AUBURN, ME — Director Celeste Philippon has announced the cast for Community Little Theatre’s upcoming production of the musical “1776,” which will open on October 25.

Kicking off CLT’s 85th consecutive season, “1776” tells the story of John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and Thomas Jefferson as they fight for independence against a deadlocked Continental Congress in a show filled with humor, romance, and tension. The seminal event in American history blazes to life in this unconventional Broadway hit, which won three Tony Awards, including Best Musical. “1776” puts a human face on the pages of history as we see the real men behind the names we have known for so long. Witness the birth of a nation as our forefathers struggle to craft the Declaration of Independence.

Left to right seated are Tony Morin (John Hancock), Greg Lambert (George Read), Phil Vampatella (Caesar Rodney), Dan Crawford (Col. McKean), Glenn Davis (Richard Henry Lee), Rowland Hazard (Courier), and Nicole Emery (Joseph Hewes). Standing are Joe Daniels (Josiah Bartlett) Mark Dils (John Adams), Chip Morrison (Rev. Witherspoon), Jeff Fairfield (Roger Sherman), Roger Philippon (Ben Franklin), Joe Cormier (Robert Livingston), John Blanchette (John Dickinson), Gerry Therrien (Edward Rutledge), Dan Kane (James Wilson), Geoff Pike (Samuel Chase), Jason Riethmann (Charles Thomson), Tony Roy (Samuel Chase), Jim McKinley (Andrew McNair), Danielle Robichaud (Martha Jefferson), Jacob Osborne (Dr. Hall), and Sarah Duncan (Abigail Adams). Absent are Grayson Smith (Thomas Jefferson), Ray Fletcher (Stephen Hopkins), Christian Kuhlthau (Lewis Morris), James Vaillancourt (Leather Apron), and Elijah Morissette (Painter).

Performances will be held October 25, 26, 31, and November 1 and 2 at 7:30 p.m., and October 27, and November 3 at 2:00 p.m. Season subscriptions and individual tickets are now available online at www.laclt.com/box-office.

LEWISTON, ME – SeniorsPlus, Western Maine’s designated Area Agency on Aging, is bringing back Opening Minds through Art (OMA), a program that strives to bring joy, art, and pride to people living with dementia and Alzheimer’s in our community. Through a series of classes, OMA engages people with dementia in creating free-wheeling art. The last 2024 session of OMA classes will be offered at 8 Falcon Road, Lewiston, 2 to 3 p.m. on Fridays September 27 through November 1 at 8 Falcon Road, Lewiston. Registration is required by contacting SeniorsPlus at 207-795-4010 or edcenter@seniorsplus.org. OMA is free.

During the six-week program, people with dementia (the “artists”) are paired one-on-one with volunteers who help them create art using imagination instead of memory. SeniorsPlus seeks artists for the program, as well as volunteers to work one-on-one with participants in these art classes. No art background required.

Original art will be on view in an exhibition of new work by OMA artists on Friday, November 22 at SeniorsPlus at 8 Falcon Rd, Lewiston. The event is open to the public and refreshments will be served.

OMA is an award-winning, evidence-based, intergenerational art-making program for people with dementia. Developed in 2007 at Miami University’s Scripps Gerontology Center, the program is grounded in person-centered care principles. It is designed to provide creative expression and social engagement opportunities for people with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.

LEWISTON, ME – “Fall is officially here, which means it’s time for the start of The Public Theatre’s 34th season!” The Public Theatre’s reputation for producing must-see professional theatre featuring actors from Broadway and beyond continues with an exciting list of plays guaranteed to satisfy theatre-lovers throughout the state.

Subscriptions and tickets to all shows throughout the season are currently on sale, and now is the perfect time to stock up on essentials like date nights, time with friends and inspiring theatre to feed your soul during the upcoming winter months.

The theatre begins its season with the Maine premiere of the recent Off-Broadway hit, DRACULA: A COMEDY OF TERRORS playing October 11-27.  You’ll scream with laughter at this hilarious comedy packed with silliness, witty wordplay and a nod to Mel Brooks and Monty Python when 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. Get ready for FANGtastic fun!

