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

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 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”

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.

AUBURN, ME – Director Brandon Chaloux has announced the cast for the upcoming L/A Community Little Theatre (L/A CLT) production of The SpongeBob Musical.

L/A Community Little Theatre is pleased to welcome Matt Scala as the beloved yellow sponge, SpongeBob as he makes his debut with L/A CLT. Other beloved characters will be played by Noah Brown (Patrick Star), Mikayla Jane (Sandy Cheeks), and Abram Dwyer (Squidward Q. Tentacles). Portraying the owner of the Krusty Krab, Eugene Krabs, will be fan favorite Anthony M. Delorme, with his daughter Pearl played by Molly Gouette. Enemy to the Krusty Krab, Sheldon Plankton will be played by Owen Lewis, with his wife Karen the Computer played by Karianna Merrill. Other characters will be played by Germaine Robinson (Larry the Lobster), Amanda Robinson (Mrs. Puff), Jonny Bolduc (Perch Perkins), Megan Walz (The Mayor of Bikini Bottom), Adry Viles (Patchy the Pirate), Alex Lally (French Narrator), Ashleigh St. Pierre (Old Man Jenkins), and Maggie Waters (Gary the Snail).Finally, rounding out the cast is the phenomenonal ensemble made up of Bryanne MacMillan, Elijah Middleton, Nexxus Marcoux, Phoebe Edwards, Jordan Clatchey, Evie True, Rocky Bernier, Alexis Bellefleur, Mara Dale, Jack Desrosiers, and Trekk Skeate.

The performance dates for The SpongeBob Musical are August 8 , 9 , 14 , 15 , and 16 , 2025 at 7:30 pm, and August 10 and 17 at 2:00pm. Tickets and subscriptions are available online at www.laclt.com/box-office-1 or by calling 783-0958. Ticket prices (including all fees) are $25.00 for adults, $22.00 for seniors and students, and $17.00 for children ages 13 and under.

LEWISTON, AUBURN, ME – After 26 years of growing community through food, the organization formerly known as the St. Mary’s Nutrition Center is entering a new season—one shaped by deep roots, fresh ideas, and room to grow.

Gather to Grow launched their new organization and unveiled their new name and brand. These exciting changes reflect their evolution into an independent organization and their continued commitment to cultivating a just food system and thriving community.

“What started as 14 families gardening together has grown into a movement for food justice, equity, and community care. While our name and look have changed, our purpose hasn’t—and our commitment to this community is stronger than ever,” said Kirsten Walter, Executive Director of Gather to Grow.

This transition comes more than a year after the announcement that the Nutrition Center would separate from the St. Mary’s Health System.

“This is more than a name change for us,” Walter continued. “These changes will make us more flexible, innovative, and responsive to our community’s needs—while helping us sustain and grow services, attract diverse funding, and keep doing what we do best: building community, supporting youth, and growing and sharing food alongside our community.”

With the change, a long-time Gather to Grow partner is stepping up to provide administrative and support services to the organization: the Lewiston Auburn Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce.

“We’re proud to support Gather to Grow as their fiscal sponsor,” said LA Metro Chamber President and CEO, Shanna Cox. “We are investing in our community in a way that reflects our values and intentions: We know that when people have their basic needs met – housing, food, healthcare – they are better able to contribute to and thrive in the workforce and community. Gather to Grow is part of making that happen in our communities and we’re proud to help them do that work.”

A former youth program participant, now a Gather to Grow board member, talked about the importance of Gather to Grow’s work in her life: “Gather to Grow has shaped not only our community, but also my own journey,” said Sahro Hassan, Gather to Grow board member. “It gave me a space to connect with others, deepen my understanding of nutrition and food justice, and grow as a mentor. It’s been powerful to watch youth step into leadership while giving back to the community in meaningful ways.”

Gather to Grow will continue to run the food pantry from their headquarters at 208 Bates Street, which serves 500 households each week. They will also continue to support urban gardening, provide important garden and food-based programs for local youth, and host community meals and education opportunities throughout the year.

Learn more about Gather to Grow, their programs, and how to get involved at gathertogrowmaine.org.