AUGUSTA, ME — On Thursday, Sen. Peggy Rotundo, D-Lewiston, welcomed Dr. Joe Anderson, a pediatrician at Central Maine Medical Center (CMMC) in Lewiston and chair of Maine Providers for Gun Safety, to the State House as part of Health Care Advocacy Day.

“The doctors and nurses at Central Maine Medical Center, including Dr. Anderson, made an enormous difference on the tragic night of the Lewiston mass shooting, providing the treatment that enabled many of the victims to survive,” said Sen. Rotundo. “These providers are still there, at CMMC and in hospitals and facilities all over the state, making a difference and helping Mainers live their best lives. I have enormous gratitude for all the work they did on that night and continue to do to help these victims and the entire Lewiston community heal from this tragedy.”

Dr. Anderson was working at CMMC on October 25 when the shooting victims began to arrive. He and the hospital staff worked through the night to save as many lives as possible. The majority of the victims were taken to CMMC. The last of the surviving victims was discharged in December.

Sen. Peggy Rotundo and Dr. Joe Anderson in the Senate Chamber

LEWISTON, ME—A Mystical Journey of the Magic Lantern and the Quest of the Golden Veils, A Theatrical Dance Performance by Imari & the Sahara Desert Dancers is coming to the Franco Center for a fundraising performance to benefit the Franco Center at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 10.    

“Don’t miss one of the most mesmerizing and colorful family events in New England, brought to life with enchanting dancing by Imari & the Sahara Desert Dancers and live music by Tribal Moon.  Let us bring you along on a journey to mystical places across the beautiful Mediterranean Sea, full of shimmies, sparkles, and smiles!” said Imari, spokesperson for the dance group. The dancers use their stage names in public. 

Imari & the Sahara Desert Dancers have committed 22 years to sharing the beautiful art of belly dancing with nursing homes and hospitals throughout Maine on a volunteer basis. The dancers spend their summers entertaining at family festivals, nursing homes, and charity events region-wide.  

“I am very proud to say that we have raised thousands of dollars for local charities such as the CMMC Unrestricted Annual Fund, Salvation Army, The United Way, Odd Fellows Nursing Home, St. Mary’s Hospital Breast Health Program and Make-A-Wish® Maine.  I am blessed with a truly beautiful and amazing group of women who are my sisters in dance,” said Imari.  “The women who make up my dance troupe vary in age, each balancing professional and family lives, and together we have formed an undeniably strong bond in striving to make a positive difference in our community, and beyond.  We simply enjoy sharing our love for our dance with our audiences and we cannot wait to light up the stage with our upcoming show at the beautiful Franco Center!  Please join us!” 

Learn more about the group at www.imaribellyancing.com. 

Doors and cash bar open at noon. Tickets range from $15 to $30. Tickets can be purchased through the Franco Center’s box office in person from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays or call 207-689-2000. Ticket purchases can also be made online at www.francocenter.org/shows.    

The Franco Center is at 46 Cedar Street, Lewiston. Parking is in the mill lot across the street. Handicap access is on the Lincoln Street Alley side of the building.  

A snow date is planned for 1 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 11, if the Saturday event is cancelled due to bad driving weather. 

Season Underwriter is Maple Way Dental Care; media sponsors are Bennett Radio Group; Sun Journal; Turner Publishing; and Uncle Andy’s Digest. Show sponsors are Androscoggin Bank and DaVinci’s Eatery.

Imari & the Sahara Desert Dancers will bring a theatrical dance performance featuring the art of belly dancing to the Franco Center at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 10. Dancers in the group are Shuruq, Adair, Sephira, Anahita, Imari, Asisa, and Bilqees. Tickets for their fundraising performance (to benefit the Franco Center) range from $15 to $30 and can be purchased at 207-689-2000 and www.francocenter.org. The Franco Center is at 46 Cedar St., Lewiston. Chad Cummings photo.   

LEWISTON, ME—Musical artist Josée Vachon will perform at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 17, at the Franco Center. She shares her Franco American joie de vivre–her “joy of living as a Franco American” through her music. Born in Quebec and raised in Maine, Vachon has been sharing her Franco American upbringing for over 40 years, through traditional and contemporary folksongs from Quebec and Acadia, as well as her own compositions.    

“Lewiston is a special place for me, just because of the strong support I received from fans at the very beginning of my career,” said Vachon. “I love coming back and having a chance to reconnect with many fans and friends!” 

