LEWISTON, ME – With Medicare’s Annual Open Enrollment Period running October 15 through December 7, SeniorsPlus is reminding residents of Androscoggin, Franklin, and Oxford counties that free, unbiased Medicare counseling is available through its certified counselors.

As new, for-profit Medicare-focused businesses open across the region, SeniorsPlus wants the public to understand a key distinction: as a nonprofit, SeniorsPlus does not sell insurance, does not represent any insurance company, and does not receive any financial benefit based on which plan a person chooses. Its only role is to provide accurate, unbiased information so individuals can make the choice that works best for their own health needs and budget.

SeniorsPlus Medicare counselors can help people who:

are new to Medicare;

need assistance understanding Medicare;

currently have Medicare and want to review their options;

are concerned about paying for health insurance; and/or

need help understanding when they can change their health insurance, or whether changing is the best idea.

Counselors can answer questions on Medicare, Medicare Savings Programs, supplemental insurance, prescription drug programs, and related health insurance, helping people compare Medicare Advantage and prescription drug plans and navigate enrollment.

“Meeting with a counselor helped me understand my options and what plan changes are coming for the following year,” said one person who contacted SeniorsPlus for Medicare counseling. “This helped support me in choosing which plans work for me.”

SeniorsPlus counselors commonly help clients identify opportunities to reduce prescription drug and healthcare costs, in some cases saving hundreds or even thousands of dollars per year, while ensuring they understand the coverage and provider access that comes with each option.

To speak with a Medicare counselor, call SeniorsPlus at 1-800-427-1241.

AUGUSTA, ME – On Monday September 28, Maine Public Utilities Commission Staff issued a recommended decision denying CMP’s proposed $70 million temporary rate request.

 The request is part of the company’s broader rate case currently under review, and any revenues collected through temporary rates would be subject to refund if the Commission ultimately approved a different amount.

 This has could have a direct impact on Lewiston and Auburn. There are more than 12,000 customers in the area who receive power from the Deer Rips substation (6,400 customers) and Great Falls substation (6,300 customers).

 Both of those substations are planned for upgrades so they can handle more energy, have more capacity to facilitate growth in Auburn and Lewiston and increase reliability for those customers. The Deer Rips substation transformer overloaded on the July 4th holiday weekend due to extreme heat and we had to bring in a mobile transformer that is still in use at that location to keep the power on for those customers. (WMTW toured the Deer Rips substation with the mobile transformer last week: 15,000 Mainers lost power for heat-related issues this summer – WMTW)

 Without this rate plan, this work could be deferred causing a delay, including upgrading a Great Falls substation transformer that is more than 50 years old and a Deer Rips Substation transformer that is nearly 50 years old.

In addition to capacity needs in these communities, we are preparing the grid for extreme weather and storms. As noted below in excerpts, CMP has now responded to extreme cold, severe thunderstorms and extreme heat all within a span of roughly nine months.

Central Maine Power (CMP), a subsidiary of Avangrid Inc., reported a record number of heat-related grid events across its 11,000-square-mile service territory as Maine experienced its second-hottest meteorological summer on record.

CMP has proposed upgrades to electrical infrastructure to address capacity and extreme weather challenges. The company has publicly highlighted the need for these upgrades as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen reliability and support growing energy needs. CMP is advancing these solutions to improve reliability, increase system capacity and ensure crews can continue providing safe, reliable service to customers.

“We cannot ignore the reality and challenge in front of us when it comes to the strain that extreme heat is placing on aging components of Maine’s electric grid,” said Linda Ball, President and CEO of Central Maine Power. “We must implement solutions like upgraded substation transformers that are ready to handle the energy demand that comes with extreme heat. We’ve also seen the value of having mobile substations ready to deploy as our crews used these to alleviate equipment that either failed or could have failed on these hottest days.” 

High temperatures can increase demand for electricity and place strain on electrical equipment like lines and transformers. CMP grid equipment is designed to operate safely for a limited time above a defined strain threshold. This year, on July 3, prolonged extreme heat on a holiday weekend pushed some of that equipment, like substation transformers in Auburn and in tourism destination Ogunquit, beyond that limit. In several communities, CMP conducted temporary protective outages to prevent damage to critical equipment, an unprecedented measure during periods of extreme heat. Virtually all temporary measures to alleviate demand on these areas of the electric grid were deployed by crews, including the installation of a mobile substation brought to Ogunquit from Augusta with the help of a Maine State Police escort. 

