AUGUSTA, ME – The Central Western Maine Workforce Development Board (CWMWDB) is inviting local businesses and employer partners within Kennebec, Somerset, Franklin, Oxford, and Androscoggin counties to apply for transportation pilot program funding.

The transportation pilots will be created to help mitigate transportation as a barrier to the recruitment and retention of qualified employees. These pilots may include but are not limited to van pools, shuttles, e-bikes, or other viable solutions. CWMWDB will select up to nine projects with an allocation not to exceed $25,000 each.

“Any conversation about barriers to employment often brings up transportation,” explained Erin Benson, CWMWDB’s executive director. “Most areas of the central western Maine region are rural in nature with little access to public transportation. Recruiting and retaining employees who don’t have access to a vehicle or public transportation is a difficult task.”

CWMWDB will be partnering with GoMaine, an organization that assists employers and employees with commute options, and works with planning agencies, businesses, advocacy groups, and other partners to reduce barriers to transportation.

The pilot will help employers, groups of employers, or employer partners gauge the success of a program and find ways to keep it going beyond the life of the grant.

Applicants must submit a fillable application along with an excel file that lists the individual zip codes of all employees. GoMaine will use this information to create a map that identifies the scope of transportation needs. All materials must be submitted electronically to workforce@cwmwdb.org by April 15.

Information about the grant and a fillable application can be found at www.cwmwdb.org.

Maine CareerCenters and Maine Department of Labor are equal opportunity providers.

Auxiliary aids and services are available to individuals with disabilities upon request.

LEWISTON, ME — The Woman’s Hospital Association (WHA) Rotating Art Gallery at Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston is proud to display the paintings of Kate Cargile and Connie McVey during the month of March.

A local art teacher, interested in literature, history and visual culture studies, Cargile uses these aspects of her life to shape and inspire her artwork. She works in a variety of media, including painting, drawing, and printmaking with subject matter ranging from the beauty of the people, objects and places that make up her everyday life to fanciful ideas from myths, legends, tales and her imagination.

“A few years ago, I decided to bring the beautiful, intricate patterns of quilt fabrics into some of my paintings. I associate fabric remnants with memory: each scrap has associations that come flooding back as they are pieced together. I mix these fabric-inspired patterns with diverse visual elements from my life, and combine them in a non-specific space saturated with color. While the resulting paintings have clear narratives for me I wanted viewers to be able to put their own stories into these paintings”.

Retiring after 40 years working in the field of commercial art, McVey moved to Auburn where she expanded her art studio time to include more paintings of Maine’s scenic vista. She finished her art education with a BFA in 2012 from the University of Southern Maine in Gorham. Presently working at her Pond Lily Art Studio, she has exhibited her work at the Main St. Art Gallery and the Matolcsy Arts Center in Norway, the Greenwood Gallery in Auburn and at many local art fairs.

The works on display may be purchased through the WHA Gift Shop located adjacent to the main lobby at Central Maine Medical Center. A percentage of sale proceeds benefits patients of CMMC.

 “Tree Logic” by Kate Cargile (photo supplied by artist)

LEWISTON, ME — From the author of Lunenberg and The Ladies Foursome, comes HALFWAY THERE, a hilarious and heartwarming comedy about the unshakeable bonds of female friendship playing March 14 – 23 at The Public Theatre.

Imagine Steel Magnolias meets And Just Like That when four lovable ladies meet every day for coffee and a gab fest at a local diner in Stewiacke, Nova Scotia. A bit of change is inspired in everyone’s life when a handsome new doctor takes an interest in the youngest of the women and her three wise-cracking friends decide to offer their advice. Filled to the brim with humor, heart and romance, grab your best friend or sweetheart and treat yourself to a great night out!

As the most produced playwright in Canada, Norm Foster is often referred to as the “Canadian Neil Simon” for the delightful way he finds humor in all situations. “The great thing about this show is the way it celebrates both the strength and vulnerability of women and showcases the power of friendship”, say Artistic Director Janet Mitchko. “Aside from Norm Foster’s delicious sense of humor, I think his true success comes from how easy it is to recognize yourself or someone you know in every character he creates”.

HALFWAY THERE March 14 – 23 at The Public Theatre, Lewiston/Auburn’s Professional Theatre, 31 Maple St, Lewiston. For tickets and more information visit ThePublicTheatre.org or call 782-3200.

Sponsored by Auburn Manufacturing, Lee Auto Malls, Schooner Estates, Twin City Times, Bennett Radio Group, Sun Journal, and Platz Associates.

