AUBURN, ME — February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. To raise awareness and to promote healthy relationships, the Auburn Public Library is partnering with Safe Voices to present “Identifying Healthy Relationships,” a group activity where participants will learn about the dynamics of dating abuse and healthy relationships. For those interested, stop into the Teen Space on the second floor on February 20th from 2 PM to 3 PM. This program is open to teens ages 12-18 and does not require registration.

For teens looking for one-on-one support, drop-ins with a Safe Voices representative are available on the second floor of the library every second Wednesday of the month from 4 PM to 5 PM.

LEWISTON – AUBURN, ME — Connected Office Technologies (COT), an all-in-one business technology firm in Portland, Maine, is proud to announce that Senior Sales Executive Mack Whittier is expanding its client base within the Lewiston-Auburn area.

Whittier resides in Lewiston and looks forward to helping local businesses and non-profits save money on their printer and document management needs within his hometown.

“When you are depending on business technology to get what you need done, you shouldn’t have to worry about overage fees, copy restrictions, supply depletion, or receiving a bill that’s far more than anticipated. We make sure we understand each client’s personalized needs and deliver in a cost-effective manner,” said Whittier.

Connected Office Technologies offers printer programs for a flat monthly fee, including equipment, onsite assistance, remote monitoring, and printer maintenance services providing a full array of production printers, desktop printers, interactive displays, and toner/supplies. Electronic document management systems are also offered by Connected Office Technologies. Co-owners/founders Tom Mitchell and Kyle Romick lead the team at COT, and its clients currently include those from finance, government, healthcare, nonprofit, and education.

Whittier is a 2020 Southern Maine Community College graduate and enjoys providing one-on-one service to clients. He can be reached at (207) 740-8540 (direct line) and at mwhittier@connecttheoffice.com

 LEWISTON, ME – According to a recent study, urban greenspaces are critical components of healthy and sustainable cities. On Tue., Feb. 25, the City of Lewiston invites all to participate in the Sunnyside Park Spark Session to exchange ideas and improvements to the decades’ old park.

 “A true gem in Back Bay Lewiston, Sunnyside Park is a precious and valued resource for our entire community, and especially for the Sunnyside neighborhood,” said Lewiston City Councilor Josh Nagine, Ward 1. “I’m looking forward to friends and neighbors engaging to inform a citizen-driven action plan for improvements and updates at Sunnyside Park and strongly encourage residents with any interest to participate in the process.”

 Nestled in a wooded area along the Androscoggin River, Sunnyside Park lies at the end of Whipple Street, off Main Street. The park currently features two basketball courts, a swing set and multipurpose field.

 All are invited to share their ideas, from bringing back an ice rink, or improving the Riverwalk along the Androscoggin, at the Sunnyside Spark Session. Those unable to attend may email their comments to hello@lewistonmaine.gov.

Sunnyside Park Spark Session

6 PM – 7:30 PM on Tue., Feb. 25, 2025

Lewiston Public Works, 103 Adams St.

Anyone with ideas to bring the park back to life – bring a friend and let’s get brainstorming.

LEWISTON, ME – Central Maine Medical Center (CMMC) this month became the first hospital in Maine to complete a dual chamber leadless (wireless) pacemaker implant.

The electrophysiology team at Central Maine Heart and Vascular Institute (CMHVI) successfully performed several implants, using the AVEIR ™ dual chamber pacemaker, an implantable device that stimulates the heart’s two main chambers.

While traditional dual chamber pacemakers include wires that risk breaking and may cause infection, the Aveir pacemaker is wireless and therefore has a lower risk of infection.

The new pacemaker was approved by the FDA in 2023 and is ideal for patients who have abnormally slow heart rhythms and require pacing in both chambers of the heart.

