MAINE – St. Mary’s Pediatrics has achieved Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) recognition from the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), joining all other St. Mary’s primary care practices in meeting national standards for patient-centered care.

The PCMH model is designed to improve how primary care is delivered. It focuses on building ongoing relationships with patients and families, coordinating care across different providers, and making services easier to access. Practices must meet specific standards that cover areas such as communication, care planning, and use of health data to guide decisions.

St. Mary’s Pediatrics meets PCMH standards by working closely with families, improving access to care, and coordinating with specialists, schools, and community resources. These efforts help ensure children receive timely and appropriate care at every stage of development.

For more information about St. Mary’s Pediatrics, visit stmarysmaine.com/pediatrics.

LEWISTON, ME – Central Maine Healthcare will soon have some new certified nursing assistants (CNAs) among its ranks.

Earlier this month, eight CNA candidates graduated from CMMC’s Earn to Learn Program. It’s an eight-week state-approved training regimen and is free to the students. The program includes classwork, a skills lab and clinical experience.

All eight graduates have passed the state CNA Competency Exam and have been offered positions within Central Maine Healthcare which includes CMMC, Rumford Hospital and Bridgton Hospital.

“You are the eyes and ears of the nurses,” Kaitlyn Smith, RN, director of Acute Care Nursing at CMMC, told the graduates. “You are often the first person a patient comes across. You’re often the person who helps them into their car when we discharge them. You are the face of Central Maine Healthcare. Just remember why you wanted to go into the healthcare profession: to take care of patients.”

The next Earn to Learn program starts in October. Those interested can email gervaich@cmhc.org or call (207)795-7526.

LEWISTON, ME – Central Maine Healthcare is pleased to announce the arrival of a new provider. Eric Benson, MD, is now practicing at Central Maine Healthcare Orthopedics.

Dr. Benson attended Princeston University before receiving a Master of Science in Physiology at Georgetown University. He attended the Georgetown University School of Medicine before completing an orthopedic surgery residency at the University of New Mexico and a fellowship in shoulder, elbow and hand surgery at the Roth/McFarlane Hand and Upper Limb Center in London, Ontario.

Prior to joining Central Maine Healthcare, he practiced at New Mexico Orthopedics, specializing in shoulder and elbow surgery.

“I chose orthopedic surgery and shoulder and elbow surgery in particular because I have the opportunity to work with and help a wide range of patients with different interests and activity levels and at different stages of life,” Dr. Benson said.

Central Maine Healthcare Orthopedics offers a full spectrum of treatments and services, from fracture care and casting for broken bones to complicated surgical procedures, rehabilitation and therapy services, allowing delivery of comprehensive, whole-person care from one location, to help patients get back to the activities they love.

MAINE – St. Mary’s Vein Care will host a free screening event for varicose veins and circulation concerns on Tuesday, September 17 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Appointments are required, with time slots available every 10 minutes. During the visit, the expert vein care team will perform a quick, painless screening, review results, and discuss any next steps or treatment options if needed.

Varicose veins can be more than a cosmetic issue. They may signal circulation problems that can worsen over time. This event is an opportunity to get answers and learn about treatment options in a comfortable and convenient setting.

To schedule an appointment, call (207) 777-4469.

LEWISTON, ME – Join us at the Lewiston Public Library’s Jane Austen Regency Ball on Saturday, October 18th in Callahan Hall. Doors will open at 6:30pm, and the dance will run from 7 to 9pm. The ball will include English Country Dancing and light refreshments. This is the Lewiston Public Library’s first annual literary ball, commemorating Jane Austen’s 250th birthday.

English Country Dancing is a style of social folk dance that has been around for over five centuries and was popular during the Regency era. It is an approachable style of dance that utilizes a caller who teaches each song’s dance and calls the figures as the song progresses. This is a beginner-friendly dance, so participants do not need any prior experience to attend.

