Covers towns roughly within 50 miles of Augusta.

Northern Light Health recognizes National Blood Donor Month

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National Blood Donor Month is a time to recognize and celebrate blood donors, and to remind people of the importance of donating blood. During National Blood Donor Month Northern Light Health would like to extend gratitude to those who have generously donated in the past, saving countless lives, and making a profound difference in our community.

Throughout this special month, we reflect on the significance of blood donation and its vital role in ensuring a stable and sufficient blood supply for patients in need. Every pint donated has the potential to save up to three lives, making each donor a true hero.

Our trauma surgeons care for patients who’ve had accidents every day. When you give blood, you help our surgeons deliver the care our patients deserve. “As a trauma surgeon, I witness firsthand the critical importance of blood donations on our patients’
lives,” says Amy Fenwick, MD, Trauma Medical Director, Northern Light Surgery and Trauma. “During National Blood Donor Month, I urge everyone to consider donating blood; it truly is a lifesaving resource that can mean the difference between life and death for those in need, especially during emergencies and crucial medical procedures.”

Camp Pondicherry and Camp Natarswi open registration for summer 2025 campers

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Ready for limitless fun, friends, and new experiences? Girl Scouts of Maine (GSME) is excited to announce the official opening of online registration for Summer 2025 overnight camp sessions, which began Wednesday, January 15. Prospective campers of all ages can register by visiting the camp page on our website ­– no Girl Scout experience necessary!

The upcoming season ushers in a wave of first-time and returnee campers ready to explore outdoor programs and new hands-on activities this summer. Beginning sessions in July, a wide variety of single and multi-week camp opportunities are offered at both Camp Pondicherry in Bridgton, and Camp Natarswi in Baxter State Park. Each camp provides unique, unforgettable experiences amongst some of Maine’s most scenic natural settings.

Nestled on over 600 acres in the foothills of the White Mountains, Camp Pondicherry has a private waterfront on Adams Pond and miles of untouched woodlands, fields, hills, and trails to explore. In addition to classic GSME summer camp offerings such as archery, hatchet-throwing, swimming, arts and crafts, kayaking, hiking, and fire safety, other Pondicherry-specific activities include horseback riding, theater, and more!

All of camp programs are designed to build lifelong skills and foster independence. The two-week Ultimate Camp Experience gives girls an opportunity to enjoy both of GSME summer camps.

Check out the 2025 GSME Summer Camp Guide for more information on pricing, specific camp sessions, themed weeks, programs, activities, and important dates. Whether you’re interested in classic camp adventures or specialized programs, there’s something for every camper with GSME.

U.S. Attorney’s Office, AARP Maine, and Maine Council for Elder Abuse Prevention Launch Elder Fraud Program

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The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maine has announced an innovative new elder fraud awareness program that will utilize the inherent relationships of pharmacists and their customers to reach older Mainers. The Maine Rx Elder Fraud Program is a collaborative effort between the U.S. Attorney’s Office, AARP Maine, and the Maine Council for Elder Abuse Prevention.

“Pharmacists are consistently ranked among the most trusted health care providers, and with approximately nine out of 10 people over age 65 having at least one regular prescription, pharmacists will be a key partner in our efforts to inform this population,” said U.S. Attorney Darcie N. McElwee. “That trust and regular contact makes pharmacies an ideal conduit to reach older Mainers, as well as their family members or caregivers.”

The program, which is designed to educate Mainers on common signs of scams and how to report elder fraud, will begin at Hannaford Supermarkets’ 60 in-store pharmacies across Maine. Informational brochures will be attached to prescription bags for distribution to Hannaford pharmacy customers.

“We recognize older individuals, as well as their caretakers, make up a large portion of our customer base, and that we are uniquely positioned to help reach this audience directly through our pharmacy services as a trusted source for health and safety information,” said Sara Lane, Manager of Pharmacy Clinical Services, Hannaford Supermarkets. “We are always looking for opportunities to make a positive impact in the communities we serve and by making this information available to our pharmacy customers in all corners of our state, our goal is to help reduce the number of elder fraud incidents in Maine.”

