LEWISTON, ME (September 8, 2023) — The Woman’s Hospital Association (WHA) Rotating Art Gallery at Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston is proud to display the paintings of well-known local artists, Jeanelle Demers and Elisabeth Salberg for the month of September.

Demers’ current focus is animal portraiture, especially dogs, cats, and birds. With acrylic on canvas, she paints custom pet portraits from reference photos, evoking the essence of your pet or a favorite moment with them. She creates lively and captivating works of art that immortalize memories, personalities, and the silly quirks that make our pets so lovable. More information is available on her website www.200faces.com

Graduating from Duke University where she studied history and art history, life took Salberg on a different path. For over 30 years she worked as a registered nurse, retiring from CMMC in 2013. At that point she returned to her earlier passion and began to paint with oils. She has exhibited her paintings in Portland, Brunswick, Bath, Belfast, Yarmouth, Falmouth, Hallowell, Kennebunkport, Norway and Sanford as well as locally in Lewiston and Auburn.

“The beautiful colors of Maine are a constant inspiration to me, and quite a challenge, as I try to transform the world of color, light and shape that I see into a painting that hopefully, others will enjoy.”

She is a member of Maine Women in the Arts. Her website is oilpaintingsofmaine.com. 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.

“Pretty in Pink” by Elisabeth Salberg (digital image was taken by Salberg)

AUBURN, ME (September 8, 2023) — Long time Senior College instructor Dr. Charles W. Plummer, who is a firm believer in life-long learning, will be the featured speaker at the Auburn Library on September 26 at 2 o’clock in the library’s Androscoggin Room at 49 Spring Street. His presentation will focus on the Psychology of Personality and the role personality plays in defining human behavior. There are five basic personality styles known as “the big five” which psychologists have recognized as those that are the most important for understanding the personalities and behaviors of others and Plummer will give a detailed description of them in his talk. For those in attendance who may want to gain a better understanding of their own personality style, Plummer will hand out a very detailed and interesting personality style assessment that they can complete. Plummer will conclude his presentation with those aspects of personality that involve both an ethical and moral dimension that he views as sadly lacking in our country today.

Dr. Charles Plummer is a retired elementary school teacher and principal, and is a firm believer in the importance of remaining mentally and physically active. He has been teaching Senior College courses for over 20 years which has brought him much happiness, has kept his aging brain functioning at a good level, and has added much positive meaning to his life.

To learn more, visit the Events Calendar on Auburn Public Library’s website — https://www.auburnpubliclibrary.org/events/upcoming

AUBURN, ME (September 1, 2023) — The L/A Community Little Theatre (CLT) has announced its 84th season – with a return to full,  five-show lineup and a new Saturday matinee – will open October 26th with the Tony Award winning musical farce The Drowsy Chaperone. That will be followed in January with Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None, the musical Spring Awakening in April, Alice in Wonderland in June, and the musical The Prom in August.  

“We are very pleased to offer a five-show season for the first time since before COVID,” noted CLT co-executive director Renee Mahon Davis. “And in response to a clear trend with our audiences, we will now offer a Saturday matinee in addition to our two existing Sunday matinees,” she added.  

Winner of five Tony Awards, including Best Book and Best Original Score, The Drowsy Chaperone was hailed by NY Magazine as “the perfect Broadway musical.” A middle-aged, musical theater fan decides to play for the audience an LP of his favorite musical, the fictional 1928 show The Drowsy Chaperone. As the record plays, the show – a parody of 1920s musical comedy – comes to life onstage! A loving send-up of the Jazz Age musical, the show features numerous song and dance numbers including “I Am Aldolpho” and “Toledo Surprise.” Directed by Brandon Chaloux, The Drowsy Chaperone will run October 26-November 5.

Agatha Christie’s eerie tale And Then There Were None brings the nursery rhyme “Ten Little Soldier Boys” to life. In one of her darkest and most successful novels, ten strangers are summoned to a remote island. All that the guests have in common is a wicked past they’re unwilling to reveal and a secret that will seal their fate. For each has been marked for murder. As the weather turns and the group is cut off from the mainland, the mayhem begins! Danny Gay will direct this timeless mystery that will run January 18-28.

Based on Frank Wedekind’s groundbreaking and controversial play (once banned in Germany), Spring Awakening depicts a dozen young people as they navigate teenage self-discovery and coming of age anxiety in a powerful celebration of youth and rebellion! This angsty rock musical, set in Germany in 1981, explores the journey from adolescence to adulthood with a poignancy that is illuminating and unforgettable. Winner of eight Tony Awards, including for Best Musical, Spring Awakening will be directed by Becca Tinkham and will run April 4-14.

In a delightful adaptation of the timeless tale of Alice in Wonderland, Alice encounters mad tea parties, irate queens, and many other fantastic creatures. Based on the beloved classic by Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland is a reimagining of Wonderland, with an unexpected twist ending. When Alice tumbles down a rabbit hole, she is immersed in a wacky, fantastical land filled with zany characters such as the Mad Hatter and the Chesire Cat. A perfect play for audiences young and old alike, the show will be directed by Britny Anderson and will run June 13-23.

