AUBURN, ME — The Camden Conference was founded in 1987 as a nonprofit, non-partisan educational organization whose mission is to foster informed discourse on world issues. Each year, they host a conference, with participating libraries offering community events related to their theme. The 38th annual Camden Conference, scheduled for February 21-23, 2025, is entitled “Democracy Under Threat: A Global Perspective.” It will be both a live and virtual event. In person, it will be hosted in Maine at the Camden Opera House; live-streamed to the Strand Theatre in Rockland and the Lunt Auditorium in Falmouth; and available virtually to homes and classrooms worldwide.

This year’s topic focuses on democracies worldwide, which are under intense pressure from populist and nationalist movements. These movements threaten individual freedoms and strain international relations. The Conference will look at the challenges to democracies around the world and explore solutions to strengthen democratic systems.

The Auburn Public Library is pleased to participate as one of the hosting libraries. Leading up to this year’s Conference, APL has three events planned.

FILM SCREENING & DISCUSSION —

BEYOND ELECTIONS: REDEFINING DEMOCRACY IN THE AMERICAS

Thursday, January 16, 2025 — 3:00-5:00 p.m.

Androscoggin Community Room

On Thursday, January 16, the Auburn Public Library invites you to a screening and discussion of the documentary Beyond Elections: Redefining Democracy in the Americas.

This film takes a deep look at democracy. According to film director Michael Fox:

“… Following decades of US-backed dictatorships, civil wars, and devastating structural adjustment policies in the South, and corporate control, electoral corruption, and fraud in the North, representative politics in the Americas is in crisis. Citizens are now choosing to redefine democracy under their own terms: local, direct, and participatory.”

“Beyond Elections is a journey that takes us across the Americas to attempt to answer one of the most important questions of our time: What is Democracy?”

Following the screening, attendees are invited to remain for a brief discussion of the film.

This program will take place in the Androscoggin Community Room starting at 3:00 p.m.

ELECTIONS, POPULISM, AND DEMOCRATIC BACKSLIDING IN THE AMERICAS

Dr. Clarisa Pérez-Armendáriz, Associate Professor of Politics and Chair of the Latin American and Latinx Studies Program, Bates College

Monday, January 27, 2025 — 4:30-5:30 p.m.

Androscoggin Community Room

On Monday, January 27, 2025, the Auburn Public Library will welcome Dr. Clarisa Pérez-Armendáriz, Associate Professor of Politics and Chair of the Latin American and Latinx Studies Program at Bates College. Dr. Pérez-Armendáriz will be at the Library to talk about Elections, Populism, and Democratic Backsliding in the Americas.

Democratic backsliding is the process of political change in which countries that enjoy a certain level of democracy become significantly less democratic. Countries across the Americas–a continent of which the United States is part–have experienced significant democratic backsliding over the 21st century. What explains this recent wave of democratic erosion? More specifically why has democratic backsliding occurred under the leadership of freely elected governments? Drawing on the experiences of Mexico and countries in Central and Latin America, Professor Pérez-Armendáriz highlights two pathways for democratic backsliding and suggests some opportunities and strategies for protecting this form of government.

Clarisa Pérez-Armendáriz is an Associate Professor of Politics and Chair of the Latin American and Latinx Studies Program at Bates College in Lewiston, Maine. Her research explores how international migrants influence politics in their countries of origin, particularly in the context of crime and violence. Her publications appear in Comparative Political Studies, Studies in

Comparative International Development, the Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies, and Comparative Migration Studies. At Bates College, she teaches Comparative Politics, Political Violence in Latin America, Latinx Politics, and Latin American Politics. Professor Pérez-Armendáriz completed her Ph.D. in Government at the University of Texas at Austin. She also has a Master’s degree in Public Policy from Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government with an emphasis on International Security and a B.A. in International Relations from Pomona College. She served as a US Foreign Service officer in Mexico City and India from 1998-2002. She and her two daughters have been Auburn residents for nearly 15 years.

This program will take place in the Androscoggin Community Room beginning at 4:30 p.m.

BOOK DISCUSSION —

DEMOCRACY AWAKENING: NOTES ON THE STATE OF AMERICA

by Heather Cox Richardson

Thursday, February 13, 2025 – 4:00-5:00 p.m.

Conference Room

The final event leading up to the 38th Annual Camden Conference will be a discussion of the book Democracy Awakening: Notes on the State of America by Heather Cox Richardson.

A historian and author who was raised in Maine, Heather Cox Richardson is also the author of the popular daily newsletter, Letters from an American. In this book, she explains how America, once a beacon of democracy, now teeters on the brink of autocracy — and how we can turn back. (from book jacket)

This discussion will take place in person in the Conference Room on Thursday, February 13, 2025, from 4:00-5:00 p.m. Thanks to funding provided by the Camden Conference, free copies of the book are available to those who register, and books will be available for pickup on or after January 6.

To register for any of these events, please visit the Library website — www.auburnpubliclibrary.org — or call the Reference Desk at 207-333-6640, ext. 4.