Though she often entertained at her family gatherings, she began singing publicly with the support of the Franco-American Center at the University of Maine, where she discovered others who shared the same rich heritage. She quickly gained recognition as a Franco American voice through her first performances at state festivals in Lewiston and Madawaska, Maine and at schools and parish soirées.    

She has a dozen solo recordings to her credit and continues to perform and record the music that best represents her love of Franco American culture.    

Doors open at 1 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online at www.francocenter.org/shows, by phone at 207-689-2000, or in person at the box office between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays.  

Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door day of show. 

Season Underwriter is Maple Way Dental Care; media sponsors are Bennett Radio Group; Sun Journal; Turner Publishing; and Uncle Andy’s Digest. The show is sponsored by FACE Foundation and TV5Monde. 

The Franco Center is at 46 Cedar Street, Lewiston. Parking is in the mill lot across the street. Handicap access is on the Lincoln Street Alley side of the building.

Josée Vachon, a favorite Franco American performer among regular patrons of the Franco Center, will perform at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 17. Tickets are available at 207-689-2000 and www.francocenter.org/shows. The Franco Center is at 46 Cedar Street, Lewiston. Franco Center photo. 

LEWISTON, ME – With the backing of 8,000 members of the International Association of Assessing Officers (IAAO), William “Bill” Healey, Lewiston’s Chief Assessor, is the organization’s new Vice-President. Bill is the first assessing officer from Maine to achieve this role in 40 years.

“I am profoundly grateful for the honor of being elected,” said Healey. “The endorsement and backing of esteemed assessors worldwide hold great significance and are deeply appreciated,” said Healey, who joined the IAAO in 1998.

IAAO is the preeminent source for innovation, education and research in property appraisal, assessment administration, and property tax policy. Founded in 1934, IAAO members are from government, business, and academic communities. Membership provides access to educational resources, networking, and research data regarding administration of property tax.

“The City of Lewiston is very fortunate to have outstanding department heads, and Bill’s involvement with the International Association of Assessing Officers is a tremendous asset to the work he does here in Lewiston,” said City Administrator Heather Hunter.

“I have been an IAAO member for 25 years and find networking to be a great asset. I can reach out to the membership and get assistance with nearly any assessing issue when needed. As Lewiston is undertaking a citywide revaluation to be completed by early 2026, being part of the IAAO will be a valuable resource,” said Healey.

Healey has served as the City of Lewiston’s Chief Assessor since 2015. He has been a Certified Maine Assessor for over 22 years and also served as Assessor for Cumberland, Yarmouth, and Scarborough Maine.

Healey has been very involved with the Maine Association of Assessing Officers, serving as Education Chair and as President and as a member of Northeastern Regional Association of Assessing Officers, where he served as Vice President.

In 2019, Healey was awarded the IAAO’s Residential Evaluation Specialist Award, one of the highest honors to be achieved within the assessing profession.

AUBURN, ME — The “Bandstand to Billboard” concert – featuring song favorites from the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s, is back! After four consecutive years of sold-out shows at the Franco Center, this very popular concert is back, with three performances to be held at Community Little Theatre (CLT) on February 9, 10, and 11.

The repertoire includes major hit songs – all of which hit Billboard’s Top 100 list and were also featured on the American Bandstand TV show. With six singers and a full live band, some of the songs include “L-O-V-E,” “Come Go With Me,” “Stand By Me,” “Happy Together,” “Downtown,” “Chapel of Love,” “Sweet Caroline,” “Tie a Yellow Ribbon,” “Suspicious Minds,” and “Leaving On A Jet Plane.”

As an added treat, the band will perform a special tribute to the Beatles, commemorating the week in April 1964 when the Beatles held all top five slots in the Hot 100 list.

The returning singers, who are all veteran performers at CLT, are Renee Mahon Davis, Sophie Messina, Eileen M. Messina (director), Michael Litchfield, Gerry Therrien, and Duane Glover. The band includes Paul G. Caron, musical director and keyboards; Mike French, guitar; Shane Davis, bass; Mark Fredericks, percussion; Blaise Spath, woodwinds; Bruce Theriault, trombone; Mike Plossay and Mike Truchon, trumpet; Alex Wong, cello; Kate Gray, violin; and Linda Vaillancourt, viola.

