Maine's Capital Area
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Healthy Communities of the Capital Area (HCCA) specializes in providing free resources, assistance, and programming that supports worksites in fostering healthy, safe, and thriving environments for staff and clients.
Our programs focus on tobacco and vaping prevention, healthy eating, active living, and other wellness initiatives. Some offerings include:
- Support updating and implementing Wellness and Tobacco Free Polices
- Staff Education on wellness and tobacco topics
- Tobacco treatment resources for employers to share
If you are interested in learning more about how HCCA might support your staff and clients, contact Isabelle Stevens (i.stevens@ hccame.org) or Sarah Young (s.young@ hccame.org).
Registration is now open for the Spring Awakening Retreat on Sunday, March 22nd, 2026! Space is limited to a max of 12 participants so reserve now to guarantee a spot.
This is an all-day experience that will be immersive, inspiring and restorative. The retreat is a collaboration of healers including John Agee, Ph.D., clinical psychologist, massage therapist and yoga teacher Danielle Dickey-Heifets, LMT, RYT, and embodied movement facilitator, Kristy McNaughton.
Come relax and unwind with us as you awaken your intentions for positive changes in your life. Dress comfortably and expect a mix of mindful movement, meditation, yoga, massage, reiki, sound healing, journaling, group discussion, and lots of yummy vegetarian food. An infrared sauna will be available for your use. Lunch, snacks, water and tea will be provided, with GF and dairy-free options available. Each participant will receive a journal and a bottle of massage oil to take home.
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/spring-awakening-retreat-tickets-1981258050162?aff=oddtdtcreator
Please email John with any questions at
Cathy DeMerchant Assumes Full Ownership of Capital Area and Bangor Area Staffing Solutions
Milestone marks next chapter of leadership and long-term vision.
AUGUSTA & BANGOR, Maine — Capital Area Staffing Solutions, Inc. has announced that co-founder Cathy DeMerchant has assumed full ownership of both firms, marking a new chapter for the woman-owned staffing and workforce consulting companies serving Central and Eastern Maine.
DeMerchant, who has worked in the human resources and staffing industry for more than 30 years, now serves as President and Owner following the acquisition of her former partners’ interests. The transition formalizes a role she has effectively held for decades and positions the firms for continued growth with an expanded focus on direct hire, executive placement, and HR consulting services.
“This transition is about building on what we already do exceptionally well,” said DeMerchant. “We’re a small team, but we’ve always had an outsized impact for our clients because we take the time to understand their people, their culture, and the real challenges they’re facing.”
Founded more than two decades ago, Capital Area Staffing Solutions, Inc. and Bangor Area Staffing Solutions have earned a reputation for high-quality placements across a wide range of industries.While they continue to offer temporary/contract, contract-to-hire, and direct hire staffing, DeMerchant is expanding the focus to include executive placement and advisory services for employers navigating complex workforce and HR issues.
That advisory role is not new for DeMerchant. Over her career, she has worked closely with organizations on sensitive workplace matters including leadership transitions, internal conflict, policy compliance, and organizational culture — often serving as a trusted, neutral resource during high-stakes situations.
“Many employers need guidance,” DeMerchant said. “They’re dealing with regulatory changes, return-to-work challenges, or internal dynamics that affect retention and performance. Our experience allows us to step in, assess the situation, and help them move forward with clarity and confidence.”
Operating out of offices in Augusta and Bangor, they serve employers throughout Central and Eastern Maine. Their intentionally hands-on, process-driven approach emphasizes quality over volume — a model that has resulted in thousands of successful placements over the years and long-standing relationships with Maine businesses.
As a 100 percent woman-owned business, DeMerchant also sees the ownership transition as an opportunity to reinforce their commitment to ethical leadership, transparency, and people-first decision-making. “At the end of the day, this work impacts people’s livelihoods,” she said. “That responsibility matters to us, and it always will.”
For more information about Capital Area Staffing Solutions or Bangor Area Staffing Solutions, visit www.capitalareastaffing.com
Now Leasing — 2 Bedroom Apartment! Enjoy maintenance-free living with rent starting at $861.
