Maine's Capital Area

Alana LaCourse Launches Nonprofit for Young Ski Racers

Pictured: Alana LaCourse provides Avery Levesque, 12, from Auburn. Courtesy: Pliable Marketing

AUGUSTA, Maine - As part of National Girls and Women in Sports Month, Alana LaCourse from East Boothbay, Maine has announced the official launch of her nonprofit, GIVE O.N.E., which stands for Give Opportunities through New Equipment. On Feb. 1, she hosted a fundraiser and giveaway event at Lost Valley in Auburn. The day included a drawing to win ski racing goggles and the opportunity for members of the Maine Junior Ski League to apply for two $250 scholarships.

LaCourse, 15, started her nonprofit at age 14 after recognizing the cost of ski equipment can be a barrier for young children to try or to continue the sport of ski racing. GIVE O.N.E. provides new Alpine ski race equipment and scholarships for Maine junior ski racers. GIVE O.N.E. is fiscally sponsored by Fiscal Sponsorship Allies, a 501(c)(3) public charity.

LaCourse, is a sophomore and ski racer at Gould Academy in Bethel, Maine. In addition to ski racing, she is a model, and high honors student who also plays soccer and tennis. She has signed with Pliable for NIL respresentation and plans to ski race in college.

“It was great to see all the young ski racers at Lost Valley. I met a lot of amazing young ski racers and their familes. I am excited to help more young athletes pursue their dreams on the slopes. I believe strongly that what you do today creates possibilities for tomorrow, and that is what the GIVE O.N.E. program is designed to do," said LaCourse.

Pictured: Alana LaCourse provides Avery Levesque, 12, from Auburn with her new pair of ski goggles and Arlberg ski straps. Courtesy: Pliable Marketing

LaCourse is from East Boothbay, Maine and started skiing at age 2 since both her mother and father had been ski instructors while in college. At age 4, she started group ski lessons at Mt. Abram and at age 9 participated in a few recreational races and fell in love with the sport. By 7th grade, Alana participated in the Maine Junior Ski League. She is now a second year U16 USSS ski racer and is currently ranked in the top 10 in the Maine Alpine Race Association.

Pictured: Alana LaCourse provides Liam Folker, 12, from Auburn with his new pair of ski goggles and Arlberg ski straps. Courtesy: Pliable Marketing.

To donate to GIVE O.N.E. visit app.ribbon.giving/links/1hSn0G or the GIVE O.N.E. Facebook page for more information. If you meet the criteria as a Maine Junior Ski League athlete or you are a coach of one of ski racers, or want to learn more about the scholarship program email .

All day on Wednesday, February 19th, tune in to WGME CBS13 and WPFO FOX23 to hear inspiring stories of hope and see the impact that Make-A-Wish Maine is making in your community. You can also follow along on the Make-A-Wish Maine social media accounts. 

And be sure to tune in for the 30-minute special airing on both CBS13 and FOX23 at 7:30 PM. We can't wait to share more about the impact of a wish come true. 

Help us raise $125,000 to create life-changing wishes for children battling a critical illness in Maine. 

Click here to learn more: Share the Power of a Wish Telethon - Make-A-Wish® Maine

GRILLA BOWL in Gardiner has just added the following items to our menu:

The HAWAIIAN BOWL now comes with an option to substitute SPAM for the ham for a truly Hawaiian dish!

ORANGE TOFU is now available for all of you tofu lovers and vegetarians.(The secret menu has an option for ORANGE CHICKEN if you are a meatatarian)

Just for the winter we will have CHERRY BLAST fruit smoothies

and now all of our dishes come with the option for GLUTEN FREE

...also we now have limited edition stickers available commemorating our opening and first location in Gardiner

more to come!

GOLDEN POND WEALTH MANAGEMENT NAMED TO FORBES'

2025 BEST-IN-STATE WEALTH MANAGEMENT TEAMS LIST FOR MAINE

WATERVILLE, MAINE – January 15, 2025 – Golden Pond Wealth Management was recently named to Forbes' Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams list for Maine.

“Being included in the Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams list for Maine is a reflection of our entire team, our clients, and their continued confidence in and support of our efforts to grow and protect their wealth,” said Brian Bernatchez, CFP®, Managing Director of Golden Pond.