“We have had single chamber leadless pacemakers for many years,” said Joseph Dell’Orfano, MD, electrophysiologist at CMMC. “However, when patients experience slow heart rates, they often require pacing in both the top and bottom chambers of their heart. Now we can do this without the need for surgically implanted wires or battery packs. This represents the future of pacemakers. I’m proud that we could bring this technology to our patients in Maine.”

This isn’t the first time in recent history CMHVI has led the way in Maine. Last spring, CMMC became the first hospital to successfully treat atrial fibrillation using Pulsed Field Ablation, a non-thermal device designed to minimize potential damage to the heart.

CMHVI offers advanced treatments for all arrhythmias including atrial fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia. Last year, its vascular lab earned a three-year accreditation in peripheral arterial, peripheral venous and extracranial cerebrovascular testing from the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission. CMHVI has also started a dedicated hypertension and lipid clinic and a new preventive cardiology program. Additionally, the vascular surgery team recently performed its 50th TCAR, the latest in minimally invasive procedures to treat carotid disease.

CMHVI’s electrophysiology team poses with Aveir equipment

LEWISTON, ME – SeniorsPlus, the designated Agency on Aging for Western Maine, will hold a breakfast to benefit its Meals on Wheels nutrition program. The 2025 Fill the Plate Breakfast will be held from 7 to 9 a.m. on Friday, March 21, at the Hilton Garden Inn Riverwatch in Auburn. The breakfast will honor Lewiston resident Margaret Craven with the 2025 Ikaria Award and feature a talk by singer Julia Gagnon. Tickets are $30 per person ($35 at the door) and are available at www.seniorsplus.org/march-for-meals or by calling 207-795-4010.  Seats are limited and advance registration is recommended.

In a talk titled “The Music in My Veins,” singer Julia Gagnon will reflect on her upbringing and the people who helped her carve a path from Cumberland, Maine, to the Hollywood stage and millions of television fans. Gagnon was born in Guatemala and raised in Cumberland, Maine, by her adoptive family. A quiet kid, she didn’t share her gift of singing until her middle school chorus teacher gave her a solo in the school concert. Gagnon gained national acclaim after placing in the top seven performers of the 22nd season of “American Idol.” Gagnon is a student at the University of Southern Maine.

The event includes the presentation of the 2025 Ikaria Award, which recognizes an individual or organization for singular and outstanding contributions toward improving the lives of older adults. 2025 honoree Margaret Craven recently stepped down from the Maine State Legislature.

Ikaria is a Greek island in the Aegean Sea. It is considered one of the world’s five “Blue Zones” – places where an estimated one in three members of the population regularly lives an active life into their 90s.

The Fill the Plate Breakfast is presented in conjunction with March for Meals, a national campaign of Meals on Wheels America.

Last year, SeniorsPlus delivered more than 152,000 meals to 1,800 homebound older adults and adults with disabilities in Androscoggin, Franklin and Oxford counties through its Meals on Wheels program.  Each meal provides one-third of the recommended daily allowance of nutrition, a safety check, and a visit to these vulnerable adults. The majority of the clients of Meals on Wheels are lower income or on fixed income.

The overall program goal of SeniorsPlus is to assist older adults and adults with disabilities in our tri-county area to remain at home safely for as long as possible. The overwhelming majority of older adults (greater than 95% in an AARP survey) wish to remain at home until they die. The Meals on Wheels program provides nourishment, socialization and regular safety checks.

Since 1972, SeniorsPlus has been improving the lives of older adults and adults with disabilities. As the designated Area Agency on Aging for Western Maine, SeniorsPlus provides statewide services with an emphasis on Androscoggin, Franklin and Oxford counties for core services (ie nutrition and information and assistance) that support independent living, healthy aging, and fight isolation. The mission of SeniorsPlus is to enrich the lives of older people and adults with disabilities, their families and communities, and to support them to make informed choices. SeniorsPlus envisions a future where all older adults and individuals with disabilities are engaged and respected while living quality, independent lives in the communities of their choice. Annually, SeniorsPlus serves 8,000 individuals and fields 101,000 phone inquiries. SeniorsPlus offers a network of support, including information and assistance, short-term care management, Medicare counseling, caregiver support and respite, health and wellness education, benefits counseling, and Meals on Wheels and congregate dining. 