The holiday season is heralded by The Public Theatre’s critically acclaimed version of A CHRISTMAS CAROL, December 13, 14, 15. Rediscover the magic of theatre, when six actors and a fiddler perform the Dickens’ out of this classic story, bringing it to life in a way you’ve never imagined and will never forget. First developed 31 years ago at The Public Theatre, this unique adaptation has since been published and performed all over the world. The Public Theatre is delighted to offer quality family entertainment people can afford to bring their family to, with an unbeatable ticket price of only $15 for children 18 and under.

The theatre will ring in the new year with the hilarious, heartbreaking and critically acclaimed Off-Broadway hit, EVERY BRILLIANT THING January 24 – February 2. When a woman goes into the hospital because she finds it “hard to be happy”, her 6-year-old daughter starts writing her a list of all the brilliant things in life worth living for. No. 1: “Ice cream”, No. 94: “Friendly cats”, No. 317: “The even numbered Star Trek films”. As the girl grows older, her list grows longer, reminding her of all the large and small miracles in life. Told with the help of the audience, this play is a unique and immersive theatrical experience that reminds us of all the wonderful things that make life worth living. If you have ever written a “gratitude list”, this play is for you.

The arrival of spring brings HALFWAY THERE playing March 14 – 23. Imagine Steel Magnolias meets The Golden Girls in this hilarious and heartfelt comedy about the unshakeable bonds of female friendship from the author of last year’s hit Lunenberg. There’s no such thing as a secret in Stewiacke, Nova Scotia when four lovable ladies meet every day for coffee and a gab fest. When a young doctor comes to town and takes an interest in the youngest of the women, he must undergo a “grilling” by her three wise-cracking middle-aged friends.  Filled to the brim with humor, heart and romance, grab your best friend or sweetheart and go!

May 2 – 11 brings a satisfying combination of comedy and drama in the intriguing play NOW AND THEN. They say there are no “do-overs” in life, but if you could get one, would you take it? A young bartender and his girlfriend receive an intriguing proposition from a mysterious last-minute customer who offers them $2,000 to sit and talk with him for an hour. What follows is an emotional time-warp filled with laughter, romance, and unexpected life lessons. Don’t miss this magical and wise comedy that explores the joys and consequences of following your heart.

The season ends on May 18th with THE DRAGON KING, a special production for children and their families from the Tanglewood Marionettes. Perfect for ages four and up, this award-winning underwater story based on Chinese folklore is filled with magical and colorful sea creatures and a Dragon that will knock your socks off!  When a terrible drought occurs, a courageous grandmother must journey to the bottom of the sea in search of the elusive Dragon King to release the rain and save their land. Weekday morning matinees of this show are also available for school groups as a part of our student matinee program for only $7 a ticket.

As a part of their educational outreach and student matinee program, The Public Theatre presents special morning matinee performances for most productions in their season and also encourages young people 18 and under to attend any public performance Oct- May for only $15. This season, the theatre has also created a discount program called Thirty-Five Below offering $20 tickets to anyone 19-35 who signs up for the free membership at Thepublictheatre.org/membership.

In the spirit of encouraging community engagement and connection, The Theatre will also be offering a pre-show wine tasting held in the lobby included with the price of your ticket to the first Thursday performance of subscription shows.  Saturday evening performances of subscription shows will also include a pre-show beer sampling called Saturday Night Samples.

Season subscriptions are currently on sale and includes a BONUS ticket you can use to bring a friends for free to any of the Subscription shows. Individual tickets, gift certificates, morning school-day student matinee performances and group rates (10 or more) are available for all productions. For more information visit www.thepublictheatre.org or call 782-3200.  The Public Theatre is located at 31 Maple St. in downtown Lewiston.

The Public Theatre 2024-25 Season Underwriters are Platz Associates, the Sun Journal, and Bennett Radio Group.

LEWISTON, ME — Central Maine Medical Center (CMMC) is pleased to announce the addition of a new provider.

Sara Goldsholl, MD, is joining the team at Central Maine Obstetrics-Gynecology on the CMMC campus.

