AUGUSTA, ME – The Maine State Chamber of Commerce held its annual meeting and dinner on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, at the Augusta Civic Center in Augusta. In addition to hosting a U.S. Senate debate in partnership with NEWS CENTER Maine, the Chamber presented a leadership award to retiring Thomas College President Laurie G. Lachance and honored the Lewiston-Auburn Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce for their leadership and efforts following the October 2023 mass shooting tragedy in Lewiston. More than 400 people attended the Wednesday event.

The U.S. Senate debate was televised and streamed live and was moderated by NEWS CENTER Maine reporter and anchor Rob Caldwell. The four candidates for the U.S. Senate – incumbent U.S. Senator Angus King, Demi Kouzounas, David Costello, and Jason Cherry – participated.

Lachance received the Chamber’s “Dirigo Award” for her visionary leadership and decades of contributions and service to Maine. From 2012 to 2024, Lachance served as President of Thomas College in Waterville as the college’s 5th President and the first female and alumna to lead the college. From 2004-2012, Lachance was president and CEO of the Maine Development Foundation. Prior to MDF, she served three governors as Maine State Economist. Before joining state government, Lachance was the Corporate Economist at Central Maine Power Company. Lachance joins several Maine Governors, U.S. Senators, and Maine business leaders in receiving the Maine State Chamber’s “Dirigo Award.”

The Maine State Chamber recognized the Lewiston-Auburn Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce as the 2024 “Dana F. Connors Chamber of the Year” for their leadership, resilience, and commitment to rebuilding and revitalizing the Lewiston-Auburn community in response to the mass shooting tragedy that took place on October 25, 2023, claiming 18 lives and impacting hundreds of people and businesses in the Lewiston-Auburn region and beyond.

Maine State Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Patrick Woodcock said, “The Maine State Chamber is honored to pay tribute to Laurie Lachance for her invaluable leadership and contributions to Maine. Laurie’s career and leadership are a testament to her core belief in Maine and Maine people, and her commitment to achieving success through education opportunities. The Chamber is also honored to recognize the Lewiston-Auburn Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce for their leadership at the forefront of confronting a tragedy, organizing relief, and inspiring a community to find resilience.”

Woodcock added, “We appreciate the partnership with NEWS CENTER Maine in hosting the U.S. Senate debate before an audience of Chamber members and state and federal leaders and elected officials. We thank the four candidates for participating and sharing their views and priorities to address the major challenges Maine and the nation face.”

The Maine State Chamber also debuted its 2024 edition of OneVoice Maine magazine Wednesday, which pays tribute to Lachance with feature articles about Lachance’s life, career, impact, and legacy, and perspectives from her family, friends, and colleagues, including Governor Janet T. Mills and U.S. Senator Susan Collins.

To view the 2024 edition of OneVoice Maine magazine, please visit https://issuu.com/mainestatechamber/docs/onevoicemaine2024.

LEWISTON, ME — A Central Maine Healthcare (CMH) anesthesiology technician’s transportation challenges have come to an end, thanks to his fellow team members.

Corie Hubbard has been at Central Maine Medical Center (CMMC) for less than a year and didn’t tell anyone he was unable to get reliable transportation to and from work.

“It was very challenging, and I almost gave up hope,” Hubbard said. “Even though I was trying to get ahead, every time I came close to buying a car, something else would happen.”

Once his colleagues found out he was silently struggling with transportation, Tina Moring, CRNA, and the entire CMMC perioperative team decided to pool their money. Their hope was to raise $5,000- enough to buy a vehicle that could at least get Corie to and from work.

“Corie is wonderful. He never misses a day of work and is always so positive,” Moring said. “In just 10 days, we raised $11,000. I was overwhelmed by the generosity of his team members as well as other staff who barely knew him.”

Tina did some car shopping and found a 2015 Nissan Rogue. With money left over, they paid for vehicle registration and six months of insurance. She and a crowd of surgeons, nurses, technicians and others surprised Corie in the hospital garage.

“It felt like a dream. It was mind-blowing,” Hubbard said. “I have never cried so much in my life. The first day I drove to work it was so freeing. I drove with the windows down and the wind felt incredible.

“I am so grateful and so humbled. To see all of the people who made this happen for me. I want everyone to know what they did. I want everyone to know the kind of place this is and the kind of people who work here. It’s been life changing.”

LEWISTON, ME — The Androscoggin Retired Educators’ Association will meet at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, November 13th  at Montello Heights, 550 College Street. The price for this meal is $12.

The speaker for this meeting is Ray Dumont from the Public Theater in Lewiston.

It is recommended that educators arrive one half hour earlier than the meeting time, or 10:00. This will make time to socialize and have coffee and appetizer before the meeting at 10:30.

Androscoggin Retired Educators meets five times per year:

September, October, November, March and April. Dues for the year are $10 for educators, $6 for non-educators spouses or significant others. Members who have reached their 85th birthday no longer need to pay dues.

We invite all educators: teachers, teacher assistants, ed techs, principals, assistant principals,  secretaries, guidance counselors, librarians, anyone who works with children. You need not have taught in Androscoggin County or even in the State of Maine. We welcome all educators regardless where you worked. We look forward to seeing you.

