AUBURN, ME — The First Universalist Church of Auburn presents the story of a spiritual journey on Sunday, July 21 @12pm in the vestry. The Adult Religious Exploration committee hosts a talk by Luke Lunt entitled “Refusing Disappointment: My Trip to Tabasco and Chiapas, Mexico.”

Through pictures and stories, Lunt offers a reflection about a recent trip to see the 3,000-year old colossal Olmec heads in Villahermosa. The trip was a life-changing journey both outward and inward, because of what Lunt did- and didn’t- experience there.

Adult RE’s speaker series, “Treks and Sojourns,” provides a space in which Unitarian Universalists talk about their travels. The name is an invitation to focus solely on travel as a secular experience (a trek), to offer a more spiritual dimension to the excursion (a sojourn), or to share a mixture of both. FMI contact Adult RE chair Charles Nero cnero@bates.edu

“Treks and Sojourns” has featured Bill Frayer’s talk about exploring Croatia and Holly Cooney’s talk, “From Fear to Faith,” about a solo bike tour.

The First Universalist Church of Auburn is located at 169 Pleasant St.  Enter on Spring, St., across from Dairy Joy.  Parking; accessible.  FMI 783-0461 or www.auburnuu.org.

Luke Lunt will share a talk entitled “Refusing Disappointment: My Trip to Tabasco and Chiapas, Mexico.”

LEWISTON, ME — The Central Maine Family Medicine Residency, along with Healthy Androscoggin and Maine Family Planning, will host a “Clinic in the Community” this month.

The event is scheduled for July 12 from 1:00-4:00 p.m. at Kennedy Park in Lewiston. Members of the public will have the opportunity to access free blood pressure checks, reproductive healthcare services, diabetes screening and learn about lead poisoning prevention.

“We believe that meeting people where they live, work and play is the best way to build a healthier community together,” said Lindsay Gannon, health promotion manager at Healthy Androscoggin.

“By providing this opportunity to conduct health screens in conjunction with public health resources, we can strengthen the connection between community and clinical sectors to improve population health. We will be sharing resources on topics that improve quality of life, such as childhood lead poisoning prevention, nutrition, physical activity, tobacco-free lifestyles and substance misuse prevention.”

This project is part of Central Maine Healthcare’s commitment to engage the communities it serves to better identify needs and to improve overall health outcomes for the population.

For more information on the Clinic in the Community, please contact:

Central Maine Family Medicine Residency

(207) 795-2803

Healthy Androscoggin

(207)795-5990

Maine Family Planning

(207) 922-3222

LEWISTON, ME—Andwell Health Partners, Maine’s largest, non-profit home and community-based healthcare and care management organization, has launched its new Mobile Wound Care service in Androscoggin County, Oxford County, and parts of Franklin, Cumberland, Kennebec, and Sagadahoc County, to address the growing need in the community while eliminating barriers to critical care. (Andwell Health Partners is formerly known as Androscoggin Home Healthcare + Hospice.)

“Our new service brings professional wound care directly to the patient, whether they live at home, in assisted living, or at long-term care facility,” said Shauna Lane, Clinical Manager of Home Healthcare Services. “Because we serve the patient in their home, transportation is eliminated as a barrier to care.”

Accessing timely care presents additional challenges for rural areas where transportation issues can be difficult to navigate. Andwell Mobile Wound Care provides an essential solution by eliminating the need for travel and reducing wait times to improve outcomes and eliminate barriers to access.

Andwell clinicians bring more than just bandages.

“Our service is more than changing a bandage,” said Mary Desalle, Geriatric Nurse Practitioner, “Andwell’s Mobile Wound Care is holistic in its approach. There are so many variables to healing. By meeting with patients where they live, we assess their environment, develop goals together, and provide support every step of the way to a better quality of life.”

In addition to specialized wound care, Andwell Health Partners offers a full spectrum of home-based services, ensuring that patients receive care tailored to their individualized needs.

“Andwell’s breadth and depth of home and community-based services means we can easily and effectively connect our patients with additional care they need,” said Lane.

This multidisciplinary approach includes access to physical and occupational therapy as well as a full range of home-based healthcare to complement wound care.

The introduction of Andwell Mobile Wound Care solidifies Andwell Health Partners’ commitment to enhancing community health and wellbeing by making critical services accessible to all, regardless of location or mobility challenges.

For more information on Andwell Mobile Wound Care and other home-based services, visit https://andwell.org.

AUGUSTA, ME —On Saturday, June 22, Sen. Peggy Rotundo, D-Lewiston, attended a reception for teachers and staff at Montello School in honor of longtime Lewiston educator Mike Martel. Sen. Rotundo presented Mr. Martel with a legislative sentiment recognizing his 43-year teaching career.

