The following is an interview with Relay for Life leader, George Mageles,  

Can you tell us about the mission of the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life event?

The mission of the American Cancer Society is to improve the lives of people with cancer and their families through advocacy, research, and patient support, to ensure everyone has an opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer.  Relay For Life is the American Cancer Society’s signature fundraiser.  It offers everyone in the community an opportunity to participate in the fight against cancer.  They sign up as Survivors, Caregivers, and Teams who all raise funds to fight cancer.  They raise money throughout the year to support the mission of the American Cancer Society and to fund much needed research to save lives.

What inspired you to become involved with Relay For Life of Southern Maine?  

I first attended a Relay For Life event in 2006 in Saratoga, California as a Team Captain.  In the following years I became more involved, serving as Event Lead in several California Communities before relocating back to Maine.  This will be my second year as Event Lead for the Relay For Life of Southern Maine.  My goal, as Event Lead, is to create the best experience possible for all of our Survivors, Caregivers, Participants, and Guests.

How does Relay For Life support cancer survivors and caregivers in the community?  

Relay For Life funds the many programs and services of the American Cancer Society.  These include The Hope Lodge Program that offers a free stay for cancer patients and their caregivers when they have to travel for treatment, the Road to Recovery program that offers free rides to cancer patients who would otherwise have difficulty getting to their cancer-related appointments, the Cancer Survivors Network that provides a safe online connection where cancer patients and caregivers can find others with similar experiences and interests, the Reach To Recovery Program that connects breast cancer patients with trained volunteers to receive peer-to-peer support, and the Tender Loving Care program that offers those whose appearance has been altered by treatment a variety of affordable wigs, hats, and scarves as well as a full range of mastectomy products.  Call 1-800-227-2345 or visit cancer.org for a 24/7 Cancer Helpline and to learn more about these programs and services.

What are some of the highlights and activities planned for this year’s Relay For Life event in Gorham?  

Our Relay For Life event in Gorham will open with cancer survivors and caregivers taking the first lap around the track at the indoor fieldhouse.  This emotional time sets the stage for the importance of each participant’s contribution.  A festive atmosphere always develops as participants make new friends and spend time with old ones.  Participants will walk the track with stops at team sites to play games, enter prize drawings, and learn about the many programs and services of the American Cancer Society. Highlighting the evening is the Luminaria Ceremony of Hope to honor cancer survivors and to remember loved ones lost to cancer.  Decorated white bags are lit and set out around the track, and after listening to an Inspirational Speaker we all take a Silent Lap to remember our loved ones.

Could you share a memorable moment from a past Relay For Life event that touched you deeply?  

The moments that touch me deeply usually involve cancer survivors, caregivers, and youth.  I recall a time when I joined two caregivers as they walked along the track one evening.  They had just met at the event and were both very moved by sharing experiences about caregiving that only another caregiver could truly understand.  They were very appreciative and thankful to the event leadership and promised to get more involved the next year.

How do you engage and involve local businesses and sponsors in supporting Relay For Life of Southern Maine?  

We have a full range of Sponsorship levels, beginning with our $100 Friend of Relay track sign recognition.  Each expanding level – $250 Purple, $500 Bronze, $1000 Silver, $1500 Gold, $2500 Platinum, and $5000 Presenting Sponsor – includes more recognition at each level.  We also invite and encourage local businesses and sponsors to register a team and join us on the track at the event.

Can you speak to the impact of community involvement and participation in Relay For Life on cancer research and patient support programs?  

In addition to supporting the programs and services of the American Cancer Society, community involvement and participation in Relay For Life helps fund the importance research by the American Cancer Society.  In a recent year, there were more than 60 researchers employed to conduct cancer research full time and at any one point in time more than 800 researchers throughout the country and across cancer types are being funded by Relay For Life and the American Cancer Society.

How can individuals who are unable to attend the event still contribute to the cause and support Relay For Life?  

