LEWISTON, ME — The 2024 Summer Reading program at Lewiston Public Library begins Monday, June 24th and will run until Saturday, August 17th. The library will have free public events, performers and programs for children, teens, and adults throughout the summer. Check the library’s website at www.lplonline.org/events-programs for a full list of upcoming events.

For the Summer Reading program, all ages will be using a bookmark to track reading and activities for free books and prizes. Pick up a bookmark at the library, complete the activities listed, and turn it in at the library to be entered into our end-of-summer prize drawings. Children and Teens will also get to choose a free book to keep for every reading bookmark completed.

All ages may complete as many reading bookmarks as they wish throughout the summer reading program. We are encouraging participants not only to read or listen to books but also make a new craft or recipe or explore a favorite place in our beautiful city or a new landmark in our wondrous state. The first 10 participants of each age group to turn in a completed bookmark will also receive a free T-shirt with the Summer Reading logo. Bookmarks are available starting on Friday, June 21st.

Summer Reading t-shirts will be available to purchase at the first-floor service desk. Adult shirts are $15 and children’s shirts will be $10. Various sizes are available while supplies last. Summer t-shirts are generously supported by the Friends of LPL.

Admission is free to all Summer Reading events and no library card is required to participate in the reading programs. Prizes must be picked up in person at the library.

The Lewiston Public Library is located downtown at 200 Lisbon Street at the corner of Pine Street. More information on the 2024 Summer Reading program is available by contacting the Lewiston Public Library at 207-513-3135 or LPLReference@lewistonmaine.gov.

LEWISTON, ME – Andwell Health Partners (formerly Androscoggin Home Healthcare + Hospice) is pleased to announce its highly anticipated Annual Butterfly Release Celebration, an extraordinary event designed to honor our loved ones. Set against a backdrop of serenity and natural beauty, this unique gathering promises to be an unforgettable experience for all participants.

The celebration will take place on Saturday, July 13 from 11am to 1pm at Geiger Elementary School, located in the heart of the Lewiston community. Attendees will be treated to an array of activities, including soul-stirring music, light refreshments, and the chance to connect and share treasured memories with others who understand the significance of remembrance.

At the core of this special occasion is the solemn reading of names, where we honor those for whom the butterflies have been dedicated. As the moment unfolds, the air will be filled with emotion, love, and reflection. The climax of the event will be the grand release of nearly a thousand butterflies, symbolizing the transformation of life and providing a truly breathtaking sight.

“Andwell’s annual Butterfly Release Celebration offers a uniquely beautiful and meaningful way to pay tribute to our loved ones,” said Leslie Ogilvie, Community Relations and Development Manager of Andwell. “It allows us to come together as a community, share our stories, and embrace the healing power of remembrance. This event has become a beloved tradition, fostering connections and creating lasting memories for all those who attend.”

To ensure your participation in this poignant celebration, you can purchase your butterfly on https://andwell.org/get-involved/butterfly-release/. Each butterfly can be purchased for $30, and the proceeds will contribute to the realization of this remarkable event.

This is an opportunity not to be missed, as Andwell’s Butterfly Release Celebration promises to be a source of solace, inspiration, and beauty for all who attend.

 NORTHEAST HARBOR, ME—From Tuesday, June 25 to Thursday, June 27, the grassroots nonprofit Finding Our Voices will accompany Maine Seacoast Mission to outer islands aboard Mission vessel Sunbeam. During the Mission’s regular visitation schedule to provide outreach and health services, Finding Our Voices and Founder and CEO Patrisha McLean will help raise awareness about domestic violence and abuse, and provide opportunities for guidance. 

In line with the Mission’s guideline of “meeting people where they are” as well as Island Outreach programmatic activities, the CEO and founder of Finding Our Voices Patrisha McLean as well as the organization’s only full-time staff member Mary Kamradt will join Mission staff in making informal visits with island residents. Both McLean and Kamradt are survivors of domestic abuse. In addition to the visits, Isle au Haut and Frenchboro will host dessert parties and distribute Finding Our Voices literature. On Matinicus, the Mission will host a cookout on the wharf with Finding Our Voices providing opportunities for islanders to learn about domestic violence in a casual way. This island tour is part of the Finding Our Voices 15-stop 2024 “Let’s Talk About It” tour, where domestic abuse survivors break the silence of domestic abuse one community and conversation at a time across the state. 

Finding Our Voices Founder and CEO Patrisha McLean shares, “I can’t thank Maine Seacoast Mission enough for prioritizing domestic abuse as a health issue on Maine islands, for allowing us to connect with the residents through their beloved and trusted organization, and for putting together such a thoughtful program.” McLean is an author and photographer of the 2015 book My Island, which celebrates the children of three Maine island communities of Islesboro, North Haven, and Vinalhaven. 

