MAINE — St. Mary’s Health System is now accepting applications for the 2025 Junior Volunteer Program. Open to teens ages 14 to 17, this unique opportunity allows young people to spend part of their summer in a professional healthcare environment. They’ll gain real-world experience while giving back to the community.

Volunteers commit to at least one full day per week from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., supporting staff, patients and residents at St. Mary’s and d’Youville Pavilion. Along the way, they’ll build confidence, develop valuable skills and earn service hours that can support college and scholarship applications.

The program runs from June 17 through August. Applications are due by May 11.

Learn more and apply at stmarysmaine.com/volunteer.

Adult volunteer opportunities are also available.

LEWISTON, ME – Tickets are now available for Maine’s Got Talent 2025, a live music competition presented by Maine Community Bank and hosted by Andwell Health Partners. The event will take place on Saturday, May 3, at the Franco Center, 46 Cedar Street in Lewiston.

Now in its latest season, Maine’s Got Talent showcases eight performers from across the state, each competing for cash prizes. Winners will be determined by a combination of judge scores and audience votes.

A reception will begin at 6:00 p.m., followed by the show at 7:00 p.m.

Tickets can be purchased online at mgt2025.eventbrite.com.

This year’s lineup includes:

Jen Schultz & Erin-Margaret Libby – Vocal duo from Norway

Russell Kaback – Guitarist and vocalist from Southern Maine

Elaina Hubble – Singer and pianist from Portland

Lindsay Hamilton – Vocalist from Biddeford

Amy Stacey Curtis – Ukulele artist from Lewiston

Vexica – Alt rock band from Auburn

Dylan Medlin – Country/bluegrass singer from Old Orchard Beach

Larnie Rose Lytton – Vocalist from Lincolnville

Proceeds from the event will support Andwell Health Partners’ pediatric programming and services, which provide essential care and early intervention for more than 650 children and families throughout Maine.

For more information, visit www.andwell.org or contact Leslie Ogilvie, Community Relations & Development Manager, at (207) 330-0777 or leslie.ogilvie@andwell.org.

Sponsors include Maine Community Bank, Northeast Fuel Pay, Emerson Chevrolet and Maine Chevy Dealers, Geiger, MatrixCare, New England Cancer Specialists, The Fortin & Pinette Group, First Choice Printing, and Praxis Motion Pictures.

AUBURN, ME – On Wednesday, April 30, 2025 the Central Maine Education Foundation Board of Directors will host its Annual Awards fundraiser on the campus of Central Maine Community College starting at 3:30pm. This event is the Foundation’s major annual fundraiser and is slated to raise more than $30,000 in funding for student scholarships.

The program will include welcoming remarks from Foundation Board Chair Jennifer Hogan; updates on the College’s projects and activities delivered by CMCC President Dr. Betsy Libby; The event will conclude with the presentation of awards to students, employees, and supporters for their achievements or contributions to the college.

The list of award recipients highlighted in the event’s award presentations include Emma Dionna of Auburn, Ivy Hutchinson of New Vineyard, Logan Levesque of Greene, and Zulma Lizarazo of South Portland who will be named to the Phi Theta Kappa All-Maine Academic Team; Victoria Wile of Gray being named CMCC Student of the Year; Camila Cateriano of Lewiston receiving the Community Spirit Award; Ernesto Kinda of Angola receiving the Courage to Rise Award recipient; Mindy Joseph of Lewiston receiving the Yes, I Can Award recipient; Faustina Harriet of Livermore Falls receiving the Triumph Over Adversity award; Justin Mason of Greene receiving the Student Veteran of the Year; Kelvin Boateng receiving the Student Employee of the Year; Ella Lavigne of Fort Collins, CO receiving the Female Athlete of the Year and Jeremiah Gomez of Old Orchard Beach receiving the Male Athlete of the Year. Community awards include the President’s award being given to Steve English, a long-time supporter of CMCC Athletics and MaineHealth Lincoln Hospital will be named the Community Partner of the Year. Employees will also be recognized for their contributions; Maria D’Auria of Lewiston as Faculty Member of the Year, Halene Mansir as Adjunct Faculty Member of the Year, and Brian Landry as Staff Member of the Year.

Members of the community are welcome to purchase sponsorship at various levels or tickets to attend this celebratory event. Proceeds from the event are added to the CM Education Foundation’s unrestricted scholarship fund to directly benefit CMCC students.

The mission of the Foundation is to provide financial support to CMCC and its students, to advocate on behalf of the college, and to nurture relationships with the community and constituencies. The CM Education Foundation has raised more than $1.5 million dollars in scholarships for the college and holds an investment portfolio of nearly $2 million dollars.

