AARP Maine now accepting community grant applications

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The annual program aims to make communities in Maine more livable for people of all ages

AARP Maine invites local eligible nonprofit organizations and governments to apply for the 2026 AARP Community Challenge grant program, now through March 4, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern. AARP Community Challenge grants fund quick-action projects that help communities become more livable by improving public places, transportation, housing, digital connections, and more.

Now in its tenth year, AARP will double its investment, awarding over $8 million in grants as part of its nationwide Livable Communities initiative, which supports the efforts of cities, towns, neighborhoods and rural areas to become great places to live for all residents, especially those age 50 and older.

“The Community Challenge is a critical part of how AARP Maine works with local residents, advocates, and policymakers to make our communities better places to live and thrive for people of all ages. The Community Challenge grant program has proven that quick-action projects can lead to long-term change, especially for Mainers 50-plus,” said Noël Bonam, AARP Maine State Director.

This year, the AARP Community Challenge is accepting applications across three different grant opportunities. All projects must be consistent with AARP’s mission to serve the needs of people 50 and older along with other eligibility criteria.

Flagship grants support projects that improve public places; transportation; housing; digital connections; and disaster resilience. Awards range from a few hundred dollars to $15,000.

Capacity-building microgrants are paired with expert support, webinars, and cohort learning for projects to improve walkability and bikeability; to implement safe, accessible home modifications; and to provide disaster preparedness training. Awards are $2,500.

Demonstration grants fund projects that encourage replication of exemplary local efforts. This year’s focus is on improving pedestrian safety, with funding support from Toyota Motor North America; on expanding high-speed internet access and adoption, with funding support from Microsoft; and on offering housing choice design competitions. Awards typically range from $10,000-$20,000, not to exceed $25,000.

“Over the last decade, AARP has invested in communities to help people of all ages and abilities to thrive,” said Nancy LeaMond, AARP Executive Vice President and Chief Advocacy & Engagement Officer. “The impact that our Community Challenge grants have had in cities, towns and counties nationwide is significant, supporting everything from crosswalks and home improvements to increased community engagement while also serving as a catalyst for further action. We look forward to expanding the program and its cumulative results over the next ten years.”

Since 2017, AARP has invested $24.3 million toward 2,100 livability projects – including $546,863 in Maine – across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands through the Community Challenge. The program aims to provide support to all community types, including rural, suburban and urban communities with a special focus on the needs of those 50 and older.

AARP Maine works in collaboration with communities across the state, bringing people together and providing resources and expertise to help make Maine’s counties, towns, and cities great places to live for people of all ages. Through its livable communities work, AARP Maine has helped advance conversations around accessory dwelling units (ADUs), supported efforts to transform underused public spaces into community assets, promoted safer walking and biking, and encouraged intergenerational community engagement.

The Community Challenge is open to eligible 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), and 501(c)(6) nonprofit organizations and government entities. Other types of organizations are considered on a case-by-case basis. Grants can range from several hundred dollars for small, short-term activities to tens of thousands for larger projects.

The application deadline is 5 p.m. Eastern, March 4, 2026. All projects must be completed by December 15, 2026. To submit an application and view past grantees, visit www.AARP.org/CommunityChallenge.

Mikkah Grant: a night to remember

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Mikkah Grant (contributed photo)

submitted by Sarah Beth Grant

Meet Mikkah Grant, aka MJ. She is a seventh grader at Vassalboro Community School in the life skills program. Many students know her for her love and devotion of learning to bake and sharing her special treats around the school, her vibrant smile, her hop and skip down the hallways and her radiant love for people.

A make a wish story with out the foundation but with the love and effort of the school and her peers.

MJ’s first dance was made possible because her life skills teacher and her daughter Molly went above and beyond – volunteering, coordinating two techs, and gathering MJs friends/peers that MJ admires to create a night to remember at VCS.

MJ is not neurologically or developmentally close to an almost 13-year-old – and that’s okay, because she is absolutely amazing just the way she is. But thanks to the school administrators and her life skills teacher, a dream came true.

This year, MJ wanted to go to her very first middle school dance. She’s in seventh grade, but in past years she missed out due to seizures and not having the necessary support staff to attend safely.

Her teachers and I had talked about a dance before, but it never quite happened – until this year. Her new life skills teacher didn’t just make it happen – she moved mountains.