Professionally managed Great location Kennebec County income guidelines apply
Contact our Leasing Team: 207-621-7700
Always Accepting Applications
For the Joy of Winter: 25 Years of WinterKids to Air on Maine Public Television
WESTBROOK, Maine (January 6, 2026) — WinterKids is proud to announce that For the Joy of Winter: 25 Years of WinterKids will air on Maine Public Television as part of the Maine Public Film Series on Thursday, January 22 at 9:00 p.m., with encore showings on January 23 at 1:00 a.m., January 24 at 2:00 p.m., and January 25 at 4:00 p.m.
The documentary follows WinterKids’ 25-year journey from a small grassroots idea to a statewide movement helping 16,000 children (annually) discover the joy and lifelong benefits of outdoor winter activity. What began as one simple vision has grown into a vibrant community of thousands, all connected by a shared love of learning, playing, and growing outside together.
“We’re thrilled to have For the Joy of Winter featured in the Maine Public Film Series,” said Courtney Holub, Executive Director of WinterKids.
“This recognition shines a light on 25 years of WinterKids helping children move, learn, and explore outdoors. Creating this film has given us the chance to reintroduce WinterKids; in viewing this you really understand the magnitude of the work we do, and why. We’re an education, recreation, and health organization creating thousands of positive childhood experiences each year.”
For the Joy of Winter celebrates a quarter century of building healthy habits, confidence, and connection to Maine’s winter landscape.
About WinterKids
WinterKids helps children across Maine build healthy lifelong habits through education and fun outdoor winter activity. With a focus on inclusivity, movement, and experiential learning, WinterKids programs make winter a season where every child can thrive. Learn more at www.winterkids.org.
About Maine Public
Maine Public is Maine’s premier, independent media resource, dedicated to creating exceptional opportunities for the communities it serves to engage with critical issues, compelling stories and quality entertainment. Maine Public is renowned for creating award-winning programs, as well as airing content from PBS, NPR, and other independent producers. Formed in 1992, Maine Public is an independently owned and operated nonprofit organization with office and studio locations in Bangor, Lewiston, and Portland, Maine. For more information, visit mainepublic.org.
Watch video here:
https://youtu.be/GIGxxqG-tDA?si=vxW3yDWkgIOrj2Ds
A story of resilience despite the devastating effects of The Grinch Storm on December 18th 2023. The Kennebec River overflowed onto the streets of Gardiner, Maine. Alan Claude Gallery and Bintliff's Corner Brew fight to recover with the help of their community and after two years, win Down East Magazine BEST OF MAINE awards in the state of Maine and Yankee Magazine. ---------------------------------------- View more Alan Claude videos, art and stories at: Website - https://alanclaude.com/
Looking Ahead: Your 
Starts Now!At Dirigo Public Affairs, we’re focused on helping our partners reach their 2026 goals with strategies that deliver real results. Over the next few weeks, we’ll be spotlighting four of our impactful services:
• Media Buying & Placement
• Website Design & Development
• Podcast Productin & Strategy
• Digital Advocacy
Each service is designed to strengthen your message, expand your reach, and move your mission forward. Let's talk today about how we can help you reach your goals for the new year! https://dirigopublicaffairs.com/
Join us for the 2nd Annual Trunk or Treat at Quirion Inc. in Augusta! Bring the whole family for an afternoon of Halloween fun on Saturday, October 25th from 1:00pm–3:00pm at 712 W River Rd, Augusta, ME. Kids can collect candy from decorated trunks, enjoy games, and check out the festive trunk contest. We’ll also have a food truck on-site to keep everyone fueled up for the fun. Costumes are encouraged—come ready for spooky good times!
https://www.facebook.com/events/610879411902343/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22your_upcoming_events_unit%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22bookmark%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D
Kents Hill School is delighted to announce the appointment of Erin Fogg as Chief Advancement Officer. With more than 20 years of progressive experience in philanthropy and nonprofit leadership, Erin will play a key role in advancing the school’s mission and preparing it for a bold and sustainable future.
