This weekend only, get your holiday off to a great start with The Public Theatre’s acclaimed and inventive adaptation of A Christmas Carol! Six actors and a live fiddler perform the Dickens’ out of this holiday classic sure to delight audiences of all ages. All children under 18 only $15!

A Christmas Carol: Friday, December 13 at 7pm, Sat Dec 14 at 2pm and 7pm and Sunday Dec 15 at 2 pm. Tickets at ThePublicTheatre.org or call 782-3200. The Public Theatre is located at 31 Maple St., Lewiston.

LEWISTON, ME —  Central Maine Healthcare is pleased to welcome a new orthopedic surgeon. Saad Mohammad, DO, is an orthopedic trauma surgeon who will be working at CMMC.

Dr. Mohammad earned his undergraduate degree at Salisbury University in Maryland and went to medical school at the Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine in New York City. He completed his residency at McLaren Macomb Hospital in Michigan and a fellowship at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.

Dr. Mohammad said he chose orthopedics largely for the opportunity to help and heal people at the most vulnerable period of their lives.

“Everyone deserves basic healthcare, regardless of status,” Dr. Mohammad said. “This is why I treat everyone with respect and humility.”

“The people of central Maine are very fortunate to have someone of Dr. Mohammad’s caliber here,” said Lauren Adey, MD, chief of Central Maine Orthopedics. “He brings a wealth of expertise in orthopedic care, and his commitment to delivering compassionate, patient-centered treatment aligns perfectly with our mission to provide the highest quality healthcare for our patients.”

Central Maine Orthopedics has been named a Cigna Center of Excellence for hip and knee replacement. It has also been named a Blue Distinction Center by Blue Cross and Blue Shield.

LEWISTON, ME—Santa and Mrs. Claus will appear at the “Breakfast with Santa” event Sunday, Dec. 15, at the Franco Center. Breakfast is from 9 to 10:30 a.m.

The buffet-style breakfast will include fresh fruit; cold cereals; scrambled eggs; bacon; and home fries.

Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive at 10 a.m.  A photo booth will be set up for patrons to take photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus so bring a camera.

“We thank Emerson Buick for their sponsorship of this event,” said Franco Center chef John Pulsifer. “This is an opportunity for kids and families to see Santa before Christmas.”

The cost is $15 for adults; $10 for kids ages 5 to 12; and free for kids under 4. Tickets can be purchased at francocenter.org/shows, by phone 207-689-2000, or in person when the box office is open Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The Franco Center is at 46 Cedar Street in Lewiston. Park in the mill lot on Oxford Street. Enter the building through the double red doors under the Heritage Hall sign.

LEWISTON, ME — The Woman’s Hospital Association (WHA) Rotating Art Gallery at Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston is proud to display the photographs of Corey Kinnan and Heather Gould during the month of December.

Kinnan is a travel photographer who finds his greatest inspiration when he is outdoors. He has pursued his passion for photography from the frozen world of Antarctica to the Peruvian Andes and across the United States. He has been creating art and working with his hands his whole life. “Whether I am hiking, snowboarding, working in my garden, or kayaking, the great outdoors is my happy place”. As well as his nature photography, Kinnan also specializes in pet portraits stating that he can often be found with a dog nearby including his 13-year-old cattle dog, Josey and a two-year old Australian Shepherd, Paisley.

A long-time employee of Central Maine Medical Center, Gould has worked in the Radiology Department for over 36 years. Starting from an early age, she could often be seen with a camera in her hand. She enjoys focusing her lens on the world around her whether it is wildlife, scenic views or the recent northern lights displays. Always inspired by the natural world, one of her favorite activities is wandering side roads and capturing moments of beauty. “My images are my fun sideline and at times combine both photography and art to create a unique image”.

The works on display may be purchased through the WHA Gift Shop located adjacent to the main lobby at Central Maine Medical Center. A percentage of sale proceeds benefits patients of CMMC.