LEWISTON, ME – The Lewiston Auburn Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce is proud to present the Maine B2B Trade Show, returning on Thursday, March 27, 2025, from 11:00 AM – 5:30 PM at the Norway Savings Bank Arena in Auburn, Maine. This highly anticipated event is designed to connect businesses across the state and New England, fostering new opportunities, partnerships, and industry growth.

Formerly organized by Dow Media, the event has now transitioned fully under the leadership of the LA Metro Chamber, ensuring its continued impact and expansion. The Maine B2B Trade Show is one of the largest business networking events in the state, drawing hundreds of professionals eager to showcase their products, services, and innovations.

This year, the LA Metro Chamber is honored to have Maine Community Bank as the Presenting Sponsor. Their support enhances the reach and impact of the event, providing businesses with greater opportunities for visibility and connection.

The streamlined, single-day format allows businesses to make the most of their time, with vendor setup beginning at 8:00 AM and the show opening at 11:00 AM. Attendees will experience unparalleled networking opportunities, engaging activities such as mini learning sessions throughout the day, and the chance to exhibit their brand, generate leads, and explore new collaborations. The event will conclude with a cocktail hour at 4:30 PM, providing a relaxed atmosphere for further networking and business discussions.

Businesses looking to maximize their presence at the show can secure single or double booths. Booth options include standard 10’x10’ spaces with tables, chairs, and electricity, while double booths offer expanded 10’x20’ spaces for increased exposure. Locked location booths provide guaranteed premium placement on a first-come, first-served basis. The deadline to reserve a booth is Friday, March 7th, 2025.

Sponsorship opportunities are also available, offering prime visibility and branding benefits.

For more information, booth registration, and sponsorship opportunities, please visit the event site, LAMetroCC.com/MaineB2B or contact Katie Palmer, Director of Events at Katie@LAMetroChamber.com

About the Lewiston Auburn Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce:

The Lewiston Auburn Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to supporting and promoting the business community in Androscoggin County. Through advocacy, networking, and resources, the Chamber works to foster a thriving economic environment for businesses of all sizes. As an engine for economic vitality and enhanced quality of life, the Chamber challenges business and community to build, lead, and thrive.

LEWISTON, ME — Central Maine Healthcare, which includes Central Maine Medical Center (CMMC), Rumford Hospital, Bridgton Hospital and numerous practices, recognized its medical residents for the critical role they play in the healthcare system.

Feb. 28 was national “Thank a Resident Day,” a time to honor those team members who have graduated from medical school and are at Central Maine Healthcare to gain experience and specialize in a particular area of medicine.

These residents are committed to providing compassionate care to patients and their families while conducting important research and collaborating with doctors and nurses to strengthen patient care.

“I would like to publicly express my gratitude to our resident physicians,” said Bethany Picker, MD, medical director of Family Medicine Residency. “This diverse group of doctors honors our health system with their trust to give them the training and experiences they need to develop into competent family physicians. In the process, they provide exceptional, compassionate care to the most vulnerable of our patients, partner outside our system to improve the well-being of our community and remind us why we were drawn to healthcare ourselves.”

“Our dedicated family medicine residents have a huge impact at Central Maine Healthcare by creating a rich teaching environment,” said Rebecca Brakeley, MD, interim chief medical officer at Central Maine Healthcare. “Having residents critically think through each clinical decision ups everyone’s game and is beneficial for the patient and care team, alike.”

Central Maine Medical Center Family Medicine Residency (CMMC FMR) is a 7-7-7 ACGME certified program with an osteopathic recognition track and rural training. Founded in 1978, CMMC FMR has graduated more than 160 family physicians. The program prepares physicians to practice family medicine in communities with populations ranging from 500 to 500,000.

Pictured left to right: Michael Stadnicki, MD, medical division chief, Primary Care, Mark Steciuk, MD, chief of Pathology, Tasha Duval, DO, physician, OB GYN, Bethany Picker, MD, residency program director, Rebecca Brakeley, MD, interim chief medical officer, Tim Counihan, MD, chief of surgery and Oncology Institute

AUBURN, ME — Community Little Theater announces the second show of its 85 season, the musical “Nunsense”. “Nunsense” is a hilarious farce about a group of five nuns trying to raise money under some rather unfortunate circumstances. “Nunsense” is directed by Jackie McDonald and Assistant Director Sean Wallace, with music direction by Alex Castonguay and choreography by Danielle Eaton.

“Nunsense” is a zany musical about the Little Sisters of Hoboken, a group of nuns who find themselves in a rather unfortunate situation. When the majority of their convent dies of botulism, leaving only five of them alive, they are suddenly in need of funds to bury their deceased sisters. The money runs out with four sisters left in the freezer! In need of quick cash, they decide to put on a talent show to raise the needed money. The talent show is to take place in a high school gymnasium. The gym is also being used by the students as they prepare to stage the musical “Grease”. As the sisters prepare for their talent show, the audience is treated to some lively music, fun dancing and some wacky comedy. There is even some audience participation thrown in!

