Nominations for YWCA Central Maine’s Women of Achievement Awards are now open. The awards brunch to be held on March 10th, 2024, at the Hilton Garden Inn Auburn Riverwatch will honor four distinguished women from Androscoggin County and the Greater State of Maine.

The Women of Achievement Awards Brunch is one the YWCA’s largest bi-annual fundraisers and was founded in 2015 to honor the powerful leadership of women in Maine. This award program began to recognize the outgoing YWCA Board President, Lee Young. The decision to honor her work inspired YWCA executive leadership to create annual awards to celebrate the accomplishments of women in our community and state. The brunch convenes a diverse cross-section of our community, including organization leaders, educators, activists, artists, entrepreneurs, politicians, and supporters of the YWCA.

The Women of Achievement Awards Brunch is not only a uniquely, powerful celebration of women leaders, it is also an opportunity for proceeds to support the YWCA’s work in the community, which provides meaningful programming and services to further the mission of empowering women, and eliminating racism, including scholarships for children in our community to attend summer camp and swim lessons.

YWCA Central Maine invites the community to submit nominations for our Women of Achievement award that includes four distinct categories honoring: Leadership, Social Justice, Service, and Philanthropy. The award namesakes have all contributed their service to YWCA and their legacies inspire the work of the organization. The four awards include the Lee Young Leadership Award, the Marcia Baxter Social Justice Award, the Tonie Ramsey Service Award, and the Priscilla Gendron Legacy Award. Nominations are open until February 1, 2024. To nominate go to: https://bit.ly/NominateWOA Tickets for Women of Achievement can be purchased at: https://YWCAMaineWOA.eventbrite.com

If you are interested in sponsoring this event or donating an item to the silent auction please reach out to Jennifer Molloy, Chief Development and Communications Officer at jmolloy@ywcamaine.org

AUBURN, ME — Winter tracking will be the focus of the Stanton Bird Club’s February 5th meeting at the Auburn Public Library. Ben Nugent, District Supervisor for USDA Wildlife Services in Maine, will be the guest speaker. Looking for animal tracks is a fun activity to do any time of year, but it is especially easy to do in the winter. Snow covers the ground and lets us see traces left by animals of where they’ve been and what they are up to.

Nugent grew up in VT and graduated from the University of Vermont. Prior to working with the USDA Wildlife Services, he worked for Hodges Outfitters in Alaska, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and the Institute for Wildlife Studies in California. He will be sharing photographs on winter wildlife tracking, with pictures and examples from the wildlife in our local area. In addition, he will share a rare and special winter wildlife experience he had in Thorncrag in 2011.

The talk will be held on Monday, February 5th from 4-6pm at the Auburn Public Library. The public is welcome. The lecture series is free of charge. With the rise in respiratory cases in Androscoggin County, we encourage participants to wear masks.

The Stanton Bird Club, a leader in environmental awareness, owns and manages the Thorncrag Nature Sanctuary in Lewiston as well as the Woodbury Nature Sanctuary in Monmouth and Litchfield. More information about other activities of the Club can be found at www.StantonBirdClub.org and on its Facebook page.

Winter Tracks – photo by Bird Club member Dan Marquis

Interested in advocating for the best interests of a child? The Maine Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) program is holding its spring training for volunteer advocates on March 11-15, 2024.

This free, five-day training is designed to prepare attendees for certification as volunteer guardians ad litem (GALs) in Maine child protection cases. Trainees may participate virtually or in person. For those who wish to participate in person, the training will be held in Augusta. Accommodations may be available.

The foundation of a CASA’s work is learning about the case and then advising the court what the CASA believes is in the child’s best interest. CASAs come from a wide variety of professional and personal backgrounds and are guided throughout the process by CASA program staff. CASAs bring their own unique perspectives to their work as volunteers.

If you are willing to advocate for a child’s best interests, we encourage you to apply to become a CASA volunteer. Those interested in the training must complete an application and, if invited to participate, must also complete criminal and child protection services background checks.

Are you ready to advocate for a child’s best interests? If so, we hope you can join us for our March 11-15, 2024 training. For more information about becoming a volunteer, please contact Maine CASA at 213-2865 or by e-mail at casa@courts.maine.gov.

AUBURN, ME – The Auburn Community Concert Band has announced that rehearsals resumed on Wednesday, January 10th, in preparation for the group’s 2024 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 24th to join the band during this semi-annual “Open Membership” period. The band has a particular need for clarinet, trumpet and tuba players, and for an additional drum set player.

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 43rd anniversary season since being formed by Simon back in 1981.

Currently, the ACCB has 46 members, ranging in age from late-teens to early eighties. These members collectively represent some 16 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 email their intentions to Director Simon at auburncommunityband@gmail.com prior to attending their first rehearsal.