CMP’s grid strengthening plans, currently under review by the Maine Public Utilities Commission (MPUC), include replacing two existing transformers at a York County substation with larger units to increase system capacity and backup capability, while upgrading communications technology to support the area’s growing energy needs. CMP’s proposals also include replacing more substation transformers in Cumberland, Franklin, Kennebec, Lincoln, and Penobscot?counties. Additional grid-hardening investments include installing thousands of stronger distribution poles, deploying hundreds of smart devices that enable faster remote restoration, and expanding vegetation management to reduce tree-related outages.

Work to restore power or prevent outages was not limited to teams in the field. CMP Energy Control Center operators and support staff worked around the clock for multiple days, coordinating real-time communications with field personnel and executing critical switching operations to safely manage infrastructure. Previous investments in smart grid technology were instrumental in maintaining service for thousands of customers during periods of extreme demand. This equipment enabled control center operators to find solutions remotely such as shifting how power was flowing on individual lines to alleviate equipment under strain. 

CMP’s plans for continued upgrades come as the company reports that approximately 15,000 customers experienced heat-related power interruptions during the summer of 2026. The company anticipates a final decision from the Maine PUC on its proposals subject to the commission’s review and approval.

LEWISTON, ME – The early Beatles are coming to Lewiston. Studio Two, a four-member tribute band dedicated to recreating the music, look and energy of The Beatles’ early years, will perform at 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, at the Franco Center, 46 Cedar St.

The band recreates the sound and experience of the Fab Four with period-appropriate instruments, appearance, and onstage banter. The set features favorite Beatles songs from the group’s early years, including music influenced by the raw sound of The Beatles’ Hamburg era.

Stephen Murray portrays John Lennon, while his brother Robert Murray portrays George Harrison.

“As a trained musician, I never expected to be playing in a Beatles tribute band, but it has been an amazing experience,” Stephen Murray said. “I am humbled to have an opportunity to portray John Lennon, who is one of the most talented musicians and composers of all time, and I am thrilled to bring Beatles music to a multitude of different generations. Best of all, I get to do this with my brother and best friends.”

Robert Murray said authenticity is an important part of the Studio Two experience.

“Playing George Harrison and re-enacting Beatles’ performances from the early years has been a thrill,” he said. “I love the vintage equipment and raw sound of the Beatles’ early era, and we take special care to ensure the look and sound is as close to authentic as possible.”

Studio Two’s musicians are part of a new generation keeping The Beatles’ music and fan culture alive for longtime fans and those discovering the band for the first time.

“Studio Two has been an amazing journey, and every day I look forward to meeting both old fans of The Beatles and new fans of Studio Two!” Robert Murray said.

Franco Center Executive Director Theresa Shanahan said the organization appreciates the support of Androscoggin Bank, sponsor of the concert.

“We are grateful to Androscoggin Bank for sponsoring Studio Two and supporting live music at the Franco Center,” Shanahan said. “Local business support helps us continue to bring a variety of performances to our community and gives audiences another opportunity to enjoy live music in this historic building.”

Doors and the cash bar open at 6 p.m. The concert begins at 7 p.m.

Tickets are $35 in advance and $40 at the door on the day of the show. Tickets are available at francocenter.org, by calling 207-689-2000, or in person at the Franco Center box office from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

The Franco Center is accessible to people with disabilities from the Lincoln Street Alley entrance. Parking is available on Oxford Street when spaces are available, at the lot at Cedar and Lincoln streets, and at the Lincoln Street lot across from FX Marcotte.

Studio Two is sponsored by Androscoggin Bank.

Studio Two, a four-member tribute band dedicated to recreating the music, look and energy of The Beatles’ early years, will perform at 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, at the Franco Center, 46 Cedar St., Lewiston.

