AUBURN, ME – The City of Auburn and its Comprehensive Plan Committee are excited to announce the launch of a comprehensive plan survey. All community members are invited and encouraged to take the survey, which is a crucial step in developing a long-term vision that reflects the needs of the community.

The comprehensive plan survey aims to gather input on various topic areas, including housing, transportation, parks and recreation, economic development, city services, and natural resources. The feedback and insight collected will guide the creation of a plan that reflects the goals and vision of Auburn’s community.

Community members can access the survey online at tinyurl.com/plan-auburn or visit the Planning Department at Auburn Hall (60 Court Street) for paper copies. The survey will be open from May 1 to May 31, and everyone is encouraged to take a few minutes to share their thoughts and ideas.

For more information about the comprehensive plan process, survey, or other opportunities to get involved, please contact Director of Planning, David Hediger at dhediger@auburnmaine.gov.

AUBURN, ME — The Lewiston-Auburn Kiwanis Club is pleased to announce its $100,000 Hole In One Contest. It will be hosted by Taber’s Restaurant, Miniature Golf and Driving Range at 473 Lake Shore Drive, Auburn. The qualifying dates are June 14 & 15 from Noon to 5 pm and Jun 18, 19, 20 and 21 from 4 to 7 pm. Those who are the ten closest to the pin will shoot it out for the top prize on June 22 at 3 pm!

Everyone is welcome to try to qualify, just use your favorite club and our golf balls. Try as many times as you like! It only costs $1 for one ball, six balls for $5 and 13 balls for $10.

This is a fundraiser for the Lewiston-Auburn Kiwanis Club. We have been serving our communities since 1922 with many charitable activities, such as scholarships, supporting Key Clubs in five area high schools and donations to community groups.

For more information, send an e-mail to abchoate@aol.com

LEWISTON, ME — St. Mary’s Health System is hosting a free varicose vein screening and information session on Thursday, May 15 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Lepage Conference Center, 99 Campus Avenue in Lewiston.

Appointments are required and available every 10 minutes. During the session, attendees will have the opportunity to meet with members of the vascular care team to discuss common symptoms such as leg heaviness, aching, fatigue, numbness, swelling and the appearance of spider or varicose veins.

This free screening is designed to help identify potential circulation concerns and provide expert guidance on treatment options and next steps for those experiencing symptoms.

To reserve your spot, call (207) 777-4469 or sign up online at stmarysmaine.com/vascularcare

LEWISTON, ME — Humor, heart and romance happen this weekend when the magical love story Now and Then opens at The Public Theatre in Lewiston.

They say there are no “do-overs” in life, but if you could get one, would you take it? Late one night in a Chicago pub, a young bartender and his girlfriend receive an intriguing proposition from a mysterious last-minute customer offering them $2,000 to talk with him for an hour. What follows is a magical love story filled with laughter, romance, tears and a mystery that will keep the cleverest theatre-goer intrigued.

Featuring a fully professional cast of actors with Broadway credits, Artistic Director Janet Mitchko says, “Now and Then looks at love through the eyes of a couple in their 20’s as well as in their 60’s and offers an important piece of advice for audiences of all ages.”

Now and Then will be performed at The Public Theatre, Lewiston’s Professional Theatre May 2 – 11. Showtimes are Thurs & Fri at 7 pm, Sat at 3 pm, Sun at 2 pm and Sat May 10 at 3 & 7:30 pm.  For tickets call 782-3200 or visit thepublictheatre.org.  The Public Theatre is located at 31 Maple St., Lewiston.

LEWISTON, ME — An enormous achievement for CMMC’s breast health team: they have been awarded re-accreditation status by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC), following a recent site visit by the organization.

“As a participant of the NAPBC, your breast center has earned distinction as an ACS Surgical Quality Partner. This designation recognizes that your institution is dedicated to maintaining the highest standards in surgical care,” a statement from the NAPBC says.

“This re-accreditation is confirmation of what our patients already know: they are in good hands with the breast care professionals at CMMC,” said Renee Pinette, MD, OB/GYN and breast surgical oncologist on Central Maine Healthcare. “A breast cancer diagnosis can be devastating, but this seal of approval from NAPBC demonstrates our patients can trust they’re receiving comprehensive, compassionate and coordinated care from a dedicated team of specialists.”

“It’s wonderful to hear the dedication of our team to providing exceptional care has been recognized,” said Jessica Gironi, oncology accreditation manager for Central Maine Healthcare. “The reviewer’s comments highlight the strengths of the program, especially the offering of in-house services and the proactive steps taken to support patients.”

Central Maine Healthcare offers a full range of breast care treatment, including diagnosis and advanced diagnosis, prevention, treatment, ultrasounds and MRIs, biopsies and breast cancer surgery and reconstruction.

MAINE — Today, Andwell Health Partners announced they have been selected by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to participate in a new Medicare alternative payment model designed to support people living with dementia and their caregivers. Under CMS’ Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience (GUIDE) Model, Andwell Health Partners will be one of almost 400 participants building Dementia Care Programs (DCPs) across the country, working to increase care coordination and improve access to services and supports, including respite care, for people living with dementia and their caregivers.