The three performances will be held starting at 7:30 p.m. on February 9 and 10, and at 2:00 p.m. on February 11. All performances will be held at CLT on 30 Academy Street in Auburn. Tickets are $25.00 and may be purchased online at https://app.arts-people.com or at the door. More information at https://www.laclt.com.

The “Bandstand to Billboard” singers are pictured here from left: Gerry Therrien, Sophie Messina, Duane Glover, Eileen Messina, Michael Litchfield, and Renee Mahon Davis.

AUGUSTA, ME — On Thursday, Sen. Peggy Rotundo, D-Lewiston, welcomed Kirsty Beauchesne, Miss Maine 2024, to the State House.

“It was wonderful to meet Ms. Beauchesne in Augusta yesterday — she is a very impressive young woman,” said Sen. Rotundo. “I thank Kirsty for representing our community of Lewiston in such a positive light and wish her the best of luck in July!”

Ms. Beauchesne is a Lewiston native. She is currently pursuing a Master’s in Business Administration from Husson University. In July, she will travel to San Antonio, Texas to represent Maine in the Miss United States of America pageant.

According to its website, “United States of America pageants are designed to encourage women to strive to achieve their hopes, dreams, goals, and aspirations, while making them feel confident and beautiful inside and out.”

Rep. Michel Lajoie, Miss Maine 2024 Kirsty Beauchesne, Sen. Peggy Rotundo and Rep. Kristen Cloutier in the Senate Chamber

LEWISTON, ME – Premier Pools & Spas of Lewiston, Maine, is proud to announce that Shelly Quinn was awarded the 2023 National Salesperson of the Year at the Premier Pools and Spas Annual Awards Conference. Quinn joined Premier Pools & Spas in 2020. She is the first woman to achieve this level of success within the Premier Family and received the prestigious National Salesperson of the Year Award in 2022 and 2023.

“Competition for this award is fierce among salespeople all around the country, and to have our very own Shelly from Lewiston, Maine, win it while competing against offices in places such as Florida, California, and Texas is just incredible,” said Premier Pools and Spas Co-Owner Derek Messenger.

“Shelly embodies everything it means to be a Premier Pools and Spas designer. Once she begins a journey with her clients, nothing will stop her from delivering that dream pool for them. It is her servant’s heart and attention to detail that set her apart from the rest. We are honored to have Shelly in the Premier family.”  ~ Josh Rickaby, Executive Vice-President Sales

“I am so grateful that Derek and Mike gave me this opportunity in 2020. I absolutely love what I do! I genuinely get excited about every project! I enjoy meeting each family or property owner, hearing about their dreams for their property, using my art background to design their pool, and then our incredible team brings their dreams to life. I can’t think of a better career than making dreams come true!” said Quinn. 

Premier Pools and Spas – Lewiston has been building swimming pools for over 30 years, building between 60 and 70 pools yearly. With deep roots in the Lewiston community, we pride ourselves on our high standards and exemplary customer service.

If you’re considering a new pool for your property, Premier Pools & Spas can make your dream a reality. Request a free consultation and estimate by contacting Shelly Quinn of Premier Pools & Spas at squinn@ppas.com or call (207) 212-6395

AUBURN, ME — In celebration of Black History Month, the First Universalist Church of Auburn will screen two films honoring the contributions of notable African Americans. The Adult Religion Education group will present these documentaries for free, following worship services on Feb. 4 and 18 @ 11:45 in the Vestry, as part of their “sUUnday mUUvies”series.

On Sunday, Feb. 4, 2024, Auburn UU will screen Sweet Honey in the Rock: Raise Your Voice (2008; 84 minutes). This film chronicles the history, music, and cultural impact of Sweet Honey in the Rock, a Grammy Award-winning African American female a cappella group with musical roots combining jazz, blues, sacred songs of the Black Church such as spirituals, hymns, and gospel.

The documentary, directed by the legendary African American film maker Stanley Nelson, Jr., uses concert footage and rehearsals, archival stills, and reflections by ensemble members, as well as interviews with scholars and cultural commentators. 

On Sunday, Feb.18, 2024, Backs Against the Wall: The Howard Thurman Story (2018; 56 minutes) will be screened. The film explores the extraordinary life and legacy of one of the most important religious figures of the 20th century.

Born the grandson of slaves, Thurman became a “spiritual foundation” for the Civil Rights Movement, inspiring many of its leaders including Martin Luther King, Jr, Jesse Jackson and Congressman John Lewis. The documentary is directed by Martin Doblemeier.

