LEWISTON / AUBURN, ME — Since Lewiston/Auburn Senior College has become a non-profit we have been looking into a few new venues. This fall we will continue to have some Zoom classes but will also be offering more in-person classes at Schooner Estates, Lewiston-Auburn Airport, Clover Manor, Temple Shalom and, of course, the Auburn Library. We will continue to coordinate with the library for Senior College in the Community’s Tuesday afternoon presenters as well as holding some longer classes there.

Here’s a brief look at our one-day classes:

Larry Canepa is back with 3 fascinating demonstrations about food and cooking from different cultures. John Cleveland will moderate a conversation with Mayor Jeffery Harmon. We will take virtual visits to the Nile with Bill Phillips, Monhegan Island with Peggy Volock, and North Dakota with our returning travelogue specialist, Eve Fralick. Alan Elze takes a new look at “The Wizard of Oz” both book and movie. There are 2 game nights and, on a more serious topic, Bettyanne Sheats will teach us about responsible voting. We’ll also be given a rare opportunity by Judy Hierstein to learn about all kinds of international signs and symbols. Our visits to Temple Shalom will be hosted by Rabbi Sruli Dresdner who will teach us about Judaism and Chanukah. And don’t miss Loring Danforth’s presentation about Bird Watching.

But wait – we may add a few more before the season starts.

Senior College is glad to also be offering some in depth courses that run from 4 to 8 weeks. The topics include:

1. Individual and Community – Jean Potuchek

2. Discussions and Simulations of 19th Century European History – Anita Denis

3. Ayn Rand’s Passage Through the 20th Century – Mike Brakey

4. The Social Gospel of Jesus: Deep Human History – Steve Piker

5. She Doesn’t Like Fantasy (reading and discussing 4 books) – Peggy Volock

6. Lessons in Chemistry – Laura Sturgis

7. Art Party – Anita Poulin

8. Phun with Physics – Hugh Keene

9. The Forest and the Trees – Katherine Hunter

10. I Remember: Flash Memoir Workshop – Barbara Gravinese

11. Malaga Island and This Other Eden: A Tragedy of Racism and Eugenics – Gale Eaton

Some classes will still be held on Zoom and some hybrid, but we are pleased to be offering more in-person classes. Many of us missed the more personal interactions during COVID. However, some of us also are grateful to enjoy the company and the education without having to leave the house.

The above list is brief so please go on-line to get the details about the classes and instructors – lewiston-auburn-senior-college.coursestorm.com

If you have questions, you may call us at 207-713-7266 or email us at: laseniorcollege@gmail.com – YOU’LL BE GLAD YOU DID!

LEWISTON, ME – On August 26, a beautiful hand-carved eagle was installed at Veterans Memorial Park. It was donated by the artist and Eagles For Veterans.

This American Bald Eagle was handcrafted by the nonprofit Matt Carr Wood Works (MCWW) of Pittsburg, PA. in July/August 2024. MCWW is associated with the Maine nonprofit, Eagles for Veterans.

It is in the Patriotic style of Eagles designed/carved in the Late 1800s by John Haley Bellamy (b.1836-d.1914) of Kittery Point, Maine.

It was donated to the Lewiston Veterans Park in honor of our Veterans service to this Nation.

The Veterans Park was represented by L/A VETERANS COUNCIL CHAIRMAN Jerry DeWitt , Paul St. Clair,  Paul Farley.

The work of handcrafting this Eagle was done by Matt Carr, Lead Artisan of MCWW with support from James McCain of Eagles for Veterans. It is made from Mahogany, with the Eagle gilded in 22k gold leaf. It is 36” wide X 48” high.

LEWISTON, ME — Get ready for a tail-wagging good time at Barks n’ Brews! On Sunday, August 25th, 2024, from 11:30 AM to 4:30 PM, the Greater Androscoggin Humane Society will host a fun-filled day celebrating our furry friends and the joy they bring to our lives. This free community event promises to be a day of excitement for dog lovers of all ages.

