LEWISTON, ME (August 5, 2022) — The Woman’s Hospital Association (WHA) Rotating Art Gallery at Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston is proud to display the work of two artists, Jeanelle Demers and Michele Townsend for the month of August.

A well-known local artist from Lewiston-Auburn, Demers has recently branched out from painting pet portraits to experimenting with botanical illustrations. She has found a new love of photographing flowers and plants while traveling to different areas and drawing from those photos. The prints on display are giclee reproductions of ink drawings from her travel sketchbook combined digitally with acrylic underpaintings. She has been enjoying this new endeavor, combining her love of wild things from the natural world with color and linework. More information and artwork is available through her website www.200faces.com

Having an exhibit for the first time at CMMC, Townsend has been working with pastels for 40 years with a focus on nature and animals. “I enjoy working with my fingers close to the paper and seeing the pastels blend together to complete each piece”

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. As a result of the hospital safety precautions due to the pandemic, the art gallery is only available for viewing for staff, patients, and their designated visitors at this time.

Below: Lighthouse – Michele Townsend

AUBURN, ME (August 5, 2022) — The Community Little Theatre production of School of Rock – The Musical opens this weekend. Based on the 2003 movie, the show features all the original songs from the movie, 14 new songs from Andrew Lloyd Webber, and a band of some very talented local youth. School of Rock will warm your heart and blow you away in equal measure! 

School of Rock will be performed at 7:30 p.m. on August 11, 12, 13, 18, 19 and 20; and at 2:00 p.m. on August 14 and 21. Tickets are general admission and may be purchased online at LACLT.com or by calling 783-0958. If space allows, tickets will also be available at the door. 

Below: Owen Hiltz, left, as “Freddie Hamilton” and Jeff Fairfield as “Mr. Hamilton” rehearse a scene from the Community Little Theatre production of School of Rock – The Musical. The hit musical opens Thursday, August 11. 

AUBURN, ME (August 1, 2022) – The Auburn Police Department’s newest K-9 has only recently completed his patrol certification and is already protecting and serving the community. Deputy Chief Tim Cougle reports that last evening at 12:25AM, emergency dispatchers received a 911 call from a female who was believed to be in distress. Officers were able to locate the female at 514 Turner Street. She reported that she had been assaulted by a male subject known to her during a domestic dispute. The assailant was reported to have fled into nearby woods once he knew the police were on their way.

K-9 Brick, Auburn’s newest police dog along with his handler, Officer Andrew Jarman were called to the scene to assist in the search for the suspect.

“Once deployed and given his search command, Brick immediately began to pull officers deep into the woods,” said Cougle. “Brick directed the officers to a large, overturned tree where the suspect was located, crouched down, trying to hide from them.”

The suspect was taken into custody without incident and charged with Felony Domestic Violence Assault and Violating Conditions of Release.

“Without Brick, this suspect would not have been captured so quickly and efficiently, preventing a larger police search of the area,” said Cougle. “He’s a great dog; smart and determined. And Officer Jarman is doing an outstanding job with him. We anticipate years of exceptional work from this K-9 team.”

Brick completed his first level of training, patrol certification, on July 20.

Below: Officer Jarman and Brick.

Fly your balloon with us!

Are you interested in flying your hot air balloon at The Great Falls Balloon Festival? We are always excited to speak with and welcome new pilots to the festival. Flying at the Great Falls Balloon Festival includes tons of benefits including lodging, food, gift packs, and more.

Want to fly at this year’s festival? Fill out this form at https://greatfallsballoonfestival.org/fly-with-us/ and we will reach out.

Participate in the photo contest!

First, second, and third place will receive a Souvenirs Swag Bag at the 2021 Great Falls Balloon Festival

Volunteer!

Are you interested in volunteering at The Great Falls Balloon Festival? The success of the festival is dependent upon the skills and time of our countless volunteers. We are looking for volunteers in these areas:

Balloon Crew

Crowd Support

Bridge/Gate Support

Souvenir Booth

Welcome/Greeter at Entrances

Pancake Breakfast

Parade Support

Family Fun Day

Committee Member

Runner/Festival Support

Logistics

Balloon Ride Assistant

And much more!

