LEWISTON, ME – Andwell Community & Behavioral Health, a division of Andwell Health Partners, is pleased to announce the launch of outpatient substance use disorder services, designed for individuals of all ages.

Based out of our outpatient facility located at 710 Main Street in Lewiston, 498 Essex Street in Bangor and 284 Main St. Suite 390 in Wilton, Andwell’s services are designed to be 100% confidential, client-centered, and strength-based, with a strong focus on recovery and the promotion of optimal health and wellbeing of the individual and affected others.

“October is Substance Use Prevention month and we are honored to add to our continuum of behavioral health offerings outpatient substance use disorder services,” said Bill Robinson, LCPC, director of Andwell Community & Behavioral Health.  “Our goal is to be a partner and valued resource in our local communities, offering evidence-based methods of prevention and treatment of substance use disorder. We seek not only to care for those working towards healing and optimal well-being, but also be a support to those affected by a loved one suffering from substance use disorder. Nearly 10% of Mainers over the age of 12 suffer from substance use disorder.”

Andwell’s comprehensive outpatient counseling program offers both individual and group sessions, tailored to meet the unique needs of each client. Our team of highly trained and licensed professionals is committed to assessing individual needs and supporting clients in developing and achieving their personal recovery goals. We believe in a collaborative approach to healing and are dedicated to partnering with clients on their recovery journey.

Our substance use disorder services include:

Assessment

Relapse prevention

Recovery groups

Co-dependency support

Support for family members (Affected Others)

Access to comprehensive resources

 Andwell Community & Behavioral Health is committed to providing a supportive and empowering environment for those seeking to overcome substance use challenges. We invite individuals and families to take the first step towards recovery by reaching out to us for more information about our services.

LEWISTON, ME — Get ready for FANGtastic fun when The Public Theatre kicks off the Halloween season, with the Maine premiere of the recent Off-Broadway hit, DRACULA: A COMEDY OF TERRORS playing October 11-27.

Imagine putting the legendary story of Dracula into a blender with Mel Brooks, Monty Python and The Carol Burnett Show! You’ll scream with laughter as five actors sink their teeth into dozens of characters in this fast-paced, laugh-out-loud version of Dracula perfect for audiences of all blood types.

When Mina Westfeldt falls mysteriously ill, her father calls on well-known vampire hunter Doctor Jean Van Helsing to help them find the elusive and seductive Count Dracula. Filled with imaginative staging, silliness, and special effects, this delightful comedy is the perfect way to get spooky this season!

The cast of fully professional Equity actors includes Luke Sholl as Dracula, Jessica DiGiovanni as Lucy/ Kitty/Driver, Mark Cartier as Dr. Westfeldt/Renfield/Sea Captain, Kevin Cristaldi as Mina/Van Helsing and Ian Gould as Jonathan/Bosun/Grave Digger/Suitors.  All five actors have had an extensive career Off-Broadway and in regional theatres as well as television and film.

The world of Transylvania and England will be brought to life by the set design of Michael Reidy, spooky lighting by Matt Cost, the soundscape of Charles Coes and costumes by Kevin Hutchins. At the helm of this wacky world will be Director and Artistic Director of The Public Theatre, Janet Mitchko who promises many similarities in style and tone to previous Public Theatre comic hits such as Hound of the Baskervilles and Around the World in 80 Days.

In the spirit of encouraging community engagement and connection, The Public Theatre will also be offering a pre-show wine tasting held in the lobby included with the price of your ticket on Thursday Oct 17th and a pre-show beer sampling at the Saturday evening performance on Oct 19th.

Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors, playing at The Public Theatre, Lewiston/Auburn’s Professional Theatre, Oct 11 – 27. Thurs-Friday at 7:00pm, Sat at 3pm, Sun at 2pm with a Sat evening show on Oct 19 at 7:30pm.  Tickets: $35 Adults, $20 (ages 19-35), $15 (18 and under). Group rates (10+) are available.  Tickets can be purchased online at thepublictheatre.org or by calling 782-3200. The Theatre is located at 31 Maple St. Lewiston.