 “Antarctica Reflection” by Corey Kinnan (photograph supplied by photographer)

The Maine Music Society Chorale; Photo by Jared Morneau

LEWISTON, ME — The Maine Music Society Chorale, directed by Dr. Richard Nickerson, is thrilled to announce its upcoming holiday concert, A Season of Celebration, to be held on Saturday, December 14, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. and Sunday, December 15, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. at the Franco Center in Lewiston.

This festive performance will showcase a wonderful blend of timeless holiday music, including cherished carols and some new seasonal favorites. Its featured work this year is Francis Poulenc’s Gloria. The concert will also include a  stunning arrangement of Dan Forrest’s Angels We Have Heard on High.

As part of the celebration, the audience will be invited to join the Chorale in its traditional holiday sing-along, adding to the joy and community spirit of the season.

The 80+ volunteer singers from the Lewiston-Auburn area, under the direction of Artistic Director Richard Nickerson, have been rehearsing for weeks to deliver a performance that promises to inspire and uplift. With a perfect mix of festive traditions and new holiday gems, A Season of Celebration will surely fill the Franco Center with the warmth, wonder, and excitement of the season.

For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit us online at www.mainemusicsociety.org or call the MMS office at 207-333-3386. While you can purchase tickets at the door, we encourage you to buy your tickets in advance to secure your seats for this highly anticipated event.

Tickets:

Adult – $27*; Senior – $25*; Student – $6*

Children under 12: free when accompanied by an adult.

Group rates available for 10 or more tickets to the same performance purchased at the same time. Call our business office: 207-333-3386.

* Price includes all handling fees

The Maine Music Society thanks its Season Underwriters Hardy, Wolf & Downing and the Sun Journal, the Event Co-Sponsor Liberty Mutual, Supporters Norman Hanson & DeTroy and The Ladd Foundation for making this concert possible.

The Maine Music Society (MMS) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the cultural life of the Lewiston-Auburn area through performances of choral music in a broad range of musical genres — contemporary,  musical theatre, classical, opera, oratorio. MMS’s 80+ volunteer singers, musicians, and staff share a passion for creating music that inspires, uplifts, and connects the community.

AUBURN, ME — On Tuesday, December 10th from 4 to 5 PM, the Auburn Public Library will be hosting a presentation by Community Concepts on home energy efficiency and how to reduce your utility usage.

It is never too late to start cutting back effectively on your energy use and reduce costs. Community Concepts will be putting on a presentation about different ways to reduce utility usage. There will be handouts along with a bag of energy efficient items that will be raffled off to attendees. Community Concepts is a local organization based out of Lewiston that provides pathways to a healthy life for and with those most impacted by inequities in Western Maine through programs, partnerships, and advocacy. They have a variety of housing and energy programs and offerings to help homeowners and renters alike meet their housing needs and goals.

This program will take place in the Androscoggin Community Room at the Auburn Public Library. Registration is not required.

For more information about this and other programs offered at the Auburn Public Library, visit their website at www.auburnpubliclibrary.org or call the Reference Desk at 207-333-6640, ext. 4.

LEWISTON, ME — Finding moments of connection and joy has never been more important in our city. The City of Lewiston’s Holiday at the Plaza is a wonderful opportunity to gather as one, celebrate our city, and create memories that remind us of the strength and spirit that make Lewiston so special.

 From magical horse and wagon rides to ice skating, to the excitement of Sparkle Saturday, to the Christmas Tree and Menorah lighting, Holiday At The Plaza is filled with FREE festive fun for everyone. Let’s come together to celebrate all the reasons we love Lewiston and share its vibrancy with those we hold dear.

At Holiday At The Plaza, the City has curated events for all ages and families to create Christmas traditions. Along with Ice Skating and Horse and Wagon rides, we have a kiddo Christmas Choo-Choo, X-treme Fun sports, Arts and Crafts and for the grown up elf, the Lisbon Street restaurants will be open or you can sign up for a Paint and Take Vintage Christmas Tree with Wicked Illustrations at  https://wickedillustrations.com/art-parties-and-workshops.