Volunteer Requirements: All volunteers must meet all these requirements:

Volunteer must be over the age of 16, 18 for balloon crew; Volunteer must not bring children, for their safety; Volunteers who are working one of the gates or crowd control must wear a safety vest which will be provided; Balloon crew members should report to Simard-Payne Memorial Park at 5:30 am for morning launches and 5 pm for evening launches; Potential balloon crew volunteers are asked to please take into consideration that some of the balloon equipment is heavy; All volunteers must be respectful to all guests

Want to get involved in this year’s festival?

Fill out this forum or email volunteer@greatfallsballoonfestival.org and we will reach out closer to the festival.

Join us at the parade!

Please join us on Saturday, August 20, 2022, at 11 a.m. for the festival parade!

The parade will line up on Elm Street, Auburn, proceeding down Elm Street. It will turn left onto Main Street, right onto Court Street and across the Longley Bridge. It will then turn right onto Lincoln Street, and then a right onto Chestnut Street and disperse on Oxford Street. The parade will last approximately 2 hours.

Sponsor us!

Thank you for your interest in becoming a sponsor of the 28th annual Great Falls Balloon Festival.

In 1992, a group of business people, civic leaders and friends began discussing new ways to celebrate our community, while at the same time providing fundraising opportunities to local non-profits and civic groups. With the help of local businesses, an army of volunteers and the cooperative efforts of the cities of Lewiston and Auburn, the Great Falls Balloon Festival has become more than anyone could have imagined.

The festival now reaches well beyond the great community of Lewiston/Auburn­—it enjoys a national reputation as a first-class event and is a destination for many visitors to the state of Maine.

The sight of dozens of hot air balloons in the skies over Lewiston/Auburn is a spectacular experience. With free admission, annual attendance above 100,000, financial impact in excess of $2,000,000 and hundreds of thousands of dollars raised by participating non-profit groups, it’s easy to see why our community eagerly anticipates the festival.

Like any business or event, cash flow is the most difficult task to manage. Support from local businesses enables continued growth and free attendance for festival visitors. If you are unable to make a cash donation, please consider a contribution of goods or services. In either case, your generosity is greatly appreciated.

Download our complete sponsorship guide at https://greatfallsballoonfestival.org/sponsor-us/ for more details about sponsoring the festival.

Thank you for your support! Questions? sponsorship@greatfallsballoonfestival.org

BRIDGTON, ME (July 28, 2022) — Bridgton Hospital is hosting its 30th Annual Golf Tournament on Wednesday, August 31 at Bridgton Highlands Country Club. This long-standing tournament has raised more than $1 million over the years to support the many services and programs offered by Bridgton Hospital.

“We are grateful to the local businesses and community members who have come out year after year for this annual fundraiser. The proceeds from this year’s tournament will support critical trauma equipment for Bridgton Hospital’s Emergency Department, ensuring the high-quality care the community needs, close to home during a medical emergency,” said Peter J. Wright, FACHE, president of Bridgton Hospital and Rumford Hospital.

Player registration and sponsorships are available now at www.cmhc.org/bridgton-golf. The $125 player registration fee includes breakfast, lunch, refreshments throughout the course, hors d’oeuvres after play, player gifts, prizes and more. Players can sign up as an individual or register as a foursome. Sponsorships from $250 to $10,000 are packaged to include marketing benefits, player registrations, mulligans and raffle tickets for an easy registration process on the day of the event.

To register, sponsor or for more information about the event or Bridgton Hospital, please contact the Central Maine Healthcare Philanthropy Office at (207) 795-2668 or email bridgtonhospitalgiving@cmhc.org.

LEWISTON, ME (July 27, 2022) — A ribbon cutting ceremony will be held for the opening of Obscura Cafè & Drinkery in Lewiston at 10:30 AM on Thursday, August 4, 2022. Lewiston Mayor Carl Sheline will be joined by John Rice, Director of Operations at Schooner Estate Senior Living Center and Board Chair of the Board for LA Metro Chamber, Senator Susan Collin’s Office Representative Carlene Trembly, Congressman Jared Golden’s Office District Representative Katherine Drummond, and members of the public.  

Obscura Cafè & Drinkery is a 1920’s reminiscent eatery, drinkery, and entertainment venue that aims to bring an all inclusive experience to Downtown Lewiston’s Arts District. Serving an American style menu of paninis, salads, flatbreads, specialty waffles and charcuterie, Obscura provides a creative menu that is also accessible for guests with gluten sensitivity and vegan diets. Our bar features a large selection of craft beers, canned cocktails, and wine. The space boasts a large projection theater screen above the bar that shows silent films and speakeasy style lounge downstairs for performances and events that will be opening soon. You can learn more at www.obscuramaine.com. 

