforce & Professional Development at workforcedevelopment@cmcc.edu or 207-755-5280.

Land Surveyor Technician I

The Center for Workforce and Professional Development at Central Maine Community College (CMCC) is partnering with area employers and service providers to recruit candidates interested in completing their 15-hour Land Surveyor Technician Certification. The In-Person Course Dates: March 7 – April 4, 2024, Thursdays 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Information and registration for the free program is available at centralmaine.cc/workforceapply

The Survey Technician I course provides preparatory training for a nationally recognized Land Survey Technician certification. The course covers the setup for surveying stations, sequence stationing, data collection, recording observed angles, recording distances, utilizing point coding, and taking survey notes. The course will also cover reading topographical maps, CAD software operations, and following safety guidelines in the field. Upon completion, the cost of the exam is covered, students earn a Digital Badge, and starting salaries trend at over $31,000 with opportunity for advancement.

This training is just one of the many free courses offered by Workforce and Professional Development including Introduction to Phlebotomy, CNA Lewiston, Computer Support Specialist – 2 Course Bundle, CETP Gas Training, Heat Pump Installer, Refrigerant EPA 608, High-Pressure Boiler, Fiber Optics Technician, and the Welding Academy.

These programs are funded by the Maine Jobs and Recovery Program (MJRP). The course materials and exam fees are also covered. Participants must be at least 18 years of age, possess a high school diploma, GED, or HiSet, and be a U.S. citizen and/or authorized to work in the U.S. Candidates are only eligible to participate in one MJRP program being offered at any of the seven colleges in the Maine Community College System.

For more information or to register, please contact Central Maine Community College’s Center for Workforce & Professional Development at workforcedevelopment@cmcc.edu or 207-755-5280.


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