LEWISTON, ME — Central Maine Healthcare is happy to welcome Gaurav Kakked, MD.  Dr. Kakked is a gastroenterologist who will be seeing patients at Central Maine Medical Center (CMMC) in Lewiston.

Dr. Kakked is very excited to join the team at CMMC, specifically because of the high number of interventional endoscopic ultrasound procedures performed at the hospital.

“Some of the procedures that are being done here at CMMC match what is being done at large academic centers in major cities,” Dr. Kakked said. “People aren’t aware of this. The caliber of care and people here is very impressive.”

Dr. Kakked attended Gujarat University in India. He did his residency at Mount Sinai in New York and completed a gastroenterology fellowship at Willam Beaumont Hospital in Michigan. Dr. Kakked also completed an advanced endoscopy fellowship at Rush University in Chicago.

“We are very fortunate to have Dr. Kakked with us here at CMMC,” said Kanishka Bhattacharya, MD, chief of gastroenterology at Central Maine Healthcare. “His expertise in interventional endoscopy will complement a team that is already performing these new and cutting-edge procedures for our patients in Maine.”

Central Maine Healthcare’s board-certified gastroenterologists provide expert care for all types of gastric problems, from everyday stomach ailments to complex intestinal, swallowing and inflammatory conditions. They work closely with our patients to create a tailor-made treatment plans.

AUBURN, ME — Come visit the former Rectory at 24 Sacred Heart Place in Auburn which has recently been transformed into a “Christmas Victorian House.”  Filled with an exciting assortment of holiday decorations including:

Byers Choice Carolers, Porcelain Seraphim Angels, jewelry, collector dolls, framed art, China, crystal, specialty vases, florals, small kitchen appliances, and children’s gifts!  Many new or nearly new!

Dates:  Friday 12/6 – Saturday 12/7   10:00 am – 4:00 pm

For information: call Immaculate Heart of Mary Office 207-782-8096

Pictured L-R: Sandy Tardiff, Carol DeRoy, Diane Dennis, Bonnie Stone

LEWISTON, ME — SeniorsPlus, the designated Area Agency on Aging serving Androscoggin, Franklin, and Oxford counties, will announce the launch of the public phases of a $5.5 million capital campaign for construction of a new education and nutrition center on Tuesday, December 3, at 10 a.m. at its headquarters at 8 Falcon Road, Lewiston.

The public is invited to attend the campaign launch, which will feature speakers, music, pastries made by the Meals on Wheels kitchen of SeniorsPlus, and coffee provided by Just-In-Time Recreation. Plans for the 12,000 square foot structure designed by Adam Lemire of the Auburn architectural firm of Platz Associates will be unveiled. Construction of the new facility in an adjoining lot at 14 Mollison Way is planned for 2025.

Representatives of SeniorsPlus will announce the “Encompass Campaign,” a capital campaign for the building of a new education and nutrition center facility at 14 Mollison Way designed to help fight isolation by increasing socialization, access to food, and access to education and digital communities.

SeniorsPlus President and CEO Betsy Sawyer-Manter will detail the plans and their impact together with Holly Zielinski and Dustin Ward, Chair and Vice Chair of the Board of Directors of SeniorsPlus respectively.

Tuesday, December 3 at 10 a.m.

Where: 8 Falcon Road, Lewiston, ME 04210

The December 3 event coincides with Giving Tuesday, a global generosity movement that highlights the impact and needs of nonprofits worldwide.

Donations to the Encompass capital campaign may be made by visiting www.seniorsplus.org/campaign.

“Since 1972, SeniorsPlus has been a vital lifeline for older adults and adults with disabilities in Western Maine,” said Betsy Sawyer-Manter, President and CEO of SeniorsPlus. “As the need for support continues to grow, the new education and nutrition center is urgently needed to provide a crucial space where our community can connect, find purpose, and access essential resources. This center will not only strengthen our Meals on Wheels and nutrition programs, but it will also combat isolation, offering a place for individuals to engage, build friendships, and continue learning.”

Loneliness among older adults is epidemic and, according to the National Institute on Aging, the health risks of prolonged isolation are equivalent to smoking 15 cigarettes a day.

LEWISTON, ME – The Trinity Jubilee Center is proud to announce a generous donation of $30,000 from the Hannaford Charitable Foundation to support the construction of the Center’s new home. The donation is part of Hannaford’s ongoing commitment to supporting local communities and helping those in need.

The Trinity Jubilee Center, the social services hub of the Lewiston community, provides vital services to residents facing economic hardship, including food assistance, shelter, employment support, and medical care. The Center’s new home opens in 2025 at 123 Bates Street in Lewiston. With the construction of the new facility, the Center will be able to expand its services to help those experiencing homelessness, hunger, and other challenges.