Date: Sunday, August 25th, 2024

Time: 11:30 AM – 4:30 PM

Location: Greater Androscoggin Humane Society, 55 Strawberry Ave, Lewiston, ME 04240

Parking: Hahnel Bros Parking Lot (46 Strawberry Ave, Lewiston, ME 04240)

Bring your family and canine companions for an exciting day featuring face painting, live music by Jody Boys, and a variety of activities and vendors. The ladies at L/A Taco will be on-site serving delicious food, Halo Sips will have amazing lemonade, and there will be a beer tent featuring Baxter Brewing Co! Wristbands for 21+ guests will be provided upon entry. At 1:30pm we’ll have an adoption runway featuring adoptable pets! GAHS will also be open for adoptions.

2024 Bark & Brews Vendors Include:

BrookeTrout Designs – Handmade Jewelry

Sunny D Doggie Treats – Homemade Dog Treats

Proxima Design Cat Toys – Handmade Cat Toys

Halo Sips – Fresh Squeezed Lemonade

Beyond The Kerf – Onsite Pet Tag Engraving

GAHS Tents – Raffles, 50/50, Face Painting & Dog Lick-Art Making

Cute Chic Y – Crocheted Animals

LC Tumblers & Tees – Custom Tumblers & Tshirts

Kitsune Creations – Homemade Toys & Accessories

Ello Sunshine – Handmade creations and events

Misfits Rehab – Wildlife Rehabilitation Facility

Banks` Creations – Custom tumblers, glasses and resin crafts

Poofs Freeze Dried Candy – Your Fave Candy, Freeze Dried!

More to come!

This is a rain-or-shine event, and Robin’s Dog Park will be open to the public. Please note that dog park rules apply. Water bowls will be available on-site, and any canine displaying unsociable behavior will be kindly asked to leave. Event proceeds will benefit the Greater Androscoggin Humane Society.

This event is proudly hosted by Baxter Outdoors. Baxter Outdoor events are designed to celebrate New England’s natural spaces, foster community around the great outdoors, and be accessible to all who wish to join in on the fun. We can’t wait to see you all at the inaugural Barks & Brews event! For more information, please visit our website: https://www.baxterbrewing.com/event/barks-brews/

LEWISTON, ME — Elizabeth Balsam Hart, MD, Hospice Medical Director/Director of Medical Services at Andwell Health Partners, the largest, non-profit home and community-based healthcare and care management organization in Maine, was named one of the most influential leaders in hospice and palliative care, a field focused on relieving suffering and improving quality of life for people with serious illnesses.

The American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine (AAHPM) asked its more than 5,000 members to nominate who they think are the leaders – or Visionaries – in the field.

Dr. Hart is one of those physicians, nurses and healthcare professionals recognized by their peers for the important role they played in advancing the specialty of Hospice and Palliative Care.

“I am inspired by Dr. Hart’s visionary leadership and unwavering dedication to excellence in hospice and palliative care,” said Jackie Fournier, Nurse Practitioner, Andwell Health Partners. “She has been instrumental in developing an evidence-based practice and culture of excellence at Andwell. Under her leadership, the palliative and hospice practice has grown significantly to meet the needs across the State of Maine always keeping the patient and their family at the center.  She blends the art and science of care seamlessly.”

Dr. Hart is a family physician with additional board certifications in Hospice and Palliative Medicine and Geriatrics. An honors graduate of Harvard-Radcliffe Colleges and Dartmouth Medical School, she completed her family medicine residency and her geriatric fellowship at Maine-Dartmouth Family Medicine Residency in Augusta.  She is a graduate of the Practice Change Fellowship (PCF), a national program supported by the Hartford Foundation and Atlantic Philanthropies to advance excellence in geriatric leadership. She enjoyed her two-year local PCF project, “Cultivating Meaningful Conversations to Guide Care,” which focused on launching the POLST (Physician Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment) program in Maine.

