LEWISTON, ME –  Recognizing the life-saving work of GAHS and honoring those who support our mission, the Golden Paw Awards provide a fun evening out while raising awareness and much-needed funds to help vulnerable pets in our community.

Join us on Thursday, September 12th, as we honor the 2024 Golden Paw Award Recipients. Enjoy a delicious dinner catered by Grazi To Go, a silent auction featuring items generously donated by local businesses and donors, comedy, trivia, plus a performance by Maine’s very own Julia Gagnon of American Idol fame.

Held at the historic Royal Oak Room in Lewiston, the evening will start with a cocktail hour at 5 pm. Spend time chatting with fellow GAHS supporters, placing bids in the silent auction, and striking a pose with friends in the Gingersnaps Photo Booth—all before dinner at 6 pm. Then, prepare for our awards presentations and entertainment to follow the meal. The inaugural Golden Paw Awards in 2023 raised over $23,000 to help save the lives of homeless and needy animals in our community. Can we exceed that goal in 2024? We know that together we can!

“2024 has been a challenging year for shelters across the country and GAHS is no exception”, says Katie Lisnik, Executive Director. “Expenses are up, donations have trended downward, we’re experiencing high intakes and increasing demand for our services like the Pet Food Pantry. This event is not only to help us raise urgently needed funds- it is also to raise awareness of our work to help more needy pets in our community.”

Sponsored by Building Controls and Idexx and several other local businesses, the Golden Paw Awards will be a great night out for a great cause. Tickets are still available but are going quickly! https://gahumane.org/goldenpawawards/

AUBURN, ME – The Auburn Community Concert Band has announced that rehearsals for their Fall season will begin on Wednesday, September 11th. This is an ideal opportunity for former high school and college band musicians to again experience the enjoyment of making music and performing in front of large audiences. Currently, the Auburn band has a specific need for additional clarinet, trumpet and tuba players.

New members must be able to read music, and have their own instruments. Band membership requires a commitment to the group’s weekly schedule of Wednesday evening rehearsals. Rehearsals take place every Wednesday from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. at the High Street Congregational Church, located between High and Pleasant Streets, in Auburn.

For the next couple of months, the band will be preparing for its annual holiday concert, which will take place on Wednesday, December 18th at the new Donald M. Gay Performing Arts Center located at Edward Little High School in Auburn.

Currently, the ACCB has 48 members, ranging in age from late-teens to early eighties. These members collectively represent a total of 15 central and western Maine towns. Before joining this organization, many of the group’s volunteer musicians had last played in a school or community band some 10 to 20 years ago, according to band director Milt Simon. “New members are often nervous when they first join, because of the lapse of time since they last practiced,” said Simon. He added that “most people regain their playing skills relatively quickly.”

New members should email their intentions to Director Simon at auburncommunityband@gmail.com prior to attending their first rehearsal. Prospective members, who are unable to participate in any of the September rehearsals, will have a second opportunity to join the band during the group’s next “Open Membership Month”, happening in January.

The concert band is currently celebrating its 43rd season. The organization was established by Simon back in 1981. Additional information regarding membership can be found on the band’s website at www.auburncommunityband.com.

LISBON FALLS, ME — On September 7th , 2024 911 NEVER FORGET 501(c)3 – @911NFT’s 6th annual TRIBUTE TO OUR FALLEN event will take place at the Railroad Diner in Lisbon Falls starting at 9am. This unique event is a tribute to remember 9/11, the fire service, first responders, and military service men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice as a result of the 2001 tragedy. It is also a special ceremony to honor all Maine firefighters and pay respect to those lost nationwide. This year’s event is brought together by Fire & Iron Firefighters Motorcycle Club Stations 707 & 73, @911NFT, DOWN CELLAH®, The Railroad Pub & Grill, Backwoods Crew, Iron Horse Motorcycle Lawyers, Friends of Worumbo, and the Town of Lisbon and volunteers from our communities.

The event will start with a buffet breakfast offered at 9am at the Railroad Pub and then kickstands up at 10:30am for a ride departing Lisbon and heading to the Augusta Firefighters’ Memorial to pay respects and return to the Railroad Pub. This ride is expected to include just under 100 motorcycle riders and passengers. Upon the return to Lisbon, at approximately 12:45, the ride will return back to the Railroad Diner for a special bell ringing ceremony to honor those fallen in the line of duty. The afternoon will continue with live music from the band DOWN CELLAH® at approximately 2pm.

There will be a raffle as well with fantastic prizes. Funds raised will benefit the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and also benefit fire service members of Maine communities.