We needed administrative approval for MJ to attend with staff present, since she requires an aide due to her epilepsy and autism. Her teacher and techs understood the assignment and went above and beyond. This truly felt like a Make-A-Wish dream come true – without the Make-A-Wish Foundation. This was huge.

Talk about going above and beyond. She went to administration on her own. She reached out to each peer and peers’ parents with Molly’s help.

Talk about kind hearts and caring souls – from MJ’s team and her peers.

The girls were invited to get ready together in her classroom before the dance – music, snacks, makeup, and hair stations. Girls even offered to bring dresses to share. They wanted to support MJ and help her be part of it all. Staff stayed with her throughout the dance, ordered pizza, and made sure MJ could come and go comfortably.

MJ picked out and ordered her dress and shoes for the dance with such excitement. The night arrived – and from everything I heard – it was nothing short of amazing. MJ never left the dance floor. She proudly paid her entrance fee herself and bought her own snacks.

Mrs. Dearborn has made the life skills program incredibly successful in so many ways every single day – but on Friday night, she created memories that will last a lifetime. I cannot thank her enough. I heard MJ danced her heart out the entire time (not surprised). My mama heart melted.

Her siblings missed her so much that night, but they were beyond excited for her and couldn’t wait to hear all about her first dance. Her sister even said how proud she was of MJ for going despite her anxiety, having fun, and staying for the entire dance.

Thank you to Mrs. Brewer (Assistant Principal) and Judi Bouchard (Director of Special Education) for trusting Mrs. Dearborn to take the wheel – opening her classroom, guiding MJ’s peers, and creating a space where MJ felt safe, supported, and celebrated.

This was better than a Make-A-Wish.

Not just inclusion – but making it big for her.

A night we will remember forever.

Mrs. Dearborn personally reached out to each parent to get permission to share their photos. What an amazing first year teacher already changing lives.

(contributed photo)

St. Michael School announces establishment of M. Brenda Shaw endowment fund

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Second grade students work in their classroom at St. Michael School, fall 2025. (contributed photo)

St. Michael School is pleased to announce the establishment of the M. Brenda Shaw Endowment Fund at the Catholic Foundation of Maine. Ms. Shaw, an Augusta native, bequeathed $2.9 million to the school upon her passing in August 2025.

The endowment fund named in her honor will be used to provide tuition assistance, bringing to fruition Ms. Shaw’s wish to help eliminate financial barriers parents may feel are in the way of sending their children to St. Michael School and furthering St. Michael School’s mission of making a quality Catholic education accessible to as many families as possible.

Ms. Shaw was herself a graduate of St. Mary’s School, in Augusta, which combined with St. Augustine School in 2007 to create St. Michael School. She went on to graduate from Cony High School. Throughout her life she was an active parishioner of St. Mary’s Church/St. Michael Parish in Augusta, for which St. Michael is the parish school. For most of her career, Ms. Shaw held three jobs. A devoted and energetic person, even losing a leg to cancer did not stop her from pursuing her favorite pastimes such as gardening.

“The St. Mi­chael School community has been deeply blessed by Ms. Shaw’s generosity. We are incredibly grateful for her gift, which will have a positive impact well beyond the walls of our school. As we form students in the Catholic faith, cultivate academic excellence, and inspire a lifelong commitment to service and leadership, we are strengthening our community in the present, as well as equipping the next generation of leaders. Ms. Shaw’s gift ensures that we are able to welcome all families who wish to have their child educated in the Catholic tradition, continuing to bless our school and community now and for generations to come,” said Alanna Stevenson, Principal of St. Michael School.

“Through our school, St. Michael Parish participates in Christ’s mission to bring truth, hope, and love to a world in need. Supporting Catholic education is not just about academics – it is about evangelization, justice and mercy. Each day, Catholic schools ensure that children and their families encounter the face of Christ in their education; truly a gift. Ms. Shaw’s bequest is a beautiful act of charity that will help share this gift with many more families in the years to come,” said Fr. Nathan March, Pastor of St. Michael Parish.

An event is being planned for the spring to celebrate the establishment of the endowment fund.

Dr. Alane O’Connor to be inducted into Maine Women’s Hall of Fame

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Dr. Alane O’Connor

The 2026 inductees to the Maine Women’s Hall of Fame will be Dr. Alane O’Connor, Director of Perinatal Addiction Medicine at MaineHealth Maine Medical Center who has been in the forefront of addiction medicine in the state, and the late Frances Perkins, U.S. Secretary of Labor under President Franklin Roosevelt and architect of New Deal programs that Americans rely on today.