Finding Our Voices operates a bold, survivor-powered domestic abuse awareness campaign across Maine that has led to the distribution of posters featuring the photo portraits of 45 Maine survivors to be featured prominently in 90 towns. In addition, the nonprofit offers extensive peer and community support including free, online survivor-run weekly support groups, access to free dental care, and healing experiences. Finding Our Voices also advocates for protective laws and operates the Get Out, Stay Out Fund, which assists women fleeing domestic violence and stabilizing their own, and their families’, lives. In the first four months of 2024, Finding Our Voices disbursed $44,000 to 100 women. 

Director of Island Services Douglas Cornman, MA BC-DMT, says, “Domestic abuse is aggressively hidden on our islands. These are small communities where everyone knows everyone else’s business, even when you do your best to hide it. By raising awareness and providing avenues for conversation and discussion, communities become more deeply connected and improve mental health in addition to reducing stress, fear, and isolation. The Mission is thankful to Patrisha and Mary for joining us. I hope their presence on the Sunbeam and on our islands might encourage a victim of abuse to find their voice and step forward for support.”

 Finding Our Voices marshals survivor voices, and community creativity and compassion to finally move the needle on domestic violence in Maine, and bring safety, justice, freedom, and comfort to Maine women and children. To learn more, please visit https://findingourvoices.net/

 Rooted in a history of compassionate service and mutual trust, Maine Seacoast Mission seeks to strengthen coastal and island communities by educating youth, supporting families, and promoting good health. For more information, please visit https://seacoastmission.org/

Sunbeam leaving its home port, Northeast Harbor

LEWISTON AUBURN, ME – The Lewiston Auburn Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce the return of the highly anticipated Business to Business (B2B) Trade Show in partnership with Dow Media. This collaboration marks a significant milestone as the Chamber takes the reins of the event, ensuring a smooth transition and continued success for one of the region’s most esteemed business gatherings.

The B2B Trade Show has been a cornerstone event in the Lewiston Auburn region for decades, fostering valuable connections and business growth opportunities. Eight years ago, the event was handed over to Dow Media, resulting in a period of transition. Last year, the Chamber began collaborating with Dow Media to bring the show back under its umbrella, aiming to leverage the strengths of both organizations for an even more impactful event.

“We are thrilled to partner with Dow Media to bring the B2B Trade Show back to the Chamber,” said Shanna Cox, President + CEO of the LA Metro Chamber of Commerce. “This event has always been about connecting businesses, fostering innovation, and driving economic growth in our region. With Dow Media’s support, we are confident that the 2025 B2B Trade Show will be our best yet.”

The next B2B Trade Show is scheduled for Thursday, March 27th, 2025 at the Norway Savings Bank Arena in Auburn, Maine. Attendees can look forward to a dynamic lineup of exhibitors, networking opportunities, and insights from industry leaders. This event is designed to help businesses of all sizes expand their reach, forge new partnerships, and gain valuable market insights.

“We are honored to continue our involvement with the B2B Trade Show and support the Chamber in this transition,” said Travis Dow, founder of Dow Media. “Our combined efforts will ensure that the event remains a premier platform for business development in Maine.”

Mark your calendars and save the date for the 2025 B2B Trade Show. Additional details, including registration information and exhibitor opportunities, will be announced in the coming months, and will be directly communicated to those who pre-register. Stay tuned for updates and prepare to be part of an event that celebrates and elevates the business community in Androscoggin County.

For more information, please visit the event site or contact Katie Palmer, Director of Events at Katie@LAMetroChamber.com

LEWISTON, ME – SeniorsPlus, the designated Area Agency on Aging for Androscoggin, Franklin, and Oxford counties, will hold two public hearings on its 2025-2028 Area Plan that outlines the organization’s vision to serve the older and disabled adults populations over the next four years. 

The public is invited to participate. Comments also are welcome via email or US mail. Written comments must be received on or before June 28, 2024, via mail to SeniorsPlus, 8 Falcon Road, Lewiston ME, 04240 or via email to ljohnson@seniorsplus.org. For more information, visit www.seniorsplus.org or call 1-800-427-1241. 

Area Plan on Aging public hearings will take place on Thursday, June 20, from 1 to 2 p.m. in-person at 8 Falcon Road, Lewiston, and from 2 to 3 p.m. via Zoom. To register for either option please call 795-4010 or 1-800-427-1241.

 An advanced draft plan can be reviewed at www.seniorsplus.org  between June 6 and June 20, 2024, or interested parties may request a copy by calling the office of SeniorsPlus at 795-4010 or 1-800-427-1241.