We invite everyone to come out to our event on Friday evening, April 5 from 6-10pm.  For those who can’t attend and still want to contribute, go to www.relayforlife.org/southernme

Relay For Life | Cancer Walk | Cancer Fundraising Events

Relay For Life events are life-changing cancer fundraising events that help communities across the globe fight back against cancer.

www.relayforlife.org  to make a general donation or a specific one to an individual’s or team’s fundraiser.  Contact our leadership to provide an in-kind donation such as a gift card or other gift from your company.  Purchase Luminaria Bags from our website In Honor of or In Memory of your loved ones that we will decorate and place along the track at the event.

What role do volunteers play in organizing and executing Relay For Life events, and how can people get involved in volunteering for future events?  

Relay For Life of Southern Maine is volunteer-led, with remote support from our staff partner, a community manager from the American Cancer Society.  We have several unfilled roles for this year’s event, along with general help needed to set up, operate, and take down the event.  We love having volunteers from Scouting, Athletics, High School Groups, College Clubs, Local Companies, Faith Organizations, and others.

What measures are in place to ensure the safety and well-being of participants during the Relay For Life event, particularly considering the ongoing public health situation?  

Relay For Life is a Tobacco-free, Alcohol-free event open to everyone.  No pets other than service animals.  Masks optional.  Everyone is welcome to experience the event in the way that they wish to, such as meeting and interacting with others or simply walking the track on their own.

How does the Relay For Life event contribute to raising awareness about cancer prevention and early detection in the local community?  

At our event – signage, banners, and an American Cancer Society Mission Table will provide information about cancer prevention and early detection in our local community.

How do you envision the future growth and impact of Relay For Life events in Southern Maine and beyond?  

We have a passionate and dedicated community of survivors, caregivers, and participants who come out for Relay For Life every year – some have been “relaying” for more than 25 years!  And we know that our youth are the future of Relay.  We moved our event date from late June to early April this year, partly so we can have more involvement from local schools and colleges.  We would love to see a team formed from many of our local learning institutions.

BRUNSWICK, ME – Maine State Music Theatre (MSMT) is thrilled to announce the return of its highly anticipated 2024 Annual Yard Sale. Scheduled for Saturday, April 27th, from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM and Sunday, April 28th, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM at 22 Elm Street, Brunswick, Maine, this event promises to be a treasure trove for seasoned thrift shoppers and bargain hunters alike.

Morgan Rodgers, Director of Development at MSMT, extends a warm invitation to all, emphasizing the significance of this event, stating, “This Yard Sale offers the perfect opportunity to support our organization while securing amazing deals. Our volunteers have spent the spring season meticulously cleaning, sorting, and pricing thousands of donated items, and every dollar spent directly supports MSMT.”

The excitement doesn’t stop there! Attendees can also plan to attend the Preview Night on Thursday, April 25th, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, offering an exclusive sneak peek at the treasures awaiting discovery for a nominal fee of $20.

Dane Whitlock, MSMT’s Director of Marketing and Communications, shares invaluable tips for maximizing your Yard Sale experience, emphasizing the importance of arriving early to secure the finest treasures. “Our dedicated enthusiasts know that the early bird catches the worm,” he says. “You can practically roll up with a truck and load it with everything you need to furnish a one-bedroom apartment – from bed frames to cookware, and even wall art.”

Reflecting on his own experience, Whitlock adds, “Last year’s Yard Sale was a goldmine for me, providing two sets of exquisite dishes, furniture pieces, and stylish lamps. For those eager to snag the hottest items, a $20 donation to MSMT grants early access.”

MSMT Accepting Donations for Yard Sale

Starting March 13th, MSMT will accept gently used donations on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the Brunswick location. MSMT welcomes furniture, home goods, art, toys, jewelry, and more – with the exception of books and clothing.

The proceeds from last year’s Yard Sale reached an impressive $40,000, contributing significantly to MSMT’s mission of enriching lives through musical theatre. As a 501(c)(3) organization, MSMT relies on the generosity of donors to continue presenting high-quality musicals, concerts, and family shows.

