LEWISTON, ME — Central Maine Medical Center (CMMC) has once again been recognized as “High Performing in Maternity Care” by U.S. News & World Report.

U.S. News began evaluating maternity care hospitals in 2021, rating hospitals that provide labor and delivery services and submit detailed data to the publication for analysis. For the 2025 edition, 817 hospitals, an all-time high, submitted maternity data for evaluation. These public ratings assist expectant parents, in consultation with their doctors, in making informed decisions about where to receive maternity care for uncomplicated births.

According to the publication, just half of the hospitals evaluated for the 2025 ratings edition have been named Best Hospitals for Maternity Care.

Hospitals rated “Best” for Maternity Care by U.S. News:

Are high performing in breastfeeding metrics.

Have C-section rates 22% lower compared with maternity care hospitals not recognized by U.S. News.

Have severe unexpected newborn complication rates 44% lower compared with maternity care hospitals not recognized by U.S. News.

Have episiotomy rates 33% lower compared with maternity care hospitals not recognized by U.S. News.

Have breast milk feeding rates 12% higher compared with maternity care hospitals not recognized by U.S. News.

Are 13% more likely to report race/ethnicity data for both C-section and severe unexpected newborn complications compared with maternity care hospitals not recognized by U.S. News.

 “What an honor it is for our Maternity Department to once again receive this recognition,” said Rebecca Brakeley, MD, chief of Women’s and Children’s Health at Central Maine Healthcare. “Few life events are as significant as childbirth, and the people of central Maine are very fortunate to have such dedicated and skilled healthcare professionals available to them when the time comes. U.S. News & World Report is acknowledging what the people of Maine already know: CMMC is a great place to have a baby!”

When a baby is born at CMMC, a chime that is heard around the hospital is played to share the good news.

Earlier this 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 (mPINC) survey which evaluates categories such as immediate postpartum care, breastfeeding education and support after patient discharge. The national average score was 82.

Elaine Law, RNC, 30-year NICU nurse at the CMMC Maternity Department and dedicated nurse leader emeritus

LEWISTON, ME — In early December on a snowy day, students and teachers from Lewiston Middle School’s 21st Century Program in Lewiston, ME hosted a multi-faceted and interactive harvest event to celebrate the fresh foods they have been growing at school in their Flex Farms.

Students were very busy after school harvesting the Flex Farms that had been growing basil, edible flowers, green beans, and mint. They then used their harvest to cook up a pesto sauce, a green bean dish, and even a mint dessert. The students also made homemade soaps that included edible flowers grown in their Flex Farms. In addition, students and teachers executed a lesson on PH levels to show their expertise in monitoring and tracking levels in their hydroponic systems and they discussed the many new things they have recently learned about STEM, hydroponics and nutrition.

On a very cold and snowy day when they didn’t even know if school would be in session, Lewiston Middle School students were in the midst of growing, harvesting and cooking fresh foods! The school district has nine Flex Farms across six local schools where they grow a variety of fresh foods including a variety of lettuces, fresh herbs, peas, and even edible flowers. These harvested foods are not only sent home with students and teachers but are also used in various program activities. They are served at school events, where parents and students can enjoy the fresh produce, further integrating the harvest into the program’s broader educational and community activities.

Students in Lewiston Middle School’s 21st Century Program are embracing innovative, sustainable approaches to enhance access to fresh food and hands-on learning tools within their school district. In a region where food insecurity impacts many, the program’s use of Flex Farms teaches students to grow fresh produce indoors year-round. The goal is to empower students with valuable skills they can share with their families and communities. Additionally, students have created mini hydroponic systems using recycled bottles, which now thrive on home windowsills, further extending the impact of their learning.

The Flex Farms  are just one part of the 21st Century program. “The goal is to have students participate in a literacy component, STEM component, health and wellness, youth leadership, and an art component,” said Gretchen Pleasant,  21st Century Program Director. “To reach all of the components, we use Fork Farms for a gardening club. We also have a cooking club, sewing club, quilting club, woodworking club, painting, basket weaving and much more. We do our best to teach a lot of different hands-on skills that they may not have an opportunity to do at home or during the regular school day.”

At Fork Farms, we are so very thankful and proud of our partners and the creative ways they use our Flex Farms to learn, grow, find new recipes and continue to explore and support their communities.