LEWISTON, ME – The Alzheimer’s Association is inviting residents from Lewiston, Auburn and neighboring communities to join the fight to end Alzheimer’s by participating in the Lakes & Mountains Walk to End Alzheimer’s at Simard Payne Park in Lewiston on September 14, 2024.

The Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support, and research. On Walk day, participants honor those affected by Alzheimer’s with the poignant Promise Garden ceremony — a mission-focused experience that signifies our solidarity in the fight against the disease.

“This is a pivotal moment in the fight against Alzheimer’s. There are now treatments that change the course of the disease,” said Drew Wyman, Executive Director of the Alzheimer’s Association Maine Chapter. “We hope that everyone in our community can join us by starting a team to help raise awareness and funds for families facing the disease today, and take more steps toward treatments and finally ending this disease.”

The Walk to End Alzheimer’s takes place at seven locations across Maine during September and October. In 2023, there were more than 150 registered participants for the Lakes & Mountains Walk to End Alzheimer’s which raised more than $45,000 despite the day-of event cancellation due to Hurricane Lee. This year the Lakes & Mountains Walk aims to raise $50,000.

Nearly 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease – a leading cause of death in the United States. Additionally, more than 11 million family members and friends provide care to people living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. In Maine, alone there are more than 29,600 people living with the disease and 51,000 caregivers.

Participants can choose to start a team, join a team, or walk as an individual. The Eastern Maine Walk to End Alzheimer’s will begin following the Promise Garden Ceremony at 10 a.m. To register and receive the latest updates on this year’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s, visit alz.org/Maine/walk.

LEWISTON, ME— Nestled in the heart of Lewiston’s historic Little Canada neighborhood, the Franco Center stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of Franco-American culture. Housed in the former St. Mary’s Church, a beautiful structure built over a century ago, the Franco Center is more than just a building—it’s a vibrant hub of culture, history, and community. 

The Franco Center 2024-25 season will kick off its 25th anniversary of bringing live performing arts to the community with the biggest hits of favorite Broadway shows on September 6 and 7 under the direction of Jake Hodgkin. 

Exceptional local performers in the 7 p.m. Best of Broadway shows include Jim Hodgkin, Jim McKinley, Eden Bauer, Jen LeBlanc, Jackie Preston, Jenn St. Pierre, Josh Witham, Heather Marichal, Jeff Fairfield, Torrey Gimpel, Michelle Breton, Madison Shepard, Ashleigh St. Pierre, Adrian Morneau, Wes Pierson, Elise Pierson, Lacey Moyse, Bette Sanborn, and dancers from Grace Center for Movement. 

Crew members for Best of Broadway include Director Jake Hodgkin, Assistant Director Bette Sanborn, Choreographer Samantha Herriot, Stage Manager Missy Hodgkin, Assistant Stage Manager Allison Marston, Sound Designer Mark Vigue, and Lighting Designers Jake Hodgkin and Sarah Greaton.

A pre-show reception with light appetizers will be held before the Saturday, Sept. 7 show only. Guests can meet some of the Best of Broadway cast at the reception. Tickets for this VIP reception can be added during the ticket ordering process online, in person, and over the phone. 

La Rencontre will return four times during the season, in September, December, March and June and will still be focused on French culture, performing arts, and languages coming together with a meal and some form of entertainment. “We are looking at having one of the La Rencontre events in the early evening hours,” said Theresa Shanahan, newly named executive director of the Franco Center.

A wine tasting will take place Sept. 26 with long-time volunteer Edmond Gay as host. He will discuss how to drink wine and the pairing of wine with food. Light appetizers will be served at this early evening event.

Fleetwood Mac fans should mark their calendars for the Crystal Vision tribute band’s concert on Oct. 12. Band members have been touted as not only sounding like the original band members, but also looking like them in appearance, too, Shanahan noted.

Returning to the Franco Center Oct. 27 is the community-based Fiddle-icious orchestra. Led by master fiddler Don Roy, accompanied by his wife Cindy on piano, the orchestra performs traditional tunes, dances, and songs passed down from Scottish, Irish, Quebecois, and Acadian ancestors. 

Coming to the Franco Center in mid autumn, Mystery 207 will bring its murder mystery dinner party to Heritage Hall. The murder mystery dinner party is on the calendar for Nov. 9.  The group’s publicist says the audience will be engaged as witnesses and get to participate in fun skits and check out physical evidence. 

More than 30 performers will sing, dance, act, and produce an energetic and festive Christmas production complete with an immersive light show directed by Jake Hodgkin. The Sights and Sounds of Christmas will take place Dec. 20, 21, and 22. Hodgkin said he wants the audience to “bring the Christmas spirit home” after attending this show.