For more information, visit msmt.org/yard-sale.

GORHAM, ME — The War of the Worlds: The 1938 Radio Script by Howard E. Koch will be the first radio theatre produced in University of Southern Maine Department of Theatre’s new audio studio. Live performances, a listening party, and a WMPG broadcast are all part of the fun.

Beginning this semester, the USM Department of Theatre will regularly record radio theatre in its new audio studio as part of its educational offerings. The creation of the audio studio is thanks to the generous donation of equipment by Marie Reuillard, wife of the late William Dufris, local narrator and audiobook producer, and his business partner Fred Greenhalgh, a Maine-based audio pioneer. 

For the inaugural production in the studio, USM Theatre chose The War of the Worlds: The 1938 Radio Script for its iconic status in the world of radio theatre. Based on the book by Orson Welles and adapted by Howard E. Koch, the original broadcast from New York’s Mercury Theatre in 1938 had some terrified listeners convinced that an actual alien invasion of Earth was taking place. USM’s production is directed by Liz Carlson and with music production by Robin Miller and Jacob Lane, students at the Osher School of Music. 

For Director Liz Carlson, working in a new audio studio with students who are new to voice acting has been an unbeatable educational experience, “Being in the new recording studio has been such a glorious adventure. I have been so impressed with the students’ abilities to create characters and worlds with nothing but their voices. It’s been affirming to have the students’ work met with professional equipment and meticulous editing and sound design by our producer Brooks Desrosiers and sound designer, Andrew Johns. It’s a great introduction to the students of the myriad opportunities in voiceovers and voice acting, giving them experience in the process and confidence in their abilities.”

And she believes audiences will love this script, “The play itself is an iconic piece of Americana, it’s structured in such a way that keeps an audience on their toes. As we’ve worked on this piece we’ve tried to both honor the history of it as well as bring our own energy and identity to the work: so it feels simultaneously of its time and as though it could really be happening now.”

The War of the Worlds will be presented live March 7 & 8th at 7pm as a staged reading with full sound effects at Russell Hall on the USM Gorham campus. On March 22nd, audiences can enjoy a free listening party of the finished production on the 2nd floor of the McGoldrick Center on the USM Portland campus at 7pm or tune into WMPG for the broadcast. Food, drink, trivia, and more will be part of the fun.

  Tickets & Reservations To purchase tickets or for more information, visit USM Theatre online at usm.maine.edu/theatre, or call the USM Theatre Box Office at (207) 780-5151.

The War of the Worlds Live Event on March 7 & 8  at Russell Hall, USM Gorham campus Tickets: https://a.purplepass.com/events/279976

$18 for Adults

$14 for USM Faculty/Staff/Alumni

$12 for Seniors 65+

$8 for Students/Youth

The War of the Worlds Listening Party at McGoldrick Center, USM Portland Campus, is free. Please RSVP online.

Those needing special accommodations to participate fully in this program, contact Janice Gardner at (207)780-5289 or janice.gardner@maine.edu. Hearing impaired: call USM’s telex / TDD number (207)780-5646

Lucious Finston-Fox, Ellie Backman, Noam Albion (student performers). Photo by Noli French @Frenchsfotos 

GORHAM, ME — The 2024 Maine Engineers Week Exposition will be held at The University of Southern Maine Field House in Gorham, Maine.

National Engineers Week was initiated to publicly promote the work and contributions of our nation’s engineers. During this week, engineering professionals have a unique opportunity to increase public awareness of the positive contributions engineers make to their communities, to this nation and to the world. National Engineers Week has grown to involve tens of thousands of engineers in a variety of community outreach activities, including technology exhibits and presentations of student scholarships.

In Maine, Engineers Week has been celebrated through an annual E-Week Banquet and EXPO, where engineers, educators, and students have gathered for hands-on activities and workshops to learn about engineering and what engineers do.