“CMS is excited to partner with Andwell Health Partners under the GUIDE Model,” said CMS Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure. “GUIDE is a new approach to how Medicare will pay for the care of people living with dementia. The GUIDE participants are envisioning new ways to support not only people living with dementia, but also to reduce strain on the people who care for them, so that more Americans can remain in their homes and communities, rather than in institutions.”

Launched on July 1, 2024, the GUIDE Model will test a new payment approach for key supportive services furnished to people living with dementia, including: comprehensive, person-centered assessments and care plans; care coordination; 24/7 access to an interdisciplinary care team member or help line; and certain respite services to support caregivers. People with dementia and their caregivers will have the assistance and support of a Care Navigator to help them access clinical and non-clinical services such as meals and transportation through community-based organizations.

“Andwell Health Partners is excited to serve dementia patients and their caregivers across central, western, and southern Maine. GUIDE is a natural extension of Andwell Health Partner’s mission and our existing service offerings, providing care management to patients and their loved ones who are medically complex. The clinical expertise and compassion our clinicians provide to patients and their loved ones remain at the center of all Andwell does.”  shares Carol Weir, RN, MSN, MBA, Chief Clinical Officer and executive leader for the GUIDE program.  “Individuals with dementia and their caregivers can learn more by calling us at (207) 777-7740 or visiting www.andwell.org.”

Andwell Health Partners’ participation in the GUIDE Model will help people living with dementia and their caregivers have access to education and support, such as training programs on best practices for caring for a loved one living with dementia. The GUIDE Model also provides respite services for certain people, enabling caregivers to take temporary breaks from their caregiving responsibilities. Respite is being tested under the GUIDE Model to assess its effect on helping caregivers continue to care for their loved ones at home, preventing or delaying the need for facility care.

GUIDE Participants represent a wide range of health care providers, including large academic medical centers, small group practices, community-based organizations, health systems, hospice agencies, and other practices.

This model delivers on a promise in the Biden Administration’s Executive Order on Increasing Access to High-Quality Care and Supporting Caregivers and aligns with the National Plan to Address Alzheimer’s Disease. For more information on CMS’ GUIDE Model, please visit: https://www.cms.gov/priorities/innovation/innovation-models/guide.

MAINE — St. Mary’s Health System is now accepting applications for the 2025 Junior Volunteer Program. Open to teens ages 14 to 17, this unique opportunity allows young people to spend part of their summer in a professional healthcare environment. They’ll gain real-world experience while giving back to the community.

Volunteers commit to at least one full day per week from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., supporting staff, patients and residents at St. Mary’s and d’Youville Pavilion. Along the way, they’ll build confidence, develop valuable skills and earn service hours that can support college and scholarship applications.

The program runs from June 17 through August. Applications are due by May 11.

Learn more and apply at stmarysmaine.com/volunteer.

Adult volunteer opportunities are also available.

LEWISTON, ME – Tickets are now available for Maine’s Got Talent 2025, a live music competition presented by Maine Community Bank and hosted by Andwell Health Partners. The event will take place on Saturday, May 3, at the Franco Center, 46 Cedar Street in Lewiston.

Now in its latest season, Maine’s Got Talent showcases eight performers from across the state, each competing for cash prizes. Winners will be determined by a combination of judge scores and audience votes.

A reception will begin at 6:00 p.m., followed by the show at 7:00 p.m.

Tickets can be purchased online at mgt2025.eventbrite.com.

This year’s lineup includes:

Jen Schultz & Erin-Margaret Libby – Vocal duo from Norway

Russell Kaback – Guitarist and vocalist from Southern Maine

Elaina Hubble – Singer and pianist from Portland

Lindsay Hamilton – Vocalist from Biddeford

Amy Stacey Curtis – Ukulele artist from Lewiston

Vexica – Alt rock band from Auburn

Dylan Medlin – Country/bluegrass singer from Old Orchard Beach

Larnie Rose Lytton – Vocalist from Lincolnville

Proceeds from the event will support Andwell Health Partners’ pediatric programming and services, which provide essential care and early intervention for more than 650 children and families throughout Maine.

For more information, visit www.andwell.org or contact Leslie Ogilvie, Community Relations & Development Manager, at (207) 330-0777 or leslie.ogilvie@andwell.org.

Sponsors include Maine Community Bank, Northeast Fuel Pay, Emerson Chevrolet and Maine Chevy Dealers, Geiger, MatrixCare, New England Cancer Specialists, The Fortin & Pinette Group, First Choice Printing, and Praxis Motion Pictures.

AUBURN, ME – On Wednesday, April 30, 2025 the Central Maine Education Foundation Board of Directors will host its Annual Awards fundraiser on the campus of Central Maine Community College starting at 3:30pm. This event is the Foundation’s major annual fundraiser and is slated to raise more than $30,000 in funding for student scholarships.