Looking ahead to 2025, Dueling Pianos will perform Feb. 8. Two pianists will play songs from a variety of genres simultaneously on two pianos. The pianists take requests from the audience and make the show interactive.

In addition to Franco Center events, the venue has been rented for upcoming private events as well as these events open to the public: 

Sept. 13 Magnetize Maine Summit hosted by Uplift LA

Sept. 29 The Wounded Healer’s International Benefit Concert + Market

Oct. 19 Bridgton Experience Maine Four Seasons Ball

Oct. 26 Midcoast Symphony Orchestra

Nov. 2 Maine Music Society’s Battle of the Blends

Dec. 6, 7 The Dance Center’s Nutcracker

Dec. 14, 15 Maine Music Society Chorale A Season of Celebration

Jan. 18 Midcoast Symphony Orchestra

March 8, 9 Maine Music Society Out of the Ashes—Music Born of Tragedy

March 22 Midcoast Symphony Orchestra

May 10, 11 Maine Music Society—A Showcase of Americana

May 17 Midcoast Symphony Orchestra

“The Franco Center is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization whose mission is to honor and preserve our Franco-American heritage and welcome our neighbors from diverse cultures through live performances, celebrations, and education,” said Shanahan. “Since its founding in 2000, Franco Center board and staff have worked tirelessly to transform the building into a dynamic space that honors its past while serving the needs of today’s community.” 

The lower Heritage Hall, with its stage, dance floor, and versatile event space, has become a go-to venue for business functions, weddings, and community gatherings. Upstairs, the Performance Hall offers an intimate setting with fantastic acoustics, perfect for concerts, theater, and special events. 

“The Franco Center is a place where the past is honored, where culture thrives, and where the community comes together,” said Shanahan. “We hope to see our long-time supporters as well as new faces at this season’s events.”

Tickets can be purchased in person when the box office is open from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesday, online at www.francocenter.org, or by phone at 207-689-2000. The Franco Center is handicap accessible through its elevator entrance on the Lincoln St. Alley side of the building. Parking is in the mill lot on Oxford Street. The venue is at 46 Cedar Street in Lewiston.

The Franco Center is opening its 25th season on Sept. 6 and 7 with a Best of Broadway production. These local performers have rehearsed the biggest hits of Broadway shows all summer. A pre-show reception with light appetizers will be held before the Saturday, Sept. 7 show only. Tickets can be purchased in person from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesday, online at www.francocenter.org, or by phone at 207-689-2000. Franco Center photo.

LEWISTON, ME – LA Arts will be presenting the fourth of its five Art Walk LA events on August 30, 2024, from 5:00-8:00pm in downtown Lewiston. The public is invited to attend this free, family-friendly event that celebrates the arts in our community and supports local businesses.

Art Walk LA turns Lewiston’s downtown into a bustling arts district on the final Friday of each month from May through September. Outdoor plazas, sidewalks, local businesses, and storefronts are converted into lively art galleries, creative exhibitions, reception venues, and festive live performance spaces. Featuring both indoor and outdoor activities, the popular summer Art Walk LA series brings artists, craftspeople, musicians, buskers, art vendors, and other performers together to showcase their talents in a safe, family-friendly environment.

Must-See Art Walk Activities

To complement the rich array of fun activities that characterize every Art Walk, enjoy live arts experiences in these select locations:

LA Arts Gallery, 168 Lisbon Street: “Eclectic Thoughts,” an art exhibit featuring the work of Lewiston resident Robert J. Russell. Russell will be working on a painting in the gallery.

  Downtown Handmade, an artisan shop and gallery, 178 Lisbon Street, 2nd floor: New Works by artist Kate Cargile with music by Cryin Caleb Aaron

Quiet City Books, downstairs at 124 Lisbon Street: “Summer Light: Monhegan,” photography by Courtney Schlachter.

 “Wing Alley” (next to Mother India): Mr. Drew & His Animals Too.

The Vault, 84 Lisbon Street: Free wine tasting.

Dufresne Plaza, 72 Lisbon Street: Maine Taiko Drummers, Sun Journal balloon festival photo contest display, Aerial Jade, and more!

Lewiston Public Library, 200 Lisbon Street: “I Wish My Teacher Knew” exhibit.

The Studio, 291 Lisbon Street: Works by Grayling Cunningham and local artists.

Wicked Illustrations, 140 Canal Street: Open House with work from resident and local artists.