 Established in 1972, SeniorsPlus is the Western Maine designated Agency on Aging covering Franklin, Oxford, and Androscoggin counties. The overall program goal of SeniorsPlus, which is headquartered in Lewiston, is to assist older adults and adults with disabilities in Franklin, Oxford, and Androscoggin counties to remain safely at home for as long as possible. Our mission is to enrich the lives of older people and adults with disabilities, their families and communities, and to support them to make informed choices.

LEWISTON, ME — Pride flags were raised at all three Central Maine Healthcare (CMH)hospitals on Monday to mark the beginning of Pride Month. 

Before the flag raisings at Bridgton Hospital, Rumford Hospital and Central Maine Medical Center (CMMC) in Lewiston, representatives from CMH leadership made brief remarks about why it is important for team members to embrace a culture of inclusivity and belonging throughout the healthcare system. 

“Pride Month is an acknowledgement of LGBTQ+ culture and the support of LGBTQ+ rights,” said Dick Kropp, chief people officer, Central Maine Healthcare.  “Here at Central Maine Healthcare, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are at the forefront of all of our interactions with patients, visitors and team members.”

 Central Maine Healthcare also distributed pride flags for team members to display in their workstations and offices.

LEWISTON, ME—The Lewiston Trades for ME conference welcomed girls in eighth grade to learn about careers in the trades. Schools sending students to the conference included Philip W. Sugg Middle School (Lisbon), Bruce M. Whittier Middle School (Poland); Oak Hill Middle School (Sabattus), Lewiston Middle School Auburn Middle School, and Tripp Middle School (Turner). The conference was hosted by New Ventures Maine (NVME) and Lewiston Regional Technical Center (LRTC) and was held at LRTC.

A dozen workshops were held—from Automotive Technology and Building Construction to Criminal Justice, Firefighting, and Welding—which provided an opportunity for girls and gender-expansive youth to experience trade professions through hands-on activities, presentations, and demonstrations.

Students created home layout designs, put cars on lifts, built wall shelves, learned about crime scene investigation, wired electrical switches, practiced firefighting techniques, and used torches and metals to solder copper into shapes to take home.

Conference participants commented on their experiences after the event:

“I learned that jobs that are usually known to be for males can be for women too. I had a lot of fun and wow, it was better than I expected.”

“I enjoyed how “hands-on” the experience was and how we got to do a lot of things.”

“I really enjoyed the hands-on experiences that were given….I also enjoyed hearing first-hand how others felt during their time at LRTC.”

Trades for ME conferences are designed to highlight careers in which women are traditionally underrepresented. “This is an opportunity for students to explore career possibilities in the trades,” said Chris Morin, NVME Workforce Specialist and Trades for ME conference organizer. “The students meet women who are working in jobs that may not be on their radar and connect with career opportunities in their county and around the state.”

Conference admission is free. Funding for Trades for ME is provided by Maine Career and Technical Education/MaineDOE (utilizing federal Carl D. Perkins funds) and the Maine Department of Transportation. Additional support and in-kind contributions are provided by businesses and community partners, including Oxford Federal Credit Union, General Dynamics Bath Iron Works, Spectrum, Darling’s, and Consigli Construction.

For more information visit the Trades for ME website at tradesforme.org or contact Chris Morin at christina.m.morin@maine.edu or 207-753-6531.

Photo courtesy of New Ventures Maine

LEWISTON, ME—The Franco Center presents its La Rencontre luncheon Thursday, June 20. Doors open at 10:30 a.m. for socializing. Lunch is served at 11:30 a.m. followed by featured musical artists Phil House and Kathy Haley.  

This event is open to everyone and is meant for the community to connect with each other and with their neighbors of diverse cultures, languages, and backgrounds. The day’s theme will be the national festival of Quebec: St. Jean Baptiste, that country’s patron saint.

 Phil House has been playing the organ at the First Universalist Church of Auburn, at weddings at the All Souls Chapel at the Poland Spring Resort, and many other venues for more than 35 years. House has shared the stage for about 33 years with his good friend Kathy Haley of Danville. 

 House taught himself to play piano at age 5. By 12 years old he was the organist for the Bryant Pond Baptist Church. He’s played professionally in Nashville, Tennessee nightclubs at night and church during the day, for more than a decade. When he moved back to Maine, he played piano in Graziano’s lounge until he found a church that needed his talents. He stays busy playing at other venues including senior community living centers. 

