FREEPORT, ME – As the Maine Harvest Bucks program celebrates its 10th anniversary this May, the Maine Federation of Farmers’ Markets is calling attention to two critical pieces of legislation that will determine whether this successful local food nutrition incentive program can continue serving thousands of Maine families and supporting local farmers.

Since launching in May 2016, Maine Harvest Bucks has generated $3.75 million in direct sales at farmers’ markets and farm stands across the state. The program, which operates at 50 farmers’ markets and more than 20 farm stands, effectively doubles the value of SNAP benefits (formerly food stamps) when families spend them on fresh, local produce. In 2024 alone, nearly $700,000 in SNAP and Maine Harvest Bucks sales were recorded at participating locations – more than triple the $200,000 recorded in 2018.

“Over the past decade, Maine Harvest Bucks has proven that when we make healthy, local food more accessible, entire communities benefit,” said Jimmy DeBiasi, Executive Director of the Maine Federation of Farmers’ Markets. “We’ve seen families discover new foods, farmers expand their customer base, and rural economies strengthen. But without legislative action this session, this vital program faces an uncertain future.”

The program’s impact extends far beyond sales figures. More than 15,000 Mainers using SNAP have accessed fresh produce through Maine Harvest Bucks, with participants reporting improved food security, reduced reliance on food pantries, and increased knowledge about preparing healthy meals. The program currently operates in all 16 Maine counties, serving over 400 farmers and producers.

Two bills currently before the Maine Legislature will determine the program’s sustainability:

LD 210 would establish permanent, baseline budget funding of $600,000 annually for Maine’s nutrition incentive programs, providing the stability needed for long-term planning and growth.

LD 468 would add an additional $600,000 annually to meet growing program demand, recognizing that current funding levels cannot keep pace with community need and farmer participation.

“Maine Harvest Bucks represents the best of what government programs can achieve – boosting rural economies, supporting small farm livelihoods, and ensuring that all Mainers have access to fresh, nutritious food,” said Senator Henry Ingwersen, the lead sponsor of LD 468. “These bills aren’t just about funding a program; they’re about investing in the health of our communities and the viability of Maine’s agricultural economy.”

The economic impact extends beyond individual transactions. Research shows that every dollar spent through SNAP generates $1.70 in economic activity, while every dollar invested in program administration yields $4-5 in local food access for SNAP participants. State funding for the program has already leveraged more than $750,000 in matching federal dollars.

The Maine Federation of Farmers’ Markets has built strong partnerships with organizations including Good Shepherd Food Bank, Cultivating Community, and the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association to advocate for continued program funding and expand the reach of local food nutrition incentives. In 2023, these collaborative efforts secured $1.2 million in the Governor’s Budget for the current biennium.

“As we celebrate this milestone anniversary, we’re also looking toward the future,” added DeBiasi. “With permanent funding, Maine Harvest Bucks can continue growing, reaching new communities, and ensuring that fresh, local food remains accessible to all Mainers, regardless of income.”

The Maine Legislature is expected to consider both bills in the coming weeks. Supporters are encouraged to contact their representatives to express support for LD 210 and LD 468.

LEWISTON, ME – The Lewiston Farmers’ Market is excited to announce the introduction of “Third Thursday” markets, which will take place every third Thursday of the month, June through September from 4:00-7:00 pm on the green space at 75 Lincoln St. Enjoy the summer evenings with live music, food trucks, and free kids activities! Customers can expect a variety of vendors, offering fresh produce, spices, jellies, soaps, sourdough bread, and more!

The first Third Thursday market will take place on 6/19 from 4:00 to 7:00pm. Customers will be able to purchase their goods with a range of currency including Cash, Credit, Debit or SNAP/EBT (food stamps). SNAP/EBT shoppers will continue to access the “Maine Harvest Bucks” program (http://maineharvestbucks.org/) which provides SNAP/EBT users with bonus fresh fruits and vegetables.

The Lewiston Farmers’ Market is family-friendly farmers’ market right in the heart of Lewiston-Auburn, the Lewiston Farmers’ Market is organized by the Lewiston Farmers’ Market Association (LFMA) and offers visitors a chance to connect with one another and shop for a wide variety of fresh, delicious local foods and goods. The market will operate every Sunday, May through November, and will occur rain or shine.