“We are honored to support the important work of the Trinity Jubilee Center, which has been a lifeline for so many individuals and families in the Lewiston community,” said Peter Forester, Chair of the Hannaford Charitable Foundation. “This donation is an investment in the well-being of our neighbors and helps ensure that the center can continue to provide critical services to those who need it most.”

The $30,000 donation will be used to purchase and install a new walk-in refrigerator to store food for the Center’s Soup Kitchen and Food Pantry, much of which comes from daily donations from the local Hannaford Supermarkets store in Lewiston.

Trinity Jubilee Center’s Executive Director, Erin Reed, expressed deep gratitude for Hannaford’s generosity. “This gift will make a profound difference in our ability to serve the people of Lewiston and beyond. We are thrilled to be able to open a facility that will allow us to meet the growing need in our community and provide the services that so many rely on. Hannaford’s support plays a crucial role in helping us achieve that mission.”

For more information about the Trinity Jubilee Center and how to support its mission, visit www.trinityjubileecenter.org.

Trinity Jubilee Center staff member Cassandra Culleton (left) supervises a team of Hannaford volunteers who are plating lunches in the Soup Kitchen.

LEWISTON, ME – Andwell Health Partners is pleased to announce the appointment of Christian Bartholomew, MBA, SHRM-SCP, as Chief Human Resource Officer. Christian is an experienced executive and change agent with a proven track record of driving productivity, efficiency, cost control, and transformational activities in large healthcare organizations.

Christian comes to Andwell after serving as CHRO at Tenet Health, where he led the HR function at three hospitals in and around Central Massachusetts. He brings a wealth of expertise in many areas, talent acquisitions, organizational development, and leadership development. As a seasoned strategist, he has consistently demonstrated his ability to reimagine what’s possible and transform complex obstacles into tangible solutions for HR teams and their organizations.

“We are thrilled to welcome Christian to our leadership team,” said Ken Albert, President and CEO at Andwell Health Partners. ” “We are thrilled to welcome Christian to our leadership team,” said Ken Albert, President, and CEO at Andwell Health Partners. “His collaborative approach to leadership and his passion for creating people-first cultures will be invaluable as we continue to drive sustainable change and growth within our organization.”

At Andwell Health Partners, Christian will focus on streamlining recruitment and other HR processes, while fostering a culture of innovation and excellence. His role will be pivotal in leading human resources initiatives, ensuring that Andwell attracts, retains, and develops top talent to support strategic goals.

LEWISTON, ME — This holiday season, for one weekend only, The Public Theatre presents its acclaimed adaptation of A Christmas Carol, Dec 13-15. This inventive version, performed by six actors and a fiddler, was developed at The Public Theatre by former Executive/Co-Artistic Director Christopher Schario. It has since been published and performed by theatres around the world and is now a Lewiston/Auburn tradition.

With all the different versions of A Christmas Carol, The Public Theatre’s adaptation remains many people’s favorite.

This version begins with a child reading Dickens’ novel as five actors and a fiddler suddenly appear to coax him into joining the story. Live music and sound effects create a magical atmosphere, bringing the story to life in a way you’ve never seen before.

Leading the cast is Broadway actor Joel Leffert in the role of Scrooge. Joel understudied Patrick Stuart and Ian McKellen on Broadway as well as performing in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. Other returning cast members include Russell Berrigan as Marley/Cratchit, Matthew Delamater as Fred/Christmas Present, Sheila Stasack as Christmas Past/Mrs. Cratchit, McKenna Canty as Belle/Fan, and local young actor Simon Golob as Tiny Tim. Live fiddling will be done by Edward Little H.S. junior Nessa Sammuel.

Only $15 for children – introduce a child to the magic of professional theatre and give them a gift that will last a lifetime. Ask about gift certificates for other plays too!

A Christmas Carol: December 13 at 7pm, Dec 14 at 2pm and 7pm and Dec 15 at 2 pm. Tickets at ThePublicTheatre.org or call 782-3200. The Public Theatre is located at 31 Maple St., Lewiston.

Joel Leffert as Scrooge in A Christmas Carol

AUBURN, ME — A cozy evening of songs and stories will be performed at the Community Little Theatre’s “A Fireside Christmas” on Saturday and Sunday, December 7 and 8.

Some of CLT’s favorite performers will be on stage for a feel-good holiday show of popular Christmas songs and carols, selections from classic holiday musicals, and even some dance numbers. Special guests Santa and Mrs. Claus will be on hand and available for photos. Raffle baskets and concessions will be offered.