Erin joins Kents Hill from the University of Maine at Augusta, where she served as Vice President of Advancement and Alumni Relations. In that role, she established the institution’s first formal advancement and alumni engagement program, laying the groundwork for a philanthropic strategy to advance the university’s long-term strategic objectives.
Previously, Erin was Vice President of Development and Communications at Good Shepherd Food Bank, Maine’s largest hunger-relief organization. During her eight-year tenure, she tripled annual philanthropic revenue, expanded the development team from six to 16, and successfully planned, launched, and led the landmark Campaign to End Hunger in Maine—a four-year, $250 million comprehensive initiative.
“As we prepare to launch the most ambitious campaign in our history and bring philanthropy to new heights, Erin brings exactly the kind of leadership we need - strategic, mission-driven, and deeply human,” said Dr. Molly T. MacKean, Head of School. “She has a gift for bringing people together around a shared purpose, and her vision and commitment to expanding opportunity will strengthen the partnerships that make this community so extraordinary. With Erin as a partner in this work, I know we will step boldly into Kents Hill’s third century.”
Prior to the Good Shepherd Food Bank, Erin served as Director of Development Operations and Gift Planning at The Jackson Laboratory, an internationally recognized biomedical research institute headquartered in Bar Harbor, Maine. She holds a B.A. in Communications from Elizabethtown College and a Master of Business Administration from Husson University.
“It is an honor to join Kents Hill School at this pivotal moment under the visionary leadership of Dr. MacKean,” said Erin. “I am inspired by how Kents Hill fosters a vibrant community of learning and belonging in the heart of Maine, with an impact that ripples across the state, nation, and globe through its alumni. I look forward to partnering with leadership, supporters, alumni, and students to reimagine how philanthropy can sustain and amplify Kents Hill’s impact well into its third century and beyond."
To learn more about Kents Hill School, visit www.kentshill.org.
Join GoNetSpeed for a friendly lunch networking event at Lisa's Legit Burritos. 12 local businesses will get 3 minutes to talk about themselves and share their story with others while enjoying a great lunch on us.
Registration for attendees is simple; just e-mail Jocelyn to reserve your spot. First come, first serve!
Please bring your business cards for networking and a name tag, if you need a name tag please let us know and we will be happy to provide one for you!
Lunch is included, come network and enjoy great food provided by GoNetSpeed and Lisa's Legit Burritos
Location: Lisa's Legit Burritos, 304 Water Street, Gardiner, ME
When it comes to telling your business's story, there’s one crucial mistake that many businesses make: they cast themselves as the hero. They talk about what they do, how they do it, and why they are the best at what they do.. But here’s the truth—your customer doesn’t want to hear about how great you are. They want to know HOW you can help them.
In the world of marketing, your customer is the hero of the story, not you. This shift in perspective is challenging for many businesses to wrap their heads around, but it’s the key to creating a connection that resonates and drives action.
Let’s take a step back and think about the structure of a classic story—the hero’s journey. In this narrative, the hero is someone who has a goal, but they face obstacles that they can’t overcome alone. They need guidance, support, and the right tools to succeed. This is where the mentor comes in. The mentor understands the hero’s challenges and provides the knowledge, skills, and resources the hero needs to achieve their goal.
In your business’s story, you are the mentor. You are Obiwan, Glinda, or one of the Seven Dwarves. Your customer is the hero who needs to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals. Your role is to help them on their journey by providing the products, services, and expertise they need to succeed. You’re there to guide them, support them, and ultimately, ensure they win.
When you understand that the story you’re telling isn’t actually about you—it’s about your customer—you unlock the power to create real engagement. You move from just talking about yourself to speaking directly to the needs and desires of your audience. This is how you capture attention, build trust, and guide your customers through their journey from awareness to consideration and, finally, to conversion.
But if you get this wrong, if you make the story all about you, you risk losing your customers’ attention and, with it, their business.
So, the next time you sit down to craft your marketing message, ask yourself: Am I positioning my customer as the hero? Am I acting as the mentor who helps them succeed? If not, it might be time to rethink your approach.
Next week I am going to share with you Donald Miller’s 7 Part Story Framework in order to show you how you can structure your website, presentations, videos, etc. into a compelling story that will engage your audience.