Golden Pond Wealth Management is based in Waterville, Maine. They provide retirement planning and comprehensive wealth management to individuals and families, and investment & endowment management to non-profit institutions.

The annual list is compiled by Forbes with insights from SHOOK Research. Advisors are selected based on quantitative and qualitative data, and are assessed on a variety of criteria, including interviews, years of experience, client retention, compliance records and assets under management*.

Augusta, Maine – January 23, 2025 – Teresa Zardus, Founder & President of Zardus Holistic Wellness Group, Inc., is advancing her professional journey by pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Health Psychology. This decision follows her personal experience with physical challenges and a deep understanding of the powerful mind-body connection in managing chronic pain and promoting overall well-being.

"Having encountered significant health challenges in recent years, I've learned firsthand that our mindset can profoundly impact the progression of chronic pain," said Teresa. "This insight has inspired me to deepen my knowledge and skills to better assist others facing similar challenges."

Teresa is pursuing this doctorate to expand her ability to assess and guide individuals’ health and wellness plans more effectively. She also aims to create practical resources, such as workbooks designed to help adults achieve self-care and wellness goals, which will empower individuals to take control of their mental and physical health.

In addition to her personal goals, Teresa plans to explore opportunities in adult education, focusing on the importance of the mind-body connection and helping guide future generations toward healthier, more balanced lives.

Reflecting on her journey, Teresa shared her philosophy:

"I believe that success is the forward motion on the path to meeting our goals, both individually and collectively. It’s not the end, it’s the journey – the journey of a thousand and more baby steps toward a better YOU. The journey with those we impact – our students, clients, family, and the greater community. To create this journey and our legacy, we must be genuine, authentic, and transparent – without judgment or fear. I believe that every practitioner and student graduating from my massage program is my legacy, impacting the lives of generations to come!"

This philosophy has guided Teresa in her leadership at Zardus Holistic Wellness Center, where she has developed and led a successful massage therapy program. Her commitment to fostering a transparent, judgment-free learning environment earned her the prestigious "Launching Your Legacy" scholarship, the largest offered by her college, National University (formerly North Central University). During her college and Master's program, Teresa graduated with High Honors and Cum Laude distinction.

“Pursuing a PhD in Health Psychology is about expanding my ability to make a meaningful impact on others’ lives,” said Teresa. “I’m excited to continue this journey and bring more tools, resources, and knowledge to the people and community I serve.”

Teresa remains committed to empowering individuals to embrace holistic approaches to health and well-being and advocating for the integration of mental and physical wellness.

For more information about Teresa Zardus and Zardus Holistic Wellness Center, visit www.ZardusArtofMassage.com or follow on social media at Zardus Holistic Wellness Center.

AUGUSTA, Maine - On Dec. 12, Greg Glynn and Kelsey Glynn announced the official release of their children's book "The Magic Cleats." The children's book is written and illustrated by Glynn and his daughter to share the true story of college softball players, Hannah Dukeman and Emma Eubank, the first college athletes in the country to use their name, image and likeness (NIL), to design cleats and raise funds for childhood cancer research.

The book was published by BookBaby and is available online now at Store.bookbaby.com. and also is available for pre-order through online retailers such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble and more. The book is also currently available in-store from Oliver Friends Bookshop in Waterville, Maine through Dec. 25. The book is also available online. The retail cost of the hardcover book is $24.99 and portions of the proceeds will benefit cancer research and #MissionE50, an initiative to increase the popularity of women's sports.

"Many marketing experts are rushing to write books about how college athletes can make money using their name, image and likeness, ways athletes can increase their followers on social media, or advice for athlete marketing and personal branding. As NIL legislation and rules for athletes continue to evolve, there are so many things that can change in the next few years. My daughter and I wanted to write a book that would last forever. In writing the book, we want to inspire the next generation of young athletes about how they can give back to their communities and showcase the causes that are most important to them. This is exactly what Hannah and Emma did during their college softball career, and I am so proud of them for everything they have done and will continue to do. Their story has no end," said Greg Glynn, co-author of "The Magic Cleats."

"The Magic Cleats" tells the inspirational true story of Hannah Dukeman and Emma Eubank from Ball State University, the first college athletes in the country to use their name, image and likeness to design #CURECANCER cleats to raise awareness and funds for childhood cancer research. Through their efforts, so far they have raised more than $4,500.