For new members: With your registration please include: Address, email, phone, birth date, and the major educational school district or school where you were located.

Please make checks out to AREA and mail to Gina Fuller, 36 Elliott Ave, Lewiston, Maine 04240.

AUBURN, ME – The holidays are just around the corner and the City of Auburn is looking forward to welcoming residents and visitors alike to downtown Auburn this Christmas.

The city will officially kick off the season on Sunday, December 8 at 3:00PM with its Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting event. The city hasn’t held a traditional Christmas parade for several years and staff are looking forward to bringing it back.

“The Christmas Parade was always a big hit with local families,” said Liz Allen, the city’s director of communications and community engagement. “We took a few years off, but we’re looking forward to kicking off the holiday season in style! We need quite a few participants for this parade to be successful and worthwhile, so I encourage local businesses and organizations to apply right away.” To join the parade, visit auburnmaine.gov.

In addition to parade entries, the city is still seeking a Christmas tree for Festival Plaza. “This is the pine tree state,” added Allen. “Someone in Auburn must have a big, beautiful tree they would like to donate. It would be the ultimate holiday gift to our community.” To nominate your “perfect tree,” visit auburnmaine.gov.

To round out the holiday festivities, the city plans to host an expanded version of their annual “Christmas Shopping Village” on the day of the parade. From 11:00AM to 3:00PM, local artisans and makers are invited to apply to sell their goods in Anniversary Park (New Auburn). Participation is free. To apply for the Christmas Shopping Village, visit auburnmaine.gov

AUBURN, ME – The musical “1776” continues this weekend at the Community Little Theatre (CLT) in Auburn. Winner of three Tony Awards, including Best Musical, “1776” tells the story of John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and others as they fight for independence against a deadlocked Continental Congress in a musical that is by turns witty, wise, entertaining, and even suspenseful. Performances of “1776” will start at 7:30 p.m. on October 31, November 1 and 2. The Sunday matinee at 2:00 p.m. on November 3 will be the final performance. Tickets are $25 for adults, $22 for seniors/students, and $17 for children aged 13 and under. Tickets are available online at laclt.com or may be purchased at the door.  All performances will be held at CLT on 30 Academy Street in Auburn.

Four members of the Continental Congress are pictured here in a scene from CLT’s “1776.” From left are Nicole Emery as Joseph Hewes of North Carolina, Duane Glover as Stephen Hopkins of Rhode Island, Tony Morin as John Hancock, and Glenn Davis as Richard Henry Lee of Virginia. Final performances of the show will be held this weekend. 

AUBURN, ME — The Auburn Art Club will hold its Scholarship Auction at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, November 4, at Sacred Heart Church on Western Avenue in Auburn. Members are asked to bring their items to be auctioned by 1:30 in order to give members time to look over the items to be auctioned as well as time to look over raffle items. Members are encouraged to invite relatives, neighbors, and friends.

LEWISTON, ME – Opening on November 15th and closing December 15th is an exciting exhibition of painter Robert Shetterly’s Americans Who Tell the Truth portraits at the Bates Mill Atrium on 35 Canal Street in Lewiston, Maine. The entire Americans Who Tell the Truth collection of more than 270 portraits will be on display. These stunning portraits portray American figures — ranging from historical icons to contemporary activists — who have acted to confront injustice and advocate for change.

The exhibit’s opening event will be on Friday, November 15, 5:00 – 7:00 P.M. All are welcome.  Artist remarks will be at approximately 5:45 PM. For the duration of the exhibition, there will be guided tours, student art workshops, and a special teaching workshop and panel discussion on November 20th at 3:30 – 5:00 PM.

Robert’s most recent title, Portraits of Peacemakers, is a wonderful collection of painted portraits of activists who have been instrumental in the story of peace activism in the United States.

Robert is a Maine artist based in Brooksville.

Looking for a unique shopping experience?  Take a look at the amazing assortment offered on the Maine Music Society’s seventh online auction site beginning at noon on  November 2, 2024.   You’ll find everything from homemade breads to snow-shoeing and skiing experiences, vacation rentals, beautiful artworks, toys, fashions crafted by local artisans, and gift certificates from a variety of local businesses ranging from hardware to personal care to dining to sports events. You’ll be able to preview everything on Friday, November 1, so that you’re ready to start bidding when the site goes live at noon on Saturday, November 2.  The Auction will close 10 days later at 9 pm on Wednesday, November 13, 2024.  Winners will be notified and given the location to pick up items.

Details on bidding procedures and a link to the auction website are available on the MMS website www.mainemusicsociety.org.

MMS is also excited to announce that rehearsals are under way for our 2024-25 season: Celebrating Community.

We begin with the ever-popular a cappella experience Battle of the Blends on Saturday, November 2 at 7:00 pm, when we’ll also kick off the Online Auction. Join us in December for A Season of Celebration , in March forOut of the Ashes, and in May for A Showcase of Americana.  All concerts are at the Franco Center, 46 Cedar Street, Lewiston. Visit www.mainemusicsociety.org for details and tickets.