Engineering and technology talent are critical to continued improvement of our infrastructure, health, natural resources and economy, and to the growth of your organization. That’s why inspiring the best and brightest young minds to engineering and technology careers is a critical mission of the Maine Engineering Promotional Council through our annual E-Week EXPO.

The Expo will be held at University of Southern Maine Field House – Gorham, Maine from 9 am to 2 pm. In attendance will be Maine’s top engineering firms, engineering schools, educators, government agencies, industry, and engineering societies.

Bring the family and let them see all the exciting places that their math, science and communication skills can take them.

WESTBROOK, ME — Westbrook’s Winterfest 2024 is Saturday, March 2, 2024, 10 AM to 2 PM at Riverbank Park (Rain date Sunday, March 3rd)! Winterfest 2024 will feature many of the same activities and events including performances, free s’mores, petting zoo, ice carving, photo booth, food trucks, BBQ from the American Legion & Rotatory Club, inflatable slides, snowshoeing, & more!

Event schedule:

10 AM – 12 PM | Frank 107.5 FM

10:15 AM – 10:55 AM | K9 Demonstration

11 AM – 11:40 AM | River Rescue Demo

11 AM – 11:55 AM | Zumba Love with Beth and Zumba with Meaghan

11 AM – 2 PM | Sub Zero Ice Carving Demo

12 PM – 12:40 PM | Fire Hula Hooper Amelia Aglow

1 PM – 1:45PM | Juggler Showtime Steve Corning

GORHAM, ME — Time, Taste and Tradition… At Merrifield farm will be Celebrating Maine Maple Sundays 41st Anniversary, It’s a Sweet Tradition on Maine Maple Sunday Weekend March 23rd & 24th from 9am to 4pm.

Pancake Breakfast (seating outside) includes pancakes and sausage (served all day), also maple baked beans and hot dogs.

Available at the Coffee Shed: Maple hot&iced coffee and sweet treats!

Activities: Boiling Demo, Blacksmith, 4-H exhibitors with Oxen, Wagon Rides, Live Music, and more. Can’t forget to have your picture taken with our ‘Sugar Bear’. Visit our “Back in the Day” Museum- A unique look at Maple Sugaring, Logging, Farming and Ice Harvesting. Over 1800 Sq. ft. of Maine Traditions. (Ticket Purchase Required)

Products Include: Pure Maine Maple Syrup, Maple Cotton Candy, Maple Candy and Fudge, Maple Coated Nuts, Whoopie Pies, Needham’s, Maple Soft Serve Ice Cream, Canned Goods, Preserves and More!

Visit our Facebook for more details!

If you have any question, please feel free to contact us at 207-415-3001 or 207-415-3002, or message us on Facebook.

Thank you,

Lyle, Jo-Ann, Lexi and Molly Merrifield Farm

GORHAM, ME — Gorham Kindergarten Parent Information Meetings for our incoming 2024 Kindergarten students are coming up soon! If you have not pre-registered yet, please do so as we will be sending reminder emails and future communication to those that have pre-registered!

Parent information meetings will be held on Thursday, March 7th at 5:30pm at your neighborhood school. At this meeting, parents will meet school staff, learn about a day-in-the-life of a Kindergarten student, and receive information about the enrollment process. This meeting is for parents/guardians ONLY! You will pick up enrollment packets, receive information on how to schedule your student for a Kindergarten screening, and learn about a future date to bring your student in to see the school!

Please click on your neighborhood school on the Gorham school district website and pre-register using the kindergarten registration link. All families that have a student entering Kindergarten should pre-register (even if they are currently in the PK program at Narragansett this year).

GORHAM, ME – We at the North Gorham Public Library have a wonderful group of Student Volunteers from Gorham High School and Windham Christian School who have added a whole new dimension to our library family. With their help, we have instituted a routine of checking the order of books on the shelves and assessing any that haven’t been borrowed in more than 10 years. We are also delighted to hear their views on books and authors.