Elder fraud is a growing problem across the nation. Last year, more than 101,000 Americans aged 60-plus were defrauded out of $3.4 billion through an ever-growing variety of scams. According to the FBI, that number included 397 Mainers who filed fraud complaints last year for losses totaling more than $7.1 million, and many others go unreported. While some scams can have negligible losses, recent sophisticated scams have robbed victims of their life savings.

“There are so many different types of scams in circulation, it can be difficult to recognize them all. Add in technology, and it becomes even more difficult,” said Jane Margesson, Communications Director for AARP Maine. “Increasingly, the scams are more sophisticated and with multiple layers, even multiple scammers playing different roles. As the schemes have become more complex, the potential losses have increased as well. Those losses can be especially devastating for victims nearing or in retirement. Some of the stories we hear are absolutely heartbreaking.”

“The actual losses are likely considerably higher than reported,” said Andrew McCormack, Assistant U.S. Attorney and Elder Justice Coordinator for the District of Maine. “For a variety of reasons, older individuals are often hesitant to report when they’ve been scammed. While it is normal to feel embarrassed when you’ve been tricked, it is important to remember that the criminals who take advantage of people are absolute pros at what they do. Older Americans are not the only victims – people of all ages and backgrounds fall prey to scams every day – but after a lifetime of saving and perhaps not being online as often and therefore as current on recent scams, they are a common, and frankly favorite, target for some of the most insidious types of fraud.”

“We are grateful to all the organizations that have worked together to make this program possible. Our collective aim is to reduce the number of people in Maine who are victimized by these cruel schemes,” said U.S. Attorney McElwee. “Sadly, there are always going to be criminals who try to take advantage and steal your hard-earned money. Recognizing red flags can help prevent you, or someone you love, from becoming a victim.”

For information about the Maine Rx Elder Fraud Program, email usame.outreach@usdoj.gov or call the U.S. Attorney’s Office at 207-780-3257.

LETTERS: Rebuttal to dad’s letter

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To the editor:

This was my dad’s letter…advice to seniors. Readers deserve to know the truth. Please publish this as it is not fair to allow my dad to slander me and not let me tell my side:

I opened my home up to my dad..he sold his place in Maine (his own decision). I did not take his money or open a joint account. He offered to open the joint account and told the BofA banker “we only have each other…we are all we have”. He offered to purchase the Mercedes car for me (a 2009) which I traded my car in to help with the cost. I was NOT taking his money or using him in anyway. I was not looking for a horse farm…my dad mentioned that he wanted to live in the country and we drove by a 5-acre place that was for sale…he wanted to see it!

I was not upset at my dad…in fact, he told me he wanted to move back to Maine and I asked him to really consider it first and to give things time. I have a 3/2 home in Dunnellon, Florida, and I gave him my master bedroom and bath and I did not put any restrictions on him. I paid for all the utilities, he only had to pay for his groceries and gas.

He agreed to stay but after a few weeks decided he was leaving. He told me on a Monday morning (while I am getting ready for work) that he is driving back to Maine on Friday, He failed to tell me that a neighbor (that lives down the street named Gary) would be accompanying him on the trip. (which my dad had to pay him for and ended up costing over $1,000 between eating out, hotel and paying him $250 to ride with him, as well as paying for Gary’s flight back to Florida).

Here I am worried that my dad is on the road alone. Friday morning when my dad left (at 8 a.m.) I hugged him good bye and told him “this is your decision, you don’t have to go”, but he told me he was leaving. I asked him how far he was driving and he said “to Jacksonville” which I thought was odd as that is not far away. All this time my dad knew that I did not know Gary was going to be with him. This was hurtful. I thought for my dad to hide this fact.

As far as my cats…they eat and sleep and did not bother my dad in anyway. In fact, he would talk to them and petted them and seemed to enjoy their company.