Director Jackie McDonald said she chose “Nunsense” because it’s a CLT fan favorite and, as such, has always been well received. It’s a fun, lighthearted show and we all could use some lighthearted fun right now! The large Catholic Community in the area will understand and appreciate the familiarity of the various references in the story, along with the not so subtle Catholic humor . McDonald stated that her own Catholic background, including family members who are nuns, made the show even more meaningful to her. She stated that nuns represent “the women of her childhood”.

The amazingly talented group of actors represent both familiar CLT faces as well as some newcomers to the theater world. They have been rehearsing since early December and their dedication shows. It’s a challenging time of year to do a show and the cast has had to overcome some obstacles such as snow storms and the usual winter illnesses. They have pulled together amazingly, despite the hurdles, and the audience can expect to be amazed!

The cast of Nunsense includes Michael Litchfield as Sister Mary Regina, the feisty Mother Superior, Kay Warren as the mistress of the novices Sister Mary Hubert, Nicole Frydrych as the tough, street-wise Sister Robert Ann, Jen Rennie as the spacey and entertaining Sister Mary amnesia, and Casey Waters as the ambitious, ballet-dancing Sister Mary Leo.

CLT will present “Nunsense” March 7th, 8th, 13th, 14th and 15th at 7:30 p.m, and March 9th and 16th at 2:00 p.m. Call 783-0958 or visit www.LACLT.com for tickets and information.

L/A Community Little Theatre, located at 30 Academy Street in Auburn, has been producing live theatre since 1940. A volunteer, non-profit organization, our goal is to provide affordable and quality entertainment in the performing arts as well as education, training, and experience in theatre for area youth. www.laclt.com.

The cast of Nunsense Back row – left to right – Kay Warren as Sr. Mary Hubert, Michael James Litchfield as Sr. Mary Regina, Mother Superior, Nicole Frydrych as Sr. Robert Ann

LEWISTON, ME — Central Maine Healthcare recently welcomed a new orthopedic surgeon.

Dennis Sullivan, MD, is the newest member of Central Maine Healthcare Orthopedics, specializing in knee and shoulder surgery at Bridgton Hospital and Rumford Hospital.

Dr. Sullivan says he chose this field because he could clearly see how orthopedic surgery directly improve patients’ lives.

“When it comes to my patients, I favor a conservative approach to injuries and arthritic conditions, whenever possible,” Dr. Sullivan said. “I also explain diagnoses in multiple ways, reviewing images and reports, and using anatomical models so my patients understand what’s happening.”

Dr. Sullivan earned his medical degree at the Hospital for Special Surgery, in New York, and completed his residency at the University of Toronto Orthopedic Sports Medicine. He has been a team physician for USA Hockey for 25 years, which included a tournament in the Czech Republic. He was also head team physician for the Portland Pirates from 1994-2008.

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 – United Ambulance Service recently received a perfect score in their reaccreditation review by the Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services (CAAS). The accreditation review, like the rigorous process used by hospitals and nursing facilities, is conducted every three years and includes an intensive application process and  multi-day on-site inspection by outside experts. Reviewers from across the nation visited the company’s Lewiston and Bridgton service areas evaluating 107 categories.

Since 1981, United Ambulance has been dedicated to providing the highest emergency medical care and transportation possible. United’s Lewiston division was first accredited in 2006 and their Bridgton division soon followed in 2007. Since then they have remained Maine’s first and only accredited ambulance service.

CAAS is a non-profit organization which was established to encourage and promote quality patient care in America’s medical transportation system. The primary focus of the Commission’s standards is high-quality patient care. This is accomplished by establishing national standards which not only address the delivery of patient care, but also the ambulance service’s total operation and its relationships with other agencies, the general public, and the medical community. In most instances the Commission’s standards exceed state and local licensing requirements.

Paul Gosselin, Executive Director of United Ambulance, commented on the achievement, saying, “The reviewers were thoroughly impressed with our service and with the resilience of our community over the past year. While CAAS accreditation is not required for operation, we pursue it because it represents the gold standard in EMS. This reaccreditation validates our continuous efforts and demonstrates our commitment to delivering exceptional emergency medical services to the residents of Androscoggin County.”

United Ambulance’s dedication to excellence in emergency medical services is reflected in its ongoing accreditation status. As a service leader in Maine, the company’s focus remains on providing high-quality care and maintaining strong community connections.