Kathy Haley began performing early as a church organist, pianist and folk singer with the group Chord Majority.  Haley was one of the lead singers with the Top 40 dance band Good and Plenty and then later with the vocal group The Girls of LA.  She enjoys musical theater and has performed in the Pit Orchestra for many productions for LA-Community Little Theater and Lewiston High School. Currently, Haley is the accompanist for the Edward Little High School choral groups. Haley’s main role is organist/choir director at the Court Street Baptist Church of Auburn. 

 Tickets are $17 and include the meal and entertainment. All seats are reserved. Tickets must be purchased by noon Thursday, June 13, so the number of meals to prepare is known. Tickets will not be sold at the door. 

Call the box office at 207-689-2000 or visit between 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Purchase online at http://www.francocenter.org/shows.

La Rencontre series is sponsored by FACE Foundation, TV5 Monde, and the Quebec Delegation Boston.  

The Franco Center is at 46 Cedar St., Lewiston. Parking is in the Oxford Street mill lot. Handicap access in on the Lincoln St. Alley side of the building.

La Rencontre will feature musical artists Phil House and Kathy Haley in a noontime concert Thursday, June 20, at the Franco Center at 46 Cedar St., Lewiston. Tickets are $17 per person and include lunch and a concert. Buy tickets before noon June 13 at www.francocenter.org/shows or 207-689-2000. Submitted photo.

LEWISTON, ME — On Friday, June 7th from 10:00am – 11:30am, the Lewiston Public Library Children’s Department will be offering the program Baby Keepsakes: Following in Your Footsteps in honor of Father’s Day. Caregivers will be able to create a personalized keepsake using their baby’s footprint on top of their adult shoe print. 

This activity will take place in the back of the Children’s Department on the third floor of the library.

The program is recommended for babies ages birth to 2 years and their caregivers. Siblings are also welcome to attend.
This program is free and there is no registration. Participants are invited to bring a clean adult shoe for this program.

The Lewiston Public Library is located downtown at 200 Lisbon Street at the corner of Pine Street. For more information, please contact the Lewiston Public Library’s Children’s Department at 207-513-3133 or LPLKids@lewistonmaine.gov

LEWISTON, ME—This year marks the start of the 25th performance season of the Franco Center as a 501(c)(3) Maine nonprofit organization. The nonprofit was founded in 2000 with the mission of saving the historically significant former church building and preserving the culture and heritage of the French-Canadian immigrants. The building has been rehabilitated, providing the community with a center for live performances, educational and cultural heritage programs.

“As we look forward to sustaining the Franco Center – we need your help! We challenge members of the business community to buy an envelope (or two or three) to benefit the work we do,” said Theresa Shanahan, development administrator at the Franco Center. “We want to continue to provide performances and educational opportunities and make improvements that benefit the experience you receive here at the Franco Center.”

Shanahan added, “Every donation makes a difference and gets us closer to our goal of $80,200. This is a big goal, and business leaders are an important part of making it a successful one.”

What it is: The Envelope Challenge is an electronic version of the popular paper envelope fundraiser where 400 envelopes are available for “sale” on a secure website. Each envelope is worth its face value; for example, the 200th envelope is worth $200; the 10th envelope is worth $10. There are donation options of all amounts from $1 to $400.

“Each donation brings a chance to win any of our gift prizes: $100 gift card to L.L. Bean, Downeaster voucher for a round trip for two, passes for our ‘Escape’ room, Franco Center History Tours, business ad on our website – and more,” said Penny Drumm, administrator at the Franco Center. “The more you purchase the greater your chances! When you choose an envelope, we will mail you the physical envelope so you will have your raffle ticket along with whatever you may have won.”

As a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization, all donations are tax deductible, and every donation will receive a tax letter.

To make a donation online, visit www.francocenter.org and the Business Envelope Challenge information is prominently displayed. A click on the Donate Now button brings you to a page where you can select an envelope that matches your donation amount.

“Going back to the first events held at the Franco Center in the early 2000s, ticket sales still don’t cover the operating costs of the venue,” said Denise Scammon, marketing director at the Franco Center. “This fundraising campaign aimed at local businesses will hopefully bring in operating cash.”

Scammon added, “Androscoggin County has 110,000 residents. If each donated $20 once a year, we would be able to cover operating costs and urgent repairs and improvements to the building. We’d like to keep our doors open.”

The Franco Center is at 46 Cedar Street in Lewiston. Other donations can be made online at www.francocenter.org/donate or call 207-424-0401.

The Franco Center’s marquee sign notes the venue is for performing arts and events, but staff say so much more goes on in the building including community rentals for weddings and business meetings, tribute band concerts, history tours, escape room activities, French-themed luncheons, and other programs. The nonprofit organization is initiating a fundraising campaign that staff hopes brings in funds to cover operating expenses. Franco Center photo.