Lively discussion will following each screening. moderated by Charles Nero, Distinguished Professor of Rhetoric, Film, and Screen Studies at Bates College.

Screenings are held at the First Universalist Church of Auburn, located at 169 Pleasant St.  Enter on Spring, St., across from Dairy Joy.  Parking; accessible.  FMI 783-0461 or www.auburnuu.org.

Stay tuned for movie screenings in April, celebrating Women’s History Month.

LEWISTON, ME — Whether you grew up Catholic or lived through the 1970’s, the heartwarming comedy Incident at our Lady of Perpetual Help, playing at The Public Theatre, January 26 – Feb 4 is for you.

Take a trip down memory lane, to a time when telephones hung on walls, and public ridicule in a hermetically sealed Catholic parish was the ultimate nightmare.

It’s 1973 and the O’Shea family faces a comic crisis of biblical proportions when the parish priest overhears their 19-year-old daughter tell her younger sister about “the birds and the bees”.   Holy hell and hilarity break loose as the O’Sheas must band together to save their reputation and prove that nothing is more sacred than family.

“It’s fun to see how much the world has changed – and hasn’t”, says director Janet Mitchko. “This nostalgic and loving look at a quirky Irish Catholic family brings back a time when everyone used classic movies as references and you lived your life not on social media, but in person. It’s the timeless story of a family glued together by love, loyalty, and humor that everyone will be able to relate to, whether you were raised Catholic or not”.

Playing the role of Mike, the patriarch of the family (among other roles) is Doug Rees. Doug appeared previously at The Public Theatre in Middletown and Under the Skin and has the honor of originating roles in plays by Christopher Durang and Michael Hollinger both Off-Broadway and in regional theatres. Playing Jo, the mother who manages the O’Shea household is Cate Damon. Cate, who has a long list of Boston and regional theatre credits, was actually born in Maine and is happy to return! Playing the role of Terri, Jo’s quick witted sister temporarily living with the family, is Allison Briner Dardenne. Allison has performed in a long list of Broadway and National Tours including Mamma Mia, Titanic, Les Miserables and Bright Star among others. Playing the eldest daughter Linda, the narrator of our story, is Kelsey Petersen, a Chicago based actress who has performed in leading roles for several seasons at the Asolo Theatre in Florida.  Her 13-year-old sister Becky is played by Maine actress Scarlett Thomas, who most recently appeared as Louisa in Ogunquit Playhouse’s production of The Sound of Music in Portsmouth. The 1970’s set is designed by Jennifer B. Madigan, lights by Florence Cooley, sound by Scott O’Brien and groovy costumes by Anne Collins.

Incident at our Lady of Perpetual Help, will be performed at The Public Theatre, Lewiston’s Professional Theatre Jan 26 – Feb 4. Showtimes are Thurs and Fri at 7:30pm, Sat at 3pm, Sun at 2pm, Sat. Feb 3 at 3pm & 7:30pm.  Tickets are $30 Adults, $25 Groups 10+, $20 Student 19+ with ID. For tickets call 782-3200 or visit thepublictheatre.org.  The Public Theatre is located at 31 Maple St., Lewiston.

Sponsored by Cross Insurance, Berube’s Auto Care, Napa Coastal Auto Parts and Baxter Brewing. Season Underwriters: Sun Journal, Platz Associates, and Bennett Radio Group.

Seated Left to right:  Alison Briner Dardenne as Terri, Doug Rees as Mike, Scarlett Thomas as Becky.  Standing left to right: Kelsey Petersen as Linda and Cate Damon as Jo

AUGUSTA, ME – Members of Lewiston’s delegation to the State Legislature will hold constituent office hours at the Lewiston Public Library on Saturday, January 27 from 10:30 a.m. until noon to provide local residents a chance to meet with their elected officials and discuss legislative and state government matters. The delegation will give updates on their work on various policy areas, including the state budget, law enforcement, insurance and financial affairs, taxes, transportation and veterans issues. Office hours are scheduled for the fourth Saturday of every month.

Constituent Office Hours

Sen. Peggy Rotundo, Rep. Kristen Cloutier, Rep. Margaret Craven, Rep. Mana Abdi and Rep. Michel Lajoie

Saturday, January 27, 2024 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

The Couture Room, Lewiston Public Library, 200 Lisbon Street