“Mike has dedicated his entire career to teaching generations of Lewiston students, helping to ensure that they have the skills and knowledge to lead productive, happy lives,” said Sen. Rotundo. “He has set a wonderful example for others through his kindness, patience, concern and dedication, and has made the Lewiston community very proud in the process.”

Martel has been a fifth- and sixth grade teacher and math interventionist at Montello School for 39 years. He taught at Holy Cross School in Lewiston for three years prior to joining Montello. Additionally, he has held high positions in the Lewiston Education Association and has served as Lewiston’s District Certification Chairperson.

A legislative sentiment acknowledges and recognizes academic, athletic, civic, professional or service-related accomplishments. It is approved by the full Legislature and signed by the President of the Senate, Speaker of the House, Secretary of the Senate and Clerk of the House.

Mike Martel, holding the legislative sentiment, with Sen. Peggy Rotundo.

AUBURN, ME – Fontaine Family Real Estate is proud to announce that they have been honored with the prestigious Chris Greicius Society of Hope Award by Make-A-Wish. This esteemed recognition is awarded to donors who have contributed $100,000 or more over time, highlighting their ongoing commitment to delivering hope to children with critical illnesses and their families when they need it most.

The Chris Greicius Society of Hope Award, named after the 7-year-old boy whose wish to be a police officer inspired the creation of Make-A-Wish in 1980, celebrates donors who have shown extraordinary dedication to supporting the mission of Make-A-Wish. Since its inception over 30 years ago, the award has honored individuals and organizations that have significantly contributed to granting more than 360,000 wishes in the U.S. and its territories.

We are incredibly honored to receive the Chris Greicius Society of Hope Award. Supporting Make-A-Wish and helping to bring joy and hope to children facing critical illnesses has been a core part of our mission. We are deeply grateful for this recognition and remain committed to continuing our support for this wonderful cause.

Fontaine Family Real Estate’s commitment to Make-A-Wish is exemplified by their annual Bid for Wishes silent auction, which has raised substantial funds over the years to help make dreams come true for children in need. Their recent 11th Annual Bid for Wishes silent auction alone raised $25,000 in loving memory of Jackson Gibson, contributing to the significant milestone recognized by this award.

We believe in the power of a wish to change lives, and we are dedicated to supporting Make-A-Wish in their efforts to bring hope and happiness to children and their families. This award inspires us to continue our efforts and make an even greater impact in the future.

 Chris Greicius Society of Hope Awarded to Fontaine Family

AUBURN, ME – Make laughter a priority this weekend at Great Falls Comedy Club on July 6, with co-headliners, Alex Temple and Casey Watson.

Keep your holiday weekend rolling with laughter as two of Maine’s best, young and up-and-coming comics take the stage on Saturday night. 

Temple has been performing around New England and in New York City and recently moved on to the next round of the Last Comix Standing comedy competition at Mohegan Sun Casino in Connecticut.  Watson is the winner of the 2023 New England’s Funniest Comedian competition at Aura in Portland and a regular host at Empire Comedy Club.  Both are sure to make you laugh.   

Tickets can be found at https://www.greatfallscomedyclub.com or purchased at the door.  Great Falls Comedy Club is located inside Craft Brew Underground at 34 Court Street, Auburn, under the red awning.   

For more information contact the club at info@greatfallscomedyclub.com or by phone at 207-200-5366.

LEWISTON, ME — The Public Theatre in Lewiston will present Litchfield, Maine-native Scott Moreau and his one-man show, “Late and Alone: An Intimate Portrait of Johnny Cash,” on July 13 and 14.  Moreau has traveled the world performing as Johnny Cash for over a decade and is regarded as one of the foremost interpreters of Johnny Cash’s iconic music.

Initial sales for the event have proven so successful that The Public Theatre has added an additional matinee on Saturday, July 13 at 3:00 pm.

 “Late And Alone” had its world premiere in 2018 at New York City’s famed Feinstein’s/54 Below.  Moreau embodies “The Man in Black” as he performs all of Cash’s hits plus some “deep cuts” while telling anecdotes and more in-depth stories spanning nearly 50 years of Cash’s musical life. You’ll hear songs from the American Recordings, including his iconic epitaph, “Hurt.” Exclusive to these shows at The Public Theatre in Lewiston, Moreau has prepared two new songs for his set.

In addition to his solo career performing as Johnny Cash, Moreau has appeared nationally as Johnny Cash in regional productions of the Broadway hit, “Million Dollar Quartet.”

“Late and Alone: An Intimate Portrait of Johnny Cash” will be performed at The Public Theatre on Saturday, July 13 at 3:00 pm & 7:30 pm, and Sunday, July 14 at 2:00 pm. Tickets are $33. Discounted Student and Youth ticket prices available. For tickets call 782-3200 or visit ThePublicTheatre.org.  Theatre Location: 31 Maple St, Lewiston.