Sponsored by Austin Associates, Berubes Complete Auto Care, NAPA Coastal Auto Parts, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Sun Journal, Bennett Radio Group and Platz Associates.

From left to right – Mark Cartier, Kevin Cristaldi, Luke Sholl, Ian Gould and Jessica DiGiovanni

LEWISTON, ME — The Lewison mass casualty event of Oct. 25, 2023 underscored the critical need for maintaining an adequate blood supply.

On that evening, Central Maine Medical Center (CMMC) relied not only on its own supplies, but on the resources of the American Red Cross and other community partners, as well. Simply put, blood donations save lives.

With that in mind, Central Maine Healthcare is partnering with the American Red Cross of Northern New England and LifeFlight of Maine to hold a “One Lewiston” blood drive in October in honor of the victims. The locations and times are:

Location: Central Maine Medical Center, 12 Main St. Conference Room A,B,C

Dates: Oct. 14 and 18

10 a.m.-3 p.m.

As Oct. 25 approaches, our goal is to collect 1,025 (10/25) units of blood during this drive.

To donate blood, visit https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?zipSponsor=lifeflight   

To volunteer, visit https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C084AA9A623A5FDC25-51734436-stronger#/

We encourage community members to use the hashtag #oneLewiston in social media activity related to this event.

To donate to CMMC’s Compassionate Care Fund, established in the days following the tragedy to support patients, caregivers and the community in the wake of a mass casualty incident, please visit www.cmhc.org/cmmc/ways-to-give.

RAYMOND, ME – Have you always wanted to learn the art of watercolor painting? Or do you want to brush up on your skills?  Suitable for any skill level, Kathleen Gerdes’ watercolor workshop is coming to Nathaniel Hawthorne’s Boyhood Home in Raymond (40 Hawthorne Road) on Saturday, October 12, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.  Cost is $45 per student, which includes the use of the instructor’s supplies and materials. Everyone wishing to participate is asked to please register in advance by emailing workshop instructor Kathleen Gerdes at gerkat214@gmail.com.  

Designed to be a fun, stress-free community experience among fellow artists, Ms. Gerdes’ workshop will cover, step-by-step, what each student needs to know about paints, brushes, paper, and basic watercolor skills and techniques. Plenty of time will be offered to practice what you learn, and each student will leave with his or her own painting, along with the knowledge and skills needed to continue painting at home.

More about Kathleen Gerdes

Kathleen Gerdes of Naples is a mostly self-taught artist who teaches watercolor classes at Scarborough Adult Education.  A painter for more than 20 years, Kathleen believes that everyone is an artist and her love of teaching reflects that. Her work is unique and whimsical, and she loves to paint everyday objects that have lots of color. Her upcoming workshop at Nathaniel Hawthorne’s Boyhood Home in Raymond reflects her hope to expand and share her work throughout the Naples-Raymond-Bridgton area.

For more information, please visit www.hawthorneassoc.com or send email to gerkat214@gmail.com 

Image courtesy of Kathleen Gerdes.

LEWISTON, ME – The AgeWise Maine Initiative, a collaboration of Maine’s five Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) in partnership with Northern Light Health, will offer statewide vaccination clinics this fall, including several in Androscoggin County.

Launched in 2023 and powered by USAging grant funding, AgeWise Maine offers vaccine clinics in communities across Maine with the goal of ensuring that thousands of residents get immunized to stay healthy and focused on doing the things they love.

The CDC recommends getting the updated 2024-2025 COVID-19 and Flu vaccinations in Fall 2024 to protect yourself and your community. Both vaccinations are currently available and offered at AgeWise Maine clinics across the state. It is safe to receive COVID-19 and flu vaccines at the same visit.

