AUGUSTA, ME – The Central Western Maine Workforce Development Board (CWMWDB) is inviting local businesses and employer partners within Kennebec, Somerset, Franklin, Oxford, and Androscoggin counties to apply for transportation pilot program funding.

The transportation pilots will be created to help mitigate transportation as a barrier to the recruitment and retention of qualified employees. These pilots may include but are not limited to van pools, shuttles, e-bikes, or other viable solutions. CWMWDB will select up to nine projects with an allocation not to exceed $25,000 each.

“Any conversation about barriers to employment often brings up transportation,” explained Erin Benson, CWMWDB’s executive director. “Most areas of the central western Maine region are rural in nature with little access to public transportation. Recruiting and retaining employees who don’t have access to a vehicle or public transportation is a difficult task.”

CWMWDB will be partnering with GoMaine, an organization that assists employers and employees with commute options, and works with planning agencies, businesses, advocacy groups, and other partners to reduce barriers to transportation.

The pilot will help employers, groups of employers, or employer partners gauge the success of a program and find ways to keep it going beyond the life of the grant.

Applicants must submit a fillable application along with an excel file that lists the individual zip codes of all employees. GoMaine will use this information to create a map that identifies the scope of transportation needs. All materials must be submitted electronically to workforce@cwmwdb.org by April 15.

Information about the grant and a fillable application can be found at www.cwmwdb.org.

Maine CareerCenters and Maine Department of Labor are equal opportunity providers.

Auxiliary aids and services are available to individuals with disabilities upon request.

LEWISTON, ME — The Woman’s Hospital Association (WHA) Rotating Art Gallery at Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston is proud to display the paintings of Kate Cargile and Connie McVey during the month of March.

A local art teacher, interested in literature, history and visual culture studies, Cargile uses these aspects of her life to shape and inspire her artwork. She works in a variety of media, including painting, drawing, and printmaking with subject matter ranging from the beauty of the people, objects and places that make up her everyday life to fanciful ideas from myths, legends, tales and her imagination.

“A few years ago, I decided to bring the beautiful, intricate patterns of quilt fabrics into some of my paintings. I associate fabric remnants with memory: each scrap has associations that come flooding back as they are pieced together. I mix these fabric-inspired patterns with diverse visual elements from my life, and combine them in a non-specific space saturated with color. While the resulting paintings have clear narratives for me I wanted viewers to be able to put their own stories into these paintings”.

Retiring after 40 years working in the field of commercial art, McVey moved to Auburn where she expanded her art studio time to include more paintings of Maine’s scenic vista. She finished her art education with a BFA in 2012 from the University of Southern Maine in Gorham. Presently working at her Pond Lily Art Studio, she has exhibited her work at the Main St. Art Gallery and the Matolcsy Arts Center in Norway, the Greenwood Gallery in Auburn and at many local art fairs.

The works on display may be purchased through the WHA Gift Shop located adjacent to the main lobby at Central Maine Medical Center. A percentage of sale proceeds benefits patients of CMMC.

 “Tree Logic” by Kate Cargile (photo supplied by artist)

LEWISTON, ME — From the author of Lunenberg and The Ladies Foursome, comes HALFWAY THERE, a hilarious and heartwarming comedy about the unshakeable bonds of female friendship playing March 14 – 23 at The Public Theatre.

Imagine Steel Magnolias meets And Just Like That when four lovable ladies meet every day for coffee and a gab fest at a local diner in Stewiacke, Nova Scotia. A bit of change is inspired in everyone’s life when a handsome new doctor takes an interest in the youngest of the women and her three wise-cracking friends decide to offer their advice. Filled to the brim with humor, heart and romance, grab your best friend or sweetheart and treat yourself to a great night out!

As the most produced playwright in Canada, Norm Foster is often referred to as the “Canadian Neil Simon” for the delightful way he finds humor in all situations. “The great thing about this show is the way it celebrates both the strength and vulnerability of women and showcases the power of friendship”, say Artistic Director Janet Mitchko. “Aside from Norm Foster’s delicious sense of humor, I think his true success comes from how easy it is to recognize yourself or someone you know in every character he creates”.

HALFWAY THERE March 14 – 23 at The Public Theatre, Lewiston/Auburn’s Professional Theatre, 31 Maple St, Lewiston. For tickets and more information visit ThePublicTheatre.org or call 782-3200.

Sponsored by Auburn Manufacturing, Lee Auto Malls, Schooner Estates, Twin City Times, Bennett Radio Group, Sun Journal, and Platz Associates.

LEWISTON, ME – The Lewiston Auburn Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce is proud to present the Maine B2B Trade Show, returning on Thursday, March 27, 2025, from 11:00 AM – 5:30 PM at the Norway Savings Bank Arena in Auburn, Maine. This highly anticipated event is designed to connect businesses across the state and New England, fostering new opportunities, partnerships, and industry growth.

Formerly organized by Dow Media, the event has now transitioned fully under the leadership of the LA Metro Chamber, ensuring its continued impact and expansion. The Maine B2B Trade Show is one of the largest business networking events in the state, drawing hundreds of professionals eager to showcase their products, services, and innovations.

This year, the LA Metro Chamber is honored to have Maine Community Bank as the Presenting Sponsor. Their support enhances the reach and impact of the event, providing businesses with greater opportunities for visibility and connection.

The streamlined, single-day format allows businesses to make the most of their time, with vendor setup beginning at 8:00 AM and the show opening at 11:00 AM. Attendees will experience unparalleled networking opportunities, engaging activities such as mini learning sessions throughout the day, and the chance to exhibit their brand, generate leads, and explore new collaborations. The event will conclude with a cocktail hour at 4:30 PM, providing a relaxed atmosphere for further networking and business discussions.