For more information on the event and the CM Education Foundation, visit www.cmcc.edu/annualawards.

LEWISTON, ME — Share a laugh, shed a tear and warm your heart with the magical romantic comedy Now and Then playing May 2 – 11 at The Public Theatre in Lewiston.

They say there are no “do-overs” in life, but if you could get one, would you take it? Late one night in an Irish pub in Chicago, a young bartender and his girlfriend receive an intriguing proposition from a mysterious last-minute customer offering them $2,000 to sit and talk with him for an hour. What follows is an unexpected emotional time-warp filled with laughter, romance, tears and a valuable life lesson. Don’t miss this magical and wise romantic comedy about listening to your heart.

Featuring a fully professional cast of actors with Broadway credits, Now and Then is a deeply romantic, thought-provoking and satisfying play offering humor, heart, and a mystery that will keep the cleverest theatregoer intrigued. Artistic Director Janet Mitchko says, “Now and Then looks at love through the eyes of a couple in their 20’s as well as in their 60’s and offers an important piece of advice for audiences of all ages.”

Starring as the mysterious old man is MITCH POULOS. Mitch appeared in the National Tour of Billy Elliot as well as on tv in Curb your Enthusiasm, The Office, Criminal Minds and Arrested Development. Playing the equally mysterious older woman is LINDA MARIE LARSON. Linda has appeared on Broadway in Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike; Gary: A Sequel to Titus Andronicus; Deuce and Jackie: An American Life. Her television credits include Succession, House of Cards, Blue Bloods and Masters of Sex, among others.

Playing the romantic piano-playing young bartender Jaime is DYLAN S. WALLACH.  Born in Maine, Dylan has appeared on Broadway in the Tony Award winning play Leopoldstadt, and Betrayal with Tom Hiddleston. His delightfully spirited girlfriend Abby will be played by ALLISON ALTMAN. Allison appeared on Broadway in Birthday Candles starring Deborah Messing and recently performed in the Huntington Theatre’s hit Triumph of Love.

Now and Then will be directed by MARK ROUTHIER. Mark directed and ran new play development at The NOLA Project in New Orleans, Orlando Shakespeare Theatre, Magic Theatre in San Francisco, and was Lit Chair for the National New Play Network.

The Irish pub in which the plays takes place is created by Courtney Smith, lighting by Michael Reidy, sound design by Charles Coes and costumes by Frederica Jepson.

Filled with humor, heart and romance, Now and Then makes the perfect gift to bring your mother to on Mother’s Day.  Don’t forget to visit the Silent Auction happening in the lobby during the show as well as online.

Now and Then will be performed at The Public Theatre, Lewiston’s Professional Theatre May 2 – 11. Showtimes are Thurs & Fri at 7 pm, Sat at 3 pm, Sun at 2 pm and Sat May 10 at 3 & 7:30 pm.  For tickets call 782-3200 or visit thepublictheatre.org.  The Public Theatre is located at 31 Maple St., Lewiston.

AUBURN, ME — Physical therapists seeking to enhance their orthopedic evaluation skills have a unique opportunity to learn from a leading expert in the field. Paul Marquis, PT, founder of Ortho Eval Pal and host of the Ortho Eval Pal Podcast, will be leading a hands-on course, Evaluation & Management of Shoulder Dysfunction, on May 31, 2025, from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM, at the St. Mary’s Center for Physical Rehabilitation, 15 Gracelawn Road, Auburn, ME 04210.

Designed specifically for physical therapists, this course offers practical training to improve assessment techniques and build confidence in diagnosing and managing shoulder dysfunction. With over 30 years of experience in orthopedic and sports-related evaluations, Marquis is committed to helping PTs refine their skills and enhance patient care.

Attendees will gain hands-on experience with advanced evaluation methods, learning effective strategies that can be immediately applied in practice. Whether you’re an experienced clinician or looking to strengthen your orthopedic assessment skills, this course will provide the tools and knowledge needed to excel.

For more information or to register, visit orthoevalpal.com

LEWISTON, ME – The Greater Androscoggin Humane Society is now accepting registrations for people and their canine friends to walk in the Strutt your Mutt or run in the Dash for Dogs 5K on Sunday, April 27th

Both events will take place at the Greater Androscoggin Humane Society. Registration begins at 8:00am with the timed run and walk (the walk is not timed) starting at 9:00am. Cost to pre-register for both the 5K and the Walk is $30 in advance or $35 onsite the day of the event. The money raised from this day stays right here in our community and directly benefits the homeless, abandoned and abused animals at the Humane Society for their food, shelter, veterinary care and a chance at a new home.