Many schools require high school students to complete social service hours to graduate. If your school does and you’re looking for a place to volunteer or if you just love books and libraries, please reach out to us.

PORTLAND-BANGOR, ME – In just over one month, more than 14,000 coats, 3,860 toys, and $16,111 were donated to The Salvation Army during NEWS CENTER Maine’s 41st year of Coats and Toys for Kids campaign. The campaign started in mid-November collecting gently used coats and new toys at Hannaford and Shaw’s stores. NEWS CENTER Maine also offered donors the option to purchase a new coat or toy from The Coats and Toys for Kids Wish List and have it delivered directly to the Salvation Army.

All items were distributed statewide to help Mainers stay warm this winter season. Money from the donations was given to nine Salvation Army locations to purchase more coats and toys to help their communities. Toys were distributed throughout Maine to families in need during the holiday season. Coats, blankets, hats, gloves, and snowsuits have been and will continue to be distributed throughout the winter months.

NEWS CENTER Maine was able to hold its one-day, live kick–off event, Coats and Toys for Kids Day on December 2, 2023, sponsored by Maine Savings Bank. Mainers once again stepped up and donated coats and toys to help fellow Mainers. NEWS CENTER Maine crews were live at Pratt Abbott in Portland, Hannaford in Augusta and Sanford, and Shaw’s in Auburn and Bangor.

“We’ve all been children,” Salvation Army’s Ted Tressler stated. “We know what Christmas morning feels like. For those who have – it’s a wonderful time. For those who have not – not so much.”

NEWS CENTER Maine not only thanks the viewers who made donations or purchases for the campaign, but also appreciates Pratt Abbott Cleaners for cleaning all the gently used coats, PepsiCo for distributing the coats and toys boxes, and Hannaford and Shaw’s for hosting the collection boxes in its stores.

Coats for Kids was originally designed 41 years ago by The Salvation Army. NEWS CENTER Maine became a partner seven years later helping to collect coats for Maine families who cannot afford a warm winter coat.

In November of each year, donation boxes are placed in the NEWS RELEASE Hannaford Supermarkets and Shaw’s stores across the state. In 2004, NEWS CENTER Maine also saw the need for toys during the holiday season and expanded the program to Coats and Toys for Kids.

All the coats are cleaned and stored by Pratt-Abbott Cleaners and the Salvation Army distributes the coats and toys. PepsiCo has assisted this great effort by donating and delivering the boxes to Hannaford Supermarkets and Shaw’s stores.

By estimation, NEWS CENTER Maine has collected more than 869,000 coats – all of which have helped to keep Maine children warm. Since 2004, they have collected 85,910 toys to distribute to those in need during the holiday season.

Brian Yocono and David Guildford help to fill a Salvation Army van with coats and toys from The Coats and Toys Wish List

Chris Costa and Anne Baldridge help fill a truck with items from the Coats and Toys for Kids Wish List

NCM morning report team with a viewer in Sanford on Coats and Toys for Kids Day

NCM talent and employees helping to collect coats and toys in Auburn on Coats and Toys for Kids Day

PORTLAND, ME — Join The Maine Outdoor Film Festival at Toad & Co. in East Bayside to celebrate International Women’s Day with a two hour program of women-driven* outdoor adventure and conservation short films. It’s our 2nd Annual WOMEN IN THE WILD.

Friday, March 8 (International Women’s Day),

Venue Name: Toad & Co, East Bayside, Portland, ME

Street Address: 31 Diamond St B, Portland, ME 04101

Time: Doors at 6:00PM, films begin at 7PM, end approximately 9PM

Tickets: $15 Advance / $18 at the Door

Nonprofit Partner: The Maine chapter of the Pink Boots Society  – who aims to assist, inspire and encourage women and nonbinary individuals in the fermented/alcoholic beverage industry to advance their careers through education – will be offering beer samples with any donations going directly toward their mission. Please read about the Pink Boots Society expected behavior at events.