Hospice and palliative medicine is the medical specialty that focuses on improving quality of life and relieving pain and other symptoms in seriously ill patients. Palliative care can and should be provided to patients who continue to receive treatments to try to cure or control their disease, regardless of their prognosis. Hospice is a specific type of palliative care for patients whose life expectancy is likely to be six months or less. Hospice and palliative care also helps patients and families understand their treatment options and make decisions about their care, and provides information on spiritual and psychosocial services, support for family and caregivers and grief counseling.

“This program recognizes extraordinary individuals who continue to enhance the delivery of care for seriously ill patients and have brought true innovation to our field,” noted Wendy-Jo Toyama, MBA FASAE, AAHPM CEO.

“These visionaries represent thousands of clinicians, educators, and researchers who continue to innovate and lead the field to provide the highest quality care and support for those living with serious illness and their caregivers.” noted Vicki Jackson, president of AAHPM.

More information on the Visionaries project, including the list of the award winners is on the Academy’s website www.aahpm.org.

LEWISTON, ME – The City of Lewiston is seeking resident volunteers to serve as members of the City’s various boards and committees.  The following city boards and committees have current openings: Board of Appeals full member, Androscoggin County Budget Committee – District 2, Planning Board associate member, and Lewiston Senior Advisory Council representatives from Wards 1, 2, 4, 5, and city wide.

The Board of Appeals is charged with hearing citizen appeals regarding orders, rules or failures of certain municipal entities to act relating to the zoning and land use code, building code, property maintenance, fire prevention codes, etc. The board has limited authority in granting conditional use permits and variances of zoning setbacks and related requirements.

The County Budget Committee will review the proposed budget, meet with each department and make recommendations to the Commissioners.  The committee meets September through November.  Residents can look up their county district on the election page of the City of Lewiston’s website.

The Lewiston Seniors Advisory Council serves as an advisory council to the City Council in regard to community issues affecting seniors and shall serve as a liaison between the seniors of the community and the city. The committee shall enable seniors to send and receive recommendations from the City Council for consideration, to work toward goals that empower all of the community’s senior population, and to undertake service projects that enhance the community.

The Planning Board performs duties prescribed by ordinance and state statute regarding subdivision review, major development review, and amendments to the land use code. It directs the preparation and maintenance of the official city zoning map and the city’s comprehensive plan. The board reviews the annual capital improvement program and the acquisition and disposition of all public ways, land, buildings and other municipal facilities not acquired through tax-lien foreclosure. It hears and decides applications for conditional use permits, where the development is a major development as defined by City Code.

Lewiston residents who are interested in applying can contact the City Clerk’s Department to complete a committee volunteer application.  Application forms are also available on the Boards and Committees page of the City’s website at www.lewistonmaine.gov. Committee descriptions, meeting times and other information about committee service are also available on the City’s website.  Applications can be submitted at any time and will be accepted until the positions are filled however the requested filing deadline is 4:00pm on Wednesday, August 28.                                                                                                                                                                                                     

Residents are welcome to contact the City Clerk’s Department at 513-3124 with any questions they may have regarding the committee appointment process.  Completed applications shall be submitted to the City Clerk’s Office for processing. Office hours are Monday – Friday, 8:30am – 4:00pm.

LEWISTON, ME – Skelton Taintor & Abbott is pleased to report that it has been named in the 2025 edition of “Best Law Firms™ as a Tier 1 firm in the Family Law and Litigation – Real Estate practice areas. “Law Firm of the Year” awards recognize a single top firm for its work in a specific legal practice area nationwide. Awards are determined based on a handful of factors including lawyer feedback, the number of lawyers included in Best Lawyers® for that firm and practice area, historical analysis of the firm’s “Lawyer of the Year” awards, materials submitted by firms and the firm’s overall scope of areas of expertise.

