Dr. Chuck Radis will give a talk on his new book, “John Jenkins: the Mayor of Maine,” from 4-5 p.m. on Friday, May 5, at Auburn Public Library. During his talk, he will explore how Jenkins, a young man who grew up in Newark, New Jersey, during the race riots of 1968, grew to love his adopted state of Maine and make it his home. In particular, the talk will center on Jenkins’ relationship with the Franco-American community in Lewiston/Auburn and his ability to connect with residents throughout the state through his motivational PepTalk inspirational speeches at women’s groups, schools, churches, and prisons.

Gov. Janet Mills says, “What I remember most about John Jenkins are not the titles he held, but the way he held them. John never forgot the inherent, intangible power of the office and the ability to make people feel good just by showing up. The Mayor of Maine captures the exuberance and proud legacy of a champion for Lewiston and Auburn who gave inspiration and hope to countless people throughout the region and the state of Maine.”

Following graduation from Bates College, Dr. Radis committed to a career in osteopathic medicine after meeting a D.O. family practice bush pilot in Baja, Mexico. After finishing his internal medicine residency in 1985, he and his family moved to Peaks Island where he practiced at the Island Health Center. Traveling by ferry, lobster boat, and police boat, he also visited Chebeague Island, Long Island and Cliff Island for house calls. In a typical year, he logged more than 100 house calls. Throughout his years as both a primary health care physician and later as a specialist in rheumatology, Dr. Radis published both in peer-reviewed scientific journals and in the popular press. He has written on empathy and kindness in medicine, the narcotic epidemic, and the logic of expanding Medicare for all Americans. As the founder and medical director for the Maine-African Partnership for Social Justice (www.mapsj.org) he travels to the Kiryandongo United Nations Settlement in Uganda where he partners with refugee groups in innovative public health programs.

This program will take place in the Androscoggin Community Room. No registration is required.

In addition to this book, Dr. Radis is also the author of “Go by Boat,” “Island Medicine,” and “Wildflowers of Casco Bay.” Barbara Kelly of Kelly’s Books will have copies of Dr. Radis’s books for sale for anyone who might be interested.

For more information on this or other upcoming programs, please visit the Events page of the Auburn Public Library website – www.auburnpubliclibrary.org – or call the Reference Desk at 207-333-6640, ext. 4.

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