I tried calling my dad only for him to hang up on me and then he wrote me and asked to only contact him by mail. So let me advise those children that have aging parents and they want to move in…have a long conversation first. My dad had a choice but his choice was to leave without providing any closure for me (as to why).

It is not right to let my dad write lies and lead people to believe his story…please publish this so that (maybe my dad) will be able to know how I feel…since he will not even speak to me.

Holly Slason
Dunnellon, Florida

LETTERS: Mainers at higher risk of social isolation

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To the editor:

In Maine, approximately 135,000 people 50 and older live alone and are at higher risk of social isolation and loneliness. If there is one thing the pandemic made clear, it is that personal connections are vital to our mental and physical well-being.

With the holidays upon us, feelings of loneliness and isolation can be heightened, particularly if we have lost a loved one in the past year. A survey conducted by AARP found that three-in-ten respondents (31%) say they have felt lonely during past holiday seasons. In addition, four-in-ten (41%) respondents say they have worried about a friend or family member feeling lonely during the holidays. Fortunately, the holidays give us a reason to connect.

AARP Maine has posted a guide with resources for Mainers who may be experiencing loneliness. Some of the resources include a tool to measure your risk for isolation, an invitation to receive a friendly phone call from an AARP volunteer, opportunities to volunteer, and information on local services. The guide includes additional support for family caregivers. You can find the guide here: https://states.aarp.org/maine/isolation.

We often experience more kindness from strangers during the holidays. Perhaps if each one of us can commit to being that “kind stranger” we can all have a meaningful impact in another person’s life. A simple act of kindness – a friendly call, an offer to help with shopping, sharing a laugh over a cup of tea – can make all the difference to someone who is lonely.

André Chassé
AARP Maine
Volunteer State President

EVENTS: Blue Christmas ceremony shines light

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The ShineOnCass Foundation will host its 4th Annual Blue Christmas Ceremony for grieving families and friends, and those who support them, Saturday, December 21, at sunset, starting at 4 p.m., on the Winter Solstice – the longest and darkest night of the year. Blue Christmas will feature music, speakers, and a reading of submitted names of loved ones’ lost and the lighting of memorial blue candles.

Blue Christmas ceremonies are held around the world in acknowledgement that the holiday season can be especially challenging for many who are grieving.

“Many people are acquainted with the paradox of the holiday season – a time when celebrations of peace and joy contrast sharply with the sadness and loneliness that come with loss,” said Monica Charette, founder and executive director of the ShineOnCass Foundation. “Our hope is to bring people together, both bereaved families and individuals, and those who can support them, to offer a comforting space where everyone feels less alone.”

In addition to the blue light ceremony, the evening will also feature music by local musician Will McPherson and the return of award-winning country recording artist Joan Kennedy, and her daughter Grace, who will perform “Candle in the Window” and other selections. The event is free of charge.

Charette said the idea to host a community Blue Christmas Ceremony came from a gathering organized by her friends after the passing of her 17-year-old daughter Cassidy Charette 10 years ago. Cass, for whom the ShineOnCass Foundation was created to honor, was a Messalonskee High School student and longtime community volunteer, who died in a tragic hayride accident on October 11, 2014.

Anyone can participate in the Blue Christmas Ceremony by sharing their loved ones’ names being remembered and receive a blue candle to light at the ceremony. People are also welcome to attend in silent remembrance and offer support to others. To complete the online form, visit Blue Christmas on the Foundation’s website at shineoncass.org. Deadline to submit names is Friday, December 20. To participate via livestream, follow the ShineOnCass Facebook page. In case of inclement weather, Blue Christmas will be held one day later, on Sunday, December 22.

For additional grief support, Charette and her son, Colby, co-host “Holding the Light” Podcast, which includes monthly interviews with bereaved families. This month’s episode “Grief Doesn’t Take a Holiday” will provide tips for surviving the season with support group facilitator Sarah Kilch Gaffney. For more information, visit shineoncass.org.