Sarah Mitchell, Skelton Taintor & Abbott President, stated “Recognition as a “Best Law Firm” by Best Lawyers is an honor and serves to highlight the hard work and commitment to excellence shown by the firm’s dedicated lawyers and staff. I am proud to work with such a tremendous team!”

The Lewiston-Auburn Balloon Festival is this weekend! Do you plan to watch the balloon launches? Consider the rare & special experience of taking it all in from a kayak on the Androscoggin River! Install the “rent.fun” app, then visit Auburn’s Anniversary Park (in New Auburn, behind Rollie’s Diner) to rent a kayak (paddle & life jacket are included in your rental). Learn more: https://www.rent.fun/kayak-rental/auburn-me

Friday, Aug. 16

Balloon Launch, Simard Payne Park, 6:00 AM

Food Vendors, Simard Payne Park, 4:00 PM–10:00 PM

Carnival, Lincoln St. Lewiston, near Station Grille, 4:00 PM–10:00 PM

Artisan/Makers Fair and Trade Show, Simard Payne Park, 4:00 PM–8:00 PM. Join us for an Artisan/Makers Fair & Trade Show presented by Maine Micro Artisans. Hundreds of talented makers will feature crafted soaps, woodworking, crochet plush pals, candles, jewelry, artwork, handcrafted baskets, stained glass, pottery, embroidery, and so much more!

Medieval Tent Activities, Simard Payne Park, 4:00 PM–8:00 PM. More information coming soon!

Live Music: Rumor Has It, Platz Associates Main Stage at Simard Payne Park, 4:30 PM–5:45 PM. Rumor Has It is a band from Central/Southern Maine that plays a wide variety of music traversing decades and multiple genres.

Live Music, Platz Associates Main Stage at Simard Payne Park, 5:45 PM–6:45 PM. More information about performers coming soon!

Balloon Launch, Simard Payne Park, 6:00 PM

Live Music: The Girls of L ~ A, Platz Associates Main Stage at Simard Payne Park, 6:45 PM–7:45 PM. The Girls of L ~ A was the brain child of Kathy Haley who wanted to form a group, not the Ya Ya Sisterhood, but maybe the LA LA Sisterhood. A group of talented professional vocalists to perform for events and various public performances.

Live Music: Taylor Hughes, Platz Associates Main Stage at Simard Payne Park, 8:00 PM–10:00 PM

Moon Glow Primary, Simard Payne Park, 8:30 PM–9:00 PM

Saturday, Aug. 17

Balloon Launch, Simard Payne Park, 6:00 AM

Pancake Breakfast, Simard Payne Park, 5:30 AM–9:30 AM

Parade, 10:00 AM–11:30 PM. Sponsored by Northeast Charter

Carnival, Lincoln St. Lewiston, near Station Grille, 10:00 AM–10:00 PM

Food Vendors, Simard Payne Park, 11:00 AM–10:00 PM

Artisan/Makers Fair and Trade Show, Simard Payne Park, 12:00 PM–8:00 PM. Join us for an Artisan/Makers Fair & Trade Show presented by Maine Micro Artisans. Hundreds of talented makers will feature crafted soaps, woodworking, crochet plush pals, candles, jewelry, artwork, handcrafted baskets, stained glass, pottery, embroidery, and so much more!

“Motors on Main” Classic Car Show, Festival Plaza and Main St. in Auburn, 12:00 PM–5:00 PM. New to the Balloon Festival this year, the City of Auburn is hosting “MOTORS ON MAIN,” a classic car show. Featuring Beautiful classic cars from the Twisted Steel Car Club & others; Delicious beverages from Gritty McDuff’s Auburn, Craft Brew Underground, Lost Valley Brewing Company and Side By Each Brewing Co.; Delicious BBQ from Burnt Ends Barbecue; Sweet treats and beverages from Nutty Netties Café. Want to show YOUR classic car (1999 & older)? Register today! Participation is free & space is limited.