Please support the MMS Chorale and Chamber Singers by participating in this shopping experience just in time for the holidays. 

Thank you to our Auction Sponsors: Allen & Dawn Sample, Bates Mill Dermatology, Champoux Insurance Group,  Chuck & Patty Scheib, DeBlois Electric Inc., Dirigo Federal Credit Union, Hancock Lumber, Lisa Laliberte State Farm Insurance, Maine Family Federal Credit Union, Moody’s Collision Center, Roopers, and The Vault.

Visit www.mainemusicsociety.org or contact info@mainemusicsociety.org for more information.

Art Quilt

LEWISTON, ME – Safe Voices, the domestic violence and sex trafficking resource center serving Androscoggin, Franklin, and Oxford Counties, will honor Good Shepherd Food Bank of Maine as one of two awardees at the agency’s Fall Fête and Community Awards on October 24. Good Shepherd Food Bank will receive the agency’s Kimberley Wilson Community Partner Award for their years-long partnership with the agency in providing nutritious food for its shelter facilities. 

“Good Shepherd Food Bank is a truly essential partner for us in our work operating shelters in our communities. Most of our regular shelter groceries come through their programs, and they support us by cultivating additional local partnerships with organizations and businesses that can supplement our food supplies,” said shelter & housing program manager Jaime Merrill. “They’re always amazing to work with and offer true collaboration in the work that we do.” 

In addition to the provision of food supplies, staff at Good Shepherd Food Bank continually check in with Safe Voices shelter staff to see how things are going and ensure needs are being met. They regularly share grant opportunities that Safe Voices may qualify for, and their staff truly embody the belief of “rising tides lifting all boats.” Good Shepherd Food Bank has a network of in-depth partnerships and resources throughout the state of Maine, and they make connections between organizations and businesses that can help lift each other up in the work to end hunger in our state.

“We are deeply honored to receive the Kimberley Wilson Community Partner Award from Safe Voices,” stated Heather Paquette, president of Good Shepherd Food Bank of Maine. “Our partnership with Safe Voices has always been about more than just providing access to food – it’s about ensuring that survivors of domestic violence and trafficking have the support and resources they need to thrive. Together, we’re working to build stronger, more food secure communities, and we’re incredibly grateful for the opportunity to stand alongside Safe Voices in this mission.”

The Safe Voices Fall Fête, happening October 24 from 5-8pm at the Hilton Garden Inn Riverwatch in Auburn, please contact Grace Kendall at gkendall@safevoices.org or visit bit.ly/tickets_SV for tickets.

LEWISTON, ME —  The Maine Music Society (MMS) is excited to announce the 29th annual Battle of the Blends on Saturday, November 2, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. at the Franco Center in Lewiston. This much-loved event brings together five outstanding vocal groups for an evening of diverse a cappella performances, from jazz and barbershop to rock ‘n’ roll and Renaissance music.

Hosted by MMS Artistic Director, Richard Nickerson, the concert will feature performances by:

The Maine Music Society Chamber Singers, all members of the MMS Chorale, are known for their wide-ranging repertoire, from classical to modern pop, and have performed at various public events and as a part of several local concert series.

None of the Above delivers smooth harmonies in a broad mix of pop tunes,  jazz standards, folk, spirituals, and non-traditional music with their own unique flair. NOTA was a finalist on the inaugural season of WGBH’s Sing That Thing.

Lewiston High School Blue Notes and the LHS Chamber Choir, two talented groups of young singers, are performing for the first time at Battle.  The Chamber Choir is an advanced choral ensemble whose members must audition to be in that class. They have performed at various community events and many of the students are regularly accepted into honors festivals. The Blue Notes is an auditioned ensemble of highly dedicated students.  Blue Notes is a club that meets once a week  and requires students to prepare their music on their own time. This is their first performance outside of school concerts.

The Afternotes are a women’s group based on  New Hampshire’s seacoast and southern Maine. This multi-generation ensemble blends barbershop with contemporary a cappella.

The Downeasters Chorus is one of the top musical-performing and dynamic men’s organizations in New England. They are part of the Barbershop Harmony Society promoting their love for barbershop – a musical art form with genuine American roots.

Set in the historic Franco Center, this one-night-only event promises a captivating celebration of a cappella music that the whole family will enjoy.

New this year: Tickets are just $6 for students ages 13 and up, and as always, youth 12 and under attend free when accompanied by an adult!

Tickets are on sale now, and early reservations are encouraged as the event typically sells out. Purchase tickets online at www.mainemusicsociety.org or call 207-333-3386.

Don’t miss this incredible evening that highlights vocal talent from Central Maine and beyond! Support local artists and enjoy an unforgettable musical experience.

The Maine Music Society thanks our Season Underwriters Hardy, Wolf & Downing and the Sun Journal, the Event Sponsor Platz Associates, Co-Sponsors Austin Associates and Schooner

Estates, and Supporter Cornerstone Wealth Planning for making this concert possible.

MMS Chamber Singers