LEWISTON, ME — January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month, and Safe Voices will be holding a vigil in Lewiston on Monday, Jan. 29 to honor those who have experienced domestic abuse and violence. The vigil is held annually to honor those who have lost their lives or freedom to human trafficking, offer support to those still experiencing this exploitation, and support those who have survived.

The candlelit vigil will start at 2pm and will be held in Dufresne Plaza at 72 Lisbon Street. It will include speakers, a remembrance ceremony, and all are invited to attend and show their support. While many residents don’t know that human trafficking is present in Maine, law enforcement encounter 300-400 cases annually of sex trafficking, which is a form of human trafficking. Domestic abuse and sex trafficking are community issues, representing danger not just to those who live through abuse and exploitation, but to the community at large. Safe Voices invites friends and neighbors to join together to show that the effort to end human sex trafficking must also be a community one.

For more information about this or other Safe Voices events, please contact Safe Voices at 207-795-6744 or info@safevoices.org.

Safe Voices is the domestic abuse and sex trafficking resource center serving Androscoggin, Franklin, and Oxford Counties. Last year, the agency worked with over 2,200 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.

PORTLAND & ELLSWORTH — The Maine Community Foundation’s (MaineCF) Lewiston-Auburn Area Response Fund is now accepting applications from victims and families impacted by the tragic Oct. 25, 2023, shootings in Lewiston.

There are three tiers of fund eligibility: heirs of victims killed, injured victims and those present during the shootings who experienced trauma. The applications and instructions are available at MaineCF’s website. The deadline to submit applications is 5 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 30.

The Broad Recovery Efforts & Organizations Fund of the Lewiston-Auburn Area Response Fund will open for applications in early February. There will be more information in the coming weeks about the steering committee and how nonprofit organizations supporting the broader recovery effort can apply for those funds.

MaineCF will continue to accept contributions to the Victims & Families Fund and the Broad Recovery Efforts & Organizations Fund of the Lewiston-Auburn Area Response Fund until Tuesday, Feb 20. Visit www.mainecf.org/donate to contribute.

For more information, please contact lewiston@mainecf.org.

Landscaping for Biodiversity and Water Quality

February 2nd  

4pm-6pm

St Mary’s Nutrition Center, Lewiston

Join Ecologist Deborah Perkins from First Light Wildlife Habitats for a presentation on native planting and landscaping practices to promote biodiversity and protect water quality. Deb will also cover how to build bird and pollinator habitats, and will present eco-friendly and low maintenance lawn alternatives as well. We ALL live in a watershed and its important to recognize that the work that you do in your yards and gardens can have a positive impact on the entire local ecosystem! Join us at St Mary’s Nutrition Center for snacks and refreshments and information about sign ups for community garden plots.

This event is promotion for AVSWCD’s new program – the Conservation Landscape Certification program– a free checklist available to help landowners improve their properties for wildlife and pollinator habitat, water and soil quality and overall ecosystem support.

This event is funded by a grant from the Davis Foundation.

Snow and Ice Science

Tuesday, February 20th

10am-12pm

Auburn Public Library

Every winter snow and ice descends across our Maine landscape but how much do we really know about it?  Join AVSWCD Project Director Emma Lorusso for an investigation of snow and ice!  How does snow help to keep animals warm during the winter?  Have you ever seen a bubble shatter when it pops?  How many different ways can ice form?  Through games and activities we’ll learn about how snow and ice is formed, and why its important!  Unlock more mysteries to explore in winter during this special snow program!

Pruning Forgotten Old Apple Trees

Sunday, February 25th

9:30am-12pm

Valley View Farm, Auburn

Old, neglected apple trees are a staple across the Maine landscape. Did you know that you can restore them to their former glory and have local fresh apples in your backyard?  Join us for this hands-on workshop to learn how to prune your favorite fruit trees, led by apple tree enthusiast Joe Dembeck. We will cover tools and methods used to prune fruit trees to increase their viability and production. After a brief overview, participants will get to test their skills pruning apple trees.

Basic/Advanced Erosion Control Training

Thursday, February 29th

8am-4pm

USDA Field Office, Lewiston

The course is of primary interest to contractors but could also be helpful to municipal code enforcement officers, consultants, engineers, public works employees and anyone interested in implementing appropriate erosion control measures during a construction project.  Participants will learn principles of erosion and sedimentation, why erosion control practices are important, how to properly install and maintain Erosion & Sedimentation Control (‘ESC’) Best Management Practices (BMPs) and more. 

LEWISTON, ME — The Board of Directors of The Public Theatre recently announced that the Theatre’s longtime, beloved Executive/Co-Artistic Director Christopher Schario would be retiring in 2024. In a message sent to the Theatre’s patrons, donors, corporate sponsors and friends, the Board celebrated and thanked Schario for his incredible tenure – 30 years of artistic excellence and commitment to the Lewiston Auburn community. Many celebrations of Schario are to come in 2024. He is currently helping to facilitate the transition to new executive leadership.