“We’ve always had the vision to give the iconic Lamey-Wellehan building a second life while preserving the history of the space and of the Wellehan family legacy. With the full support and belief of Jim Wellehan, we made that happen”, says co-owner and Lewiston native, Corey DuFour. 

 “As a company that is owned and operated by several artists, we wanted to create a space that creatives could gather and be represented. From fine artists, to musicians, artisans and other performers of the arts, we will have opportunities to hold events and displays that will showcase the talents of our local art community’, says co-owner and local artist, Angie Lafrance.

 Ms. Angie Lafrance, will be speaking on behalf of Obscura Cafè & Drinkery at the ribbon cutting ceremony on August 4th. Obscura will then be open for patronage following the ceremony.

 What: Ribbon Cutting for Obscura Cafè & Drinkery

When: Thursday, August 4, 2022 at 10:30 AM

Were: 108 Lisbon Street, Lewiston, ME

Who: Obscura Cafè & Drinkery, City of Lewiston, LA Metro Chamber

Why: To celebrate the opening of Obscura Cafè & Drinkery, a new eatery in Downtown Lewiston that pays tribute to the past, present, and future in the iconic and historical Lamey-Wellehan building.

AUBURN, ME (July 27, 2022) – The City of Auburn and Great Falls Construction are pleased to announce that Great Falls Construction is planning to purchase 186 Main Street, a city-owned lot in the heart of Auburn’s beautiful downtown district.

Based in Gorham, Great Falls Construction (GFC) has more than 30 years of experience in construction management, design build, and general contracting. Their plans for the site include an extraordinary new mixed-use facility. The hope is that the ground and first floors will be occupied by a brewery, distillery, restaurant tenant, while the remainder of the facility will have rental apartment units with a variety of studio, 1-bedroom, and 2-bedroom offerings.

“This is a true economic development ‘win’ for our downtown,” said Jay Brenchick, Auburn’s director of economic development. “It has been a pleasure working with Great Falls Construction and exploring their vision for this property; we’re proud to help make this project a reality.”

According to president and owner Jon Smith, the team at Great Falls Construction is excited about the project. “This is a gorgeous location, near the Androscoggin River and within walking distance to Auburn’s vibrant downtown. We are pleased to not only bring a top-notch eatery to central Maine, but also to help add some much-needed housing units. This beautiful building will complement the charm and character of Auburn’s downtown district and demonstrate our team’s meticulous craftsmanship.”

The project aligns well with the city’s strategic vision for the downtown, according to Mayor Jason Levesque. “Focusing on our downtown and the Androscoggin River emerged as a final recommendation of our recent strategic plan,” said Levesque. “And for the last several years, we have worked hard to transform our downtown into a place where people can work, live, and play. With this significant investment by Jon and the terrific crew at GFC, that will become reality.”

“It has been a pleasure working with the economic development team in Auburn,” added Smith. “Their vision for the city, commitment to excellence, and great customer service have helped make this project a reality for our team and the Auburn community.”

LEWISTON, ME (JULY 26, 2022) – Nearly 50 million pets in the U.S. cannot access even the most basic veterinary care. Due to cost and other barriers, pets in under-resourced communities often do not receive essential services such as preventative care, vaccinations, spay/neuter services, dental and other medical care. In the U.S., 70 percent of homes include pets. As research continues to reveal the benefits of the human-animal bond, a movement is underway to connect pet parents to the health care their pets need to keep them and their families healthy. With a $110,000 grant from PetSmart Charities, Greater Androscoggin Humane Society (GAHS) will support pets and pet parents in need of these veterinary services by expanding affordable basic wellness services. These include vaccinations, sterilization surgery, and other medical needs that will help pets stay in homes where they are loved. Pets like Tigga the cat —he was brought in with a urinary blockage for which his family was not able to afford treatment. The team at GAHS was able to successfully remove the blockage and get this handsome boy back on his feet and feeling better. Unfortunately, this scenario is all too common, with seven other urinary blockages in cats alone since February of this year.

