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.

LEWISTON, ME — Central Maine Healthcare’s cancer care program is among the best in the nation, according to the Commission on Cancer (CoC).

The CoC is a consortium of professional organizations dedicated to improving survival and quality of life for patients with cancer by setting and raising standards. The organization promotes cancer prevention, research, education and monitoring of comprehensive quality care.

“As a participant of the Commission on Cancer (CoC), your hospital has earned distinction as an American College of Surgeons Surgical Quality Partner. This designation recognizes that your institution is dedicated to maintaining the highest standards in surgical care,” a statement from the CoC reads.

“This is great news and confirmation of what we already know: our oncology team members are among the best in the nation,” said Tim Counihan, MD, chief of surgery. “This accreditation should serve as further proof to our cancer patients that they are in great hands at Central Maine Healthcare.”

“The Commission on Cancer has incredibly high standards, so it’s especially gratifying to receive this accreditation,” said John Hamilton, senior vice president of service line operations at CMH. “This recognition not only highlights our dedication to quality but also reinforces our role as leaders in advancing cancer care and improving outcomes for our patients.”

The Central Maine Comprehensive Cancer Center is committed to providing high-quality care close to home. In order to offer the best care available, our interdisciplinary team of caregivers continually researches new technologies, meets regularly to discuss case presentations and uses data from the cancer registry to monitor patient outcomes. CMH’s cancer care program has earned numerous accreditations and distinctions—recognizing our cancer care teams who work tirelessly to help patients conquer this devastating disease.

FRYEBURG, ME — South African musician McCoy Mrubata will be returning to the LHE/PAC’s Bradley Backstage on April 17th, at 7:00PM. Mrubata will be joined by his musical collaborator, guitarist Gary Wittner.  Once a member of the legendary Hugh Masekela’s band, McCoy Mrubata has established himself as a saxophonist, bandleader and touring/recording artist.  A recent recipient of the South African Music Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award and the Kennedy Center’s International Arts Gold Medal, McCoy Mrubata has released over 20 CDs of original South African jazz and has toured the African continent and Europe extensively.  His music blends traditional African roots with American jazz. 

Guitarist Gary Wittner, a faculty member at the University of Southern Maine School of Music and Bowdoin College, has performed worldwide on 5 continents.  He has officially represented the USA multiple times as a Kennedy Center Jazz Ambassador, Fulbright Specialist, and US Embassy Outreach Artist. Gary has released 7 CDs as a leader. He performs original music, instrumental and vocal jazz, Blues and Americana, Latin and Middle Eastern music.  His book, Thelonious Monk for Guitar, published in 1999, has been a favorite of guitarists worldwide. 

Bradley Backstage tickets are $25 for adults and $5 for students. Purchase tickets online at www.fryeburgacademy.org/pac, or call the box office at 207-544-9066. The LHE/PAC is located at 18 Bradley Street in Fryeburg, Maine on the campus of Fryeburg Academy.

For more than a decade, the prestigious BUSRide Good Stewardship Award has honored individuals who exemplify outstanding leadership, ethics, and dedication to customer service in the motorcoach industry. This year, the American Bus Association is proud to announce that Scott Riccio, owner of Northeast Charter and Tour, has been named the 2025 BUSRide Good Stewardship Award recipient.

A Visionary Leader in the Motorcoach Industry

Scott Riccio’s journey in the transportation sector began in 1999 when he founded Northeast Charter and Tour in Lewiston, Maine, with just one motorcoach. Through his strong leadership and unwavering commitment to excellence, his company has since expanded into a thriving enterprise with 13 coaches, three mini-buses, passenger vans, and SUVs, providing a wide range of charter and tour services.

A Champion for the Industry

Riccio’s advocacy for the motorcoach industry has been pivotal. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he lobbied U.S. Senators from Maine for federal relief, ensuring the industry received the support it desperately needed to recover. His engagement with organizations such as The Institute for Family-Owned Business highlights his dedication to strengthening family-run enterprises in Maine.

Committed to Community and Sustainability

Riccio and Northeast Charter and Tour have significantly contributed to their community through various philanthropic efforts. Notable initiatives include:

Potato Palooza is an annual charity event that donates tons of potatoes to food banks and shelters.

Stuff the Bus is a campaign that collects donations for local community groups.

Organizing a GoFundMe campaign that raised nearly $20,000 for a Northeast Charter driver who lost his home and belongings.

Beyond community engagement, Riccio has championed environmentally friendly business practices for over a decade. His efforts have earned his company several prestigious sustainability awards:

2013 ABA Green Spirit Award for environmental stewardship.

2014 UMA Green Highway Award for adopting sustainable initiatives, such as switching to natural gas for heating, implementing a comprehensive waste oil and product recycling program, and transitioning to an all-digital system for driver logs and company communications.