Aaron Moseson is the founder of Alleyoup Media, a video storytelling studio that helps businesses cut through the noise and connect with their audience. If you're ready to turn your message into a story your customers care about, get in touch at or visit https://www.alleyoup.com
Jay-Z might have 99 problems, but when it comes to your customers, they only have three—at least when it comes to why they buy what they buy. Understanding these three types of problems is crucial for any business that wants to truly connect with its audience and drive engagement.
Let’s break it down:
- External Problems: These are the obvious, surface-level issues that customers are looking to solve. For example, if someone needs a car, the external problem is simple—they need a vehicle. If they need accounting services, the external problem is finding an accountant. Businesses often focus solely on these external problems because they’re easy to identify and address. But here’s the thing: Businesses sell to solve an external problem, but customers buy to solve an internal one. Read that line one more time. This is the key to creating deeper engagement with your customers.
- Internal Problems: These are the deeper, often unspoken issues that drive a customer’s decision to purchase. These problems are about how the customer feels and what they believe about themselves. For instance, let’s talk about shoes. If the external problem is “I need shoes,” then why did you buy the specific brand you’re wearing right now? Perhaps it’s because those shoes made you feel a certain way—more confident, more comfortable, or more aligned with your self-image. Understanding these internal motivations is the key to unlocking the real reasons people buy what they buy.
For example, I own three types of shoes: Red Wing Iron Rangers, Hoka Clifton 9, and Patagonia Wild Idea Buffalo Boots. On the surface, all three solve the external problem of needing footwear. But the reasons I chose each pair are tied to internal problems. The Iron Rangers remind me of Indiana Jones, tapping into an aspirational identity. The Hokas solve a comfort problem, ensuring my feet don’t hurt during long days on the job. Each purchase was driven by something deeper than just needing shoes. Don’t worry, I will get to the Wild Idea Buffalo boots next. - Philosophical Problems: These relate to the bigger picture—the beliefs and values that customers hold. They’re about what a purchase says about the customer’s identity and how it aligns with their worldview. Take my Patagonia boots, for example. They’re made from buffalo hides as part of Patagonia’s commitment to sustainability. I bought them not just because I needed boots, but because I believe in supporting companies that prioritize environmental stewardship and reducing waste. This philosophical alignment was the deciding factor in my purchase.
So, why does this matter?
If you want to truly engage your customers, you need to address not just the external problems but also the internal and philosophical ones. When you align your marketing with these deeper motivations, you create a powerful connection with your audience—one that goes beyond the surface and taps into the real reasons they choose your product or service.
Businesses may sell to solve an external problem, but customers buy to solve internal and philosophical ones. If you can understand and speak to these underlying issues, you’ll be better positioned to capture their attention and earn their loyalty.
Next week I am going to build on how we utilize customer problems and engage them in a compelling story. Everyone talks about how storytelling is an important part of business, but do you actually know how to tell a story? Stay tuned…
Aaron Moseson is the founder of Alleyoup Media, a video storytelling studio that helps businesses cut through the noise and connect with their audience. If you're ready to turn your message into a story your customers care about, get in touch at or visit https://www.alleyoup.com
Winthrop Workspace Partners with M&J PC Repair to Expand Technology Services
New collaboration provides convenient drop-off and pickup location for computer and device repairs
WINTHROP, ME 8/22/2025 Winthrop Workspace announced today a strategic partnership with M&J PC Repair to provide expanded technology repair services to the local community. The collaboration will allow customers to conveniently drop off and pick up computers, laptops, tablets, phones, and other electronic devices at Winthrop Workspace for professional repair services.
Under the new partnership, Winthrop Workspace will serve as an official drop-off and pickup location for M&J PC Repair, addressing the challenge of limited office hours that often prevent customers from accessing quality repair services. Matt from M&J PC Repair brings extensive expertise in repairing a wide range of electronic devices, and this partnership ensures customers can access his services on a more flexible schedule.
"This partnership represents our commitment to supporting local businesses while providing added value to our community," said Linda Easterbrooks at Winthrop Workspace. "By serving as a convenient drop-off point, we're making it easier for people to get their devices repaired by a trusted local expert."