Singer Julia Gagnon will be the featured speaker on Friday, March 21 at the 2025 Fill the Plate Breakfast to benefit Meals on Wheels at SeniorsPlus.

LEWISTON, ME — Central Maine Healthcare team members are wearing red on Fridays throughout the month of February.

February is American Heart Month, a time when everyone-especially women-are encouraged to focus on their cardiovascular health. Cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death for women in the US. and around the world.

The team at Central Maine Heart and Vascular Institute (CMHVI) encourages everyone to adopt and maintain healthy lifestyle choices that include a balanced diet, exercise and stress management.

“Heart Month is a chance for us to remind everyone that you can make a difference in your life by taking charge of your own health,” said Michael Berlowitz, MD, chief of CMHVI. “Get your blood pressure and cholesterol checked. If you smoke, quit. Get a good night’s sleep and be sure to get regular heart health screenings.”

Every Wednesday this month, CMHVI will host a heart health booth in the lobby of 60 High St. on the CMMC campus from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. 

CMHVI offers advanced treatments for all arrhythmias including atrial fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia. Last year, its vascular lab earned a three-year accreditation in peripheral arterial, peripheral venous and extracranial cerebrovascular testing from the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission. CMHVI was the first in Maine to offer pulsed field ablation, a new technology to treat atrial fibrillation more safely and in less time. CMHVI also started a dedicated hypertension and lipid clinic and a new preventive cardiology program. The vascular surgery team recently performed its 50th TCAR, the latest in minimally invasive procedures to treat carotid disease.

Central Maine Healthcare team members wearing red pose in the shape of a heart.

AUBURN, ME – The City of Auburn is delighted to announce that David Hediger has been hired as the city’s new director of planning.

“David’s depth of knowledge, planning experience, dedication to public service, and familiarity with our community made him an exceptional candidate for the position,” said Public Services Executive Director, Eric Cousens. “I have worked with David for over 20 years, collaborating on planning issues facing the greater Auburn area and I am excited that he will be joining our Public Services team as planning director.”

David Hediger is a dedicated municipal planning professional with more than 20 years of experience in comprehensive planning, code enforcement, and project management.

He previously served as director of planning and code enforcement for the City of Lewiston, leading municipal planning initiatives, managing zoning and land use regulations, and supporting various boards and committees. Most recently, he was a senior planner for the Land for Maine’s Future program, overseeing land conservation projects, grant administration, and compliance with funding requirements.

David holds a master’s degree in public policy and management from the Muskie School of Public Service and a Bachelor of Arts in Geography/Environmental Planning and Policy from the University of Maine at Farmington. An active member of the community, he serves on the committee for the Lewiston/Auburn Triple Crown 5K Series, the Lewiston Municipal Federal Credit Union Supervisory Committee, and the Minot Moonshiners Snowmobile Club.

“David Hediger’s strong work ethic, integrity, and passion for collaboration align well with Auburn’s core values,” said City Manager Phil Crowell. “David is committed to supporting the City of Auburn’s vision for responsible growth and development and that makes him a great fit for our team.”

“With a new community-driven comprehensive plan in progress and a talented new Planning Director, this is an exceptional time for Auburn,” added Crowell. “Our team works to efficiently deliver quality services to meet the changing needs of everyone in our community, and effective, impactful planning is vitally important.”

“Auburn is a unique city, with high-quality recreational amenities, endless potential, and a tapestry of neighborhoods that are appealing, active and affordable,” added Cousens. “We are excited to bring David on board to help provide opportunities for smart growth that align with our comprehensive plan.”

