TOPSHAM, ME —The Midcoast Symphony Orchestra (MSO), conducted by Rohan Smith, continues the company’s 35th season with a concert entitled “Invigorating Water Music” which takes place at the Franco Center in Lewiston on Saturday, January 18 at 7pm and the Orion Performing Arts Center in Topsham on Sunday, January 19 at 2:30pm.  The concerts feature a number of short family-friendly pieces, including two selections from both Handel’s Water Music and Duke Ellington’s The River Suite. The MSO’s January concert traditionally is programmed to appeal to young audience members, and in keeping with that commitment, the concerts feature a number of components showcasing students, as well as the annual “Meet the Instruments” events, which allow people of all ages to try orchestral instruments. Individual tickets for “Invigorating Water Music” are $25 in advance and $30 at the door, with free entrance to any audience member 25 and under. Complete concert and ticket information is available at midcoastsymphony.org or by calling the box office at (207) 481-0790.

The program for “Invigorating Water Music” includes two movements from Handel’s Water Music, which was composed in 1717 and premiered by a boat full of 50 musicians trailing the king’s King George I’s boat on the River Thames. The concert also features two movements from Duke Ellington’s The River Suite, from a score commissioned by Alvin Ailey for his American Ballet Theater in 1970. Other works the MSO brings to life include: Charles Ives’ “The Housatonic at Stockbridge,” the final melodic movement of the composer’s Three Places in New England; a fascinating modern composition by Alan Hovhaness, And God Created Great Whales, that included actual whale sounds; Mendelssohn’s The Hebrides (Overture), inspired by Fingal’s Cave on the namesake islands; and the stirring “The Moldau” from Má Vlast, by Czech composer Bed?ich Smetana.  Joining the MSO for the first movement of Tomasi’s Trombone Concerto is trombonist Joshua Zhang, winner of the biennial Judith Elser Concerto Competition. Joshua Zhang is a computer science and music double major at Colby College from Wayland, Massachusetts who began playing trombone in fourth grade. Additionally, Lewiston High School alumnus Kyle Almquist, winner of the MSO’s silent auction last spring and son of MSO horn player Beth Almquist, conducts the orchestra in Tchaikovsky’s “Swan Theme” from Swan Lake. The final youth component for these concerts takes the form of artwork, created by students from Connors Elementary in Lewiston,  Bowdoinham Community School, Brunswick Junior High, Mt. Ararat Middle School, and the Portland Arts and Technology High School, that will be shown during several of the pieces.

In keeping with the focus on youth for this concert, each concert will be preceded by the popular “Meet the Instruments” event, at which audience members of all ages can try many instruments featured in the symphony’s performance. MSO musicians will be present to provide instruction and guidance on how to play their instrument.  This event begins one hour before each of the two concerts – at 6pm in the Heritage Hall at the Franco Center and at 1:30 in the gym at the Mt. Ararat Middle School (where the Orion Performing Arts Center is located). Interested members of the public may attend this free event without purchasing a concert ticket, and MSO is offering up to two complimentary tickets to parents accompanying children under 18 to the concert. The Saturday, January 20th concert will also feature Buckfield High School student Noah Smith performing on his clarinet during intermission in Heritage Hall at the Franco Center.  Noah Smith began his journey studying clarinet at age 9 at a conservatory in France and is continuing his studies in Maine with David Hoagland.  He has performed as principal clarinet with the Kennebec Valley Youth Symphony Orchestra and will be principal clarinet at All-State Festival in May. Both of these events are part of the MSO’s enrichment series entitled “More with Midcoast.”

he public is invited to read more about all of the compositions that are part of the 2024/25 MSO season on its website at www.midcoastsymphony.org.

Meet the Instruments (photo credit Heather Linkin)

Dear friends of Hope House,

Here are some of the highlights of 2024.  We are SO thankful for each of you who have shared in Hope House’s activities, helped enable them, or cheered us on!