For more details on the 2025 Camden Conference, including participating speakers, membership, or other pre-conference events, visit their website at camdenconference.org.

AUBURN, ME – The Auburn Community Concert Band has announced that rehearsals will resume on Wednesday, January 8th, in preparation for the group’s 2025 summer concert season. This is an ideal opportunity for former high school and college band members to again experience the enjoyment of making music and performing in front of large audiences.

Interested musicians have until January 22nd to join the band during this semi-annual “Open Membership” period. The band has a particular need for flute, clarinet and trumpet players.

Membership is open to all wind instrument players and percussionists who can read music, but requires a commitment to the group’s weekly schedule of Wednesday evening rehearsals and concerts. Band members must have their own instruments and music stands.

Weekly rehearsals take place every Wednesday evening, from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. at the High Street Congregational Church, located between High and Pleasant Streets, in Auburn. Starting in late June, the band will resume its annual weekly Wednesday evening concerts at Festival Plaza in downtown Auburn, weather permitting. A different program of music will be performed each week through mid-August, with songs appealing to audiences both young and old.

According to Band Director Milt Simon, it is not unusual for prospective members to feel a bit reluctant about joining the group. “We understand that, for some, it may have been 20 or more years since they last touched their instrument.” Simon stated. “Most people regain their musical skills relatively quickly. It’s like riding a bicycle. Once you have learned to play, you never forget. You just may have to do some extra practicing.” Simon added that the opportunity to perform in front of large audiences, numbering 200 to 300 people on a weekly basis, is typically quite appealing to amateur and experienced musicians alike.

This summer will mark the organization’s 44th anniversary season since being formed by Simon back in 1981.

Currently, the ACCB has 49 members, ranging in age from late-teens to early eighties. These members collectively represent some 15 central, southern and western Maine towns.

Additional information about the group is posted on the band’s web site: www.auburncommunityband.com.

Interested musicians are asked to notify Director Simon at auburncommunityband@gmail.com prior to attending their first rehearsal.

LEWISTON, ME — Central Maine Orthopedics is pleased to introduce its newest provider, Bruce Hamilton-Dick, MD.

Dr. Hamilton-Dick went to medical school at Albany Medical College and completed his residency at Albany Medical Center.  He also did a fellowship at the University of Massachusetts in Orthopedics/Sports Medicine.

Dr. Hamilton-Dick is particularly passionate about musculoskeletal care and quality of life for his patients. “My job is to help people get old in the youngest way possible. And you can’t be a bystander in that game. You have to be all-in, and I want to be on your team,” he said.

“Dr. Hamilton-Dick is an excellent addition to our staff,” said Lauren Adey, MD, chief of Central Maine Orthopedics. “He brings nearly four decades of experience with him, specializing in both sports medicine and general orthopedics. This will be of tremendous benefit to our patients.”

Dr. Hamilton-Dick is certified by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery.  He was a physician for the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta.

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 – The City of Lewiston calls on community-minded residents to step forward to help shape the future of the city by volunteering on the City’s boards and committees. With 38 current and upcoming vacancies, primarily due to term expirations, there are numerous opportunities for residents to contribute their time, skills, and experience to strengthen Lewiston.

Openings are available on the following boards and committees:

Board of Appeals

Community Development Block Grant Review Committee

Complete Streets Committee

Finance Committee

Historic Preservation Review Board

Housing Committee

L/A Community Forestry Board

Lewiston Area Public Health Committee

Lewiston Auburn Clean Water Authority

Library Board of Trustees

Planning Board

Due to residency requirements in the City Charter, neither the Board of Appeals nor the Planning Board may have more than two members serving simultaneously from the same wards. This provision is to ensure adequate and balanced representation from all sections of the city.

“Our boards and committees play a vital role in guiding city policies and fostering a more connected, innovative Lewiston,” said City Clerk Kathy Montejo. “This is an opportunity for residents to get involved, make their voices heard, and help us build a stronger community together.”

Serving on a city committee offers both personal and civic rewards, as residents attest. “Joining the Library Board gave me strong relationships, pride in our library’s work, leadership and fundraising skills, and a real stake in Lewiston’s future,” said Mariah Pfeiffer, a Library Board of Trustees member.

Longtime resident Lucy Bisson reflected on nearly three decades of civic service: “Over thirty years ago I realized that I needed and wanted to become involved with the decisions being made regarding the future of my City, so I decided to serve on one of the many boards which help to guide our City. My first opportunity was the Board of Appeals. Over the years, it has been my privilege to join a few boards, such as the Historical Preservation Board, Personnel Board (no longer exists), Transportation Board and the Planning Board. I also spent many years working at the polls. It has been extremely rewarding serving with other concerned citizens and working with the knowledgeable City staff. I encourage anyone who is interested in the future of our City to become involved. You won’t regret it! I know I haven’t.”

“For the past 20 plus years, I have served on several of the City boards and committees open to the public,” said active city volunteer Paul Robinson. “For me, it’s a way of staying current on community issues, contributing my views, and having a vote on the outcome. It gives me a better understanding of the “why” of certain policies and decisions. In short, community involvement adds up to being an informed and contributing citizen.”