Performances will be held on Saturday, December 7 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, December 8 at 2:00 p.m. at CLT on Academy Street in Auburn. Advance tickets are $15.00 and may be purchased online at laclt.com. Tickets will also be available at the door for $20.00. 

Pictured here are members of the Act I cast of CLT’s upcoming “A Fireside Christmas. From left in front are Germaine Robinson, Amanda Robinson, Elise Christie, Karianna Merrill, and Janelle Raven. In back are Anthony Delorme, Leslie Gail Reed, Sarah Chaloux, and Justin Morin, who is directing the show. Performances will be on December 7-8 and tickets are available at laclt.com.

LEWISTON, ME – The AgeWise Maine Initiative, a collaboration of Maine’s five Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) in partnership with Northern Light Health, will offer statewide vaccination clinics this November, including several in Androscoggin County.

Launched in 2023 and powered by USAging grant funding, AgeWise Maine offers vaccine clinics in communities across Maine with the goal of ensuring that thousands of residents get immunized to stay healthy and focused on doing the things they love.

The CDC recommends getting the updated 2024-2025 COVID-19 and Flu vaccinations in Fall 2024 to protect yourself and your community. Both vaccinations are currently available and offered at AgeWise Maine clinics across the state. It is safe to receive COVID-19 and flu vaccines at the same visit.

“One of the best things you can do to keep yourself and your family healthy is to get vaccinated early on. We’ve heard of people who prefer to ‘wait it out’ and see how the flu season is playing out, but it’s important to remember that vaccines are the best way to prevent serious illness before you get sick,” said Carly Williams, Director, AgeWise Maine. “We’re glad we have the opportunity to support Mainers through a second vaccination season this fall, and we hope many of them will take advantage of visiting one of our upcoming clinics.”

Upcoming vaccination clinics include:

SeniorsPlus

8 Falcon Road, Lewiston

November 21, 2024 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

A searchable database of upcoming vaccination clinics around the state is available online at AgeWiseMaine.org.

PORTLAND, ME — On October 26, Evergreen Credit Union proudly welcomed over 150 attendees to its annual Member Appreciation Night, held to celebrate and thank its dedicated members for their loyalty and commitment to the credit union. The highlight of the evening was an inspiring keynote address by retired U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Travis Mills, who shared his remarkable story of resilience and determination.

At Hannaford Hall on USM’s Portland campus, the event was filled with an atmosphere of appreciation and unity, underscoring Evergreen Credit Union’s commitment to creating a positive impact on the lives of its members and Maine’s communities. Attendees enjoyed a night of camaraderie with Community Partners, which culminated in Mills’ heartfelt message that captivated and motivated everyone present.

“We are honored to serve such a loyal and engaged membership,” said Evergreen Credit Union President/CEO, Jason Lindstrom. “Our members are at the heart of everything we do, and Member Appreciation Night is our way of showing our gratitude for their trust and support. Having Travis Mills as our guest speaker made this year’s event even more special.”

Travis Mills, a quadruple amputee who became one of only five soldiers from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan to survive such severe injuries and later went on to establish the Travis Mills Foundation, delivered an inspiring talk about overcoming adversity, finding strength in community, and living life to the fullest.

Evergreen Credit Union is Maine’s 5th largest credit union, with over $564 million in assets and 6 locations serving all of southern Maine. They currently serve over 31,000 members in Maine’s six southern Maine counties. To become a member, visit one of their branches or visit https://www.egcu.org.

Evergreen Credit Union’s top Lending Partners are recognized for their work in a special awards ceremony at USM Portland’s Hannaford Hall.

Evergreen Credit Union’s top Lending Partners are recognized for their work in a special awards ceremony at USM Portland’s Hannaford Hall.

LEWISTON, ME — Central Maine Medical Center (CMMC) honors our veterans in a very visible way.

In the second-floor hallway of the Central Maine Heart & Vascular Institute (CMHVI) there is a “Veterans Wall.” It was created by Michael Ricci, MD, who is the former chief of vascular surgery at CMHVI.

Dr. Ricci is also a retired colonel and U.S. Air Force flight surgeon. He wanted to honor his fellow servicemen and women, so he started taking photos of his patients who have served in the military.

Dr. Ricci printed, framed and mounted the photos and this labor of love has grown into what is now called our Veterans Wall – a heartfelt homage to hundreds of vascular and cardiac patients and their dedication to our country. Click here to see a video of the Veterans Wall.

“Shortly after I started here, I noticed many of my patients were veterans. I later learned Maine has the largest number of veterans per capita of any state. I think it’s great that we honor those who have served on Veterans Day. But it’s easy to forget about the sacrifices they made after Nov. 11 has come and gone. This is our way of honoring our veterans year-round.”