The honorees will be inducted in a ceremony on March 21, 2026, at the University of Maine at Augusta during Women’s History Month. The public event begins with a reception at 1 p.m., followed by the induction ceremony at 2 p.m. To attend, RSVP by March 15 to mainewomenshalloffame@gmail.com. Snow date is March 22.

This is the 36th Maine Women’s Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony to honor those who have made outstanding contributions to improving opportunities for all Maine women.

O’Connor, an innovative, compassionate, purpose-driven leader in addiction medicine, was born and raised in rural Maine. She earned an undergraduate degree at Colby College, in Waterville, a master’s from Boston College and doctorate from Vanderbilt University. In 2005, she returned to Maine as the opioid epidemic was intensifying. She began caring for patients with substance use disorder as part of her rural family practice and later became board certified in addiction medicine.

O’Connor was one of the first providers in Maine to serve pregnant women with substance use disorders. She became the state’s leading expert and served as the medical director of the Maine Maternal Opioid Misuse (Maine MOM) initiative, a five-year, $5 million federal grant to expand access to substance use treatment for pregnant and postpartum women. She is the first Director of Perinatal Addiction Medicine at MaineHealth Maine Medical Center and is core faculty in Maine’s only addiction medicine fellowship. O’Connor has trained hundreds of physicians, including both residents and fellows, and published more than a dozen peer-reviewed manuscripts on maternal and infant outcomes following treatment with medication for opioid use disorder during pregnancy, as well as related postpartum healthcare utilization and health policy.

Recognizing that some of her most at-risk pregnant women were not accessing health care in traditional settings, she developed a partnership with Portland Fire Department to create Project Lifeline, a nationally innovative medical and community paramedicine program that delivers street medicine services to unhoused pregnant and postpartum women with substance use disorder who live in tents, shelters, vehicles, and on the street.

Beyond caring for pregnant women, O’Connor works in the correctional system as the Director of Addiction Medicine at Somerset County Jail and Franklin County Detention Center, and is the clinical advisor to the Maine Sheriffs’ Association. In this capacity, she developed and implemented a nationally innovative program using a monthly injectable medication (rather than a daily pill) to treat incarcerated individuals with opioid use disorder.

The outcomes, published in Health & Justice, showed that the injectable medication expanded access to treatment during incarceration, improved treatment continuation after release and reduced the risk of post-release drug overdose death. The project gained nationwide attention and was featured on the front page of the New York Times and a related podcast. Her current research on reproductive life experiences of incarcerated women with substance use disorder blends both health fields.

O’Connor lectures regionally and nationally on substance use disorder to a variety of audiences, including medical providers, the child welfare system, the correctional system and judiciary, and law enforcement. She is a member of the Maine Maternal Fetal and Infant Mortality Review Panel and co-chairs Maine’s Opioid Response Clinical Advisory Committee, which advises the state’s opioid response director on clinical and public policy issues. Throughout her career, she has dedicated herself to serving the most marginalized individuals with empathy and compassion, and believes that human-centered and innovative strategies empower vulnerable individuals to thrive.

EVENTS: Skijor coming to Bangor in January

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Photo provided by Skijor Bangor.

by Jodie L Mosher

Saturday, January 31, find your way to an exciting day of skijor at the Hollywood Casino Raceway, in Bangor. Skijoring is an exhilarating winter sport in which a horse and rider tows a skier or snowboarder who navigates 1,000 feet down a track of gates, jumps and collects rings along the way as fast as they can. Teams are judged on their performance and best of two runs, competing for serious cash prizes, swag, and glory. Spectators play an important role cheering on the competitors. Cross Insurance Center is serving food concessions and hosting a beer garden. There will be a few vendors on hand selling goods and don’t forget your cowbells, noisemakers and loud cheering voices!

Skijor Bangor is the first of three competitive skijor events in Maine this winter. Competitors race for the glory of being named the winner of the Triple Crown based on winning times. Skowhegan and Topsham are the sites for the other two events.

There are two divisions; pros and novice, and the racing begins at 10 a.m. Volunteers will be collecting $15 at the main gate for cars located on Bass Park Boulevard and pedestrians only may also enter at Buck Street entrance. Kids 5 and under are FREE! There will be a raffle, merchandise for sale, skijor festive hat contest and plenty of fun and entertainment for every age.

Competitors are urged to register by end of day on January 17. Potential sponsors check out Sponsor Deck at skijorbangor.com for more information. There are no dogs allowed as this is a day all about the horses. Drone use is strictly prohibited.