“Every day, we hear from community members who are struggling to provide veterinary care to their dog or cat. We are dedicated to improving access to basic wellness care to help pets and people in need,” said Katie Lisnik, GAHS Executive Director. “We are so thankful for the support of PetSmart Charities, which will help us grow our program through equipment and facility improvements.”

According to the Human-Animal Bond Research Institute, pets make a significant impact in the health and wellness of the people they love. This grant funding will help more families in need receive the veterinary care that ensures pets live long, healthy lives.

“Pets are important members of the family,” said Aimee Gilbreath, president of PetSmart Charities. “We know 40 percent of low-income pet parents cite a lack of access to veterinary care as a top reason for surrendering their pets. And that’s an impossible choice to have to make. We’re proud to support the meaningful progress being made by the Greater Androscoggin Humane Society to keep pets and people together.”

Visit savingpetsinmaine.org to learn more about our veterinary services, adoptions, volunteering, fostering and so much more!

LEWISTON, ME (July 20, 2022) — Musician Marc Black brings history to life through the songs of 1950s and 60s in his Boppa Chua Program, hosted at the Lewiston Public Library on Tuesday, August 2 at 5:30pm. This free, public program will take place in Callahan Hall and is directed towards adults though all ages may participate.

New York Blues Hall of Fame inductee, Marc Black, will be our guide through an evening of song, storytelling, and laughter through these two historically defining decades. We’ll celebrate wonderful songs as diverse as “Itsy Bitsy, Teeny Weeny Yellow Polka-Dot Bikini” and “Blowin’ in the Wind,” as well as tunes by artists ranging from Dean Martin to George Harrison. In addition to the music and conversation, this program features a slide show by Susan Black that is sure to slide our minds right back in time. Marc will also perform his own group’s top forty hit from his tour with The Doors, Neil Diamond, The Dave Clark Five and Van Morrison.

Marc Black is an eclectic folk-rocker who deals with life, and all its social and political challenges, one song at a time. Inducted into the New York Chapter of the Blues Hall of Fame in June of 2014, he has performed and recorded with many luminaries including Art Garfunkel, John Sebastian, Rick Danko, Richie Havens, Taj Mahal and Pete Seeger. He was chosen to play at one of the Levon Helm’s Midnight Rambles and was also named Folk Artist of the Year on ABC Radio.

While still in high school, Marc’s band, the Blades of Grass, reached the top forty performing alongside the biggest acts of the day including the Doors, Van Morrison and Neil Diamond. Marc also won the American Library Association Award for Best Children’s Album of the year for his production of American Children.

His song subjects have ranged from his love for the New York Mets to good coffee and just about everything in between. Marc’s guitar influences include the fingerstyle blues of Mississippi Hurt and Lightnin’ Hopkins while vocally you can hear his appreciation for Tim Hardin and Mose Allison. Marc has produced 15 audio recordings and his YouTube videos have been viewed more than a hundred thousand times. http://www.myspace.com/guthriesplaceThe Lewiston Public Library is located downtown at 200 Lisbon Street at the corner of Pine Street. More information on Tuesday’s program is available by contacting the Lewiston Public Library at 513-3135 or LPLReference@lewistonmaine.gov.

For further information, contact: Katherine Webber, 207-513-3134

LEWISTON, ME (July 10, 2022) — The law firm of Skelton Taintor & Abbott, of Lewiston announces that Dylan Cox has joined the firm as an Associate Attorney. Mr. Cox graduated from the University of Maine School of Law (J.D., 2021) and Saint Joseph’s College of Maine (B.A. in Political Science with a concentration in Criminal Justice, Magna Cum Laude, 2017). He is admitted to practice in all Maine state courts (2022).

Mr. Cox intends to focus on real estate, business and corporate law, and estate planning.

“We are pleased and proud to welcome Dylan as an associate of this firm,” said Director, Daniel A. D’Auteuil, Jr. “He will be a key member of the team that enables us to serve our clients so well in this time of a booming real estate market and high demand for legal advice and assistance”.

Mr. Cox clerked for Skelton Taintor & Abbott from (2020-2022). He also interned at the District Attorney’s Office, South Paris, Maine in (2012-2013) and at Oxford Hills Law, in South Paris before that.

Skelton Taintor & Abbott is a full service trial and general practice law firm representing clients throughout Maine. With the addition of Attorney Cox, the firm consists of 12 attorneys practicing in virtually all fields of law and in both federal and state courts.