Paint Party with Wicked Illustrations, Simard Payne Park, 1:00 PM–3:00 PM

Cheer Performances, Simard Payne Park, 2:30 PM–3:30 PM

Live Music: Bazinga!, Platz Associates Main Stage @ Simard Payne Park; 4:30 PM–6:00 PM. Bazinga! will rock the night away with a dynamic mix of 90s to now hits, from alt-rock anthems to smooth R&B grooves. It’s the perfect recipe for a high-energy concert vibe that’ll have you dancing all night long!

Live Music: Denny Breau, Platz Associates Main Stage @ Simard Payne Park, 6:30 PM–7:25 PM. Denny Breau, acclaimed for his flawless guitar technique and genre-blending style, effortlessly merges folk, blues, country, and jazz into mesmerizing performances. Born into a musical family and hailed by critics for his soulful voice and intricate compositions, Denny captivates audiences with every note. A respected figure in the Maine music scene and a member of the Maine Country Music Hall of Fame, he continues to inspire both listeners and fellow musicians alike with his solo work and performances alongside the Denny Breau Trio.

Balloon Launch, Simard Payne Park, 6:00 PM

Live Music: Motor Booty Affair, Platz Associates Main Stage @ Simard Payne Park, 7:30 PM–10:00 PM. Motor Booty Affair has been lighting up stages across America with their 70’s extravaganza dubbed “The Ultimate Disco Party Band”.

Motor Booty Affair consists of 4 funkateers straight from the planet Funktar; Superfly, Spanish Fly, Vinnie Boom-Boom Funktonio and Cyclone Link Skywalker Jr. It is their mission to get the crowd groovin’ as they deliver hits from Earth Wind & Fire, The Bee-Gees, KC and the Sunshine Band, Chic, The Commodores, Barry White, Abba and more. The songs are authentically reproduced by these top notch musicians with unsurpassed quality and attention to detail.

MBA’s show is energetic and peppered with 70’s lingo jive talkin’ and stage antics to make for an event you will never forget. Make sure you bring your boogie shoes because no matter how big the dance floor is – it’s always packed from the first song to the last!

Sunday, Aug. 18

Balloon Launch, Simard Payne Park, 6:00 AM

Pancake Breakfast, Simard Payne Park, 5:30 AM–9:30 AM

Lewiston Farmers’ Market, 2 Oxford St. Lewiston, 9:30 AM–2:00 PM. The Lewiston Farmers’ Market offers visitors a chance to connect with one another and shop for a wide variety of fresh, delicious, local foods and goods while fostering a vibrant downtown and building a strong community and local economy. 

Family Fun Day, Simard Payne Park, 10:00 AM–2:00 PM. Sponsored by Central Maine Healthcare

Carnival, Lincoln St. Lewiston, near Station Grille, 10:00 AM–8:00 PM

Food Vendors, Simard Payne Park. 11:00 AM–8:00 PM

Live Music: Camp of Rock, Platz Associates Main Stage @ Simard Payne Park, 11:00 AM–12:15 PM. Camp of Rock is a 2-week music camp for kids ages 7-17, inspired by the movie “School of Rock.”

Artisan/Makers Fair and Trade Show, Simard Payne Park, 12:00 PM–8:00 PM. Join us for an Artisan/Makers Fair & Trade Show presented by Maine Micro Artisans. Hundreds of talented makers will feature crafted soaps, woodworking, crochet plush pals, candles, jewelry, artwork, handcrafted baskets, stained glass, pottery, embroidery, and so much more!

Live Music: Crosshair, Platz Associates Main Stage @ Simard Payne Park, 12:30 PM–1:00 PM. Crosshair is made up of teens ages 12-15. They perform 90s alternative and metal covers with some originals thrown in.

Live Music: Julia Gagnon, Platz Associates Main Stage @ Simard Payne Park, 2:00 PM–3:00 PM. Julia rose to stardom with her performance as a finalist on the 22nd season of American Idol. She is currently on tour for her debut album, Here In Maine, and we are so grateful to be adding her to our incredible line-up of musicians.