This free, after-hours event is open to participants ages 13 and up. No registration is required. Regency attire and fancy dress are encouraged.

The Lewiston Public Library is located downtown at 200 Lisbon Street at the corner of Pine Street. More information on this program is available by contacting the Lewiston Public Library at 513-3134 or LPLCirc@lewistonmaine.gov.

LEWISTON, AUBURN, ME – The Lewiston-Auburn Rotary Club recently inducted five new members who are pictured below along with their club sponsors and officers. From left are outgoing president Larry Delhagen; new members Scott and Elaine St. Pierre and their sponsor Stephanie Gelinas; new member Nishant Patel and sponsor Roger Philippon; sponsor Christine and new member Amy Sanchez; and President Peter Arsenault. Absent from the photo is new member Jeffrey Harmon, mayor of Auburn.

Scott and Elaine St. Pierre are the owners of SPS Property Inspections of Lewiston, which offers comprehensive home inspections, testing, and handyman services. Nishant Patel, the owner of Future Foods Supermarket in Mechanic Falls, is actually a transfer member from his previous club in Boston, MA. Amy Sanchez is creator and executive director of Kommunity Kritters in Lewiston, a grassroots resource to assist Lewiston residents to care for their animals.

The Lewiston-Auburn Rotary Club has been serving this community since its founding in 1917. In addition to various volunteer activities, the club raises funds to support local service agencies and to provide yearly scholarships to graduating seniors from area high schools. The club meets every Thursday at noon at the Village Inn Restaurant in Auburn. Anyone interested in joining is encouraged to come to a meeting and visit the club website at lewistonauburnrotary.org/.

Up, pup, and away! Get ready for tails waggin’ and frisbees flyin’! Pups In The Air lands at the 2025 Lewiston-Auburn Balloon Festival!

These paws-itively amazing Disc Doggers and their talented four-legged friends will leap, spin, and soar on the Main Field at Simard-Payne Park, 46 Beech St., Lewiston. Catch their high-flying fun: Sat., Aug. 16 at 11:00 AM and at 1 PM Sun., Aug. 17 at 9:30 AM and 12:15 PM.

This year’s “cast” is full of seasoned pros from national competition qualifiers to top notch disc champs from all over New England.

Bring the kids. Bring your friends. Get ready to be fur-tunately amazed!

This year’s “cast” is full of seasoned pros from national competition qualifiers to top-notch disc champs from all over New England.

Everybody loves a parade! Whether you’re for the music, the balloons, the vintage cars or just to see who’s wearing the most sparkles, the Lewiston-Auburn Balloon Festival parade has something for everyone. Make sure to hunker down in your front-row seat on Sat., Aug. 16 at 10 AM.

Here’s how the parade will roll:

Kickoff at Elm & Main in Auburn

Cruise down Main Street through New Auburn – wave like you mean it!

Float over the Bernard Lown Peace Bridge into Lewiston via Cedar Street – keep it zen in the Quiet Zone (from Cedar in Auburn to Lincoln Street in Lewiston).

Trek on through to Lincoln Street

Wrap up at Beech Street or just keep rolling down Lincoln if the energy’s too good to stop.

Wanna be in the parade instead of just watching? Drop a line to hamlyn300@gmail.com and join the fun!

LEWISTON, ME – After more than three decades of service to the City of Lewiston starting as a police officer, Lewiston Police Chief David St. Pierre formally announced today his retirement, effective September 9, 2025.

A Lewiston native, Chief St. Pierre has served the city with distinction for 33 years, the last four as Chief of Police. Chief St. Pierre called the decision “a difficult one” made with the support of his family, adding, “Serving this City — my hometown — has been one of the greatest honors of my life.”

St. Pierre has led the department through some of its most challenging and transformative times. His leadership was instrumental in strengthening department morale, expanding community policing efforts, and building trust with Lewiston residents. Known for his steady and humble leadership, Chief St. Pierre often credited the success of the department to the team around him. “I’ve never done this job alone,” he said. “Everything we’ve accomplished has been because of the dedication and professionalism of the incredible men and women of the Lewiston Police Department.”

