AUBURN, ME (October 6, 2022) — Open enrollment for Medicare begins October 15. Do you know all you need to know to select the right insurance plan for you? If not, you are invited to this no cost seminar on Monday, October 17. At that time, you will hear from an experienced insurance broker who specializes in helping clients with Medicare planning needs. Medicare 101 is meant to help people navigate the options with Medicare and sign up with social security. This presentation will help you have a better understanding of your medicare options, deadlines and fines that may be imposed if you do not sign up on time.

This program is offered by Renata Lahner of The Lahner Group, whose mission is to provide unbiased Medicare and insurance advice for individuals from all walks of life while simplifying the complexities of the various healthcare options. Renata specializes in helping clients with Medicare, social security, and life insurance needs.

The program will take place in person, in the Androscoggin Community Room. There will be two presentations – one from 11:00 a.m. to 12 noon, and a second from 6:00-7:00 p.m. No registration is required.

For more information on this or other upcoming programs offered by the Auburn Public Library, visit our website (auburnpubliclibrary.org) or call the Reference Desk at 207-333-6640, ext. 4.

Presented by Renata Lahner

When: Monday, October 17, 2022 — Two Times: 11:00 a.m. or 6:00 p.m.

Where: Androscoggin Community Room, Auburn Public Library

Contact: Donna Wallace, 333-6640, ext. 4

Below: Renata Lahner

STANDISH, ME (October 5, 2022)—In the return of a pre-pandemic tradition, the fifth graders at Saint Dominic Academy will hit the road to Standish on Tuesday, October 25, for a day of obstacle courses, fitness games, nutrition trivia, and more. 

“The exercise science and health and wellness department at Saint Joseph’s College organize games and activities for the St. Dom’s students that promote the importance of physical fitness and nutrition,” said Bethany Fox, a physical education teacher at St. Dom’s. 

Fox, who is a graduate of Saint Joseph’s, collaborated with her alma mater prior to the pandemic to come up with “Are You Fitter Than a Fifth Grader?” 

“It is such an incredible experience,” said Fox. “I’ve even had quite a few of my students mention that they wanted to attend college there when they are older. My heart was so happy.”

 The students will participate in the event from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

 “I believe it is a wonderful way to bridge the two Catholic organizations,” said Fox. “It fosters a sense of community along with promoting the importance of wellness!”

LEWISTON, ME (September 28, 2022) — SeniorsPlus, Western Maine’s designated Area Agency on Aging, in collaboration with the University of New England (UNE), will hold a mini expo at the 8 Falcon Road, Lewiston, headquarters of SeniorsPlus on Friday, October 14, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free admission includes lunch. Registration required; call SeniorsPlus at 207-795-4010 or email educationcenter@seniorsplus.org to register. 

The programming for the day is designed to inspire and educate, while touching on many issues that concern older people and adults with disabilities. 

Guests will be able to choose three of the following sessions to attend; first come, first served. 

Music to Spark Joy and Memory: Attendees will learn how the power of music sparks joy, enhances social connections, and makes our memories come to life.

 Aging Well & Nutrition: UNE Applied Nutrition graduate students will lead an interactive discussion about the food groups, tips on how to save money in the grocery store, how to overcome appetite changes and ways to incorporate exercise in your daily lives. 

Postcard Collage: Attendees will have the opportunity to make a postcard collage to send and share, a general collage, or a combination of the two. 

Life Out Loud: This session focuses on self-empowerment and connection and storytelling. Attendees will have the chance to write, share, and listen.

 The following Round Table Discussions with Dr. Tom Meuser, Director, UNE Center for Excellence in Aging & Health, will be offered with the sessions concurrently: Ageism & Personal Wellness, Reminiscence & Life Review, and Memory & Brain Health.

LEWISTON, ME (September 28, 2022) — Ken Albert, President and CEO of Androscoggin Home Healthcare + Hospice, has been appointed to serve on the National Hospice Special Focus Program (SFP) Technical Expert Panel (TEP). Following the final ruling of the 2022 Home Health Prospective Payment System (HH PPS), the National Association for Home Care & Hospice (NAHC) spearheaded the creation of such a panel to ensure the program would be specifically developed with hospice programs in mind.

“CMS has chosen the very best that the hospice and home care community has to offer in selecting Ken Albert to serve on the Hospice Special Focus Program Technical Expert Panel,” said William A. Dombi, NAHC President. “Ken’s credentials and combined experience as a state survey director and as a provider of home health, hospice, and palliative care services make him an excellent choice, and we are grateful to Ken for once again volunteering his time and expertise for the good of the community.”

In addition to serving as President and CEO of Androscoggin Home Healthcare + Hospice and the Maine Center for Palliative Medicine, Albert is the Chair of the NAHC Board of Directors and former Chair of the NAHC Hospice Advisory Council. Additionally, Albert is a nurse and attorney with extensive experience as a federal and state regulator, including service as the Director for the Maine Division of Licensing and Regulatory Services, during which time he oversaw the CMS Special Focus Facility program for long- term care.

Spearheaded by a dedicated and caring committee of business leaders and volunteers, Androscoggin Home Healthcare + Hospice celebrated a record-breaking year for its 19th annual Autumn Night Out benefit. Held September 9, 2022, at the picturesque Poland Spring Resort, this year’s Autumn Night Out dinner and auction welcomed 300 guests raising a total of $140,000.

With this year’s Emerald City theme and Led by Emcee Erin Ovalle of Maine Life Media, guests followed the Yellow Brick Road to enjoy dinner, cocktails, and a silent and live auction, while raising critical resources for Androscoggin Home Healthcare + Hospice. The evening concluded with a display of fireworks, compliments of Central Maine Pyrotechnics. 

Proceeds from Autumn Night Out support end-of-life care for hospice patients and their families, ensuring compassionate and dignified care for all, without worry of financial hardship. This year’s fund-a-need paddle raise aided the vital work of Androscoggin’s Pediatrics Services and the impact it has on the youngest lives of those throughout our communities.  Among those in attendance were three of Androscoggin’s pediatric patient families, as well as 18 members of Androscoggin’s clinical pediatric team. This team of caring, dedicated, and skilled individuals care for 325 pediatric patients throughout 9 Maine counties.

LEWISTON, ME (September 26, 2022) — Maine’s first & only Backgammon club is looking for new members! Backgammon is a two-player game in which each player has fifteen pieces. These pieces move along twenty-four ‘points’ according to the roll of two dice. The objective of the game is to move the fifteen pieces around the board and be first to remove them from the board. Perhaps you remember the game from its heyday in the 70’s, or perhaps you’ve never heard of it before but are looking for a new fun and skillful hobby.

The kind folks at Obscura allow us to use their space so long as all attendees are paying customers. If you’re not in the mood for some food or a drink then PLEASE show your generous appreciation at the tip jar.

Our members are great teachers so feel free to come in and try rolling the dice!

Meetings October 6, October 20, November 3, November 17; 6pm – 8pm at Obscura Cafe & Drinkery, 108 Lisbon St. Lewiston