 So, Mark Your Calendar! Bring your family, friends, and neighbors to experience the magic. Be part of Holiday at the Plaza. Together, we can make this season truly special for everyone in our city. We can’t wait to celebrate with you!

 WHO:     City of Lewiston

WHAT:    Holiday At The Plaza

WHEN:   Sat., Dec. 7 from 11:30 AM to 5 PM; Christmas Tree and Menorah Lighting at 4:17 PM

WHERE: Lisbon St., from Ash to Main

PS – If you are a local crafter wish to be a part of the crafters tabling at the event, please email AAmores@lewistonmaine.gov

LEWISTON, ME — Central Maine Healthcare is pleased to introduce Nicholas Knowland, MD. Dr. Knowland is a cardiothoracic anesthesiologist who will be treating patients at CMMC, spending most of his time in the operating room.

Dr. Knowland has deep Maine ties, having grown up in South Portland. He graduated from McGill University in Montreal. He attended medical school at Tufts University as part of the Tufts School of Medicine’s Maine Track. He did his residency at Loma Linda Medical School in California and completed a fellowship in cardiothoracic anesthesia in White Plains, New York.

“Dr. Knowland is an incredible addition to our anesthesiology department,” said Steven Constantino, MD, chief of anesthesiology at CMMC. “He has already made quite the impression on many of our team members, and we look forward to him continuing to develop relationships with our surgeons and patients for years to come.”

“I want to be part of the team at CMMC that’s helping ensure our patients have the optimum setup for both getting the surgery they need and recovering from it when the time comes,” Dr. Knowland said.

Dr. Knowland is an avid soccer fan, having played semi-pro soccer in Canada, himself, and is a passionate Manchester United fan. He says it’s great to be back in Maine and looks forward to skiing at Sugarloaf again.

LEWISTON, ME — Central Maine Healthcare is happy to welcome Gaurav Kakked, MD.  Dr. Kakked is a gastroenterologist who will be seeing patients at Central Maine Medical Center (CMMC) in Lewiston.

Dr. Kakked is very excited to join the team at CMMC, specifically because of the high number of interventional endoscopic ultrasound procedures performed at the hospital.

“Some of the procedures that are being done here at CMMC match what is being done at large academic centers in major cities,” Dr. Kakked said. “People aren’t aware of this. The caliber of care and people here is very impressive.”

Dr. Kakked attended Gujarat University in India. He did his residency at Mount Sinai in New York and completed a gastroenterology fellowship at Willam Beaumont Hospital in Michigan. Dr. Kakked also completed an advanced endoscopy fellowship at Rush University in Chicago.

“We are very fortunate to have Dr. Kakked with us here at CMMC,” said Kanishka Bhattacharya, MD, chief of gastroenterology at Central Maine Healthcare. “His expertise in interventional endoscopy will complement a team that is already performing these new and cutting-edge procedures for our patients in Maine.”

Central Maine Healthcare’s board-certified gastroenterologists provide expert care for all types of gastric problems, from everyday stomach ailments to complex intestinal, swallowing and inflammatory conditions. They work closely with our patients to create a tailor-made treatment plans.

AUBURN, ME — Come visit the former Rectory at 24 Sacred Heart Place in Auburn which has recently been transformed into a “Christmas Victorian House.”  Filled with an exciting assortment of holiday decorations including:

Byers Choice Carolers, Porcelain Seraphim Angels, jewelry, collector dolls, framed art, China, crystal, specialty vases, florals, small kitchen appliances, and children’s gifts!  Many new or nearly new!

Dates:  Friday 12/6 – Saturday 12/7   10:00 am – 4:00 pm

For information: call Immaculate Heart of Mary Office 207-782-8096

Pictured L-R: Sandy Tardiff, Carol DeRoy, Diane Dennis, Bonnie Stone