LEWISTON, AUBURN, ME — Looking for something to keep you busy during the cold dark days of Winter? Lewiston Auburn Senior College is pleased to announce that our Catalog of courses/classes is now available for review. Click of this link https://lewiston-auburn-senior-college.coursestorm.com/browse to see what we will be offering. We have a variety of courses/classes, In Person, on ZOOM or a combination of both.

Want to learn more about the new Americans in Androscoggin County? What about the East Coast Greenway linking L-A and beyond? Do you like to eat? I know I do, and we have several programs on food available. Looking to discuss a book, check out Laura Sturgis’ course? Do you love to travel vicariously, there are several travel classes which will take you to a variety of interesting places? Come play games or learn about kilts, no, not quilts, kilts.

Registration begins January 1, 2025. If you have any questions, you can send an email to laseniorcollege@gmail.com or call 207-713-7266.”

AUBURN, ME – After a nationwide search, Good Shepherd Food Bank of Maine is pleased to announce the promotion of Robin McCarthy to Chief Advancement Officer. 

This key leadership position will guide the Development, Communications, and Government Affairs teams in advancing Good Shepherd Food Bank’s strategic initiatives to ensure that everyone in Maine is food secure. McCarthy, who joined the Food Bank’s development and communications division in 2019, will focus on building sustainable fundraising success and driving awareness of the Food Bank’s mission to end hunger in Maine with collaboration and inclusivity. 

“It’s a complete honor to step into the role of Chief Advancement Officer for my next chapter at Good Shepherd Food Bank.  I’ve had a front-row seat to the surge in hunger that began with the pandemic and continues to grow, the dedication of our talented team in meeting these challenges with agility and professionalism, and the generosity of Mainers who tirelessly contribute their time, resources, and voices to help one another,” said McCarthy. “I’m excited to partner with my colleagues and stakeholders across the state to harness this spirit of community support and ensure everyone in Maine has access to the food they need to thrive.” 

McCarthy’s experience engaging audiences and inspiring action in advocacy, development, and communications for organizations working at state and national levels, combined with her strategic leadership, made her a standout candidate in the selection process. Her promotion comes at a pivotal time for the Food Bank, as it embarks on the next phase of its mission to ensure food security for all Mainers.

“At the close of this extensive selection process with over 100 candidates, I am overjoyed that Robin is our choice for this important role at the food bank,” stated Heather Paquette, president of Good Shepherd Food Bank. “Her deep understanding of our food security work, care for her team and our partners, and unshakable leadership traits make her a perfect fit for the role. Robin is a creative thinker and demonstrates resiliency and adaptability through all challenges she faces. She is ready to lead the next chapter of our work towards achieving food security for everyone in Maine.”

Robin McCarthy’s appointment to Chief Advancement Officer highlights a new and exciting chapter for Maine’s only Feeding America member food bank. For more information on how you can help, please visit www.FeedingMaine.org. Together, we can achieve food security for everyone in Maine. 

Robin McCarthy promoted to Chief Advancement Officer for Good Shepherd Food Bank of Maine.

This weekend only, get your holiday off to a great start with The Public Theatre’s acclaimed and inventive adaptation of A Christmas Carol! Six actors and a live fiddler perform the Dickens’ out of this holiday classic sure to delight audiences of all ages. All children under 18 only $15!

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

LEWISTON, ME —  Central Maine Healthcare is pleased to welcome a new orthopedic surgeon. Saad Mohammad, DO, is an orthopedic trauma surgeon who will be working at CMMC.

Dr. Mohammad earned his undergraduate degree at Salisbury University in Maryland and went to medical school at the Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine in New York City. He completed his residency at McLaren Macomb Hospital in Michigan and a fellowship at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.

Dr. Mohammad said he chose orthopedics largely for the opportunity to help and heal people at the most vulnerable period of their lives.

“Everyone deserves basic healthcare, regardless of status,” Dr. Mohammad said. “This is why I treat everyone with respect and humility.”

“The people of central Maine are very fortunate to have someone of Dr. Mohammad’s caliber here,” said Lauren Adey, MD, chief of Central Maine Orthopedics. “He brings a wealth of expertise in orthopedic care, and his commitment to delivering compassionate, patient-centered treatment aligns perfectly with our mission to provide the highest quality healthcare for our patients.”

Central Maine Orthopedics has been named a Cigna Center of Excellence for hip and knee replacement. It has also been named a Blue Distinction Center by Blue Cross and Blue Shield.

LEWISTON, ME—Santa and Mrs. Claus will appear at the “Breakfast with Santa” event Sunday, Dec. 15, at the Franco Center. Breakfast is from 9 to 10:30 a.m.