Lewiston native Ray Dumont will be stepping into Schario’s shoes as Executive Director, and artistic continuity will be maintained as current Co-Artistic Director Janet Mitchko assumes the role as the sole Artistic Director for the Theatre.

“I am overjoyed to be coming back to my hometown as Executive Director of The Public Theatre. I grew up in Lewiston and was educated in Lewiston Schools. It’s a tremendous privilege to come back and to be able to give back to this wonderful community,” said Dumont who has been working in professional theatre for 30 years. “Christopher has really set a high standard here at the Public, and I know I’ll rely on his valuable experience as we transition into this new leadership model.”

A graduate of Boston University School of Management, Dumont holds degrees in finance and marketing. Throughout his decades in theatre, he has been a performer, educator, director, choreographer, and administrator. He enjoyed more than 20 seasons at Maine State Music Theatre in Brunswick, including four years as Managing Director.  Dumont has worked in theatres all over the country as well as local organizations like The Ogunquit Playhouse, The Huntington Theatre Co., The Children’s Theatre of Maine, Mad Horse Theatre, and the aforementioned Maine State Music Theatre. He is a well-known and well-loved member of Maine’s theatre community and a proud member of Actors’ Equity Association.

In his role as Executive Director of The Public Theatre, Dumont will provide vision and leadership to the Theatre’s small but mighty full-time staff of five, managing finances and fundraising, marketing, audience development, and supporting the artistic vision and standards for excellence.

Outgoing Executive/Artistic Director happily welcomes Ray Dumont in his new role as Executive Director of The Public Theatre. Schario says, “I believe that the new partnership of Janet Mitchko as Artistic Director and Ray Dumont as Executive Director will lead the theatre into a stronger and more sustainable future. Janet’s role as Artistic Director will guarantee that the theatre’s high artistic standards will be maintained and even surpassed. Ray’s years of experience in every area of the business will be a priceless asset as the theatre re-structures for the future.”

Ray Dumont, Executive Director & Janet Mitchko, Artistic Director

LEWISTON, ME—ENX Magazine announced that Budget Document Technology is among the 118 companies chosen this year as a 2023 Elite Dealer. This is the fourth time that Budget Document Technology has been chosen among the nation’s top office technology dealerships. 

Budget Document Technology has been an independently owned, New England based office technology and equipment dealer since 1989. They provide customized, customer-focused office solutions for businesses and organizations across the country, resulting in workplace efficiency, reduced costs, and reliable service. 

“We’re honored to be recognized once again as an Elite Dealer,” said Steve Ouellette, CFO at Budget Document Technology. “While post-pandemic challenges continue, our team has adapted through their ingenuity, resourcefulness, and resilience so that we may prosper. Yet again they have gone above and beyond to provide outstanding service to our clients and business partners. Thank you to the BDT team for this achievement.”  

Each year, ENX Magazine judges Elite Dealer applicants on a number of criteria, from technical service excellence to marketing proficiency, growth initiatives, technology leadership, industry accolades and philanthropy. Those dealers chosen are profiled in the December issue of ENX Magazine.

“It is clear that this year’s cast of Elite Dealers signifies a strong return to prosperity for the office technology reseller community,” said Susan Neimes, publisher and managing editor of ENX Magazine. “Annual revenues are up virtually across the board, and this is a testament to dealers relentlessly proffering managed services and ancillary technologies that go far beyond the multifunction printer.” 

AUGUSTA, ME — On Wednesday, January 3, Sen. Peggy Rotundo, D-Lewiston, introduced a Joint Resolution to honor the 18 people killed in the mass shooting that took place in Lewiston on October 25. Wednesday was the first day of the second session of the 131st Legislature.

“I offer this Joint Resolution on behalf of the Legislature, to honor the memories of the eighteen Mainers killed in the Lewiston mass shooting,” said Sen. Rotundo. “This Resolution represents our shared grief and compassion for our Maine neighbors who with broken hearts and lives must now manage the new absences in their lives. It is my hope that this resolution also represents our commitment to ensure this tragedy is not forgotten, remembering that we truly honor those we have lost by coming together and making a difference in the world.”

Sen. Rotundo also welcomed the Lewiston High School chorus to sing the National Anthem to begin the session. The opening invocation was given by Reverend Sarah Gillespie of Androscoggin Home Healthcare and Hospice in Lewiston. Many Lewiston First Responders were also on hand to accept the thanks and best wishes of the Legislature.

A Joint Resolution is an expression of the will of the Legislature to express special recognition or opinion. It does not have the effect of law.

Sen. Peggy Rotundo, Rep. Kristen Cloutier and Rep. Michel Lajoie with Lewiston High School Choral Music Teacher Moll Brown (far left) and the Lewiston High School Chamber Singers