Screening Sponsor and Host: Toad&Co, committed to designing clothes that make you feel good, inside and out. The Toad&Co Portland location features our pre-loved program, ToadAgain as well as a curated selection of vintage apparel, locally made goods, and sustainable clothing from our 2024 spring collection.

Festival Sponsor: The 2023 Maine Outdoor Film Festival is presented by ReVision Energy

Other Info: The film program will last about two hours, including a 15-minute intermission. The screening will be inside the Toad & Co warehouse and seating is limited. Seltzer, Cider, Beer and Wine samples are for 21+ individuals with ID. Film program is subject to change.

*MOFF strives for an inclusive and equitable world where all genders and identities experience a sense of belonging without fear or judgment.

 Film Program:

#MOCRAZYSTRONG – 18 minutes – by Jamie MoCrazy, Mark Locki – from Utah – Short synopsis: Professional skier Jamie MoCrazy suffered a serious traumatic brain injury following an accident at World Tour Finals 2015, but following years of rehab, her miraculous recovery helped revolutionize TBI treatment and charted her on a course to help others with TBI challenges. #MoCrazyStrong tells the important story of family involvement, losing and regaining your identity and working through the challenges that traumatic brain injuries present on the path to recovery.

IF THE ISLAND COULD TALK – 29 minutes – by Katie Fisher – from New York – Short synopsis: A mile off the coast of Boston Harbor in Massachusetts lies a tiny island coined Peddocks, home to a tight-knit, working-class community that is a relic of a century-old Portuguese fishing village, maintaining and passing down their humble cottages since the 1800s. Now, the state has claimed the island for parkland, and the current generation is the last to own their beloved summer escape. The film takes a look at the islanders’ efforts to preserve its traditions and ruminate its history.

CHICAS AL AGUA – 17.99 minutes – by Liz McGregor – from Maine – Short synopsis: You can count the number of female paddlers in Futaleufu, Chile on one hand… and they want to change that. After many riverside matés and floating conversations, the idea to create a kayak course for local teenage girls was hatched. Thanks to a committed group of women from around the globe, what started as a dream is now an inspirational contribution to the local community.

INTERMISSION

ELEVATED – 15 minutes – by Palmer Morse – from California – Short synopsis: Effective communication is a challenge every climber faces. It’s a sport that requires intense focus, dedication, and overcoming fear. For Deaf climber Sonya Wilson, communication and community is of vital importance. Elevated is a non-verbal film sharing Sonya’s experience as a Deaf woman and outdoor advocate working to bridge the gap between the Deaf community and the outdoor industry, one crag at a time.

ADAPTIVE ADVENTURE – 14 minutes – by Meg White – from United Kingdom – Short synopsis: While navigating her way through an arduous journey with lupus, Kate Appleby continually engages and wholeheartedly immerses herself in outdoor adventures. Spreading awareness of hidden illnesses, Kate has become a powerfully inspiring woman among those in the outdoor community. This documentary examines the psychological and physical benefits yielded through thoughtful and respectful engagement with one’s environment and explores the human connection to nature.

WHATEVER FLOATS YOUR GOAT – 5.66 minutes – by Jack Lewis Elder – from Colorado – Short synopsis: Nico is a woman in her late 20s who lives in her sprinter van with 2 goats, 3 chickens and a dog. In this quirky 6 minute film you’ll spend a day with Nico goat-packing a raft up to a high mountain lake. We take a dive into her lifestyle, the goats’ personalities, and Nico’s deeper mission to use her unique lifestyle for sustainability education.

LOVE – 14.68 minutes – by Tara Reynvaan Kerzhner – from Colorado – Short synopsis: After a miscarriage and a historic ascent of the famous sport climb Dreamcatcher, Paige Claassen follows her own path as a professional athlete training through pregnancy, finding new meaning in strength and identity through the early days of motherhood.