Industry Involvement

Riccio’s influence extends across multiple industry organizations, where he remains an active member of:

Greater Northeast Motorcoach Association

International Motorcoach Group

United Motorcoach Association

American Bus Association

A Well-Deserved Honor

Scott Riccio’s remarkable leadership, dedication to ethical business practices, and commitment to environmental sustainability have impacted the motorcoach industry. His tireless advocacy and community contributions exemplify what it means to be a true industry steward.

Please join us in congratulating Scott Riccio, the 2025 BUSRide Good Stewardship Award recipient!

Every year for more than a decade, the coveted BUSRide Good Stewardship Award has recognized one individual who is considered an ambassador; a dedicated professional who not only provides the highest level of customer service, but who also helps guide the industry forward as a champion of ethics, strong values, safety, operational excellence, and unparalleled leadership.

BUSRide, in tandem with the American Bus Association, is proud to announce Scott Riccio, owner of Northeast Charter & Tour, is the winner of the 2025 BUSRide Good Stewardship Award.

A dynamic leader in the motorcoach industry, Riccio’s influence has been apparent since he founded Northeast Charter and Tour in Lewiston, Maine, in 1999 with just one motorcoach. Under Riccio’s leadership, the company has grown to a fleet of 13 coaches, three minibuses, plus passenger vans and SUVs, offering a variety of charter and tour services.

Through his tireless efforts, Riccio has demonstrated an exceptional ability to lead with integrity and a deep sense of responsibility towards his community and the environment.

During COVID-19, Riccio lobbied U.S. Senators from Maine for much-needed federal relief for the motorcoach industry. He participates in The Institute for Family-Owned Business, which serves family business owners, executives, and employees through a wide range of continuing education programs, networking opportunities and consulting services. The Institute is a comprehensive resource for family-owned businesses throughout Maine.

Northeast Charter & Tour participated in the annual “Potato Palooza,” a charity event that donates tons of potatoes (literally) to food banks and shelters to feed the hungry. “This was a fun event,” said Riccio, adding that the companies made direct donations. “In turn, we all received one ton of freshly harvested Maine potatoes. We gave them away to employees, friends, and family, plus we provided hundreds of pounds to food shelters and food pantries in our towns.”

Northeast Charter also sponsor the annual “Stuff the Bus” school readiness program that provides backpacks, school supplies and other items to prepare low-income students for the first day of school and to ensure their success throughout the school year.

When a Northeast Charter driver lost his home and possessions last year, Northeast Charter & Tour organized a GoFundMe that raised almost $20,000.

In addition to his deep involvement in community initiatives, Riccio has been a fervent advocate for eco-friendly business practices for more than a decade. His unwavering dedication to sustainability has garnered his company several awards in recognition of its environmental achievements, including:

In 2013, Northeast Charter and Tour won the ABA Green Spirit Award for environmental stewardship

In 2014, the company won the UMA Green Highway Award by switching to natural gas to head the company’s headquarters, running a robust waste oil and product recycling program, and moving to all-digital for driver logs and company communications.

As involved in the motorcoach industry as he is in his own company, Riccio is an active member of the Greater Northeast Motorcoach Association, the International Motorcoach Group; the United Motorcoach Association, and the American Bus Association.

Riccio’s outstanding leadership, steadfast dedication to ethical business practices, and unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability have left a profound impact on the motorcoach industry.

His ceaseless advocacy for the industry and his countless contributions to the community serve as a shining example of what it means to be a true steward of the industry. His work not only sets a high standard for others in the industry but also inspires future generations to follow in his footsteps.

BUSRide and the American Bus Association applaud Riccio, winner of the 2025 BUSRide Good Stewardship Award.

AUBURN, ME – In honor of Earth Day, Community Credit Union is excited to partner up with local organizations to host its annual Community Recycle Day Drive-Thru Event and bottle drive on Saturday, April 26, 2025, from 9 AM to 12 PM at our Auburn branch.

This FREE event is open to everyone—no membership required! Local community partners are coming together to provide a convenient and FREE way for residents to recycle a variety of items, including:

Shredding On Site – Standard office paper, file folders, envelopes, and notepads. NorthCoast Services – TVs, monitors, PCs/laptops, and printers (no cords, keyboards, or accessories). Kaydenz Kitchen – Clothing, coats, and shoes. SeniorsPlus – Food, puzzles, unopened adult incontinence products, shower chairs, transfer benches, walkers/rollators, canes, and quad canes (in clean and in good working condition). Kommunity Kritters – Pet food, bowls, toys, treats, and cat litter. SHAREcenter – Personal care items for shelters and schools, office supplies, school supplies, musical instruments and more (a full list to be posted in the Facebook event).