AUBURN, ME – The Drop-In Center in Auburn is looking for volunteers! We are especially in need of kitchen volunteers on Wednesdays and Saturdays to help with preparing meals, cooking, serving, and keeping things running smoothly in the kitchen. Come join a great team of volunteers and give back to your community in a meaningful way! Whether you can help regularly or occasionally, we’d love to hear from you! For more information or to volunteer, please contact the Drop-In Center at 207-200-4869 or visit www.thedrop-incenter.org.

LEWISTON, ME – The City of Lewiston invites residents to learn about the past, present and future of the Red Shop during a Community Conversation on Mon., Oct. 5, from 5:30 PM to 7 PM at the Hampton Inn, 15 Lincoln St. The City will conclude with a tour of the nearby building.

The city is holding the conversation to explain how it plans to activate Simard-Payne Memorial Park and hear what residents would like to see and do there. Participants will learn about plans for the former Bates Mill complex machine shop, including how it could support community events and concerts.

Built in 1938, the Red Shop served as a machine shop for the Bates Mill complex and helped control water flow in the canal system. Its location at 38 Water St. connects Lewiston’s industrial history with the riverfront’s growing role as a gathering place.

Residents should bring ideas for activities that would draw them to the building and park. The tour will give participants a closer look at the Red Shop and its relationship to the surrounding public space.

What:     Community Conversation about the Red Shop, followed by a tour.

When:     Mon., Oct. 5, from 5:30 PM to 7 PM

Where:    Hampton Inn, 15 Lincoln St.

RSVP:     hello@lewistonmaine.gov.

AUBURN, ME – Cast and crew for Community Little Theatre’s upcoming production of the musical “Cabaret” have been busy lately getting fitted for costumes, no small task for a show like this.

Since its Broadway debut in 1966, “Cabaret” has captivated audiences with its subversive plot and groundbreaking storytelling. Set in Berlin in the final years of the Weimar Republic, the musical portrays a society on the brink of collapse, using the Kit Kat Club as both a space of liberation and a harbinger of impending authoritarianism. As fascism rises outside its doors, the club’s revelers dance in a haze of sex, cynicism, and cabaret. Costume design has played a crucial role in shaping audience interpretations of the show’s themes, characters, and historical context.

Performances of “Cabaret” will be held on October 16, 17, 22, 23, and 24 at 7:30 p.m., and October 18 and 25 at 2:00 p.m. All shows will be held at CLT on 30 Academy Street in Auburn. Tickets are available online at www.laclt.com.

“Cabaret” director Brandon Chaloux, at left, is pictured here with cast member Nex Staples, who plays one of the Kit Kat Boys. Nex has just tried on a possible addition to his wardrobe for the show. “Cabaret” will open at CLT on October 16.

AUBURN, ME – On August 3, 100+Women Who Care Androscoggin held their quarterly fundraising meeting at Central Maine Community College in Auburn. At that meeting, the membership voted to support Meals on Wheels with their donations. The donation, totaling $8100, was delivered to Meals on Wheels on Sept. 9.

The SeniorsPlus’ Meals on Wheels (MOW) program serves homebound individuals over the age of 60 and those with disabilities that reside in Androscoggin, Franklin and Oxford counties. MOW is designed to help older adults age in place in the comfort of their home. The program is needs based rather than means tested and uses a weighted scale to serve those most in need – the most vulnerable – first. Nutrition is a basic building block for health maintenance and illness recovery. Registered Dietician-approved meals provide 1/3 of the Recommended Dietary Allowance. Provision of meals enables older adults to remain in the comfort of their own home rather than be cared for in a long-term care facility, ultimately reducing tax-payer burden.

MOW is a three-pronged approach: a nutritious meal, safety check, and social interaction. Delivery drivers provide a brief social visit, are trained to identify safety risks and observe wellness changes. Most clients live alone, are socially isolated, and often have no one regularly checking on them – factors that increase the risk of disease, depression, and mortality. Our program helps reduce these risks.

Last year, SeniorsPlus provided 146,483 home delivered meals to 868 unduplicated clients. 596 of those individuals were residents of Androscoggin County who received a total of 87,515 meals.