Last year started out with good media coverage of our center’s help to New Mainers. A great Spring Market season then culminated in our Family Support Center’s biggest backyard BBQ yet!  Held on the 4th of July, it was followed by prizes and a walk together to watch the Great Falls Fireworks show.  Special thanks to our friends from the Chinese Bible Church of Greater Boston who manned the BBQ’s and enabled the activities.

In the fall, HH Directors Bruce and Jan took a few months off to give in-home hospice care to Bruce’s 96yr.old mother with uterine cancer, until she went home to heaven. 

Late fall brought preparations towards a Free Coat & Toy Fair, made possible by helpers both local and from Boston. “Share Your Christmas” features Coats for Kids news coverage of Hope House, as well as a song video of the holiday event on Dec 7th that drew out 140 neighborhood families in need of coats and winter help.  It was fun to get to see growing babies brought to the fair, who our staff had not seen since we and their mothers saw the ultrasound images of them in our center’s clinic! 

In mid-Dec., Bruce slipped on icy steps at home, and x-rays showed 2 fractured ribs that are painful but slowly healing. Jan also sustained injuries in her shoulder that are still healing, from her care of Mom.  Your prayers are appreciated.

The center’s Host Home, as well as the Mechanic Falls Host Home, are both presently hosting some great people who lost their apartments in December.  Prayers are appreciated for the sweet family of 5, as well as for the skilled young woman, who have been displaced and are awaiting God’s provision for them in the New Year.

Your friends at Hope House pray that you also know God’s help to meet all your needs as you face this next year. Let us know how we might be of help. Our Family Support Center at 91 College St. in Lewiston will have weekly market days again in the spring, but winter hours for our Free Women’s Health Clinic or Free FamilyThrift Store services can be arranged by appointment to meet urgent needs. Call or text us at 207-577-1165, or email us at hopehouse17@gmail.com.  If goods are needed, we will help if supplies are in stock. Our website lists other local help agencies that may be of assistance as well.

Blessings in 2025!

Bruce & Jan Willson and the Hope House family 

The Public Theatre starts the New Year with one of the most powerful and unique experiences you will ever have in a theatre with the critically acclaimed Off-Broadway hit Every Brilliant Thing playing Jan 24 – Feb 2.

Every Brilliant Thing is a funny, moving and unforgettable story told with the help of the audience in most delightful and non-intimidating way.

If you have ever written a “gratitude list” or lost sight of the things that make life worth living, this humorous and heartbreaking interactive play is for you.

When a woman goes into the hospital because she finds it “hard to be happy”, her 7-year-old daughter starts writing her a list of all the brilliant things in life worth living for. No. 1: “Ice cream”, No. 25: “Wearing a cape”, No. 317: “The even numbered Star Trek films”. As the girl grows older, her list grows longer, ultimately reminding her of all the large and small miracles in her own life.

THIS PRODUCTION WILL BE SEATING 24 LUCKY PEOPLE ON THE STAGE for only $20!

Every Brilliant Thing is an interactive play where the audience participates in helping the actress to tell the story.

Before the show begins, the actress will identify and chat with multiple people throughout the entire audience giving then slips of paper numbered with “brilliant things” to be read aloud when she calls out their corresponding number. Other audience members may also be asked to interact within the context of the story with strong guidance from the actress.

Participation will be sought from audience members sitting both on the stage and in the traditional theatre seats. The powerful impact this play makes is created by the amazing community that is built to tell this unforgettable story.

Every Brilliant Thing runs Jan 24 – Feb 2 at The Public Theatre, Lewiston/Auburn’s Professional Theatre located at 31 Maple St. Tickets and information at www.thepublictheatre.org or 207 782-3200.

LEWISTON, ME – Andwell Health Partners is pleased to announce that Keith Beck, RN, has been appointed as the new Hospice House Manager for its Hospice House facility, located in Auburn. Beck, who has been serving as the Clinical Manager of Hospice Services at Andwell Health Partners, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his new role.