Art Walk Street Vendors:

Caricatures by J. Fiori; Doris Veilleux; KT Sparks; Jason Alexander (Fog Breaker Studio); Strawberry Oddities; Yuliia Derkach; L/A Community Little Theatre; Cerberus Circus; Krista Lord; Adult and Teen Challenge; Brittany Longsdorf (live painting); Edna Sebastião; Clouds and Chains; Larissa Davis (live painting); Lynne Schmidt; Mey Hasbrook; Green Space Alchemy; Sandra Larue; Scott Fyfe

LEWISTON / AUBURN, ME — Since Lewiston/Auburn Senior College has become a non-profit we have been looking into a few new venues. This fall we will continue to have some Zoom classes but will also be offering more in-person classes at Schooner Estates, Lewiston-Auburn Airport, Clover Manor, Temple Shalom and, of course, the Auburn Library. We will continue to coordinate with the library for Senior College in the Community’s Tuesday afternoon presenters as well as holding some longer classes there.

Here’s a brief look at our one-day classes:

Larry Canepa is back with 3 fascinating demonstrations about food and cooking from different cultures. John Cleveland will moderate a conversation with Mayor Jeffery Harmon. We will take virtual visits to the Nile with Bill Phillips, Monhegan Island with Peggy Volock, and North Dakota with our returning travelogue specialist, Eve Fralick. Alan Elze takes a new look at “The Wizard of Oz” both book and movie. There are 2 game nights and, on a more serious topic, Bettyanne Sheats will teach us about responsible voting. We’ll also be given a rare opportunity by Judy Hierstein to learn about all kinds of international signs and symbols. Our visits to Temple Shalom will be hosted by Rabbi Sruli Dresdner who will teach us about Judaism and Chanukah. And don’t miss Loring Danforth’s presentation about Bird Watching.

But wait – we may add a few more before the season starts.

Senior College is glad to also be offering some in depth courses that run from 4 to 8 weeks. The topics include:

1. Individual and Community – Jean Potuchek

2. Discussions and Simulations of 19th Century European History – Anita Denis

3. Ayn Rand’s Passage Through the 20th Century – Mike Brakey

4. The Social Gospel of Jesus: Deep Human History – Steve Piker

5. She Doesn’t Like Fantasy (reading and discussing 4 books) – Peggy Volock

6. Lessons in Chemistry – Laura Sturgis

7. Art Party – Anita Poulin

8. Phun with Physics – Hugh Keene

9. The Forest and the Trees – Katherine Hunter

10. I Remember: Flash Memoir Workshop – Barbara Gravinese

11. Malaga Island and This Other Eden: A Tragedy of Racism and Eugenics – Gale Eaton

Some classes will still be held on Zoom and some hybrid, but we are pleased to be offering more in-person classes. Many of us missed the more personal interactions during COVID. However, some of us also are grateful to enjoy the company and the education without having to leave the house.

The above list is brief so please go on-line to get the details about the classes and instructors – lewiston-auburn-senior-college.coursestorm.com

If you have questions, you may call us at 207-713-7266 or email us at: laseniorcollege@gmail.com – YOU’LL BE GLAD YOU DID!

LEWISTON, ME – On August 26, a beautiful hand-carved eagle was installed at Veterans Memorial Park. It was donated by the artist and Eagles For Veterans.

This American Bald Eagle was handcrafted by the nonprofit Matt Carr Wood Works (MCWW) of Pittsburg, PA. in July/August 2024. MCWW is associated with the Maine nonprofit, Eagles for Veterans.

It is in the Patriotic style of Eagles designed/carved in the Late 1800s by John Haley Bellamy (b.1836-d.1914) of Kittery Point, Maine.

It was donated to the Lewiston Veterans Park in honor of our Veterans service to this Nation.

The Veterans Park was represented by L/A VETERANS COUNCIL CHAIRMAN Jerry DeWitt , Paul St. Clair,  Paul Farley.

The work of handcrafting this Eagle was done by Matt Carr, Lead Artisan of MCWW with support from James McCain of Eagles for Veterans. It is made from Mahogany, with the Eagle gilded in 22k gold leaf. It is 36” wide X 48” high.

LEWISTON, ME — Get ready for a tail-wagging good time at Barks n’ Brews! On Sunday, August 25th, 2024, from 11:30 AM to 4:30 PM, the Greater Androscoggin Humane Society will host a fun-filled day celebrating our furry friends and the joy they bring to our lives. This free community event promises to be a day of excitement for dog lovers of all ages.