Four eccentric Broadway stars are in desperate need of a new stage. When they hear that trouble is brewing around a small-town prom, they know that it’s time to put a spotlight on the issue – and themselves. But when one student wants to bring her girlfriend to the prom, the entire town has a date with destiny. Winner of the Drama Desk Award for Best Musical, The Prom is a musical comedy with a message that resonates with audiences now more than ever. Directed by Jennifer McClure-Groover, The Prom will run August 8-18 to close out CLT’s 84th season.

Subscribers to CLT’s 84th season can enjoy savings of 20 percent and get five shows for the price of four. Season subscriptions are now available online and individual show tickets will be available starting September 25. For more information, visit www.laclt.com, or contact the box office at boxoffice@laclt.com or 783-0958.

CLT will open its 84^th season in October with the musical comedy The Drowsy Chaperone.

LEWISTON, ME (September 1, 2023)—The Franco Center has announced a new program called Books and Stories Series at noon on Wednesdays. Admission to these author talks is free. The Books and Stories program features an author who will read from his/her book, have books available for purchase and signing, and follow up with questions and answers after the presentation.  

“The program brings people together of all ages and backgrounds to explore and share ideas about culture, heritage, and historical identities through storytelling events with authors,” said Denise Scammon, marketing and development director at the Franco Center. “This is a new program for the Franco Center and it has been funded in part by the Maine Humanities Council and Maine Arts Commission.” 

At noon Wednesday, Sept. 13, Suzanne Roy, author of “The Enclave” and “The Legacy” will discuss her books that follow a fictional French-Canadian immigrant girl who attempts to keep her dreams alive as she grows into womanhood in the “Little Canada” enclave her culture created to protect itself from the American melting pot. The girl’s journey toward self-discovery and self-determination is one that women of all cultures are still struggling to complete. “The Legacy” is the stand-alone sequel to the “The Enclave.” 

Roy, a retired independent compliance consultant, taught English at University of Maine Orono from 1972 to 1974 and later taught writing as a member of the adjunct faculty of UMA. She wrote the bilingual children’s television series “La Bonne Adventure” in the mid 1970s, did Franco American research housed at University of Southern Maine, taught a local history class at St. Dom’s in 1980, and wrote several plays about Franco Americans, two of which were produced and won awards in Australia. Roy is a native and resident of Lewiston and is currently working on her third historical novel. 

Other dates, authors, and books in the series include Sept. 27 David Vermette author of “A Distinct Alien Race: The Untold Story of Franco-Americans: Industrialization, Immigration, Religious Strife,” and Oct. 4 Paul Dionne author of “The Priestess and the Pope” and new “Madeleine’s Inquisition.” It is suggested that participants buy the featured books ahead of the book talk at an online or favorite book store. 

Doors open at 11:30 a.m. Presentation starts at noon. Attendees may bring a bag lunch. The Franco Center is at 46 Cedar St., Lewiston. Parking is available in the mill lot. The building is handicap accessible on the Lincoln St. Alley side. 

At noon Wednesday, Sept. 13, local author Suzanne Roy will discuss her novels “The Enclave” and “The Legacy “which she based on local Franco American history. Admission is free. Submitted photos. 

AUBURN, ME (September 1, 2023) – For Hunger Action Month this September, Good Shepherd Food Bank joins Feeding America and other member food banks to inspire conversation and drive passion for the issue of hunger. The month-long campaign will highlight the impact of food on people’s lives, and show how a meal goes beyond solely nourishing our bodies. When people are fed, futures are nourished, and individuals go from just living to truly thriving.

September marks the 16th year Feeding America, the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organization with a nationwide network of 200 food banks, including Good Shepherd Food Bank, and 60,000 partner food pantries and meal programs, has organized the annual call to action. By joining the movement, the Food Bank believes our collective voices, actions and commitment will help ensure every community has the food it needs to flourish.

“Food has a tremendous impact on people’s lives. We have all experienced firsthand how a meal goes beyond solely nourishing our bodies,” said Claire Babineaux-Fontenot, CEO of Feeding America. “Access to nutritious food is essential for each of us to reach our full potential and reminds us that we can all help to create positive change in our communities to ensure that no one goes hungry in America. Now is the time for us to come together to elevate the voices of people who experience food insecurity and inspire everyone to join the movement to end hunger.”

During the month of September, people across Maine can get involved by listening, acting and inviting others to speak up about ways to end hunger.

Don’t forget to wear orange on Hunger Action Day – September 15!

Volunteer – Good Shepherd Food Bank is committed to the belief that involving volunteers in its operations is a necessity for carrying out its mission of providing increased access to food for those at risk of hunger in the state of Maine.

Engage and Advocate by sharing this video – be sure to like and engage with Good Shepherd Food Bank on social media. Stay up-to-date with the fight against hunger on Facebook and Instagram. Posting about Hunger Action Month or Day on your own? Use #HungerActionMonth and be sure to tag @FeedingMaine and @FeedingAmerica on your post.