This is a casual “people” run/walk along the Androscoggin Riverside Trail; dogs are welcome, but not necessary. Participating as a team through your business or with your friends is also encouraged. Dogs must be leashed on leads no longer that 6’ (no retractable leashes allowed) and have their current rabies vaccination. No dogs in heat please. Sign up information is available at the Shelter or online at www.gahumane.org/dashfordogs/

The Greater Androscoggin Humane Society, located at 55 Strawberry Avenue in Lewiston, provides a safe haven for nearly 3,000 sick, homeless and abused animals in the greater Androscoggin area per a year. The primary support for the shelter comes from fundraising events, such as Strutt your Mutt and the Dash for Dogs 5K and donations of concerned citizens. If you are interested in learning more about volunteering at the shelter or adopting an animal call 783-2311 or visit the website at www.SavingPetsInMaine.org. You can also join them on www.facebook/GAHumane.

LEWISTON, ME — Share a laugh, shed a tear and warm your heart with the magical romantic comedy Now and Then playing May 2 – 11 at The Public Theatre in Lewiston.

They say there are no “do-overs” in life, but if you could get one, would you take it? Late one night in an Irish pub in Chicago, a young bartender and his girlfriend receive an intriguing proposition from a mysterious last-minute customer offering them $2,000 to sit and talk with him for an hour. What follows is an unexpected emotional time-warp filled with laughter, romance, tears and a valuable life lesson. Don’t miss this magical and wise romantic comedy about listening to your heart

Featuring a fully professional cast of actors with Broadway credits, Now and Then is a deeply romantic, thought-provoking and satisfying play offering humor, heart, and a mystery that will keep the cleverest theatregoer intrigued. Artistic Director Janet Mitchko says, “Now and Then looks at love through the eyes of a couple in their 20’s as well as in their 60’s and offers an important piece of advice for audiences of all ages.”

Starring as the mysterious old man is MITCH POULOS. Mitch appeared in the National Tour of Billy Elliot as well as on tv in Curb your Enthusiasm, The Office, Criminal Minds and Arrested Development. Playing the equally mysterious older woman is LINDA MARIE LARSON. Linda has appeared on Broadway in Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike; Gary: A Sequel to Titus Andronicus; Deuce and Jackie: An American Life. Her television credits include Succession, House of Cards, Blue Bloods and Masters of Sex, among others.

Playing the romantic piano-playing young bartender Jaime is DYLAN S. WALLACH.  Born in Maine, Dylan has appeared on Broadway in the Tony Award winning play Leopoldstadt, and Betrayal with Tom Hiddleston. His delightfully spirited girlfriend Abby will be played by ALLISON ALTMAN. Allison appeared on Broadway in Birthday Candles starring Deborah Messing and recently performed in the Huntington Theatre’s hit Triumph of Love.

The Irish pub in which the plays takes place is created by Courtney Smith, lighting by Michael Reidy, sound design by Charles Coes and costumes by Frederica Jepson.

Filled with humor, heart and romance, Now and Then makes the perfect gift to bring your mother to on Mother’s Day.  Don’t forget to visit the Silent Auction happening in the lobby during the show as well as online.

Now and Then will be performed at The Public Theatre, Lewiston’s Professional Theatre May 2 – 11. Showtimes are Thurs & Fri at 7 pm, Sat at 3 pm, Sun at 2 pm and Sat May 10 at 3 & 7:30 pm.  For tickets call 782-3200 or visit thepublictheatre.org.  The Public Theatre is located at 31 Maple St., Lewiston.

April 22nd – April 26th: MAKE AN OWL FRIEND IN THE CHILDREN’S DEPARTMENT ON THE 3RD FLOOR

Come create your very own owl friend out of paper and feathers. Make an owl to take home or create one for display at the Lewiston Public Library. Use crayons, colored pencils, feathers and glue to decorate your paper owl. All materials are provided.

Free. In person.

April 22nd at 11am at the Lewiston Public Library: CHEWONKI’S – OWLS OF MAINE: HABITS AND ADAPTATIONS OF MAINE’S NATIVE OWLS

Chewonki will present their traveling natural history program, Owls of Maine: Habits and Adaptations of Maine’s Native Owls in Callahan Hall. This program includes an intimate and detailed look at a live owl, bringing these creatures of the night into the light! Free. No registration required.

All ages are welcome to attend.

April 22nd at 5p.m. at the Lewiston Public Library: DON’T LOSE IT, REUSE IT!

Celebrate Earth Day at the Lewiston Public Library in the Children’s Department. Children will learn about the importance of Earth Day and the ways they can reduce, reuse, and recycle. By using bottle caps, recycled paper, and plastic bags, children can create stylish friendship bracelets, goofy puppets, or adorable mini pets.

