Community Connections in Maine

Host Stella Mars speaks with Sophie Piconi, Executive Director of American Red Cross Central and Midcoast Maine. Sophie talks about the critical need for blood donations following winter storms.  Additionally, Sophie discusses Red Cross Disaster Services and services that the Red Cross offers to veterans and personnel serving in the armed forces. Learn more about the Red Cross programs and how to...

Heads Up: This show contains mature content. Host Stella Mars speaks with Grace Kendall, Director of Development and Engagement at Safe Voices. Safe Voices is a resource center for survivors of sexual exploitation, sexual trafficking, and domestic violence. Their free, confidential, anonymous 24/7 helpline is 1-800-559-2927. From SafeVoices.org:  Safe Voices currently operates the only shelter and...

Host Stella Mars speaks with Julie Pezzino, Executive Director of the Children's Museum and Theatre of Maine. Julie shares information about their programs and offerings at the facility at Thompson's Point. She discusses membership, theatrical productions, exhibits, and more! Learn more at kitetails.org.

Emily Elliot, Community Relations Manager with Living Innovations joins us. Living Innovations, based in Saco and with a presence in all regions of Maine, provides programs and assistance to better the lives of Mainers with intellectual and developmental disabilities. One of their flagship programs is the Shared Living program, which allows residents to live at home with qualified family members o...

We sit down with Caitlin Marshall, Communications Director, and Emily Baisden, Seed Center Director at Wild Seed Project. This organization promotes the restoration of native plant life in Maine. The Project offers in-person and virtual workshops, a number of helpful online resources for gardeners, educational resources for schools, and maintains an ethically sourced online seed store. Learn more...

We chat with Amy Whitmore, Director of Development and Communications of The Iris Network, and Lisa Rouelle, Director of the Iris Park Apartments. The Portland-based Iris Network is a statewide organization that provides programs, assistance and hardware for citizens with serious visual impairments and blindness. Part of The Iris Network’s mission is operating the Iris Park Apartments in Portland,...

Host Stella Mars speaks with Marisa Paraschak Founder and President of the New England Breast Cancer Alliance. Marisa learned there was little support for young women with the diagnosis, so she set about creating the network she wished was available when she was diagnosed. NEBCA, a Maine nonprofit founded in 2019 by breast cancer survivors, funds research to improve detection, treatment, and survi...

Host Stella Mars speaks with Donna Dwyer, CEO of the nonprofit My Place Teen Center. My Place Teen Center, with locations in Westbrook and Biddeford, helps teens to be fed, safe, and loved. They offer a number of programs that teach job skills, financial literacy, and leadership skills. To make a donation or to learn more, visit MyPlaceTeenCenter.org.

Host Stella Mars speaks with Angela Stone, Founder and Executive Director of Maine Needs. Maine Needs collects gently used items and disburses them throughout the state via a network of case workers and outreach folks. Presently, Maine Needs is getting 200 requests every 3 days. The enormous team of volunteers helps to sort and pick items for those who make the requests. To learn more or make a do...

Host Stella Mars speaks with author, speaker, and educator Dr. Ross Greene about his nonprofit organization, Lives In The Balance. Lives in the Balance offers a wide array of training options and free resources on Dr. Ross Greene’s evidence-based Collaborative & Proactive Solutions (CPS) model. These resources are for parents, teachers, and caregivers working with vulnerable children. Learn mo...

Host Stella Mars speaks with Hilary Schneider, Director of the Maine DHHS Office of the Health Insurance Marketplace. Director Schneider explains who is eligible for coverage and how to enroll.  The Open Enrollment period is Nov 1-Dec 15 for coverage Jan 1. CoverME.gov is Maine's official Marketplace where individuals and families can shop for and enroll in health and dental insurance. It is also...

Host Stella Mars speaks with Alex Gramling, founder of Christmas Tree Santas, a national nonprofit based in Maine. In conjunction with nonprofit partners, Christmas Tree Santas provides fresh cut trees to low-income and military families. Learn more at ChristmasTreeSantas.org. 