100+ Women Who Care Androscoggin is a collaboration of local women who invest in the community by pooling their donations for the greatest impact. They meet four times a year. Members can nominate organizations or projects that are working to address community needs. At each meeting they hear from 3 of the nominated organizations and then vote for one group to receive their donation. The members then write a check to that organization. To date, 100+ Women Who Care Androscoggin has raised and donated $76,610. With a matching grant, the community impact is $96,015.

100+ Women Who Care Androscoggin currently has more than 160 members and welcomes others to join to enlarge their community impact. For more information or to join, email 100womenwhocareandroscoggin@gmail.com.

100+ Women Who Care present a check to Meals on Wheels. Pictured, l to r, are Carol Goyette, Eric Robenstine and Janis Walker from Meals on Wheels, and Marty McIntyre, Founder of 100+ Women Who Care Androscoggin.

LEWISTON, ME – Maine Turnpike Authority’s newest snow plow connected art, mission, and community at the 2026 Dempsey Challenge, where it made its event debut just one day after being unveiled. Positioned near the start line, The Defender immediately drew curiosity, questions, and conversation. As people approached the bright berry pink truck and yellow plow, many paused to take in the artwork celebrating everyday heroes who help clear the way to care.

The design reflects the Dempsey Center’s mission of supporting anyone impacted by cancer, while its ribbon and shield motif highlights the connection between patients, caregivers, Dempsey staff, and MTA crews who keep Maine’s busiest corridor safe.

“It really struck me how connected everything is,” said race participant Kim Cobb, who stopped for a selfie with her 5K team. “Knowing the roads are clear so we can get to our doctors and to the services at the Dempsey Center gives me real peace of mind. Seeing that message on a giant snowplow makes you think about all the folks working behind the scenes to make reaching my care possible.”

One of the morning’s most memorable moments came when Patrick Dempsey arrived by golf cart to see The Defender—named in his honor—for the first time at the event. He greeted MTA volunteers with a laugh, asking if he should “be expecting snow today,” before climbing into the driver’s seat at the invitation of snowplow operator Mike Somerset. Dempsey spent several minutes taking in the artwork and learning about the “beast of a vehicle” built for Maine’s harshest winter conditions. Later, he returned to congratulate auto racer Brandon Barker, winner of the 53rd Annual Nitro Trailers Oxford 250 and an MTA snowplow driver. The two talked about growing up in Maine, racing, and the unique overlap of racing cars and driving a snowplow.

Throughout race day, The Defender served as a visual anchor for the partnership—a reminder of the shared mission behind the collaboration: helping Maine people reach the emotional, physical, and social support offered by the Dempsey Center. The presence of The Defender underscored how reliable roads play a crucial role in connecting patients and caregivers to essential services year round.

Now returned and ready for duty within MTA’s winter fleet, The Defender will carry its message up and down the Turnpike over the winter. Hundreds saw it for the first time at the Challenge; in the months ahead, countless more will encounter it during winter storms as it continues its role as a moving symbol of care, connection, and community.

If you see The Defender out making the roads safe this winter, let it be a reminder that help in Maine is here. Learn more about the Dempsey Center at dempseycenter.org.

A full video recording of the press conference and unveiling from Friday, September 18 will be available on the MTA Youtube channel.

LEWISTON, ME – Entrepreneurs starting a business in Lewiston and qualifying local businesses expanding into new ventures can apply for grants of up to $40,000 or loans of up to $50,000 through the city’s Business Opportunity Loan and Grant Program.

To help applicants complete their applications and supporting materials, the City’s Economic Development staff are offering complimentary training sessions:

Economic Development staff are offering training sessions to help applicants complete their applications and supporting materials. The full 2026 schedule includes:

Tue., Sep. 29 at 5 PM — Lewiston Public Library, 200 Lisbon St., Lewiston.

Tue., Oct. 13 at 8 AM — LA Metro Chamber, 415 Lisbon St., Suite 100, Lewiston.

Tue., Nov. 10 at 5 PM — Lewiston Public Library, 200 Lisbon St., Lewiston.

Tue., Dec. 8 at 5 PM — The Lewiston Colisée, 190 Birch St., Lewiston.

Funded through New England Clean Energy Connect, the program supports for-profit businesses based in Lewiston. Applicants may seek either a grant or a loan, but not both. Loans carry a 5 percent interest rate over a 10-year term. Funding is limited, and both programs are competitive.