Businesses looking to maximize their presence at the show can secure single or double booths. Booth options include standard 10’x10’ spaces with tables, chairs, and electricity, while double booths offer expanded 10’x20’ spaces for increased exposure. Locked location booths provide guaranteed premium placement on a first-come, first-served basis. The deadline to reserve a booth is Friday, March 7th, 2025.

Sponsorship opportunities are also available, offering prime visibility and branding benefits.

For more information, booth registration, and sponsorship opportunities, please visit the event site, LAMetroCC.com/MaineB2B or contact Katie Palmer, Director of Events at Katie@LAMetroChamber.com

About the Lewiston Auburn Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce:

The Lewiston Auburn Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to supporting and promoting the business community in Androscoggin County. Through advocacy, networking, and resources, the Chamber works to foster a thriving economic environment for businesses of all sizes. As an engine for economic vitality and enhanced quality of life, the Chamber challenges business and community to build, lead, and thrive.

LEWISTON, ME — Central Maine Healthcare, which includes Central Maine Medical Center (CMMC), Rumford Hospital, Bridgton Hospital and numerous practices, recognized its medical residents for the critical role they play in the healthcare system.

Feb. 28 was national “Thank a Resident Day,” a time to honor those team members who have graduated from medical school and are at Central Maine Healthcare to gain experience and specialize in a particular area of medicine.

These residents are committed to providing compassionate care to patients and their families while conducting important research and collaborating with doctors and nurses to strengthen patient care.

“I would like to publicly express my gratitude to our resident physicians,” said Bethany Picker, MD, medical director of Family Medicine Residency. “This diverse group of doctors honors our health system with their trust to give them the training and experiences they need to develop into competent family physicians. In the process, they provide exceptional, compassionate care to the most vulnerable of our patients, partner outside our system to improve the well-being of our community and remind us why we were drawn to healthcare ourselves.”

“Our dedicated family medicine residents have a huge impact at Central Maine Healthcare by creating a rich teaching environment,” said Rebecca Brakeley, MD, interim chief medical officer at Central Maine Healthcare. “Having residents critically think through each clinical decision ups everyone’s game and is beneficial for the patient and care team, alike.”

Central Maine Medical Center Family Medicine Residency (CMMC FMR) is a 7-7-7 ACGME certified program with an osteopathic recognition track and rural training. Founded in 1978, CMMC FMR has graduated more than 160 family physicians. The program prepares physicians to practice family medicine in communities with populations ranging from 500 to 500,000.

Pictured left to right: Michael Stadnicki, MD, medical division chief, Primary Care, Mark Steciuk, MD, chief of Pathology, Tasha Duval, DO, physician, OB GYN, Bethany Picker, MD, residency program director, Rebecca Brakeley, MD, interim chief medical officer, Tim Counihan, MD, chief of surgery and Oncology Institute

AUBURN, ME — Community Little Theater announces the second show of its 85 season, the musical “Nunsense”. “Nunsense” is a hilarious farce about a group of five nuns trying to raise money under some rather unfortunate circumstances. “Nunsense” is directed by Jackie McDonald and Assistant Director Sean Wallace, with music direction by Alex Castonguay and choreography by Danielle Eaton.

“Nunsense” is a zany musical about the Little Sisters of Hoboken, a group of nuns who find themselves in a rather unfortunate situation. When the majority of their convent dies of botulism, leaving only five of them alive, they are suddenly in need of funds to bury their deceased sisters. The money runs out with four sisters left in the freezer! In need of quick cash, they decide to put on a talent show to raise the needed money. The talent show is to take place in a high school gymnasium. The gym is also being used by the students as they prepare to stage the musical “Grease”. As the sisters prepare for their talent show, the audience is treated to some lively music, fun dancing and some wacky comedy. There is even some audience participation thrown in!

Director Jackie McDonald said she chose “Nunsense” because it’s a CLT fan favorite and, as such, has always been well received. It’s a fun, lighthearted show and we all could use some lighthearted fun right now! The large Catholic Community in the area will understand and appreciate the familiarity of the various references in the story, along with the not so subtle Catholic humor . McDonald stated that her own Catholic background, including family members who are nuns, made the show even more meaningful to her. She stated that nuns represent “the women of her childhood”.

The amazingly talented group of actors represent both familiar CLT faces as well as some newcomers to the theater world. They have been rehearsing since early December and their dedication shows. It’s a challenging time of year to do a show and the cast has had to overcome some obstacles such as snow storms and the usual winter illnesses. They have pulled together amazingly, despite the hurdles, and the audience can expect to be amazed!

The cast of Nunsense includes Michael Litchfield as Sister Mary Regina, the feisty Mother Superior, Kay Warren as the mistress of the novices Sister Mary Hubert, Nicole Frydrych as the tough, street-wise Sister Robert Ann, Jen Rennie as the spacey and entertaining Sister Mary amnesia, and Casey Waters as the ambitious, ballet-dancing Sister Mary Leo.

CLT will present “Nunsense” March 7th, 8th, 13th, 14th and 15th at 7:30 p.m, and March 9th and 16th at 2:00 p.m. Call 783-0958 or visit www.LACLT.com for tickets and information.

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.

The cast of Nunsense Back row – left to right – Kay Warren as Sr. Mary Hubert, Michael James Litchfield as Sr. Mary Regina, Mother Superior, Nicole Frydrych as Sr. Robert Ann