LEWISTON, ME – Pelletier’s Karate Academy is thrilled to announce five weeks of summer camp this year! A beloved community hub for karate, kickboxing, yoga, and more, Pelletier’s has been building strong minds and bodies for over 30 years. Offering a welcoming environment for kids as young as three and adults alike, the academy believes that karate is more than just fitness—it’s about becoming a better person, building self-esteem, and achieving goals in all areas of life. This philosophy shines through in their summer camps, where children thrive in a structured, fun environment filled with learning and play. In addition to karate-focused weeks, Pelletier’s is excited to host two weeks of music camps! For more details or to register, email dojo@pelletierskarate.com. Visit pelletierskarate.com for a full schedule of karate classes.

LEWISTON, ME – St. Mary’s Health System is proud to announce that its Emergency Department, under the leadership of Micah Gaspary, MD, has achieved Level 3 Geriatric Emergency Department Accreditation from the American College of Emergency Physicians.

This national recognition affirms St. Mary’s commitment to providing high-quality, specialized care for older adults in our community. The bronze standard accreditation acknowledges emergency departments that have successfully implemented best practices in geriatric care, including age-appropriate equipment, screening protocols and interdisciplinary education.

The achievement was made possible by a dedicated team of clinical leaders, including Dr. Gaspary, emergency department medical director, and Kelley Parker, RN, who have helped ensure that emergency services at St. Mary’s meet the unique needs of older patients with dignity, safety and expertise.

“This recognition reflects the deep care and clinical excellence our team brings to every patient encounter,” said Win Brown, FACHE, president of St. Mary’s Health System. “It’s a meaningful step forward for our emergency services and a reflection of our commitment to the health and dignity of older adults in our community.”

GEDA accreditation builds on national guidelines developed in 2014 by leading emergency and geriatric care organizations, which recommend practices such as delirium screening, fall risk assessment and coordination with outpatient providers. Level 3 accreditation recognizes emergency departments that have committed to these goals and have made meaningful improvements in how care is delivered to older patients.

St. Mary’s Emergency Department is open 24/7 and offers a full range of emergency services.

AUBURN, ME – Sailing lessons for kids from 8 to 18 are available on Taylor Pond in Auburn. Lessons are in 3 week blocks starting on June 30 and July 21. Sailors may enroll in either or both session blocks for $510 each. Classes meet Monday through Friday from 1:00 to 5:00 at Taylor Pond. There are no classes on July 4th. Limited scholarship assistance is available to assist new sailors.

A shorter class is offered in a one week session starting June 23 for younger Kids to Discover Sailing. This is open to ages 7 or 8 from 12:30 to 2:00 at a cost of $250.

Children who learn to sail will experience the Maine outdoors and learn lifelong skills including self-reliance, knots, teamwork, weather, sportsmanship, responsibility, and more while having adventures and fun with friends.

Swimming and tennis lessons are available in the morning. See full schedule at www.taylorpondyachtclub.com/lessons for details.

For more information: contact lessons@taylorpondyachtclub.com or visit www.taylorpondyachtclub.com/events to register.

 Kids sailing on Taylor Pond

AUBURN, ME – Join the Auburn Public Library for a compelling book talk with Sharon Kitchens, author of The Murder of Dorothy Milliken: Cold Case in Maine, and Dorothy’s daughter, Tonia, for a discussion on this tragic true crime story. Sharon will speak to why she chose this story and how she approached it— combing through old newspapers, digital sleuthing, and conducting revealing interviews. Sharon and Tonia will discuss the challenges of investigating cold cases in Maine. They will also address the emotional toll and the importance of centering on victims’ stories with respect and integrity.

About the book: On November 5, 1976, twenty-seven-year-old Dorothy Milliken left her rural home in Sabattus, Maine to go to an all-night laundromat. The following morning her body was found slumped against the outside wall. Despite various leads, there were no arrests for her murder. Dorothy Milliken became a name typed on an index card filed at state police headquarters, her crime scene displayed in grainy black-and-white photos in the evening newspapers. Nearly five decades later, author Sharon Kitchens examines the cold case – interviewing over forty people including Dorothy’s family, friends, former neighbors, law enforcement, and forensic specialists. Who was Dorothy? Why has her killer never been found? Did she know her murderer, or was her death due to a random, frenzied attack?