Dr. Goldsholl chose to be an OB-GYN because it’s one of the few fields that allows her to care for patients through multiple stages of their lives, from childbirth through menopause. She is particularly interested in managing high-risk pregnancies and minimally invasive gynecologic surgery techniques.

“My healthcare philosophy involves delivering high-quality, evidence-based care while considering each patient’s wishes and values so we can create a personalized care plan. I want my patients to know that they always have a voice in their healthcare and that there is no one-size-fits-all treatment plan for any given issue.”

Dr. Goldsholl earned her medical degree from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock and completed her residency at Louisiana State University in Shreveport. She also holds a da Vinci Robotics certification.

With complementing teams of physicians and midwives, Central Maine Obstetrics- Gynecology provides obstetrical and gynecological services to women of all ages. Services include pelvic exams, pap smears, menopause care, contraception and reproductive care and treatment of infections. Pregnancy care, including high-risk pregnancies, are also included.

CMMC also recently made Newsweek Magazine’s list of “Best Maternity Hospitals.”

AUBURN, ME — Auburn and Lewiston, Maine have a significant Irish heritage: In 1850 nearly one in four people in Lewiston was of Irish descent, and from about 1880 to about 1920 the Irish dominated the social and political scene of the city. Auburn, too, had its Irish community and neighborhoods. “McCarthy” is the most numerous surname in Ireland, and was a leading name in late 19th and early 20th Century Auburn and Lewiston.

Local historian and author, John Henderson, will be giving a talk at the Auburn Public Library discussing the key findings of his original genealogical research assembled in his recently published work, Early McCarthy Families of Co. Androscoggin, Maine. Henderson studied 38+ families and will discuss origins in Ireland, as well as occupational and settlement patterns in Androscoggin County.

This author talk will take place on Thursday, September 26, starting at 4 p.m. in the Androscoggin Community Room.

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

LEWISTON, ME — The Public Theatre will host the 27th Annual MANHATTAN SHORT Film Festival on September 27 and 28 at 7:00pm.

This year’s MANHATTAN SHORT films hail from ten countries with films from Australia, Bulgaria, Croatia, France, Ireland, Italy, The Netherlands, United Kingdom, Ukraine and USA. This year’s Final Ten Films represent the best short films from hundreds of submissions from scores of countries received by MANHATTAN SHORT for 2024, a testimony to the enduring vibrancy and creativity of short films worldwide. This year’s finalists include The Talent (United Kingdom), I’m Not a Robot (The Netherlands), Mother (Ukraine), Dovecote (Italy), Pathological (USA), Alarms (France), Favourites (Australia), The Man Who Could Not Remain Silent (Croatia, Bulgaria, France), Room Taken (Ireland) and Jane Austen’s Period Drama (USA).

What makes the Manhattan Short Film Festival so special is the diversity of the films from around the world, and the fact that the audience determines the winners. Every person watching this global film festival will get a ballot to determine the Best Film and Best Actor awards, so this is your chance to play “film critic!”

All Finalists become Oscar-qualified, meaning they will be automatically eligible for an Academy Award nomination by screening for a week in Hollywood in the county of Los Angeles. After winning the Bronze Medal at the 2015 Manhattan Short Film Festival, “Bear Story” won the 2016 Oscar for Animated Short Film.

The Manhattan Short Film Festival will be shown at The Public Theatre on Friday, September 27 and 28 at 7:00 pm. Tickets are $15, general admission. For tickets visit ThePublicTheatre.org or call 782-3200. The Public Theatre is located at 31 Maple Street in Downtown, Lewiston.

 Throughout the Dempsey Challenge event, we’ll take time and space to HONOR TOGETHER: the friends, family, and loved ones whose lives have been impacted by cancer.

Amanda Dempsey Award

2023 AMANDA DEMPSEY AWARD WINNER: TONY ACHILLE

Named in memory of Patrick Dempsey’s mother Amanda Dempsey, the award is presented to a cancer survivor who has a passion for helping Mainers with cancer. Although Amanda was reserved and humble, she had a warm presence, and was passionate about giving back to her community.