Donate – online contributions are an efficient way to help end hunger in Maine. Every $2 can help provide food for four meals!

Virtual Food Drive – organize a Virtual Food Drive right from your computer! Set up your fundraiser in a few easy steps, share the link with your network, and help raise critical funds needed to help all Mainers thrive.

Hunger Action Month is a time for everyone across the country to collectively act against hunger. You can choose to donate or advocate. You can choose to volunteer or raise awareness. You can choose to help end hunger. Learn more about how you can take action by visiting www.FeedingMaine.org/

(September 1, 2023) — The Ladies of St Anne Sodality of Holy Family Church, Prince of Peace Parish will be having a Pot Luck meeting at the Church Parish Hall on Wednesday September 20,2023 at 6:00 PM. The doors will be open at 5 PM. The tickets for the meal is $5.00 and must be purchased by September 15, 2023 by contacting any of the Board Members or by calling Anita at 782-4516. After the meal, there will be the Installations of Officers, Counselors and Honorary Members. The Church Bulletin will have more information.

AUBURN, ME (August 24, 2023) — Join author Jeff Romano for a slideshow presentation showcasing hiking opportunities throughout New England. The program will cover destinations in all six states with a focus on itineraries featured in his latest guidebook, an updated edition to 100 Classic Hike New England (June 2023). Jeff will share advice, provide insights, and answer questions on how and where to plan your next hiking adventure. The presentation will also include information on New England wildflowers, birds, wildlife, history, and conservation success stories.

A representative from the Androscoggin Land Trust will also be available to talk about their conservation efforts and available trails.

Jeff Romano is a lifelong New England resident who has been hiking for five decades. He is the author of four other guidebooks: Hike the Park Acadia (2021), Day Hiking New England (2015), 100 Classic Hikes New England, First Edition (2010), and Best Loop Hikes: New Hampshire’s White Mountains to the Maine Coast (2006). Published by Mountaineers Books, these publications will be available for sale after the presentation. Jeff has also written numerous outdoor articles for the Boston Globe and other publications.

When not hiking, Jeff directs public policy activities for Maine Coast Heritage Trust, a land trust that conserves and stewards Maine’s coastal lands and islands. He lives in Hallowell, Maine with his wife, and shares his passion for the outdoors with his family, including his two adult children.

This program will take place in the Androscoggin Community Room on Thursday, September 7, from 4:00-5:00 p.m.

For more information about other upcoming programs at the Auburn Public Library, visit their website at www.auburnpubliclibrary.org.

AUBURN, ME (August 25, 2023) – Following more than a year of construction, and in preparation for school to start, the City of Auburn opened the incredible new Edward Little High School Sunday, August 27.

The Auburn School Department, elected officials, special guests, students, staff, and community members gathered just outside the new school for a grand opening ceremony and ribbon cutting.

AUBURN, ME (August 24, 2023) — As you approach age 65 and eligibility for Medicare, do you know all you need to know to select the right insurance plan for you? If not, you are invited to this no-cost virtual seminar on Tuesday, September 5, 2023, starting at 6:00 p.m. At that time, you will hear from an experienced insurance broker who specializes in helping clients with Medicare planning needs. This seminar is meant to help people navigate the options with Medicare and will include information on signing up for social security. This presentation will help you have a better understanding of your Medicare options, deadlines, and fines that may be imposed if you do not sign up on time. There will also be some helpful information on how to save on prescriptions.

This program is offered by Renata Lahner of The Lahner Group, whose mission is to provide unbiased Medicare and insurance advice for individuals from all walks of life while simplifying the complexities of the various healthcare options. Renata specializes in helping clients with Medicare, social security, and life insurance needs.

The program will take place via Zoom. Registration is required; to do so, visit the Events page of our website — www.auburnpubliclibrary.org — or call the Reference Desk at 207-333-6640, ext. 4. The Zoom link will be emailed to you on September 5.

LEWISTON, ME (August 25, 2023) — SeniorsPlus, Western Maine’s designated Area Agency on Aging, will present an Opening Minds through Art (OMA) art show at the agency’s Lewiston headquarters at 8 Falcon Road on Friday, September 8, from 1 to 3 p.m. The event is free and refreshments will be provided. Meet the artists, see their work, and learn more about OMA, an award-winning, evidence-based, art-making program that aims to provide social engagement and create expression for persons living with dementia. Funded by a grant from the U.S. Administration for Community Living, DHHS, Washington, DC, OMA strives to bring joy, art, and pride to people living with dementia and Alzheimer’s in our community. Contact SeniorsPlus at 207-795-4010 for more information. 

Through a series of classes, OMA engages people with dementia in creating art based on imagination, not memory. During the six-week program, people with dementia (the “artists”) are paired one-on-one with volunteers who help them create art. 

Me and Three, Watercolor and India ink by Lewiston OMA artist Linda, 2023.