About the author: Sharon Kitchens has lived in Maine for a couple of decades. Her first book, Stephen King’s Maine: A History & Guide (Arcadia Publishing, 2024), was a bestseller in Maine. The book is an oral history that captures the experiences of individuals who live in towns she identified as the locations that serve as the basis for King’s fictional Maine landscape. Stephen King endorsed the book, saying, “This book by Sharon Kitchens is really interesting. Not all of it is right, but most of it is.” She is also the author of The Murder of Dorothy Milliken, Cold Case in Maine (Arcadia Publishing, 2025). The meticulously researched book introduces readers to Dorothy and details the investigation into her nearly half-century old unsolved homicide. Every week she can be seen carrying an armload of library books. She loves hanging out in cafés eating chocolate croissants and sipping lavender lattes. Her fondness for Patti Smith’s poetry is matched only by her love of Taylor Swift’s lyrics. She is a cat and dog person.

Copies of the book will be available for purchase at the event. Payment via cash, check, or credit card (except American Express) will be accepted.

This program will take place in the Androscoggin Community Room at the Auburn Public Library.

For more information about this and other programs offered at the Auburn Public Library, visit their website at www.auburnpubliclibrary.org or call the Reference Desk at 207-333-6640, ext. 4

Author Talk with Sharon Kitchens: “The Murder of Dorothy Milliken: Cold Case in Maine”

When: Monday, June 16, 2025– 5:30 to 6:30 PM

LEWISTON, ME – The Public Theatre in Lewiston will present Forever Everly: The Everly Brothers Rockumentary for two shows only on June 13 & 14. Forever Everly is more than a performance—it’s a journey through the groundbreaking music and enduring legacy of The Everly Brothers, presented in a way that’s as unique as their harmonies.

?Rich with iconic footage, storytelling, and insight, Forever Everly is a beautifully crafted documentary that takes the audience deep into the lives, struggles, and triumphs of Don and Phil Everly, revealing the heart and soul behind one of the most influential musical duos in history.

From the setting of a warm living room, Jared Mancuso and Nick Gallardo perform The Everly Brothers’ most beloved hits, from “All I Have to Do Is Dream” to “Wake Up Little Susie,” live on-stage. The show doesn’t stop with only The Everly Brothers— audiences are treated to a carefully curated selection of songs by artists inspired by the duo, including Paul Simon, The Beach Boys, The Beatles, and more. It’s a celebration of the timeless music that shaped rock ‘n’ roll, delivered with passion and authenticity.

This experiential multimedia show encourages the audience to feel every note, sing along, or even get up and dance. Perfect for music lovers of all ages, Forever Everly creates a one-of-a-kind atmosphere that fills the theatre with joy and nostalgia and will leave you with a renewed appreciation for the artistry of this iconic era.

“Forever Everly: The Everly Brothers Rockumentary” will be performed at The Public Theatre on Friday, June 13 at 7:00 pm, and Saturday, June 14 at 2:00 pm. Tickets are $35-40. Discounted tickets for 35 Below Members and youth 18 and under. For tickets call 782-3200 or visit ThePublicTheatre.org.  Theatre Location: 31 Maple St, Lewiston.

“Forever Everly” is sponsored by Uncle Andy’s Digest/Lydia Media. Season Underwriters: Sun Journal, Platz Associates, and Bennett Radio Group.

Nick Gallardo and Jared Mancuso perform as The Everly Brothers in “Forever Everly: The Everly Brothers Rockumentary”

AUBURN, ME – During an event held Wednesday at the Auburn Senior Community Center, the Auburn Business Association presented their annual “Auburn Citizen of the Year” award.

For 51 years, the Auburn Business Association has recognized extraordinary individuals who have contributed their time and abilities to the community. In 1974, the ABA began a tradition of honoring an outstanding person in the community for business and community service.

The purpose of the award is to recognize a person who lives or works in Auburn who has made a local, state or national impact and has enriched the community. This may have been accomplished through a lifetime of service or by a single deed, the benefit of which will continue to be felt and recognized years later.

Auburn City Manager Phil Crowell has been named the 2025 Auburn Business Association Citizen of the Year.

At the ceremony, Crowell was warmly celebrated by local, state and national elected officials and their representatives, local community and business leaders, and a room full of dear friends, family members, colleagues, and city staff.

Nicole Lajoie Caron, President of the ABA Board of Directors, welcomed attendees, saying, “The impact Phil Crowell has had on our community, businesses and individuals is immeasurable.”

Retired Auburn City Manager Peter Crichton served as emcee for the evening.

“Phil has the respect and admiration of his colleagues statewide,” said Crichton. “I feel privileged to have worked with him. I am pleased to call him a friend, and I am so proud of the great job he is doing as city manager.”