Hediger, who will begin on Monday, February 24, replaces Eric Cousens, who was recently promoted to the position of executive director of public services after 18 years in the planning department.

LEWISTON, ME — The Maine Music Society Chorale announces its upcoming concert, Out of the Ashes: Music Born of Tragedy, on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. and Sunday, March 9, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at the Franco Center in Lewiston. Based in Lewiston-Auburn, The Maine Music Society Chorale recently celebrated 50 years of singing. Led by Artistic Director Richard Nickerson, the upcoming concert will be an emotional musical journey through some of the bleakest times in human history. According to Nickerson, “This concert will show the incredible power of music to express any human emotion as well as the healing power of music. Throughout history, music has been used as a response to tragedy.”

Among the works performed will be the world premiere of a new piece by Michael John Trotta, These Things Shall Never Die, commissioned by the Maine Music Society and dedicated to all victims of the October 25, 2023, Lewiston tragedy. “This piece is our gift to, not only our local community, but the greater choral community as well. It symbolizes that we must continue to look for good, even in the face of evil,” said Nickerson.

In the first half of the program, the Chorale will perform Donald McCullough’s Holocaust Cantata (Songs from the Camps). The work consists of songs written by concentration camp prisoners as well as readings based on interview transcripts, historical data, and prisoner stories. The second half will consist of several works, each one representing a different event. The concert will conclude with the uplifting Leon Dubinsky’s We Rise Again, which has become an anthem of resilience in the face of adversity.

“We know this will be a powerful concert that deals with a very difficult subject, but it is our hope that audiences will be inspired by the power of the human spirit.” concluded Nickerson.

Both performances will include sign language interpretation. A limited number of reserved seats close to the sign language interpreters are available. Please call the MMS box office at 207-333-3386 by February 28 for tickets to that section.

A limited number of vouchers for free tickets for either performance can be obtained at both the Lewiston and the Auburn Public Libraries’ reference desks and at the Maine Resiliency Center upon in-person request. These vouchers must be redeemed for the actual tickets following the instructions on the vouchers.

For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit us online at mainemusicsociety.org or call the MMS office at 207-333-3386.

Tickets:

Adult – $27*

Senior – $25*

Student – $6*(age 13+)

Children under 12: free (when accompanied by an adult)

*Price includes all handling fees

Group rates available for 10 or more tickets to the same performance purchased at the same time. Call our business office: 207-333-3386.

The Maine Music Society thanks its Season Underwriters Hardy, Wolf & Downing and the Sun Journal, its Event Sponsor Maple Way Dental, and its Event Supporter Andwell Health Partners.  MMS is also grateful to the Davis Family Foundation for a grant helping to make this concert accessible to all.

The Maine Music Society (MMS) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the cultural life of the Lewiston-Auburn area through performances of choral music in a broad range of musical genres.

The Maine Music Society Chorale; Photo by Jared Morneau

AUBURN, ME — On Monday, February 10th, from 5:15 to 6:30 PM, the Auburn Public Library will be hosting a new, monthly program entitled Death Café L/A.

Death Café L/A is a free, monthly group-directed discussion about death and dying. Co-presented by the Auburn Public Library and run by volunteer facilitators Elaine Gammon and Ilse Thompson, Death Café L/A has no specific agenda, objectives, or themes. It’s simply an open forum intended to bring awareness to the topics surrounding death and promote healthy discussions around end-of-life and beyond.

Death Café L/A offers a respectful space for death-curious individuals to share personal insights, consider new perspectives, engage in thoughtful conversation, and ponder big questions about this often-taboo, yet universal topic.

First introduced in concept by Bernard Crettaz, a Swiss sociologist in the United Kingdom in 2004, Death Cafes are recognized as a non-profit “social franchise.” This unique discussion group has spread quickly, sparking interest in death awareness and end-of-life contemplation. Today, there are over 9600 in-person and online Death Cafes in the U.S.