To learn more about committee roles, meeting times and responsibilities, visit www.lewistonmaine.gov/learnmore or call the City Clerk’s Department (207) 513-3124 during office hours: Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 7:45 AM to 4 PM and Tuesday from 7:45 AM to 5:30 PM.

Applications are available on the City’s website at www.lewistonmaine.gov/join. Completed applications must be submitted to the City Clerk’s Office by 12 PM on Mon., Dec. 30, although submissions will be accepted until all positions are filled.

LEWISTON, AUBURN, ME — The Lewiston-Auburn Rotary Club recently presented a check for $4,500 in continuing support of the WISE Zambia program, which supports empowerment and economic independence for vulnerable women and children in Zambia through educational, vocational, and agricultural initiatives. The funds come from the club and Rotary District 7790, which consists of 26 Rotary Clubs in Quebec and 31 in Maine.

Rotarian Joanne Bollinger, who serves on the WISE Zambia board, has made numerous trips to WISE Zambia’s headquarters in Kaoma, located in West Zambia. Her work in support of this program takes her around the US to raise visibility, funds, and friends for the cause. “The growth of our flagship program in education under the guidance of local leadership in Kaoma has been nothing short of phenomenal. From supporting 28 high school students in 2014, we now have over 630 students in more than 25 schools and over 90 in colleges and other forms of tertiary education throughout Zambia,” notes Bollinger.

In the photo from left are Rotary board members Christine Wilson (secretary), Larry Delhagen (president), Roger Philippon, Bollinger, Roger Theriault, Peter Kowalski, Stephanie Gelinas, John Belisle, Todd Goodwin, and Peter Arsenault.

More information about WISE Zambia can be found on their website at wisezambia.org. The Lewiston-Auburn Rotary Club has been serving this community since its founding in 1917. In addition to various volunteer activities, the club raises funds to support local service agencies and to provide yearly scholarships to graduating seniors from area high schools. The club meets every Thursday at noon at the Village Inn Restaurant in Auburn. lewistonauburnrotary.org.

AUBURN, ME  – Civil Air Patrol Cadet Sean Haggerty of the Auburn-Lewiston Composite Squadron has earned the General Carl A. Spaatz Award and promotion to cadet colonel. The Spaatz Award is Civil Air Patrol’s highest cadet honor, earned by less than 0.5 percent of cadets nationwide. Since the award’s inception in 1964, only 2,547 cadets have become Spaatzen, with Haggerty the 17th cadet in all of Maine Wing to reach this pinnacle achievement.

“I first met Cadet Haggerty at the age of 12 and a half as a new cadet, when I was a new squadron commander myself. I have had the privilege of watching him grow from a shy young man into a confident and effective leader,” said Maine Wing Commander Col. Mark Hyland. “Sean has continually impressed me with his ability to lead by example and serve as a mentor and role model for other cadets. I could not be prouder of the man he has become, not only as a member of Civil Air Patrol but also as U.S. Marine. I know he will continue to achieve greatness throughout his career and look forward to seeing all he accomplishes.”

Cadets qualify to undergo the rigorous four-part examination for the Spaatz Award after devoting an average of 4-5 years to progress through 16 achievements in the CAP cadet program. The examination includes a comprehensive leadership test, an essay on moral leadership, a challenging aerospace test, and a demanding physical fitness test based off the U.S. Air Force Academy Candidate Fitness Assessment. Unlike other CAP achievements, cadets may only attempt the Spaatz examination 3 times. Haggerty passed his examination just prior to reporting to U.S. Marine Corps recruit training this fall.

“The knowledge I gained throughout my years in Civil Air Patrol was instrumental in my success on Parris Island,” said Haggerty. “Because of my time in CAP, I was promoted to private first class ahead of most new Marines. I want to thank the many members who helped me during my Civil Air Patrol cadet journey.”

Haggerty joined Civil Air Patrol in 2017 and advanced through the achievements and awards consistently with an overall commitment to excellence. He has served in leadership roles throughout the country, including staffing encampments and leadership academies in Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Texas. He has earned multiple commander’s commendations at wing and region levels, the Civil Air Patrol Disaster Relief Ribbon for service during a federally declared disaster and numerous other awards.

Haggerty was presented with the Spaatz Award by U.S. Rep. Jared Golden at a ceremony on Dec. 14 while on leave following his graduation from recruit training. State Sen. Bruce Bickford presented Haggerty with an official expression of sentiment from the Maine State Legislature. Congratulatory letters were presented on behalf of Gov. Janet Mills, U.S. Sens. Susan Collins and Angus King, and U.S. Reps. Chellie Pingree and Golden, as well as a certificate of recognition from the Maine Wing CAP State Legislative Squadron. Also in attendance were Civil Air Patrol National Deputy Commander Brig. Gen. R. Jason Bailey, Civil Air Patrol Northeast Region Commander Col. James Ridley, and other members of the Northeast Region and Maine Wing command teams.

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.