“Late And Alone” is sponsored by Uncle Andy’s Digest/Lydia Media and Baxter Brewing. Season Underwriters: Sun Journal, Platz Associates, and Bennett Radio Group.

AUBURN, ME — Home At Last-Maine Real Real Estate Co’s newest Branch Office celebrated its Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening on Wednesday, June 12th, with more than 100 attendees throughout the day. Michelle Gosselin, the Branch Owner, along with the L/A Chamber of Commerce, organized the event. The guests included local dignitaries, Board Members, Mayor Harmon, as well as numerous family members, friends, and business associates.  Michelle Gosselin and her teammates, Elizabeth Splane & Tim Ervin invite you to stop by to receive a free gift during the month of June. The branch office is located at 229 Center Street, Suite 9, Auburn.

Home At Last Team: Tim Ervin, Elizabeth Splane, Michelle Gosselin Ervin, Marlene Jolicoeur and Shanna Cox, LA Chamber President. Photo Credit: Leah’s Lens Photography

 LEWISTON, ME  — Central Maine Healthcare (CMH), which includes Central Maine Medical Center (CMMC) in Lewiston, Bridgton Hospital, Rumford Hospital and numerous healthcare practices, is a recipient of the 2024 IPRO Quality Award. The award from the Island Peer Review Organization recognizes commitment to and success in improving patient outcomes and reducing readmissions. 

Central Maine Healthcare is committed to improving outcomes and reducing readmissions, in part by improving transition plans from the hospital to home, consistently following up with patients after they are discharged and by making referrals to care management providers within our network, among other efforts.   

“This award really says a lot about the work being done by Quality Services and others here at CMH,” said John Alexander, MD, chief operating officer, Central Maine Healthcare.

“Reducing readmissions means reducing healthcare costs, but more importantly, it means our team members are making sure our patients are cared for while they are in our hospitals and that they get the care they need after they leave so they can stay home and stay well.” 

“Central Maine Healthcare exemplifies the dedication of healthcare providers across the spectrum who have committed themselves to providing the highest quality of care,” said Clare Bradley, MD, IPRO’s senior vice president and chief medical officer. “It has done so despite the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, staffing shortages, an aging workforce and growing number of patients with complex needs.” 

IPRO is a non-profit organization that works with government agencies, providers and patients to implement innovative programs that bring policy ideas to life. IPRO holds contracts with federal, state and local government agencies, as well as private-sector clients, in more than 34 states and the District of Columbia. 

Angela Dubuc, system director of quality services, Central Maine Healthcare, accepts IPRO award.

LEWISTON, AUBURN, ME — In 2023, seven people died in traffic crashes in Lewiston and Auburn. In the past decade, 46 people have died in crashes in the two communities.

“We do not believe any number of deaths are acceptable,” said Jonathan LaBonté, Auburn’s Director of Transportation Systems. “That’s why our city council passed a resolve demonstrating our commitment to Vision Zero principles and supporting the Safe Streets and Roads for All grant process.”

As part of the process, Lewiston and Auburn are asking people who live, work, and play in either city to take a 5-minute survey to identify their biggest road safety concerns. The survey asks respondents to identify where they feel unsafe walking, using a wheelchair, bicycling and riding in a vehicle on local streets.

The survey is the first of a number of events, meetings, and public opportunities to shape individual Safety Action Plans for each community. Led by the Androscoggin Transportation Resource Center (ATRC), the Lewiston-Auburn Complete Streets Committee, and staff from both cities – the plans will outline the changes needed to make streets safer for everyone.

The Safety Action Plans are funded through a Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grant from the Federal Highway Administration. The grant requires that local communities follow the?Safe System Approach,?which sets a goal of zero deaths or serious injuries on roadways – also often known by the term “Vision Zero.”

“Input from residents is critical,” said Kevin Gagné, Lewiston Public Works Director. “Our crews drive these roads every day and in all conditions, but hearing directly from residents provides us with first-hand knowledge of your experience. Also, your voice helps us with a holistic view of road safety issues from those who face unique challenges that are not always evident in general traffic data. Your input will lead to a more inclusive approach to road safety planning.”

“When we’re done with these plans, both cities will be eligible for follow-up funding from the same program – so we can get to work building those needed sidewalks, safer intersections, trails, and safer bike routes, etc.” said Larry Allen, Transportation Director at ATRC.

The development of Auburn and Lewiston’s Safety Action Plans is taking place in a similar timeframe as other Safe Streets and Roads for All grant work in Greater Portland, Sanford/Springvale and the Bangor area. 

You can complete the survey online. Paper copies of the survey in English, French, Portuguese, Somali, and Spanish are available at the Clerk’s Office at both City Halls, and both cities’ public libraries. It should not take more than 5-10 minutes to complete and all answers are confidential. The survey will be open through July 20th.