The arrangement benefits both busy professionals and residents. Customers can drop off their devices at Winthrop Workspace, with M&J PC Repair handling the technical repairs and returning completed devices to the same location for pickup. Winthrop Workspace is open by appointment (207-395-5019 / ), and beginning September 2nd will have open office hours M-W-F 10am-12pm.
"We're excited about this collaboration because it allows us to better serve our customers," said Matt from M&J PC Repair. "The partnership with Winthrop Workspace means people can access our repair services more conveniently, without having to work around our limited office hours."
Services available through the partnership include:
- Computer and laptop repairs
- Tablet and smartphone repairs
- Hardware diagnostics and troubleshooting
About Winthrop Workspace Winthrop Workspace, located at 117 Main St, Suite 1D, Winthrop, ME offers coworking space, conference room rental, and Tech Coach services.
About M&J PC Repair M&J PC Repair, located at 966 Western Ave, Suite 2, Manchester, ME, provides professional repair services for computers, laptops, tablets, phones, and other electronic devices.
Media Contact: Linda Easterbrooks, Owner, Winthrop Workspace (207) 395-5019 email:
Join GoNetSpeed for a friendly lunch networking event at Lisa's Legit Burritos. 12 local businesses will get 3 minutes to talk about themselves and share their story with others while enjoying a great lunch on us.
Registration for attendees is simple; just e-mail Jocelyn to reserve your spot. First come, first serve!
Please bring your business cards for networking and a name tag, if you need a name tag please let us know and we will be happy to provide one for you!
Lunch is included, come network and enjoy great food provided by GoNetSpeed and Lisa's Legit Burritos
Location: Lisa's Legit Burritos, 304 Water Street, Gardiner, ME
In a world filled with constant noise and endless distractions, capturing your customers' attention has never been more challenging. You might feel like you’re shouting your message from the rooftops, but the reality is, many of your potential customers aren't even aware you exist. But why?
Use the link below to watch the 90 second video.
https://youtu.be/vJG698U2Mvo?si=wBJ0Ak_YT2Nriccb
In 1999, psychologists Daniel Simons and Christopher Chabris conducted an experiment that revealed something remarkable about how we process information. Participants were asked to watch a video of people in white shirts passing a basketball and count the number of passes. It seemed like a simple task—until a person in a gorilla suit walked through the scene. Astonishingly, about 50% of the viewers didn't notice the gorilla at all. Why? Because they were so focused on counting the passes that their brains filtered out everything else.
This phenomenon, known as inattentional blindness, is a powerful metaphor for the challenge you face in marketing today. Your customers, much like the participants in the study, are intently focused on their problems. They are counting the "passes"—navigating their pain points, searching for solutions, and managing their day-to-day tasks. Meanwhile, your marketing message is the gorilla. It’s there, front and center, but it’s being ignored because it doesn’t directly align with what they’re focusing on.
So, how do you ensure your marketing message is seen? The answer lies in understanding that your customers are not ignoring your message on purpose—they’re simply too focused on their own issues to notice it. To capture their attention, you must shift your focus from what you want to say to what they need to hear.
Here’s the key: Talk about their problem. When your marketing addresses the specific pain points your customers are already dwelling on, you become relevant to them. Suddenly, your message isn’t just another piece of noise—it’s a potential solution they’ve been seeking. When you align your messaging with their immediate needs, you break through the clutter and capture their attention effectively.
Imagine if, instead of trying to shout louder than the noise, you whispered the exact words your customers needed to hear. That's how you ensure they don't miss the "gorilla"—your message.
In today’s crowded marketplace, where customers are bombarded with thousands of marketing messages every day, understanding and addressing their problems is the only way to cut through the noise. When you do this, you don’t just get noticed—you get remembered.
If you’re ready to make sure your customers see the gorilla, let’s talk about how we can refine your messaging to focus on what truly matters to them.
Aaron Moseson is the founder of Alleyoup Media, a video storytelling studio that helps businesses cut through the noise and connect with their audience. If you're ready to turn your message into a story your customers care about, get in touch at or visit https://www.alleyoup.com/
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