Lori Bellwood joins Northern Light staff

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Lori Bellwood

Northern Light Inland Hospital is pleased to welcome Lori Bellwood, DNP, CNM, an experienced, compassionate certified nurse midwife to Northern Light Women’s Health in Waterville. Lori provides gynecological, contraceptive, family planning, and preventative well-woman care from adolescence through menopause.

Lori has been working in women’s health services for most of her 40-year career; 18 as a registered nurse in labor and delivery, 22 as a women’s health provider. She has attended more than 2,000 births. Lori is a certified nurse midwife through the American Midwifery Certification Board. She attained her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the University of Southern Maine and then attended Frontier School of Midwifery in Hyden, Kentucky for her Midwifery Certificate. She earned her master’s in nursing at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio and then attended Frontier Nursing University and attained her Doctor of Nursing Practice degree.

“When I first meet a patient, I try to see them as a whole person and get to know them. Each woman has a uniqueness about them that affects their health which encompasses not only their physical health, but a woman’s social circumstances, family, and environment. Understanding them as a whole person shows I care for them and can meet them where their needs are. This is the foundation of a trustful and meaningful relationship between a provider and a patient,” shares Lori. “Empowering women to reach their maximum attainment in health and wellness through shared decision making is very important to me.”

Lori is welcoming new patients. To schedule an appointment, please call the office at 207.872.5529. The practice is located in the Medical Arts Building attached to the hospital. Learn more at northernlighthealth.org/Inland.

Jeffery Flye honored by UBM

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Shawn Nava, left, President of United Bikers of Maine, along with other members of U.B.M presented a plaque of appreciation to Commander Jeffery Flye and American Legion Post #51 for help and support of their organization. (contributed photo)

State Rep. LaRochelle withdraws recount request for Senate District 15

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Raegan LaRochelle

by Lauren McCauley
Maine Morning Star

Richard Bradstreet

On Saturday, the Office of the Maine Secretary of State confirmed that the recount for Senate District #15, initially scheduled for Monday, had been officially withdrawn.

Election night tallies had Demo­cratic outgoing state Rep. Raegan LaRochelle trailing Republican Richard Bradstreet 10,621 to 10,820 votes. The seat, previously held by Repub­lican state Sen. Matt Pouliot, who announced in January that he wouldn’t seek reelection, was among those that Democrats had tried aggressively to flip.

The Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee, the national party’s arm that focuses on winning state legislatures across the country, contributed roughly $95,000 to Maine’s Senate Democratic Campaign Committee and spotlighted LaRochelle’s bid. Senate District #15 covers Augusta, Belgrade and China, in Kennebec County.

 

 

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EVENTS: Small Business Saturday is Nov. 30

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Small Business Saturday is this coming Saturday after Thanksgiving, Nov. 30, 2024. Are you interested in writing a story on the holiday shopping season or want to arrange an interview with a small business advocate in the area? The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), the nation’s leading small business association, is here to help. NFIB State Director David Clough is available to discuss the importance of Small Business Saturday to the local economy and how shopping small benefits consumers, employees, and business owners alike.

NFIB State Director David Clough can be reached at (207) 807-4900, and you can contact Senior Media Manager Mike Donohue at (202) 525-9835.

“In addition to creating good-paying jobs and strengthening the local economy, small businesses shape our communities by volunteering their time and financially supporting charitable organizations,” said Clough. “A recent NFIB report highlights how small business owners and their employees benefit their communities, beyond operating their businesses. As we kick off the holiday season, I encourage all Mainers to shop small, especially on Small Business Saturday, and thank a small business owner for how they enrich your community.”

Sandwiched between Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Small Business Saturday began in 2010 as a way to help local stores and restaurants recover from the Great Recession. It has quickly transformed into a Thanksgiving weekend tradition, becoming one of the busiest sales seasons for small business owners nationwide.