“My 33-year career with the Lewiston Police Department has been nothing short of fantastic, so very rewarding and challenging at the same time. I truly appreciate each and every one of my colleagues and will miss you all deeply. It has been a pleasure being your Chief,” said St. Pierre.

“Chief St. Pierre has served this community with integrity, compassion, and professionalism,” said Bryan Kaenrath, Lewiston City Administrator. “I know firsthand how deeply committed he is to Lewiston and how difficult it is for someone of his character, a true public servant, to step away. The heart of a police officer never stops protecting and serving, even in retirement. He has more than earned the time to focus on his family, especially enjoying special moments with his grandson, Ben. Lewiston is better because of his leadership, and his legacy will carry forward.”

“I deeply appreciate Chief St. Pierre’s steady leadership and unwavering commitment to our city. His decades of service have made Lewiston a safer, stronger community,” said Lewiston Mayor Carl Sheline. “In particular, his guidance and strength during the October 25 tragedy provided reassurance and clarity during one of our darkest hours. Lewiston owes him a profound debt of gratitude, and I respect him immensely for all he has given to this city.”

Chief St. Pierre’s leadership was perhaps most visible during the unimaginable tragedy of October 25, 2023, the deadliest mass shooting in Maine’s history and, at the time, the nation. In the face of chaos, fear, and grief, he led with calm resolve and unshakable focus. As the city grappled with loss and uncertainty, he ensured a coordinated, disciplined response across local, state, and federal agencies, while also being present for his officers and the community. His ability to balance operational command with deep compassion helped guide Lewiston through one of its darkest chapters and brought a steady hand when it was needed most.

Chief St. Pierre is widely regarded as a cop’s cop who never forgot where he came from and remained deeply connected to the men and women serving on the front lines. Starting his career as a patrol officer and rising through the ranks to become Chief, he championed efforts to ensure officers had the equipment, training, and compensation officers need to serve effectively. He was a driving force behind the development of a new, state-of-the-art police headquarters, worked tirelessly to secure pay increases and retirement improvements, and regularly walked the halls and neighborhoods to meet with residents and officers. His commitment to leadership was also evident in his completion of the in senior leadership training program at the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia, which undoubtedly helped shape his calm, strategic approach during times of crisis, including the October 25 tragedy.

As the City looks to the future, Kaenrath noted that he will meet with senior leadership early next week to determine next steps for filling the Chief’s role. “Our priority will be maintaining the high standards of public safety and leadership that Chief St. Pierre established,” said Kaenrath. According to the City Charter, the City Administrator appoints the Police Chief.

AUBURN, ME – “The Beacon on Court Street,” the Court Street Baptist Church (CSBC), at the corner of Auburn’s Court and Pleasant Streets – darkened and silent for the past two years, is being restored, and the parishioners are inviting Twin Cities residents, businesses, and organizations to partner with us to complete the project.

Dual lightning strikes several years ago, followed by substantial water damage from the unprecedented summer rain storm of July 25, 2023 – and a then-dwindling group of attendees, led to a decision to sell the building. Subsequently, two scheduled sales-closings were canceled, and the number of parishioners stabilized, leading to a recent vote to repair and return to 129 Court Street. City of Auburn officials who have inspected the building expressed strong support for its restoration. While the reconstruction is being accomplished, the CSBC congregation is blessed to be meeting at the Grace Lutheran Church, 757 Summer Street, 8:30am, Sundays.

The estimated cost for reclamation is $600,000 – daunting, but what we are being called to do. We will very much appreciate the prayers and tangible contributions by the Auburn-Lewiston community in completing this task. Checks may be sent to: Financial Secretary, Court Street Baptist Church, P. O. Box 1005, Auburn, Maine 04211-1005.