AARP Greater Augusta chapter donates $1,000 to support Meals on Wheels

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The AARP Greater Augusta Chapter #511, a fully volunteer-led organization, presented a $1,000 donation to the Meals on Wheels program run by Spectrum Generations at the Cohen Center, in Hallowell, strengthening efforts to provide nutritious meals and vital wellness support to homebound older adults throughout central and midcoast Maine. Chapter president Paul Armstrong presented the contribution to Jason Stockmar, Nutrition Coordinator for the Meals on Wheels program.

Spectrum Generations’ dedicated teams and volunteers prepare and deliver nutritionally balanced meals throughout Kennebec, Knox, Lincoln, Sagadahoc, Somerset, and Waldo counties, as well as the towns of Harpswell and Brunswick, ensuring that older and disabled adults who cannot shop or cook for themselves receive regular nourishment and a friendly wellness check with each delivery. Meals are planned and approved by registered dietitians and include protein, vegetables, fruit, dairy, and bread, with efforts to source Maine-made products whenever possible. Donations help sustain and expand service, and no one is denied meals due to inability to pay.

“Meals on Wheels is about so much more than food, it is about connection, dignity, and helping members of our community remain independent in their homes,” said Paul Armstrong, President of the AARP Greater Augusta Chapter #511. “We know every dollar helps keep this essential program running and makes a real difference in people’s lives.”

This donation reflects AARP’s broader mission to support healthy, engaged, and independent lives for older adults and aligns with ongoing community efforts to address food access, reduce isolation, and foster well‑being for aging neighbors.

For more information about the Meals on Wheels program and how to support or enroll, learn more here.

For more information about AARP Maine, visit www.aarp.org/me and follow us on social media @aarpmaine.

Meghan Rivard named 2026 Maine Poetry Out Loud state champion

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State champion, Meghan Rivard, Augusta

High school senior Meghan Rivard, of Maine Arts Academy, in Augusta, was named the 2026 Maine Poetry Out Loud State Champion on March 4 at the Waterville Opera House, competing with the top ten student poetry reciters in the state. Rivard will represent Maine at the Poetry Out Loud National Finals, in Washington, D.C., in April.

The State Runner-Up was Pax Horn, of Hall-Dale High School, who delivered strong performances throughout the competition.

“This year’s finalists brought extraordinary focus, creativity, and courage to the stage,” said Amy Hausmann, Executive Director of the Maine Arts Commission. “Poetry Out Loud gives students an opportunity to explore language, voice, and meaning while building confidence in front of an audience. Watching these students bring poetry to life reminds us how vital the arts are to creativity and community.”

Finalist, Aaron Soosman, Carrabec

Rivard said the experience has been both surprising and inspiring.

“All of the finalists were so talented, and the performances were incredible,” Rivard said. “It really could have gone to anyone. Poetry Out Loud has been such a fun experience—discovering new poems, learning about the poets, and finding pieces that connect with you. I’m excited to represent Maine and meet students from around the country at the national finals.”

This year’s Maine Poetry Out Loud program engaged students across the state, culminating in semifinals held in Presque Isle, Lewiston, and Brewer. Ten finalists advanced to the Maine State Finals at the Waterville Opera House, performing classic poems from memory before a panel of judges.

Finalist, Aaron Theriault, Waterville

Poetry Out Loud, created by the National Endowment for the Arts, is celebrating its 21st anniversary. Since 2005, more than 4.5 million high school students nationwide have participated, building public speaking skills, confidence, and appreciation for poetry.

2026 Maine Poetry Out Loud State Finalists

• Anjou Whitmore – South Portland High School
• Persephone Kilcollins – Fort Kent Community High School
• Silver Smith – Homeschooled
• Celestine Luzitu – Portland High School

Dashiell Legawiec – Mt. Ararat High School

• Pax Horn – Hall-Dale High School – State Runner-Up
• Cole Hickey – Gardiner Area High School
• Meghan Rivard – Maine Arts Academy – State Champion
• Aaron Soosman – Carrabec High School
• Aaron Theriault – Waterville Senior High School

The competition was emceed by Maine artist Violet Ferlito. Judges included Arisa White, poet and associate professor of English and Creative Writing at Colby College; Catie Joyce-Bulay, ​and mixed-media artist; and Jefferson Navicky, an author and poet. Annaliese Jakimides served as Accuracy Judge.

St. Michael School students honored by Daughters of the American Revolution

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From left to right at Augusta City Hall are, Chandler Nicknair (7th), Brady Small (7th), Tristan Morton (8th), Prisha Arun (8th), Ava Sweeney (7th), Andrew Sylvester (6th), and Stephanie Connors, chairman of the local DAR contests. Not pictured but also winners are, Andrew Sparda (6th), Joelle Parker (6th), and Natalie Bolduc (8th). (photo by Jennifer Hoffman)

On Monday, March 9, 2026, the Koussinoc Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution honored local winners of their annual essay contest at Augusta City Hall. St. Michael School students placed in first, second, and third for the sixth, seventh and eighth grade contests. Tristan Morton, Brady Small, and Andrew Sylvester have also been named winners of the state-level competition for their respective grades. State-level awards will be presented on March 28, at the DAR Spring Conference, in South Portland.