Balloon Launch, Simard Payne Park. 6:00 PM

AUBURN, ME – Good Shepherd Food Bank of Maine recently welcomed five new board members to its Board of Directors, as well as appointed a new executive committee.

 New Executive Committee Members Include:

Chair: Scott Maker, WoodworthMaker, LLC

Vice Chair: Kate Rush, Androscoggin Bank

Treasurer: Peter Richardson

Secretary: Mary Wright

New Board Members Include:

Phil Licari, Entrepreneur-In-Residence at the Roux Institute, a Portland, Maine, based institute of Northeastern University.

Whitney Gould-Cookson, MS, RD, LD, Clinical Dietitian at Northern Light Mayo Hospital in Dover-Foxcroft, Maine.

Chris Bonacci, Vice President, Marketing at Ethos | VONT in Westbrook, Maine.

Susan Norton, Executive Vice President/Chief Administrative Officer at First National Bank in Damariscotta, Maine.

Christine Cummings, Executive Director of the Maine Grocers & Food Producers Association in Augusta, Maine. 

The new members join the existing group of directors, including:

Odette Perriel, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital

Frank Pecoraro, Coastal Pacific Food Distributors

Dora Anne Mills, MD, MaineHealth

Mary Wright

Andrea Sockabasin, Wabanaki Public Health

Victoria W. Rogers, MD

Marwa Hassanien, Northern Light Health

Jason Fournier, BerryDunn

Peter Forester, Hannaford Supermarkets

Michelle Draeger, Maine Justice Foundation

Tae Chong, Maine State Chamber of Commerce

John Bennett

Peter Richardson

Kate Rush, Androscoggin Bank

Scott Maker, WoodworthMaker, LLC

For additional information on Good Shepherd Food Bank’s board of directors, visit www.FeedingMaine.org.

LEWISTON, ME – The City of Lewiston is seeking resident volunteers to serve as members of the City’s various boards and committees. The following city boards and committees have current openings: Board of Appeals full member, Androscoggin County Budget Committee – District 2, Planning Board associate member, and Lewiston Senior Advisory Council representatives from Wards 1, 2, 4, 5, and city wide.

The Board of Appeals is charged with hearing citizen appeals regarding orders, rules or failures of certain municipal entities to act relating to the zoning and land use code, building code, property maintenance, fire prevention codes, etc. The board has limited authority in granting conditional use permits and variances of zoning setbacks and related requirements.

The County Budget Committee will review the proposed budget, meet with each department and make recommendations to the Commissioners. The committee meets September through November. Residents can look up their county district on the election page of the City of Lewiston’s website.

The Lewiston Seniors Advisory Council serves as an advisory council to the City Council in regard to community issues affecting seniors and shall serve as a liaison between the seniors of the community and the city. The committee shall enable seniors to send and receive recommendations from the City Council for consideration, to work toward goals that empower all of the community’s senior population, and to undertake service projects that enhance the community.

The Planning Board performs duties prescribed by ordinance and state statute regarding subdivision review, major development review, and amendments to the land use code. It directs the preparation and maintenance of the official city zoning map and the city’s comprehensive plan. The board reviews the annual capital improvement program and the acquisition and disposition of all public ways, land, buildings and other municipal facilities not acquired through tax-lien foreclosure. It hears and decides applications for conditional use permits, where the development is a major development as defined by City Code.

Lewiston residents interested in applying can contact the City Clerk’s Department to complete a committee volunteer application. Application forms are also available on the Boards and Committees page of the City’s website at www.lewistonmaine.gov. Committee descriptions, meeting times and other information about committee service are also available on the City’s website. Applications can be submitted at any time and will be accepted until the positions are filled however the requested filing deadline is 4 PM on Wed., Aug. 28.                                                                                                                                                                                                

Residents are welcome to contact the City Clerk’s Department at 207-513-3124 with any questions. Completed applications shall be submitted to the City Clerk’s Office for processing. Office hours are Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM to 4 PM.