If you are interested in starting a career in EMS or would like more information about United Ambulance Service, visit them online at: www.unitedambulance.com.

AUGUSTA, ME — The Augusta Symphony Orchestra invites the community to experience an afternoon of timeless classical music at their Spring Concert. The performance will take place on Sunday, March 9, at 3:00 PM at Cony High School, 60 Pierce Dr, Augusta, ME.

The program promises to delight music lovers with an inspiring selection of works, starting with Beethoven’s Symphony No. 1, and followed by Joseph Haydn’s Symphony No. 88. After a brief intermission, the ASO will perform Four Norwegian Dances by Edvard Grieg.

Founded in 1920 as a community orchestra, the Augusta Symphony Orchestra has a rich history of bringing exceptional classical music to the community. This concert continues that proud tradition, showcasing the orchestra’s talent and dedication to the arts.

The ASO is led by Conductor and Music Director Jinwook Park. Mr. Park is a member of the Colby College faculty and serves as the Music Director of the Colby Symphony Orchestra, as well as teaching violin and viola. With his passion and commitment to educational outreach, Mr. Park also served as a founder and Music Director of the Kennebec Valley Youth Symphony Orchestra, providing music and music education to the Central Maine community for many years. He has served as the music director of the Augusta Symphony Orchestra since 2021.

Admission is free, but donations are gratefully accepted to support the orchestra’s mission of making music accessible to all. Mark your calendar and join us for an unforgettable afternoon of music.

For more information about the Augusta Symphony Orchestra and upcoming events, visit www.augustasymphonymaine.org

TURNER, ME – The Signature Soup Food Booth at the Turner Ridge Riders Snowmobile Club’s 24th Annual Vintage One Lunger Race successfully launched Community Credit Union’s 2025 Signature Soup Challenge which raised over $1,000 at the food booth fundraiser. This exciting kick-off marks the beginning of a month-long initiative benefiting the Maine Credit Unions’ Campaign for Ending Hunger.

The Signature Soup Challenge, which runs from February 15 through March 15, invites local businesses to join forces in the fight against hunger. Throughout the month, participating restaurants and retailers will donate a portion of proceeds from their soup, chili, and chowder sales to support the Maine Credit Unions’ Campaign for Ending Hunger, a cause dedicated to alleviating food insecurity in Maine communities.

The participating businesses include:

Thatcher’s Restaurant & Pub

Bakery Barn

Bear Pond Variety

Daddy O’s Diner

Governor’s Restaurant & Bakery

Jimmy’s General Store

The Highland Grille

KP’s Place

Simones’ Hot Dogs

Webb’s Market

“We are thrilled with the success of this year’s kickoff event and appreciate the Turner Ridge Riders Snowmobile Club allowing us to be a food booth vendor at Saturday’s big event,” said Betsy Sibley, Co-Chair for the Ending Hunger Committee at Community Credit Union. “The $1,000 raised at the Vintage One Lunger Race is just the beginning, and we are excited to see how much more we can raise over the next month to support the Maine Credit Unions’ Campaign for Ending Hunger. Together, we are raising awareness and making a real difference in the lives of those facing food insecurity in our community.”

The Signature Soup Challenge has become an annual tradition, uniting local businesses, volunteers, and community members to give back to those in need. By simply enjoying a delicious bowl of soup or chili, participants are directly contributing to the effort to end hunger across Maine.

“We encourage everyone to visit our participating partners throughout the challenge and enjoy some of the best soups and chili in the area,” added Erin Dunn-Kimball, Co-Chair of the Ending Hunger Committee at Community Credit Union. “It’s a tasty way to make an impact, and every bowl served helps provide critical resources to those who need it most.”

For more information about the Signature Soup Challenge, including a list of participating businesses and donation details, please visit https://www.communitycreditunion.com/connect/events-calendar/detail.html?cId=96209&title=5th-annual-signature-soup-challenge or follow the campaign on social media at https://www.facebook.com/share/14SWa9wVB1/.

Community Credit Union is a member-owned, full service financial institution that has been serving its members and all of Androscoggin County since 1945. The Credit Union has a low-income designation from NCUA as well as certified as a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI). Community Credit Union has branches located at 144 Pine Street, Lewiston, 40 Stanley Street, Auburn and 1025 Auburn Road in Turner serving approximately 12,000 members. For more information, log onto www.communitycreditunion.com.

Volunteers serving soup, chili & chowder at the One Lunger Vintage Snowmobile Race on February 15, 2025, Left to Right Erin Dunn-Kimball, Christine Wilson, Tiffany Mathon, Jessica Blackwell, Lilianna Mathon, Ruth Moubagou