EVENTS: Maine Greyhound Placement Service to host annual open house & reunion

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The Maine Greyhound Placement Service (MGPS) invites the public to its popular annual Open House & Reunion on Saturday and Sunday, June 6 and 7, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., both days at the MGPS Kennel, 231 Old Belgrade Road, Augusta, Maine 04330. The event is free and open to everyone — rain or shine!

MGPS is home to wonderful retired racing Greyhounds – gentle “45-mph couch potatoes” that are quiet, clean, affectionate, and wonderfully low-maintenance companions. Visitors will enjoy:

  • Guided kennel tours
  • Meet many sweet retired racing greyhounds
  • Delicious food and fun vendors
  • Professional pet portraits by Axell Photography
  • Fun surprises and giveaways!

“This is the perfect relaxed way for families to learn about retired racing greyhounds and spend a wonderful day with these amazing dogs,” said Bill Axell, of Axell Photography, partner for the event.

The open house has become a favorite summer tradition across central Maine. Attendees can tour the kennel, meet the greyhounds, enjoy great food and vendors, and even take home professional photos of their own pets.

Area students on WPI dean’s list (Fall 2025)

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Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), in Worcester, Massachusetts, has announced its dean’s list for academic excellence for the Fall 2025 semester.

The following students were named to the Fall 2025 Dean’s List:

Kaitlyn Henry, of Augusta, class of 2027, majoring in Data Science.

Lily Ker, of Waterville, class of 2026, majoring in Interactive Media and Game Development.

Alaina Lambert, of Winslow, class of 2026, majoring in Biology and Biotechnology.

Emiko Peck, of Waterville, class of 2028, majoring in Mathematical Sciences.

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.

SNHU announces Fall 2025 dean’s list

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Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), in Manchester, New Hampshire, congratulates the following students on being named to the Fall 2025 dean’s list. The fall terms run from September to December.

They are Victoria Fortier, of Oakland, Traci Witham, of Clinton, Will Peterlein, of Whitefield, and Krista Antworth and Ashley Penney, both of Augusta.

A capitol opportunity to learn about state government

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Front row, left to right, Rep. Katrina Smith, Daniel Tuminaro, Martin Estes, and Emma Sherrell. Back row, Jen Tuminaro, Noah Tuminaro, Conner, and Sen. Richard Bradstreet.

by Martin Estes, Emma Sherrell,
Daniel Tuminaro, and Noah Tuminaro

Welcoming smiles, outstretched hands, and an encouraging atmosphere greeted us as we entered the Maine State House. Representative Katrina Smith and Senator Dick Bradstreet seemed excited and eager to talk with us, and were prepared to teach us wisdom and practical knowledge. The beautiful building, the information about our state government, and the advice regarding our future really made this trip an unforgettable experience.

Homeschool high school Civics class tours the Capitol with Sen. Bradstreet and Rep. Smith

Our visit began with a tour of the State House. Paintings adorned the walls between the many committee rooms, and we admired them as we made our way to see the dizzying rotunda. The grand details, from a life-size portrait of George Washington, to the fossils inlaid in the tiles, to even 16 select windows that represent the 16 counties, were testaments to the careful construction of the building. Thankfully, Sen. Bradstreet’s assistant, Brendan, remarked on many of these details so that we did not miss them. One of our favorite rooms, the Hall of Flags, served as a tribute to previous wars and to battalions of brave soldiers who fought for our freedom. Reading the plaques and surveying the multiple flags provided us with a sense of respect for and gratitude to those who had given their all for our country.

Martin Estes, left, and Daniel Tuminaro, at the podium. (contributed photos)

Our tour continued into the chambers of the Senate and the House of Representatives. We were impressed with the uniform rows of leather chairs, large podiums, and intricate paintings of previous legislators. We received instructions not to touch the chairs, out of respect for their intended occupants, but we were encouraged to step up onto the Senate podium and pound the wooden gavel. The Senate room in particular gave off a celestial feeling, mainly through its high ceiling and elegant windows which lavished the room with sunbeams. Bright yellow designs on the blue carpet imitated the stars in the sky, adding to the ethereal aura.

Throughout the entire tour, Rep. Smith and Sen. Bradstreet were very open to answering our questions and loaded us with information regarding the state government system. They elaborated on the process by which a bill grows from its humble beginnings to its final form, and they emphasized the great number of people and hours involved. They made our visit interesting and enjoyable, giving us patriotic pins for our suit jackets and telling eventful stories of late nights and long debates in their workplaces. Both of them serve our government for the good of the state and its people.

Their determination to provide a better culture for current and future generations is grounds for admiration.