Red’s Moving Inc. – Red’s Moving Inc. will be on-site, collecting bottles and cans to support the SHAREcenter!

This event has been a community tradition since 2009, bringing together local businesses and residents to reduce, reuse, and recycle as we honor Earth Day!

For more details and event updates, visit: https://www.facebook.com/share/18dt742d7N/

Let’s work together to keep our community clean and green!

LEWISTON, ME — The Windham Chamber Singers will be appearing in concert at the Franco Center on Wednesday, April 9 at 7:00 pm as part of their 2025 Spring Tour. The Windham Chamber Singers gained international attention in 1996 when they won the Prize of Vienna, the highest award given at the International Youth Music Festival in Vienna, Austria. Since then, they have captured the hearts of audiences across the globe.

They have appeared in concert with artists including the late Kenny Rogers and Andy Williams, John Rutter, Josh Groban, Noel Paul Stookey (Peter, Paul and Mary), Sutton Foster, Norm Lewis, Mandy Gonzalez and numerous times as special guests of the Portland Symphony Orchestra. Recent performances include their annual American Family Holiday concerts and collaborations with the Celtic Tenors and Portland Municipal Organist, James Kennerly.

Recognized for diversity, their performances include music spanning hundreds of years and many different cultures and genres. For example, in May, 2016, they were featured for the third time at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City in a concert of sacred a-cappella music. In contrast, later that year they joined with tribute band, Master Stroke in a performance that featured the music of the iconic rock band, Queen.

The choir has released four CDs on the Pine Point label and appears on many other compilation recordings as both a featured choir, and as backup singers.

According to the conductor, Dr. Richard Nickerson, “We are so excited to begin our tour in Lewiston and honored to perform at the Franco Center!” Nickerson is also the Artistic Director of the Maine Music Society, based in Lewiston.

What: Windham Chamber Singers in concert

When Wednesday, April 9, 2025 at 7:00 pm

Where: Franco Center

48 Cedar Street

Lewiston, ME

FMI www.windhamchambersingers.com

Admission: Adults $15, Students $10

MONMOUTH, ME — The Monmouth Community Players, along with Marquis Sponsor, Great Falls Regional Federal Credit Union, and season sponsors Winthrop Area Federal Credit Union and Readfield Insurance Agency, invite you to join them for their performance of Jacob Richmond and Brooke Maxwell’s Ride The Cyclone. Spearheading this production in her MCP directorial debut is Hannah Hanson (Lewiston). Her creative team includes music directors Rachel Scala-Bolduc (Lewiston) and Moll Brown (Lewiston), choreographer Julie Sanborn (Bath), stage manager Pascal Ford (Brunswick), and producer Tim MacLeod (Auburn).

In this hilarious and outlandish story, the lives of six teenagers from a Canadian chamber choir are cut short in a freak accident aboard a roller coaster. When they awake in limbo, a mechanical fortune teller invites each to tell a story to win a prize like no other — the chance to return to life. This popular musical is a funny, moving look at what makes a life well-lived!

Audience attendance is highly suggested at 18+ but will be left to parental discretion due to the mature themes listed above.

The selection of competitors is portrayed by a multi-talented cast of actors from all over Maine, including: Julia Badaraco of Waterville; Bryanne MacMillan, Archer Slater and Jonny Bolduc of Lewiston; Hillary Perry of Buckfield; Anthony Delorme of Auburn; Owen Lewis of Gardiner; Casper Madarasz of Brunswick; Ben Simpson and Meghan Rivard of Turner; Madeline Labonte of Mechanic Falls; Abram Dwyer of North Yarmouth; Birdie Gay of Monmouth; and Lou Ford of Bath.

Ride the Cyclone, by Jacob Richmond and Brooke Maxwell, is presented through special arrangement with Broadway Licensing. www.broadwaylicensing.com

Ride The Cyclone will be performing in the beautiful, historic Cumston Hall at 796 Main Street, Monmouth, April 18th – 27th, 2025. Performances will be at 7:30PM on 4/18, 4/19, 4/25, and 4/26, with matinee 2PM shows on 4/19, 4/20, 4/26, and 4/27. Understudy performances will be the afternoon of 19th and evening of the 26th. The additionally interpreted ASL performance will also be on April 26 for the matinee performance. For more information, or to purchase tickets, please feel free to email the theater at mcpboxoffice@gmail.com, call them at (207)370-9566, or purchase tickets online at www.monmouthcommunityplayers.org.

Front row: Bryanne MacMillan, Birdie Gay, Anthony Delorme, Archer Slater, Meghan Rivard, Casper Madaraz and Madeline Labonte;

Back row: Jonny Bolduc, Abram Dwyer, Owen Lewis, Lou Ford, Julia Badaraco, and Hillary Perry;

Missing: Ben Simpson