Eligible applicants include startups that have not yet opened and Lewiston businesses operating for less than a year when they apply. Existing Lewiston businesses starting a significantly new line of business and businesses relocating to Lewiston for the first time may also qualify.

Businesses must have fewer than 100 employees and be in good standing, with no tax liens, legal judgments or code or zoning violations. Home-based businesses, including child care providers, bookkeepers, bakeries and professional services, may qualify. Franchises and certain business categories, including cannabis-related businesses, pawn shops, gun shops and liquor stores, are ineligible.

Funds may cover eligible expenses such as rent, payroll, utilities, equipment, inventory, marketing, professional services and improvements needed to meet code requirements. They cannot cover past expenses, debt refinancing, back taxes or personal expenses.

Grants generally reimburse approved expenses after recipients pay those costs and submit documentation. Grant recipients may elect to receive up to $5,000 in advance as working capital, with receipts and other required documentation due before additional funds are provided.

Applications must include a business plan, budget and supporting documents, including a lease or deed, applicable permits and licenses, tax forms and identification. Recipients must provide evidence of lawful presence in the United States and sign an affidavit before receiving an award. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Complete applications are reviewed in the order received and evaluated by City. Applicants will be notified within three business days of the committee’s meeting. Those who are not awarded funding will receive feedback and may reapply after addressing the identified issues.

City staff can help applicants understand the requirements and identify needed permits or licenses. Applicants are encouraged to work with a business adviser to strengthen their plans and budgets. No-cost advising is available through SCORE Central Maine, Coastal Enterprises Inc. and the Small Business Development Center at the Androscoggin Valley Council of Governments.

To request an application, confirm submission deadlines or ask about training sessions, contact Economic Development at 207-513-3126 or ECDGrantProgram@LewistonMaine.gov. Submit completed applications and attachments by email or deliver them to Economic Development, third floor, City Hall, 27 Pine St., Lewiston, ME 04240.

AUBURN, ME – The Auburn Public Library invites the community to its 2nd Annual Community Block Party on Saturday, September 26, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The free, family-friendly event will bring together local businesses, community organizations, library supporters, and residents for an afternoon of music, food, activities, and fun.

Following the success of last year’s inaugural event, which welcomed more than 500 people, this year’s Block Party promises even more opportunities to connect with the community and celebrate the Auburn Public Library.

The event will feature live music by Brian Patricks, food from Mow’s Munchies and Isuken Co-Op, local vendors, lawn games, face painting, and other activities for all ages. Community partners participating in the event include Girl Scouts of Maine, Community Concepts, Sweetser, Auburn PAL Center, Lewiston-Auburn Good Food Council, and Auburn Boys & Girls Club.

One of the highlights of this year’s event is the Auburn Public Library Community Block Party Basket Raffle, featuring a variety of themed prize baskets filled with items and experiences donated by local businesses and community supporters. Raffle proceeds will help support the library’s programs, services, and resources. Tickets are available online and at the library’s lending desk through September 25, as well as during the Block Party on September 26. Winners will be drawn at the end of the event, and participants do not need to be present to win.

Book lovers will have another reason to stop by the library that weekend. The Auburn Public Library Bookstore will host a Fall Fiction Book Sale on Friday, September 25, and Saturday, September 26, in the Androscoggin Community Room. Shoppers can browse thousands of gently used adult, teen, and children’s books, with books available for $2 per bag.

“The Community Block Party is a wonderful opportunity to bring people together and showcase the many connections that make our community special,” said Haley Warden, Director of Development & Communications. “We’re grateful to the local businesses, organizations, volunteers, and community members who help make this event possible and help us keep it free and accessible to everyone.”

The Block Party is free and open to all. Public Works will close Library Avenue between Spring Street and the train tracks beginning at 9:00 AM to allow space for festivities. Parking will be available in nearby lots. For more information, visit www.auburnpubliclibrary.org or call 207.333.6640.

About Auburn Public Library: The Auburn Public Library is dedicated to enriching lives and strengthening the community by providing access to information, education, and cultural experiences. Through programs, events, and resources, the library remains a vital hub for lifelong learning and engagement.