Remarks, sentiments, and other heartfelt greetings were shared by Auburn Mayor Jeffrey Harmon, who presented Crowell with a key to the city; Pastor Roger Cousineau of East Auburn Baptist Church; Carlene Tremblay from US Senator Susan Collins’ Office; Ben Tucker from US Senator Angus King’s Office; Scott Dresser from Congressman Jared Golden’s Office; Maine State Senator (and ABA Board Member) Bruce Bickford; State Representative Laurel Libby; Dr. Betsy Libby, Central Maine Community College President; and CMCC’s Director of Athletics and Housing, Dave Gonyea.

Through the countless accolades and stories shared at the event, the theme was consistent: Phil’s legacy of service, integrity, and his strong sense of responsibility and citizenship will have a lasting impact on the City of Auburn. Crowell was lauded for his profound dedication to public service; his exceptional leadership abilities; his commitment to excellence; and his love for his family, friends, and community.

The City of Auburn warmly congratulates Auburn native, proud Veteran, family man, friend and mentor, respected community leader, retired Chief of Police, and current City Manager Phil Crowell, the 2025 Auburn Business Association Citizen of the Year!

Nicole Lajoie Caron, Phil Crowell, Jennifer Crowell. Photo by Jose Leiva.

LEWISTON, ME – The Farmington Rotary Club and the Lewiston-Auburn Rotary Club jointly presented a check for $5,000 to the One Lewiston Resiliency Fund at an awards banquet held at the Green Ladle in Lewiston on May 15. The formal presentation was made by Sue Pratt,  past president of the Farmington club and governor-elect of Rotary District 7790; and Roger Philippon, immediate past president of the L-A club. 

Both clubs belong to Rotary International District 7790, which consists of 58 clubs spread out over the province of Quebec and the state of Maine, from Lewiston-Auburn north. The L-A club was established in 1917, and the Farmington club just celebrated its one hundredth anniversary on May 17.

The One Lewiston Resiliency Fund is a collaboration between the City of Lewiston and the Lewiston Auburn Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce. The Fund is guided by a committee representative of those communities impacted by the tragic and violent events of October 25, 2023. The purpose of the committee is to steward the donations of the One Lewiston Resilience Fund to support the long-term healing for our community and economy. More information is available at onelewiston.org.

Two Rotary clubs joined together to make a $5,000 donation to the One  Lewiston Resiliency Fund. From left in the photo are Larry Delhagen, president of the Lewiston-Auburn club; Shanna Cox, president and CEO of the LA Metro Chamber, and One Lewiston Fund committee coordinator; Danielle Parent, director of the Maine Resiliency Center; Nicole Welch, director of recreation for the city of Lewiston and a One Lewiston Fund steering committee member; Sue Pratt, past president of the Farmington club and governor-elect of Rotary District 7790; and Roger Philippon, immediate past president of the L-A club.

LEWISTON, AUBURN, ME – Great Falls Pride Week returns June 1 – June 7 with seven days of celebration, creativity, and connection across Lewiston-Auburn. Events include art, storytelling, cycling, the Pride March & Festival, and more—all in the spirit of pride, visibility, and resilience.

“This year feels especially important to come together and celebrate our communities,” said Great Falls Pride (GFP) organizer Tyler Pulk. “We’ve created a mix of events so there’s something for everyone, because Pride celebrates our entire LGBTQ+ community and those who care about and support us.”

The week kicks off Sunday, June 1 with the Pride March from Auburn’s Festival Plaza (10 AM) to Lewiston’s Simard-Payne Park, followed by a festival featuring food, 50 vendors, the Lewiston Farmers’ Market, and more. The afterparty starts at 6 PM at Olive Pit Brewing.

“Pride is a reminder that our communities deserve to live with dignity, safety, and joy,” said Alex Pine, another GFP organizer. “These events help our community members recognize that there is a queer community in this area, and we’re here if they want to be a supportive part of it.”

The full (free!) event lineup for the end of the week includes:

June 5: Stories at the Corner with L/A Arts (7 PM)

June 6: LGBTQ Wine Tasting at The Vault (5 PM), Painting Positivity at Maine Family Planning (6 PM)

June 7: Pride Prom at Lewiston Public Library (All Ages 5–7 PM, Adults 8–10 PM)

“We’re proud to work with community partners to create spaces where LGBTQ+ people feel safe, seen, and celebrated,” said GFP organizer Dani Wyman.

Details about the Great Falls Pride events can be found online. Great Falls Pride is a volunteer-led effort fiscally sponsored by the L/A Metro Chamber of Commerce.