Past winners include Trevor Maxwell (2022), Sue Craib (2021), Jon Henry (2020), Priscilla “Pat” Rollins (2019), Barbara Deschenes (2018), Christina Parrish (2017), Brooke Ismail (2016), Dr. James Campbell (2015), Nel Bernard (2014), Hailey Sontag (2013), Kristen Short (2012), Laura Davis (2011), Scott Thomas (2010), and Carlene Sperry and Allen Lariviere (2009).

Signs of Hope + Healing

At the Dempsey Challenge, you’ll see wonderful messages of support and love lining the Riverwalk and portions of the run/walk and ride routes. Signs of Hope + Healing are an important reminder of what the Dempsey Challenge and Dempsey Center are all about – showing support for those impacted by cancer.

Dempsey Challenge participants, spectators, volunteers – anyone impacted by cancer – are invited to create a sign for display throughout Dempsey Challenge weekend.

IMPORTANT: Signs must be received by the following time in order to guarantee placement:

Dempsey Center, Lewiston: Friday, September 20, 7PM ET

Dempsey Center, South Portland: Thursday, September 19, 7PM ET

Please refer to the Submission Packet (see button below) for instructions and submission form. You’ll include it along with your sign and mounting bracket one of two ways:

Mail to: Dempsey Center, 29 Lowell St. 5th Floor, Lewiston, ME 04240

Drop off at the Dempsey Center in Lewiston or So. Portland during normal business hours.

Patrick Dempsey with his mother, Amanda Dempsey

Did you know it takes over 500 volunteers to make the Dempsey Challenge a reality? As a volunteer, you can choose from a number of opportunities to help make a difference. Volunteering is an amazing way to connect, have fun and help make lives better for people impacted by cancer.

Volunteer opportunities will be available from September 16-22 for the 2024 event.

Are you ready to volunteer?

Go to dempseycenter.org and click “Register to Volunteer” to be directed to our Volunteer Management Software. From there, please navigate to the left-hand side of the page to create your account. After completing your application, you will be able to select the Volunteer Opportunity you’d like to apply for and follow the steps from there!

Why Volunteer?

Our volunteers say they LOVE being part of the Dempsey Challenge’s fun and supportive community and picking a shift that works for them. It’s a powerful way to make a difference, make new friends, and help make life better for people impacted by cancer!

Is There a Job for Me?

Yes! Volunteering is for everyone. Coworkers, neighbors, families, friends, and more. Work a rest stop, cheer for participants, or help us go green with our Green Team! We have short and long shifts, before and during the event, for all ages and abilities.

Can Volunteers Join a Team?

Yes! Although it is never required, volunteers are always welcome to be part of a Dempsey Challenge team. You can join riders, walkers, runners, and virtual participants for even more fun and fundraising. Or – make a team of all volunteers and set a team fundraising goal!

Want More Information?

You can find many more details by taking a look at Volunteer Guide. Still have questions? Feel free to email us at info@dempseychallenge.org. We are always happy to help!

RALLY TOGETHER: 5K RUN/WALK PRESENTED BY UNUM

     Join us for an inspirational 5K that starts and ends at the Festival in the Park. Presented by Unum. Feeling ambitious? Join our Dempsey Duathlon featuring a 4.5 mile run and 21.5-mile ride DOUBLE the fun!

In-person event located in Lewiston, Maine featuring run/walk and ride events on Saturday, September 21st.

Register at Dempseycenter.org

RALLY TOGETHER: RIDE EVENTS

Choose your own adventure! Join us on Saturday, September 21st for a 15-, 25-, 35-, 50-, 65-mile metric century bike ride or Wendy’s Way – a family-friendly out-and-back ride 5-mile ride with an epic rest stop.

Feeling ambitious? Take on the Dempsey Duathlon featuring a 4.5 mile run and 21-mile ride DOUBLE the fun!

In-person event located in Lewiston, Maine featuring run/walk and ride events on Saturday, September 21st.

RALLY TOGETHER: TAKE THE CHALLENGE

Back again this year–the ultimate challenge for your inner athlete. Register for our take on a Duathlon, presented by Geiger, and crush 2 events in 1–a 4.5-mile run followed by at 21.5-mile ride!