Beck has been with Andwell Health Partners since January 2023, initially serving as a Contract Hospice Case Manager before transitioning to the role of Clinical Manager of Hospice Services in July 2023. Keith worked earlier in his career at Androscoggin Home Health & Hospice (now Andwell Health Partners), where he collaborated with healthcare providers to deliver tailored care plans and provided emotional support to patients and their families. In between his time with Androscoggin/Andwell, Keith spent eight years as the Clinical Manager of Hospice at Northern Light Health (formerly VNA) in South Portland.

Katherine Pushee, Director of Hospice Services, expressed her enthusiasm about Beck’s new role: “We are thrilled to have Keith step into the role of Hospice House Manager. His extensive experience and dedication to hospice care make him an invaluable asset to our team. We look forward to his vision and support in continuing to provide exceptional care to our patients and their families”.

Beck has demonstrated extensive knowledge of healthcare systems, including hospice and other reimbursement mechanisms, community resources, and referral processes. He has also showcased his ability to counsel families and clients in dying and death, conduct grief counseling, and manage symptom control. He holds a Registered Nurse degree from the University of New England in Biddeford.

MAINE — The Sabattus Rec Club running group held its annual Jingle Jog on Saturday, Dec. 21. The group traveled various routes in the village area spreading cheer, before returning for treats and mulled cider. This year’s turnout was the largest in the several years the group has been doing the Jingle Jog.

Also, the running group again held its annual toy drive for Loaves and Fishes this year, and had the most successful collection yet. Many thanks to community and running group members who donated to the drive.

The Rec Club Running group meets every Wednesday at 6 p.m. in front of Mixers nightclub on Sabattus Rd. Participants include runners, joggers, and walkers of all ages and abilities who match up and go out for 30-45 minutes of exercise. There is no charge and people are free to attend when they can and want to.

FMI, check out the Sabattus Rec Club Running Program page on Facebook, or email running@sabattusrec.com

AUBURN, ME — The Camden Conference was founded in 1987 as a nonprofit, non-partisan educational organization whose mission is to foster informed discourse on world issues. Each year, they host a conference, with participating libraries offering community events related to their theme. The 38th annual Camden Conference, scheduled for February 21-23, 2025, is entitled “Democracy Under Threat: A Global Perspective.” It will be both a live and virtual event. In person, it will be hosted in Maine at the Camden Opera House; live-streamed to the Strand Theatre in Rockland and the Lunt Auditorium in Falmouth; and available virtually to homes and classrooms worldwide.

This year’s topic focuses on democracies worldwide, which are under intense pressure from populist and nationalist movements. These movements threaten individual freedoms and strain international relations. The Conference will look at the challenges to democracies around the world and explore solutions to strengthen democratic systems.

The Auburn Public Library is pleased to participate as one of the hosting libraries. Leading up to this year’s Conference, APL has three events planned.

FILM SCREENING & DISCUSSION —

BEYOND ELECTIONS: REDEFINING DEMOCRACY IN THE AMERICAS

Thursday, January 16, 2025 — 3:00-5:00 p.m.

Androscoggin Community Room

On Thursday, January 16, the Auburn Public Library invites you to a screening and discussion of the documentary Beyond Elections: Redefining Democracy in the Americas.

This film takes a deep look at democracy. According to film director Michael Fox:

“… Following decades of US-backed dictatorships, civil wars, and devastating structural adjustment policies in the South, and corporate control, electoral corruption, and fraud in the North, representative politics in the Americas is in crisis. Citizens are now choosing to redefine democracy under their own terms: local, direct, and participatory.”

“Beyond Elections is a journey that takes us across the Americas to attempt to answer one of the most important questions of our time: What is Democracy?”

Following the screening, attendees are invited to remain for a brief discussion of the film.

This program will take place in the Androscoggin Community Room starting at 3:00 p.m.

ELECTIONS, POPULISM, AND DEMOCRATIC BACKSLIDING IN THE AMERICAS

Dr. Clarisa Pérez-Armendáriz, Associate Professor of Politics and Chair of the Latin American and Latinx Studies Program, Bates College

Monday, January 27, 2025 — 4:30-5:30 p.m.