Our journey ended with a Q and A which took place in a press conference room. Both Rep. Smith and Sen. Bradstreet spoke words of encouragement, wisdom, and morality. They explained the government is a representation of the culture, and that we should strive to improve its ethics and principles, which would ultimately result in an improved government. A civilization with strength and wisdom makes for an ethical and solid government. Sen. Bradstreet advised us to “read good books and be knowledgeable.” Rep. Smith encouraged us to “put ourselves out there and to stand up for what is right.”

Our trip to the State House was very thought provoking and informative. We learned not only about the historical tributes and the architectural features of the building, but also the way our government functions on a magnified level. Both Rep. Smith and Sen. Bradstreet are passionate about improving today’s culture and preserving it for future generations. They are examples of how leaders should serve their people, being just and strong in making good decisions and laws. In turn, our society should be knowledgeable about our inheritance, and future leaders should strive to represent and serve the people.

We are grateful for the hours that Rep. Smith and Sen. Bradstreet spent with us, despite their massive workloads. They proved that they both truly care about shaping the future for the better, and their wisdom should remind us that it is the culture’s job to model that future, too.

Contributed photo

EVENTS: KPAC concert December 6, 2025

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The Kennebec Performing Arts Company (KPAC) will “Celebrate the Season” at its annual holiday concerts on Friday, December 5, 7 p.m., at Winthrop High School and Saturday, December 6, 5 p.m., at Cony High School in Augusta.

The KPAC Wind Ensemble, directed by John Neal, will present festive favorites such as Celtic Carol by Robert W. Smith and A Christmas Celebration. A special highlight will be Log Cabin Blues, featuring xylophone soloist Sophie Komiega. Assistant Director Dan Gilbert will take the podium to conduct The Eighth Candle by Steve Reisteter, a symphonic treatment of traditional Hanukkah themes. Holding with tradition, the group will close this portion of the program with Leroy Anderson’s Sleigh Ride.

The concert will continue with the KPAC Jazz Band, led by new director Russell Caverly, featuring the premier performance of a specially commissioned work by Terry White, a noted Maine music educator, composer, and bandleader.

The evening will conclude with the KPAC Choir, directed by John Neal, performing a beautiful selection of seasonal works, including Candlelight Carol by John Rutter, Ose Shalom (The One Who Makes Peace) by John Leavitt, the traditional Hispanic carol A La Nanita Nana, Glory, Glory, Glory to the Newborn King by Moses Hogan, Festival Gloria by Craig Courtney, and He Watching Over Israel by Mendelssohn.

Admission is free and open to the public, thanks to KPAC’s generous sponsors and a grant from the Onion Foundation.

EVENTS: Kennebec Valley Youth Symphony Orchestra concert is November 23

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Daniel Keller, who is co-conductor of the Mid-Maine Youth Orchestra and on staff at the Southern Maine String Camp conducts the orchestra rehearsal. (photo courtesy of Stephanie Taylor)

The Kennebec Valley Youth Symphony Orchestras (KVYSO) Fall 2025 concert will take place at the South Parish Congregational Church, 9 Church St., in Augusta on Sunday, November 23, at 4 p.m. Admission by good-will donation at the door.

If you have not yet experienced the hidden gem that is this group of young musicians, you will be amazed at their sound and tremendous talent!

Based in the Augusta area, the group consists of two ensembles, the Kennebec Valley Youth Orchestra for intermediate students, and the Kennebec Valley Youth Symphony for advanced students. Established in 2018 as a nonprofit 501c3, KVYSO brings together middle- and high-school string, wind, brass, and percussion players for a full orchestral experience based in classical repertoire.

The preparatory ensemble, Kennebec Valley Youth Orchestra, which is conducted by Dan Keller, will open the concert with several pieces, including a favorite, Trepak from Tchaikovsky’s ballet The Nutcracker. Keller is a nationally award-winning music educator who has worked with the Bangor Symphony Youth Orchestra and Portland and is currently co-conductor of the Mid Maine Youth Orchestra.

String, wind, and percussion players in the full orchestra, Kennebec Valley Youth Symphony, hone their sound and perfect their technique through weekly multi-hour rehearsals. Led by Maestro Michael Lund Ziegler, these teen musicians will bring youthful excitement and lively spirit to their performance of Schubert’s Unfinished Symphony and Sibelius’s Karelia Overture and Suite. Lund Ziegler is currently Executive Director of the Portland Conservatory of Music as well as an active conductor and classical saxophonist.

Come and be inspired by the enchanting music and the incredible talent of Central Maine’s young musicians! Admission to this special event is by free-will donation of any size, with all proceeds used to defray concert expenses and support the Kennebec Valley Youth Symphony Orchestras. Want to donate in advance of the concert? Please visit www.kvyso.org/home/support-kvyso.

Do you know a young musician who would like to get involved? Auditions will soon be open for the Spring 2026 concert, and rolling auditions are available throughout the year. To learn more, please visit www.kvyso.org/ or contact Lori Scheck, Orchestra Manager, at info@kvyso.org.