Host Stella Mars speaks with Daniel Brennan, Director of Maine Housing. He shares details about Maine's home energy assistance program (HEAP). Additionally, Dan provides information about lead paint remediation and low-cost loans available for first-time homebuyers, first-generation homebuyers, and developers. Learn more at MECAP.org (Maine Community Action Programs) or at MaineHousing.org.

Host Stella Mars speaks with Joe Minard, Executive Director of Gary's House in Portland; a home away from home for those who have family members in the hospital. Learn about the history of Gary's House, about their fundraisers, and about how you can help support Gary's House. Learn more at GarysHouse.org. Fred Forsley from Shipyard Brewing joins Stella Mars to talk about his support of Gary's Hous...

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Host Stella Mars speaks with Janine Bonk, Health Educator 3 with the Maine Center for Disease Control. Janine explains the free offerings through the Maine CDC Breast and Cervical Health Program.  For information or to enroll in the program, call 1-800-350-5180 or email info@mbchp.gov.

Host Stella Mars speaks with Tammy Fournier, co-founder of The Colby Fund. Tammy is joined by Billy Smith, a parent who lost an infant. October is pregnancy and infant loss awareness month. Tammy and Billy speak their personal experiences with loss. They also share the resources offered by The Colby Fund. Learn more at The Colby Fund on facebook or here:  The Colby Fund (google.com) .

Host Stella Mars speaks with Attorney Margaret Groban from the Maine Gun Safety Coalition. Attorney Groban explains the difference between the Yellow Flag law and the "Red Flag" Law (also known as an Extreme Risk Protection Order). Under a true Extreme Risk Protection Order law, family members and law enforcement are able to directly petition a court to temporarily restrict someone's access to fir...

Maine TREE Foundation is Maine Timber Research and Environmental Education. Maine TREE educates and advocates for the sustainable use of the forest and the ecological, environmental, and social health of Maine's forest communities. Maine TREE is the leading organization in Maine, addressing challenges associated with forest workforce development and climate education while enhancing public awarene...

Host Stella Mars speaks with Robbie Harrison, Education Director of Acorn Productions. Acorn Productions produces the Maine Playwrights Festival; offers adult classes on writing for theater and screen; acting; and sound design. They also offer middle school and high school programs in Maine. Learn more at Acorn-Productions.org

Host Stella Mars speaks with folks from Good Theater in Portland. Guests Gusta Johnson, Executive Director and Brian Allen, Co-founder and Artistic Director share the vital role that Good Theater plays in the theater scene in Maine. They also share news about their new performance space and upcoming season.

Host Stella Mars speaks with Martha Stein, Executive Director of Hope Acts, a nonprofit organization in Portland Maine. Hope Acts offers asylum seekers access to housing and basic needs, assistance in navigating complex immigration processes, and resources for learning English to help them successfully transition to a new life in Maine. Martha shares information about services, volunteering, and a...

Host Stella Mars speaks with Katelynn Davis, Director of Communications and Marketing at the Dempsey Center. Katelynn discusses the many offerings that the Dempsey Center offers to those who have had a cancer journey--and their families and caregivers. Katelynn also shares information about two big fundraisers, including the Dempsey Challenge.

Host Stella Mars speaks with Jane Powers, one of the founders of Maine Youth Power. Jane is the Policy and Endorsement Director of this organization that offers a connected political space for young people across the state  and particularly those in rural areas. Learn more at Maine YouthPower.org.

Host Stella Mars speaks with Holden Police Chief, Eddie Benjamin, regarding the Maine Bureau of Highway Safety's "Drive Sober" campaign. Chief Benjamin shares shocking statistics and offers practical advice about refraining from driving impaired. Additionally, Chief Benjamin discusses the Holden PD's "25 Days of Kindness" initiative. Following the conversation with Chief Benjamin, we offer an enco...

Host Stella Mars speaks with Sam Workman, Media and Marketing Manager and Katrina Bull, Senior Regional Manager and founder of Art of Belonging art show and sale. Port Resources provides round-the-clock care for individuals with intellectual disabilities or severe mental impairment. Sam and Katrina discuss the many ways they help folks to have fulfilling lives. The Art of Belonging art show and sa...