In reading the book, children will learn core values from Hannah and Emma that helped them become successful college student athletes, and support families who have been impacted by cancer. While the story is intended to be read to young children (12 and under), the book includes an additional "bonus" section to inspire older children, teens and adults. The section shares short stories with QR codes about several other Pliable athletes who have raised awareness and funds for different causes and organizations. In total, the athletes featured in the book have raised more than $20,000.

Ultimately, the magic of the cleats is the impact that Hannah and Emma's story will have on others. As readers will learn, this is a story that has no end. With every purchase of this book, readers get to be part of Hannah and Emma's efforts. Portions of the proceeds will benefit cancer research and support #MissionE50, an initiative to increase the popularity of women's sports.

Both Hannah Dukeman and Emma Eubank worked closely with Greg Glynn, founder and CEO of Pliable, who is also their NIL marketing agent to secure NIL partnerships and build their athlete brand. Pliable is a marketing company and NIL agency that represents more than 35 high school, college and professional athletes.

In June of 2021, a unanimous decision by the Supreme Court upheld the lower court’s decision that NCAA restrictions on “education-related benefits” for college athletes violated antitrust law. As a result, college athletes now have the opportunity to benefit from their name, image and likeness (NIL), a topic that continues to change the landscape of college sports. In April of 2025, if the House v. NCAA settlement receives final approval, Division I colleges and universities will have the opportunity to share revenue with athletes. By Fall of 2025, schools could start paying a total of more than $20 million to athletes at their institutions.

"When Greg came in a told me about "The Magic Cleats" that he and Kelsey wrote, I jumped at the chance to help them share their book. In addition to Hannah and Emma's incredible story, the book also has local short stories of Maine athletes from the area who have worked with Pliable Marketing and are giving back to nonprofits and organizations in Maine and across the country. Greg also wanted to support a local independent bookstore by making the books immediately available at our Waterville location so people can buy the book as a holiday gift for a child in their life. Oliver & Friends Bookshop is proud to have this opportunity and support the authors and the athletes featured in the book," said Renee Cunningham, owner of Oliver and Friends Bookshop.

Glynn, 43, is the founder & CEO of Pliable, a marketing, public relations and broadcasting company and NIL agency in Augusta, Maine. As a registered sports agent, Greg specializes in athlete branding, including creating name, image and likeness (NIL) opportunities for high school, college and professional athletes, many of whom are also featured in the book. He has more than 20 years of marketing, public relations and broadcasting experience, including his role as host of The Athlete Brand Advisor Podcast. The company represents more than 35 athletes across the country. Learn more at PliableMarketing.com.

Kelsey Glynn, 12, is a Pliable athlete, just like Hannah and Emma. She was heavily involved in the writing and illustration of the book to inspire the next generation of young girls to be positive role models in their community. Kelsey is well-known for her efforts to raise awareness and funds for the Maine Children's Home in Waterville, Maine. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she was one of the youngest athletes to raise funds and complete the 180-mile Trek Across Maine which benefits the American Lung Association.

If you are like most Americans who received their insurance renewal quotes, you are probably experiencing a bit of sticker shock. 

If you are a family paying over $2000/month for coverage, or an individual paying over $700, and any of what you read below resonates with you, we should talk about your options. 

ARTWALK GARDINER
Join us this Friday, December 6th in downtown Gardiner for the Artwalk.

It will be a cold evening but we will all have warm smiles :)

Many downtown business will be open late and serving appetizers as well.

The Alan Claude Gallery will be serving Italian Meatballs, Wine and Art! 

Join us for an evening filled with creativity, community, and a special moment to pause and enjoy the tree lighting. Let’s celebrate art together!

https://www.facebook.com/ArtWalk.Gardiner

Join us as our guest for Virtual Demo meetings on November 12th and December 10th from 12:00 - 1:00 PM.

Reserve your spot today at  or call Bill Crosby at 617-974-6437

Check out the benefits of Toastmasters membership at: https://www.toastmasters.org/membership/why-toastmasters

See a brief video of a typical meeting experience at: https://www.toastmasters.org/membership/club-experience

Join us as our guest for our upcoming Demo meetings on November 12th and December 10th from 12:00 - 1:00 PM.

RSVP via email at