The buffet-style breakfast will include fresh fruit; cold cereals; scrambled eggs; bacon; and home fries.

Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive at 10 a.m.  A photo booth will be set up for patrons to take photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus so bring a camera.

“We thank Emerson Buick for their sponsorship of this event,” said Franco Center chef John Pulsifer. “This is an opportunity for kids and families to see Santa before Christmas.”

The cost is $15 for adults; $10 for kids ages 5 to 12; and free for kids under 4. Tickets can be purchased at francocenter.org/shows, by phone 207-689-2000, or in person when the box office is open Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The Franco Center is at 46 Cedar Street in Lewiston. Park in the mill lot on Oxford Street. Enter the building through the double red doors under the Heritage Hall sign.

LEWISTON, ME — The Woman’s Hospital Association (WHA) Rotating Art Gallery at Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston is proud to display the photographs of Corey Kinnan and Heather Gould during the month of December.

Kinnan is a travel photographer who finds his greatest inspiration when he is outdoors. He has pursued his passion for photography from the frozen world of Antarctica to the Peruvian Andes and across the United States. He has been creating art and working with his hands his whole life. “Whether I am hiking, snowboarding, working in my garden, or kayaking, the great outdoors is my happy place”. As well as his nature photography, Kinnan also specializes in pet portraits stating that he can often be found with a dog nearby including his 13-year-old cattle dog, Josey and a two-year old Australian Shepherd, Paisley.

A long-time employee of Central Maine Medical Center, Gould has worked in the Radiology Department for over 36 years. Starting from an early age, she could often be seen with a camera in her hand. She enjoys focusing her lens on the world around her whether it is wildlife, scenic views or the recent northern lights displays. Always inspired by the natural world, one of her favorite activities is wandering side roads and capturing moments of beauty. “My images are my fun sideline and at times combine both photography and art to create a unique image”.

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.

 “Antarctica Reflection” by Corey Kinnan (photograph supplied by photographer)

The Maine Music Society Chorale; Photo by Jared Morneau

LEWISTON, ME — The Maine Music Society Chorale, directed by Dr. Richard Nickerson, is thrilled to announce its upcoming holiday concert, A Season of Celebration, to be held on Saturday, December 14, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. and Sunday, December 15, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. at the Franco Center in Lewiston.

This festive performance will showcase a wonderful blend of timeless holiday music, including cherished carols and some new seasonal favorites. Its featured work this year is Francis Poulenc’s Gloria. The concert will also include a  stunning arrangement of Dan Forrest’s Angels We Have Heard on High.

As part of the celebration, the audience will be invited to join the Chorale in its traditional holiday sing-along, adding to the joy and community spirit of the season.

The 80+ volunteer singers from the Lewiston-Auburn area, under the direction of Artistic Director Richard Nickerson, have been rehearsing for weeks to deliver a performance that promises to inspire and uplift. With a perfect mix of festive traditions and new holiday gems, A Season of Celebration will surely fill the Franco Center with the warmth, wonder, and excitement of the season.

For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit us online at www.mainemusicsociety.org or call the MMS office at 207-333-3386. While you can purchase tickets at the door, we encourage you to buy your tickets in advance to secure your seats for this highly anticipated event.

Tickets:

Adult – $27*; Senior – $25*; Student – $6*

Children under 12: free when accompanied by an adult.

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

* Price includes all handling fees

The Maine Music Society thanks its Season Underwriters Hardy, Wolf & Downing and the Sun Journal, the Event Co-Sponsor Liberty Mutual, Supporters Norman Hanson & DeTroy and The Ladd Foundation for making this concert possible.

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 — contemporary,  musical theatre, classical, opera, oratorio. MMS’s 80+ volunteer singers, musicians, and staff share a passion for creating music that inspires, uplifts, and connects the community.

AUBURN, ME — On Tuesday, December 10th from 4 to 5 PM, the Auburn Public Library will be hosting a presentation by Community Concepts on home energy efficiency and how to reduce your utility usage.

It is never too late to start cutting back effectively on your energy use and reduce costs. Community Concepts will be putting on a presentation about different ways to reduce utility usage. There will be handouts along with a bag of energy efficient items that will be raffled off to attendees. Community Concepts is a local organization based out of Lewiston that provides pathways to a healthy life for and with those most impacted by inequities in Western Maine through programs, partnerships, and advocacy. They have a variety of housing and energy programs and offerings to help homeowners and renters alike meet their housing needs and goals.

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.