About the challenge

The Dempsey Duathlon is a 25-mile course that you’ll split into a 4.5-mile run to a rest stop where you’ll change your gear and finish the remaining 21.5 miles in a challenging ride to the finish.

General Information:

Event is limited to 150 participants – so register today!

Must be at least 15 years of age to participate

4.5 mile run must be completed in 1-hour (roughly a 12 minute/mile pace)

Bag and bike drop off at designated rest stop to take place early Saturday morning (details to come)

Bag Valet will be available

Personal items left behind for the ride portion will be bagged and labeled

Bagged items will be transported and available for pickup at the Bag + Bike Tent at the finish line

In-person event located in Lewiston, Maine featuring 5K run/walk and 21-mile ride on Saturday, September 21st.

DEMPSEY CHALLENGE REGISTRATION INCLUDES:

Participant t-shirt; Fundraising Incentives; Fundraising Guide to help you achieve your fundraising goals!; Beverage ticket to enjoy a Maine craft beer, mimosa or bloody Mary; Maine-inspired finisher meal in the Food + Beverage Tent

VIRTUAL DEMPSEY CHALLENGE

It’s easy to participant as a Virtual Challenger! On September 21st, pin on your bib, snap a selfie while you complete your activity and submit your results. All Virtual Challengers who raise at least $300 and complete the Virtual Dempsey Challenge will receive an exclusive Virtual Challenge Finisher patch.                                          

Register by 9/1 to receive t-shirt and official bib by Challenge weekend.    

On September 21st, complete your activity from wherever you are in the world.             

Take a picture as you participate in the Global Challenge.             

Submit your results by 5:00 PM ET on 9/21 to receive an exclusive Global Challenge Finisher patch.

 All virtual challengers receive: Participant t-shirt and bib shipped to you; Fundraising Incentives shipped to you; Fundraising Tool Kit to help you achieve your fundraising goals!

Virtual Challengers who raise at least $300, complete and submit their activity will receive an official Global Challenge Finisher patch

2024 JIBE CYCLING STUDIO SPINATHON

Saturday, September 21st

CLASS TIMES: 7am | 8am | 9am | 10am | 11am | 12pm

LOCATION: Simard-Payne Police Memorial Park, 46 Beech St., Lewiston, ME 04240

We can’t WAIT to bring our 5th (can you believe it?!) Annual Spinathon to the DEMPSEY CHALLENGE for 2024!

So gather your teams of 2 to 3, or get ready to ride as an individual and join one of the biggest and most impactful events of the year. 100% of the funds raised by YOU help provide personalized, holistic services at no cost to cancer patients, their loved ones, and care partners.

Teams of 2-3 will collectively cycle for 6 consecutive hours, and if you ride as an individual, you can participate in any (or all) of the 6 classes during the day!

*Individual and Team Registration is NOW OPEN!*

 About the event

The Spinathon has quickly become a premier annual fundraising event for Jibe Cycling Studio and its community. Over the past 4 years, the event has raised over $175,000 for cancer organizations. This year’s event will benefit the Dempsey Center as an official fundraiser for the 2024 Dempsey Challenge.

Once you register online, your team fundraising page will automatically be created for you! Every single dollar you raise will help the Dempsey Center provide personalized, holistic services at no cost to cancer patients, their loved ones and care partners.

 BONUS! As an official fundraiser and extension of the Dempsey Challenge, all Spinathon participants will receive: Official Spinathon Hat Adult Beverage ticket in the Maine Craft Beer, Wine + Mimosa Tent; Access to all Dempsey Challenge Fundraising Incentives

This year’s Dempsey Challenge marks 16 years of making life better for people impacted by cancer.

Come together on this one, powerful day to rally, honor, and celebrate 16 years of providing comfort, connection, compassion, and choice to cancer patients, their loved ones, care partners, and survivors—all at no cost.

DEMPSEY CHALLENGE     

In-person event located in Lewiston, Maine featuring run, walk and ride events on Saturday, September 21st.         

VIRTUAL DEMPSEY CHALLENGE

Virtual event you complete on September 21st, from anywhere and in any way you choose. Join our global community as we support people impacted by cancer.

Sign up at dempseycenter.or