Date: Sunday, August 25th, 2024

Time: 11:30 AM – 4:30 PM

Location: Greater Androscoggin Humane Society, 55 Strawberry Ave, Lewiston, ME 04240

Parking: Hahnel Bros Parking Lot (46 Strawberry Ave, Lewiston, ME 04240)

Bring your family and canine companions for an exciting day featuring face painting, live music by Jody Boys, and a variety of activities and vendors. The ladies at L/A Taco will be on-site serving delicious food, Halo Sips will have amazing lemonade, and there will be a beer tent featuring Baxter Brewing Co! Wristbands for 21+ guests will be provided upon entry. At 1:30pm we’ll have an adoption runway featuring adoptable pets! GAHS will also be open for adoptions.

2024 Bark & Brews Vendors Include:

BrookeTrout Designs – Handmade Jewelry

Sunny D Doggie Treats – Homemade Dog Treats

Proxima Design Cat Toys – Handmade Cat Toys

Halo Sips – Fresh Squeezed Lemonade

Beyond The Kerf – Onsite Pet Tag Engraving

GAHS Tents – Raffles, 50/50, Face Painting & Dog Lick-Art Making

Cute Chic Y – Crocheted Animals

LC Tumblers & Tees – Custom Tumblers & Tshirts

Kitsune Creations – Homemade Toys & Accessories

Ello Sunshine – Handmade creations and events

Misfits Rehab – Wildlife Rehabilitation Facility

Banks` Creations – Custom tumblers, glasses and resin crafts

Poofs Freeze Dried Candy – Your Fave Candy, Freeze Dried!

More to come!

This is a rain-or-shine event, and Robin’s Dog Park will be open to the public. Please note that dog park rules apply. Water bowls will be available on-site, and any canine displaying unsociable behavior will be kindly asked to leave. Event proceeds will benefit the Greater Androscoggin Humane Society.

This event is proudly hosted by Baxter Outdoors. Baxter Outdoor events are designed to celebrate New England’s natural spaces, foster community around the great outdoors, and be accessible to all who wish to join in on the fun. We can’t wait to see you all at the inaugural Barks & Brews event! For more information, please visit our website: https://www.baxterbrewing.com/event/barks-brews/

LEWISTON, ME — Elizabeth Balsam Hart, MD, Hospice Medical Director/Director of Medical Services at Andwell Health Partners, the largest, non-profit home and community-based healthcare and care management organization in Maine, was named one of the most influential leaders in hospice and palliative care, a field focused on relieving suffering and improving quality of life for people with serious illnesses.

The American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine (AAHPM) asked its more than 5,000 members to nominate who they think are the leaders – or Visionaries – in the field.

Dr. Hart is one of those physicians, nurses and healthcare professionals recognized by their peers for the important role they played in advancing the specialty of Hospice and Palliative Care.

“I am inspired by Dr. Hart’s visionary leadership and unwavering dedication to excellence in hospice and palliative care,” said Jackie Fournier, Nurse Practitioner, Andwell Health Partners. “She has been instrumental in developing an evidence-based practice and culture of excellence at Andwell. Under her leadership, the palliative and hospice practice has grown significantly to meet the needs across the State of Maine always keeping the patient and their family at the center.  She blends the art and science of care seamlessly.”

Dr. Hart is a family physician with additional board certifications in Hospice and Palliative Medicine and Geriatrics. An honors graduate of Harvard-Radcliffe Colleges and Dartmouth Medical School, she completed her family medicine residency and her geriatric fellowship at Maine-Dartmouth Family Medicine Residency in Augusta.  She is a graduate of the Practice Change Fellowship (PCF), a national program supported by the Hartford Foundation and Atlantic Philanthropies to advance excellence in geriatric leadership. She enjoyed her two-year local PCF project, “Cultivating Meaningful Conversations to Guide Care,” which focused on launching the POLST (Physician Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment) program in Maine.

Hospice and palliative medicine is the medical specialty that focuses on improving quality of life and relieving pain and other symptoms in seriously ill patients. Palliative care can and should be provided to patients who continue to receive treatments to try to cure or control their disease, regardless of their prognosis. Hospice is a specific type of palliative care for patients whose life expectancy is likely to be six months or less. Hospice and palliative care also helps patients and families understand their treatment options and make decisions about their care, and provides information on spiritual and psychosocial services, support for family and caregivers and grief counseling.

“This program recognizes extraordinary individuals who continue to enhance the delivery of care for seriously ill patients and have brought true innovation to our field,” noted Wendy-Jo Toyama, MBA FASAE, AAHPM CEO.

“These visionaries represent thousands of clinicians, educators, and researchers who continue to innovate and lead the field to provide the highest quality care and support for those living with serious illness and their caregivers.” noted Vicki Jackson, president of AAHPM.

More information on the Visionaries project, including the list of the award winners is on the Academy’s website www.aahpm.org.