Androscoggin Community Room

On Monday, January 27, 2025, the Auburn Public Library will welcome Dr. Clarisa Pérez-Armendáriz, Associate Professor of Politics and Chair of the Latin American and Latinx Studies Program at Bates College. Dr. Pérez-Armendáriz will be at the Library to talk about Elections, Populism, and Democratic Backsliding in the Americas.

Democratic backsliding is the process of political change in which countries that enjoy a certain level of democracy become significantly less democratic. Countries across the Americas–a continent of which the United States is part–have experienced significant democratic backsliding over the 21st century. What explains this recent wave of democratic erosion? More specifically why has democratic backsliding occurred under the leadership of freely elected governments? Drawing on the experiences of Mexico and countries in Central and Latin America, Professor Pérez-Armendáriz highlights two pathways for democratic backsliding and suggests some opportunities and strategies for protecting this form of government.

Clarisa Pérez-Armendáriz is an Associate Professor of Politics and Chair of the Latin American and Latinx Studies Program at Bates College in Lewiston, Maine. Her research explores how international migrants influence politics in their countries of origin, particularly in the context of crime and violence. Her publications appear in Comparative Political Studies, Studies in

Comparative International Development, the Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies, and Comparative Migration Studies. At Bates College, she teaches Comparative Politics, Political Violence in Latin America, Latinx Politics, and Latin American Politics. Professor Pérez-Armendáriz completed her Ph.D. in Government at the University of Texas at Austin. She also has a Master’s degree in Public Policy from Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government with an emphasis on International Security and a B.A. in International Relations from Pomona College. She served as a US Foreign Service officer in Mexico City and India from 1998-2002. She and her two daughters have been Auburn residents for nearly 15 years.

This program will take place in the Androscoggin Community Room beginning at 4:30 p.m.

BOOK DISCUSSION —

DEMOCRACY AWAKENING: NOTES ON THE STATE OF AMERICA

by Heather Cox Richardson

Thursday, February 13, 2025 – 4:00-5:00 p.m.

Conference Room

The final event leading up to the 38th Annual Camden Conference will be a discussion of the book Democracy Awakening: Notes on the State of America by Heather Cox Richardson.

A historian and author who was raised in Maine, Heather Cox Richardson is also the author of the popular daily newsletter, Letters from an American. In this book, she explains how America, once a beacon of democracy, now teeters on the brink of autocracy — and how we can turn back. (from book jacket)

This discussion will take place in person in the Conference Room on Thursday, February 13, 2025, from 4:00-5:00 p.m. Thanks to funding provided by the Camden Conference, free copies of the book are available to those who register, and books will be available for pickup on or after January 6.

To register for any of these events, please visit the Library website — www.auburnpubliclibrary.org — or call the Reference Desk at 207-333-6640, ext. 4.

For more details on the 2025 Camden Conference, including participating speakers, membership, or other pre-conference events, visit their website at camdenconference.org.

LEWISTON, ME – The Greater Androscoggin Humane Society announces the winners of their “Cold Paws, Warm Heart” Annual Raffle. With over $12,500 in ticket sales the winners were: Saundra Martel of Turner winning $500 of home heating assistance and a handmade quilt, Joe Valecko of Lewiston with $300 of home heating assistance, Barbara Provencher of Falmouth with $200 of home heating assistance and Mary Brown of Rumford with $100 of home heating assistance. All proceeds from the raffle directly benefit the Humane Society.

The Greater Androscoggin Humane Society provides a safe haven for over 3,000 sick, homeless and abused animals in the greater Androscoggin area per year. The primary support for the shelter comes from fundraising events and donations of concerned citizens.

The Greater Androscoggin Humane Society is located at 55 Strawberry Avenue in Lewiston. 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.

AUBURN, ME – The Auburn Community Concert Band has announced that rehearsals will resume on Wednesday, January 8th, in preparation for the group’s 2025 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 22nd to join the band during this semi-annual “Open Membership” period. The band has a particular need for flute, clarinet and trumpet players.