“One of the best things you can do to keep yourself and your family healthy is to get vaccinated early on. We’ve heard of people who prefer to ‘wait it out’ and see how the flu season is playing out, but it’s important to remember that vaccines are the best way to prevent serious illness before you get sick,” said Carly Williams, Director, AgeWise Maine. “We’re glad we have the opportunity to support Mainers through a second vaccination season this fall, and we hope many of them will take advantage of visiting one of our upcoming clinics.”

Upcoming vaccination clinics include:

SeniorsPlus

8 Falcon Road, Lewiston

October 4; 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Blake Street Towers

70 Blake Street, Lewiston

October 10; 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM

SeniorsPlus

8 Falcon Road, Lewiston

October 23; 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

A searchable database of upcoming vaccination clinics around the state is available online at AgeWiseMaine.org.

LEWISTON, ME – The Androscoggin Historical Society (AHS) has entered the final phase of a $750,000 fundraising campaign to support the purchase of 93 Lisbon Street in Lewiston, relocation from the third floor of the County Courthouse in Auburn, and the first three years of expanded operations in its new home.

The “Family Initiative” includes a 9-foot mural installed in the main gallery at 93 Lisbon Street and the opportunity for donors making a gift of $5,000 to include their family name on the mural with an accompanying family history added to a special section in the archives. The mural, titled “People of the Androscoggin Build Community: Past, Present & Future,” identifies each of the towns united by the Androscoggin River and its tributaries with the date of incorporation as well as a photograph. The photographs will change periodically and feature themes such as grange halls, schoolhouses, churches and local businesses, as part of the gallery’s rotating exhibitions.

While AHS freely accepts genealogical materials, donors to the “Family Initiative” will receive assistance documenting their family story and curating photographs as well as being acknowledged on the mural. The history of Androscoggin County is enriched by generations–past and present–of iconic small businesses, civic and political leaders, educators 1 and successful athletes. The mural will not only provide visitors to AHS the map of Androscoggin County but also the names of families who have been part of the County’s heritage and are contributing to its future prosperity.

Ten donors have already stepped forward to participate. Rebecca Swanson Conrad from Auburn notes, “I am honoring my husband’s family name with a gift to the Family Initiative. I cannot think of a better way to capture the story of his business contributions to the region and to ensure that the photographs of Austin’s Fine Wines and Foods in the former First National Bank building in downtown Auburn are archived in perpetuity.”

Gifts may be made by one individual or a family group with up to two family names. Contributions may be paid over one, two or three years.

The Androscoggin Historical Society preserves the histories of the 14 towns in Androscoggin County and periodically convenes the “Society of Societies” to promote collaboration among the individual historical societies located in towns across the County. As an archival repository for records, genealogy, maps and photographs, AHS responds to research questions both locally and from around the world by providing information for individuals seeking family history to scholars searching for primary historical sources about the region to local K-12, home-schooled and college students. Additionally, the Society conducts lectures and open-house programs, walking and historic house tours, and hands-on interactive experiences at its two historic properties in Auburn: the Knight House and the West Auburn one-room schoolhouse.

The Society’s 93 Lisbon Street museum, library and archives are open to the public, free of charge Wednesdays 9:00am -1:00pm; Fridays Noon – 4:00 pm; and Saturdays 9:00am -1:00pm and in the summer and fall during each last Friday Art Walk. For more information, to volunteer or make a gift, or to learn about upcoming special programs, please visit the Society’s website androhistory.org, send an email to info@androhistory.org or call 207-784-0586.

“People of the Androscoggin Build Community: Past, Present & Future,” (Androscoggin Historical Society)

LEWISTON, AUBURN, ME — The Lewiston-Auburn Community Little Theatre (CLT) held its annual membership meeting recently at the theater on 30 Academy Street in Auburn. Danny Gay and Britny Anderson were presented with their official director’s chairs in recognition of their successful directorial debuts during the 2023-24 season. Gay directed the Agatha Christie murder mystery “And Then There Were None” and Anderson directed the timeless classic “Alice in Wonderland.”

Outgoing CLT Board President Ashleigh St. Pierre presented the prestigious President’s Award to Danielle Eaton in recognition of her countless contributions to CLT, including as a performer, producer, and in development. Eaton is now the new president of the CLT Board of Directors.