This program is recommended for elementary-aged kids 6–14 years old. Free. No registration required. Bring recycled materials.

April 24th at 12PM at the Lewiston Public Library SPRING BREAK STEM: DISSECT AN OWL PELLET

LPL’s Children’s Department will be offering the program Spring Break STEM: Dissect an Owl Pellet. Owl’s swallow their food whole but cannot digest bones and fur so these are separated by the owl’s gizzard. After several hours, the owl regurgitates a pellet of the undigested material. The pellets have been professionally sanitized and arrive ready for dissection, offering participants the chance to identify the bones of the owl’s previous meals. Free. No registration required. Gloves and dissection materials will be provided, as well as one owl pellet per participant.

This activity is recommended for kids ages 8 and older.

April 25th at 10AM at the Lewiston Public Library: SOME BUNNY LOVES YOU KEEPSAKE

Use your young child’s footprints to create a spring bunny keepsake. Free. No registration required.

Recommended for caregivers and their children between the ages of birth-5 years old.

MAINE — Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mid-Maine (BBBSMM) invites local businesses, organizations, families, and individuals to sign up to Bowl For Kids’ Sake.  The 2025 seven-county multiple-bowl event major sponsors are: Camden National Bank, the Masonic Charitable Foundation and Quirk Auto Group. 

Every year, half a million people across America come together to have fun and raise money to support Big Brothers Big Sisters.  The Bowl for Kids’ Sake is a fun and easy way for individuals and companies to make an impact on the local community, and has been held nationally for over fifty years.

The local Androscoggin bowling event will be held Thursday, May 8th at Just-In-Time Recreation in Lewiston. Teams of bowlers raise funds for youth mentoring programs in Androscoggin, and then have a great time at the Bowl for Kids’ Sake event joining other local teams on the lanes.

According to BBBSMM Executive Director, Tade Sullivan, every Big and Little match the agency creates and professionally supports, costs about $2,000 annually.  “The funds raised at our Bowl for Kids’ Sake events support matches between the Bigs and their Littles in our programs here in Androscoggin.”

“Proceeds from Bowl for Kids’ Sake events make it possible for our agency to provide mentoring services free of charge to children and families,” said Jennifer Cartmell, the Androscoggin Manager. “Whether you bowl, volunteer or support an event with a sponsorship, you will be supporting a local child.  Big Brothers Big Sisters, fosters strong and enduring relationships, filled with support, friendship and fun with creative activities.”

Businesses and individuals can register a team online at bbbsmidmaine.org, select a desired bowling time, form a team of four bowlers and create personal fundraising pages where supporters can make safe electronic donations. Teams that register early will receive a 2025 Bowl for Kids’ Sake t-shirts at the event. 

Local businesses support Bowl for Kids’ Sake Androscoggin by becoming sponsors, donating prizes and forming teams to participate, but event volunteers are also welcome.  Contact Cartmell for more information.  Additionally, Cartmell would welcome the chance to meet with your organization or business to discuss BBBS programs and how you can support the event and help local children.  Call Jennifer Cartmell at 207-653-3857 or email jennifer@bbbsmidmaine.org. For more information on Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mid-Maine, visit bbbsmidmaine.org.

AUBURN, ME — Scrabble fans are invited to help raise money for Literacy Volunteers by playing their favorite board game on April 27 at the High Street Congregational Church, Auburn.

This is Scrabble with a twist, as the competition features teams of two to four players collaborating over the same letter tray to try and out-score another team.

Participants can either form a team or register as an individual and be matched with a team that needs a player. In honor of our 25th Anniversary, we have added a Master division for those who compete at tournament level. For players that are accomplished but do not compete at tournament level we have the Pro category, while more relaxed players should choose the Social division. Players collect pledges to benefit adult literacy services in Androscoggin County, and the top fundraisers have a wonderful array of prizes to choose from.

All proceeds raised by players are used to provide critically needed literacy services for adults in our community. Join us on April 27 at the High Street Congregational Church, 106 Pleasant St., Auburn, for an enjoyable afternoon of refreshments, prizes, and good-natured Scrabble competition. Arrive at 1:00 p.m. to sign in as gameplay begins at 1:30. The Scrabble Fest ends at 4:30 p.m. Preregistration is required by April 21. For more information, call 753-6658 or email scrabble@literacyvolunteersandro.org or go to the website: www.literacyvolunteersandro.org.

Congratulations LRTC junior, Cora Moody, for creating the winning design for Literacy Volunteers 25th Annual Letters for Literacy Scrabble Fest. Registration is now open for the event, which is scheduled for April 30, 1:00 to 4:30 p.m. at the High Street Church in Auburn.