Ilse Thompson is a writer, Spirituality Coach, and Death Doula who counsels individuals facing grief, loss, and death. Ilse received her master’s degree in Buddhist studies from Maitripa College, where she trained in contemplative practices and focused specifically on interfaith chaplaincy and pastoral care.

This calling led her to earn an End-of-Life Doula Professional Certificate through the University of Vermont Lerner College of Medicine. As a gifted facilitator and empathetic practitioner, Ilse enjoys holding space and offering guidance for people navigating their end-of-life decisions and plans.

Elaine Gammon is a marketing professional and art enthusiast who is new to the field of modern death care and end-of-life planning. Elaine recently earned her End-of-Life Doula Professional Certificate through the University of Vermont Lerner College of Medicine. She plans to continue her training to become a Death Doula, legacy planner, and end-of-life educator. With openness, curiosity, and a “beginner’s” mindset, Elaine enjoys bringing people together for meaningful and inspiring conversations.

This program will take place in the Androscoggin Community Room at the Auburn Public Library. Registration is not required.

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.

LEWISTON, ME — A Central Maine Healthcare (CMH) family medicine doctor recently found himself in the baby delivery business, unexpectedly.

Jan. 15 was a typical day at Minot Avenue Family Medicine in Auburn with the team taking care of respiratory illness cases, injuries and other common healthcare issues. But after the last patient of the day went home, the team faced an unexpected challenge.

Nathan Raby, DO, was finishing up paperwork after 5 p.m. when team member Alexis Libby, a medical assistant at the family practice, suddenly went into labor.

An ambulance was called, but the baby wasn’t waiting. Dr. Raby and the team were quickly pressed into service. They called the Central Maine Medical Center (CMMC) maternity team right away, knowing they would have expert help on the line.

“I noted the look on Alexis’ face. I had seen it before, and I knew what it meant. I told her we needed to get her into a room and onto a table,” Dr. Raby said.

Just a few short minutes later, Alexis became a new mom.  Dr. Raby and Alexis could hear the CMMC maternity team cheering in the background.

Dr. Raby said, “Instinct kicked in and I gently pulled down on the head to expose the upper shoulder, pulled gently again and out slid the entire baby, a boy. He came out singing, much to my relief, moving all his extremities with great tone and color.

“We don’t deliver babies at Minot Avenue Family Medicine. This was the first for our team and my first delivery since residency,19 years ago.

“The ambulance team arrived, and I used their maternity kit to suction out the baby’s mouth. I clamped and cut the cord and handed the baby to his mother.”

Dr. Raby is more than grateful for the support from the CMMC maternity team.

“I talked him through the delivery; he really just needed moral support because he knew just what to do,” said Janice Locke, CMN, the midwife on call at CMMC that afternoon. “I recall him chuckling, ‘I haven’t delivered a baby in 19 years!’ It was a jovial conversation with people laughing and celebrating in the background!”

The mother and baby were then taken by ambulance to CMMC for postpartum care.

Alexis has named the boy Logan. Mom and baby are doing fine.

“I’m very thankful I was in the right place at the right time and very thankful for Dr. Raby who made me feel calm during the whole experience,” she said. “I can’t wait to tell Logan his birth story when he gets older!”

Minot Avenue Family Medicine has named the exam room where the boy was born “Logan’s Room.”

Minot Avenue Family Medicine consists of six family practice professionals as well as clinical and clerical staff who work together to provide care for patients of all ages in the greater Lewiston-Auburn area.

U.S. News & World Report has recognized CMMC as “High Performing in Maternity Care.” Last year, Newsweek also named CMMC one of the best hospitals in the nation for maternity.

Additionally, CMMC received a near-perfect 97 (out of 100) score on the Centers for Disease Control’s (CDC) Maternity Practices in Infant Nutrition & Care survey which evaluates categories such as immediate postpartum care, breastfeeding education, and support after patient discharge. The national average score was 82.