Those in attendance at the annual meeting also had the opportunity to meet the cast of CLT’s upcoming production of the musical “1776” as they performed “Sit Down, John,” a musical number from the show. There was also a musical preview from “Nunsense” and an inside look at “The Little Prince” and “SpongeBob: The Musical,” the other shows in CLT’s 85th season. More information and tickets available at laclt.com. 

Outgoing CLT Board President Ashleigh St. Pierre (left) presented the prestigious President’s Award to incoming president Danielle Eaton.

AUBURN, ME – Make laughter a priority this week at Great Falls Comedy Club on Saturday night with a Worcester, Massachusetts microphone takeover presenting some of that area’s best stand-up comics.

The club welcomes Kevin Knightly, Kevin Lamory, John Tyler, and Tim Champa as they trek up the highway to work for your laughs.          

Tickets can be found at https://www.greatfallscomedyclub.com or purchased at the door.  Great Falls Comedy Club is located inside Craft Brew Underground at 34 Court Street, Auburn, under the red awning.

For more information contact the club at info@greatfallscomedyclub.com or by phone at 207-200-5366.

LEWISTON, ME — October is Domestic Violence Action Month, and Safe Voices will be holding two vigils, one in Farmington and one in Lewiston on Monday, Oct. 7 to honor those who have experienced domestic abuse and violence. The vigil is held annually to honor those who have lost their lives to domestic abuse and violence, offer hope to those still facing abuse, and support those who have survived.

The candlelit vigils will start at 6pm and will be held simultaneously in Dufresne Plaza at 72 Lisbon Street in Lewiston and at Meeting House Park at 139 Main Street in Farmington. It will include guest speakers from the community, survivor stories, and a remembrance ceremony. All are invited to attend and show their support. Domestic abuse and violence are community issues, representing danger not just to those who live through abuse but to the community at large. Safe Voices invites friends and neighbors to join together to show that the effort to end abuse must also be a community one.

For more information about this or other Safe Voices events, please contact Safe Voices’ Education Coordinator Marie Lane at mlane@safevoices.org or 207-795-6744 ex. 204.

Safe Voices is the domestic abuse and sex trafficking resource center serving Androscoggin, Franklin, and Oxford Counties. Last year, the agency worked with 2,318 unique survivors in these counties to help them safety plan, access shelter, work with civil and legal advocates, and work through emergent crises as well as the ongoing, long-term effects of domestic abuse and sex trafficking. The agency has been doing this work in Maine since 1977. Those experiencing or impacted by domestic abuse and needing to reach out should call the agency’s 24-hour helpline at 1-800-559-2927.

LEWISTON, ME — During the last week of September, Central Maine Healthcare (CMH) will join the rest of the nation in honoring its advanced practice providers (APPs).

An APP is a health care provider who is not a physician but performs medical procedures typically performed by a physician, having undergone extensive medical education and training. Among their ranks are nurse practitioners, physician assistants, certified nurse midwives, certified registered nurse anesthetists, clinical nurse specialists and certified anesthesiologist assistants.

With the U.S. experiencing a physician shortage, APPs have become even more critical to healthcare providers’ ability to successfully care for their patients.

“I chose to become a certified registered nurse anesthetist because I wanted to expand my clinical knowledge,” said Tina Moring, lead certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) at Central Maine Medical Center (CMMC). “I was already committed to our patients, but I wanted to do more. Being a CRNA allows me to serve our community, to meet more of the needs of our patients, and I get to do what I love, every day.”

“I was previously working as an athletic trainer with a semi-pro basketball team,” said Angela Michalka, a physician assistant (PA) at CMH Orthopedics. “Though I was an important part of the team, I wanted to be able to do more and provide more advanced care for the players instead of having to hand them off when they had a more significant injury. As a PA I am now able to provide advanced comprehensive care for my patients and I hope I am able to help keep them active and doing the things they enjoy.”