FMI go to skijorbangor.com or find us on Facebook Skijor Bangor or Skijor Maine.

Real estate outlook for 2026: why experience matters

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by Donna Pinkham

As we look ahead to 2026, the real estate market is expected to continue shifting toward a more balanced and strategic environment. While the rapid price increases of recent years have begun to level out, demand for well-priced, well-presented homes remains strong-especially in desirable communities across Central Maine.

Interest rates, inventory levels, and buyer expectations will continue to influence the market. Buyers are becoming more selective, and sellers can no longer rely solely on market momentum to achieve top dollar. Correct pricing, thoughtful preparation, and strong marketing will be key factors in a successful sale.

This is where working with a knowledgeable Realtor becomes especially important. An experienced agent understands local market trends, pricing strategies, zoning considerations, and how to position a property to stand out. For buyers, a Realtor provides guidance on value, negotiation, and navigating financing options-helping avoid costly mistakes.

In 2026, real estate success will be less about timing the market and more about strategy, expertise, and local insight. Whether buying or selling, partnering with a trusted Realtor ensures informed decisions, smoother transactions, and better long-term outcomes.

Donna Pinkham can be reached at 207-557-5458 or https://donnapinkham.masiello.com/.

Two area martial arts students capture state titles

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Huard’s Martial Arts student Kate Shores, 14, of Benton, recently captured both the divisional and state championship titles for forms, weapons and fighting. (photo by Central Maine Photography)

Huard’s Martial Arts student Isabella Citro, 17, of Waterville, captured the State Karate Championship Title for 2025. (photo by Central Maine Photography)

Raising funds for Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital

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From left to right, Mason Sheets, Linnea Burke-Mayka, Rose Ker, Dora Blaisdell, Ellyse Doyon, and Levi Cardenas. (photo by Mark Huard, Central Maine Photography)

The Albert S. Hall School Civil Rights Team, in Waterville, is working to raise money for the Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital. They will use the money to buy toys, movies, and games from the hospital’s wish list. They chose this charity because some of the students had been there themselves and/or had family members who had been there. They worked diligently to make posters and cans for donations over the holiday break. Then, they spent this past Saturday, January 10, at Shaw’s Supermarket, in Waterville, telling others about the program and asking for money donations. Their goal is to raise $500.

EVENTS: Vassalboro Historical Society wants your recollections

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Vassalboro Historical Society

The Vassalboro Historical Society invites you and a friend (if you want) to join us on a Tuesday afternoon to be recorded as you chat about your memories of Vassalboro. We would love to have your recollections of life and times in Vassalboro. If you have a fun or interesting story to share, we want to hear it! Did you ever attend a barn dance at Winston Bradley’s? Did you pick blueberries on Taber Hill? Did one of your parents work at the Mill? Did you go haying? Please call Jan or Susan at (207) 923-3505 to schedule a Tuesday to visit.

Zachary LeHay earns Eagle Scout status

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Charity LeHay, left, looks on as her husband Willie presents the Eagle Scout certificate to Zachary. (photo by Chuck Mahaleris)

by Chuck Mahaleris

Zachary LeHay, of Benton, son of Willie and Charity LeHay, was presented with his Eagle Scout rank and medal during a ceremony that took place at the LeHay Auction House, in Benton, on Saturday, January 3, 2026. Zachary is a member of Troop #401, in Sidney.

Troop #401 Committee Chairman Andy Steinberger said, “Today is a celebration of a journey, a journey full of challenges, friendship, struggles, and, occasionally, a little fun. Today, we think of all the Merit Badges earned along the way, the oaths committed to, the character this young man developed, and the service to our community he worked so hard to bring about. Little by little, month by month and year by year, he was faithful, and we celebrate his faith, commitment, and hard work.”

Zachary’s Eagle Scout project consisted of building and setting up U.S. Flag collection boxes in Belgrade, Oakland and Sidney, so people can drop off their frayed, tattered and otherwise unusable US flags for proper disposal.

Scoutmaster Eric Handley said, “The Eagle extends a helping hand to those who still toil up Scouting’s trail, just as others helped him in his climb to Eagle Scout. The performance of the daily Good Turn takes on new meaning, when he enters an adult life of continuing service to others. The Eagle stands as the protector of the weak and helpless. He aids and comforts the unfortunate and the oppressed. He upholds the rights of others while defending his own. He is always prepared to put forth his best.”