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 44th anniversary season since being formed by Simon back in 1981.

Currently, the ACCB has 49 members, ranging in age from late-teens to early eighties. These members collectively represent some 15 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 notify Director Simon at auburncommunityband@gmail.com prior to attending their first rehearsal.

LEWISTON, ME — Central Maine Orthopedics is pleased to introduce its newest provider, Bruce Hamilton-Dick, MD.

Dr. Hamilton-Dick went to medical school at Albany Medical College and completed his residency at Albany Medical Center.  He also did a fellowship at the University of Massachusetts in Orthopedics/Sports Medicine.

Dr. Hamilton-Dick is particularly passionate about musculoskeletal care and quality of life for his patients. “My job is to help people get old in the youngest way possible. And you can’t be a bystander in that game. You have to be all-in, and I want to be on your team,” he said.

“Dr. Hamilton-Dick is an excellent addition to our staff,” said Lauren Adey, MD, chief of Central Maine Orthopedics. “He brings nearly four decades of experience with him, specializing in both sports medicine and general orthopedics. This will be of tremendous benefit to our patients.”

Dr. Hamilton-Dick is certified by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery.  He was a physician for the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta.

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 – The City of Lewiston calls on community-minded residents to step forward to help shape the future of the city by volunteering on the City’s boards and committees. With 38 current and upcoming vacancies, primarily due to term expirations, there are numerous opportunities for residents to contribute their time, skills, and experience to strengthen Lewiston.

Openings are available on the following boards and committees:

Board of Appeals

Community Development Block Grant Review Committee

Complete Streets Committee

Finance Committee

Historic Preservation Review Board

Housing Committee

L/A Community Forestry Board

Lewiston Area Public Health Committee

Lewiston Auburn Clean Water Authority

Library Board of Trustees

Planning Board

Due to residency requirements in the City Charter, neither the Board of Appeals nor the Planning Board may have more than two members serving simultaneously from the same wards. This provision is to ensure adequate and balanced representation from all sections of the city.

“Our boards and committees play a vital role in guiding city policies and fostering a more connected, innovative Lewiston,” said City Clerk Kathy Montejo. “This is an opportunity for residents to get involved, make their voices heard, and help us build a stronger community together.”

Serving on a city committee offers both personal and civic rewards, as residents attest. “Joining the Library Board gave me strong relationships, pride in our library’s work, leadership and fundraising skills, and a real stake in Lewiston’s future,” said Mariah Pfeiffer, a Library Board of Trustees member.

Longtime resident Lucy Bisson reflected on nearly three decades of civic service: “Over thirty years ago I realized that I needed and wanted to become involved with the decisions being made regarding the future of my City, so I decided to serve on one of the many boards which help to guide our City. My first opportunity was the Board of Appeals. Over the years, it has been my privilege to join a few boards, such as the Historical Preservation Board, Personnel Board (no longer exists), Transportation Board and the Planning Board. I also spent many years working at the polls. It has been extremely rewarding serving with other concerned citizens and working with the knowledgeable City staff. I encourage anyone who is interested in the future of our City to become involved. You won’t regret it! I know I haven’t.”

“For the past 20 plus years, I have served on several of the City boards and committees open to the public,” said active city volunteer Paul Robinson. “For me, it’s a way of staying current on community issues, contributing my views, and having a vote on the outcome. It gives me a better understanding of the “why” of certain policies and decisions. In short, community involvement adds up to being an informed and contributing citizen.”

To learn more about committee roles, meeting times and responsibilities, visit www.lewistonmaine.gov/learnmore or call the City Clerk’s Department (207) 513-3124 during office hours: Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 7:45 AM to 4 PM and Tuesday from 7:45 AM to 5:30 PM.

Applications are available on the City’s website at www.lewistonmaine.gov/join. Completed applications must be submitted to the City Clerk’s Office by 12 PM on Mon., Dec. 30, although submissions will be accepted until all positions are filled.