The program will include welcoming remarks from Foundation Board Chair Jennifer Hogan; updates on the College’s projects and activities delivered by CMCC President Dr. Betsy Libby; The event will conclude with the presentation of awards to students, employees, and supporters for their achievements or contributions to the college.

The list of award recipients highlighted in the event’s award presentations include Emma Dionna of Auburn, Ivy Hutchinson of New Vineyard, Logan Levesque of Greene, and Zulma Lizarazo of South Portland who will be named to the Phi Theta Kappa All-Maine Academic Team; Victoria Wile of Gray being named CMCC Student of the Year; Camila Cateriano of Lewiston receiving the Community Spirit Award; Ernesto Kinda of Angola receiving the Courage to Rise Award recipient; Mindy Joseph of Lewiston receiving the Yes, I Can Award recipient; Faustina Harriet of Livermore Falls receiving the Triumph Over Adversity award; Justin Mason of Greene receiving the Student Veteran of the Year; Kelvin Boateng receiving the Student Employee of the Year; Ella Lavigne of Fort Collins, CO receiving the Female Athlete of the Year and Jeremiah Gomez of Old Orchard Beach receiving the Male Athlete of the Year. Community awards include the President’s award being given to Steve English, a long-time supporter of CMCC Athletics and MaineHealth Lincoln Hospital will be named the Community Partner of the Year. Employees will also be recognized for their contributions; Maria D’Auria of Lewiston as Faculty Member of the Year, Halene Mansir as Adjunct Faculty Member of the Year, and Brian Landry as Staff Member of the Year.

Members of the community are welcome to purchase sponsorship at various levels or tickets to attend this celebratory event. Proceeds from the event are added to the CM Education Foundation’s unrestricted scholarship fund to directly benefit CMCC students.

The mission of the Foundation is to provide financial support to CMCC and its students, to advocate on behalf of the college, and to nurture relationships with the community and constituencies. The CM Education Foundation has raised more than $1.5 million dollars in scholarships for the college and holds an investment portfolio of nearly $2 million dollars.

For more information on the event and the CM Education Foundation, visit www.cmcc.edu/annualawards.

LEWISTON, ME — Share a laugh, shed a tear and warm your heart with the magical romantic comedy Now and Then playing May 2 – 11 at The Public Theatre in Lewiston.

They say there are no “do-overs” in life, but if you could get one, would you take it? Late one night in an Irish pub in Chicago, a young bartender and his girlfriend receive an intriguing proposition from a mysterious last-minute customer offering them $2,000 to sit and talk with him for an hour. What follows is an unexpected emotional time-warp filled with laughter, romance, tears and a valuable life lesson. Don’t miss this magical and wise romantic comedy about listening to your heart.

Featuring a fully professional cast of actors with Broadway credits, Now and Then is a deeply romantic, thought-provoking and satisfying play offering humor, heart, and a mystery that will keep the cleverest theatregoer intrigued. Artistic Director Janet Mitchko says, “Now and Then looks at love through the eyes of a couple in their 20’s as well as in their 60’s and offers an important piece of advice for audiences of all ages.”

Starring as the mysterious old man is MITCH POULOS. Mitch appeared in the National Tour of Billy Elliot as well as on tv in Curb your Enthusiasm, The Office, Criminal Minds and Arrested Development. Playing the equally mysterious older woman is LINDA MARIE LARSON. Linda has appeared on Broadway in Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike; Gary: A Sequel to Titus Andronicus; Deuce and Jackie: An American Life. Her television credits include Succession, House of Cards, Blue Bloods and Masters of Sex, among others.

Playing the romantic piano-playing young bartender Jaime is DYLAN S. WALLACH.  Born in Maine, Dylan has appeared on Broadway in the Tony Award winning play Leopoldstadt, and Betrayal with Tom Hiddleston. His delightfully spirited girlfriend Abby will be played by ALLISON ALTMAN. Allison appeared on Broadway in Birthday Candles starring Deborah Messing and recently performed in the Huntington Theatre’s hit Triumph of Love.

Now and Then will be directed by MARK ROUTHIER. Mark directed and ran new play development at The NOLA Project in New Orleans, Orlando Shakespeare Theatre, Magic Theatre in San Francisco, and was Lit Chair for the National New Play Network.

The Irish pub in which the plays takes place is created by Courtney Smith, lighting by Michael Reidy, sound design by Charles Coes and costumes by Frederica Jepson.

Filled with humor, heart and romance, Now and Then makes the perfect gift to bring your mother to on Mother’s Day.  Don’t forget to visit the Silent Auction happening in the lobby during the show as well as online.

Now and Then will be performed at The Public Theatre, Lewiston’s Professional Theatre May 2 – 11. Showtimes are Thurs & Fri at 7 pm, Sat at 3 pm, Sun at 2 pm and Sat May 10 at 3 & 7:30 pm.  For tickets call 782-3200 or visit thepublictheatre.org.  The Public Theatre is located at 31 Maple St., Lewiston.