AUBURN, ME (May 26, 2023) — Cast and crew are busy in rehearsal for the upcoming Community Little Theatre production of the comedy Picasso at the Lapin Agile, which will open June 15.

Comedian Steve Martin’s comic take on the early 20th century, the play is set in 1904 in a Paris bar named the Lapin Agile (which still exists). Albert Einstein and Pablo Picasso, both young men at the time, are on the verge of disclosing amazing ideas (Einstein will publish his special theory of relativity in 1905 and Picasso will paint Les Demoiselles d’Avignon in 1907). They meet at the bar and begin to discuss art, the universe, and everything in between. A unique collection of bar patrons punctuate their discussion with wit, humor, and wry perspectives, until a mysterious visitor comes along with fascinating visions of the future. 

Pictured here left to right at a recent rehearsal are John Blanchette, director; Jason Pelletier, who plays Freddy the bar owner, a simple man who occasionally says something truly stunning; Sarah Duncan, Freddy’s worldly and thoughtful girlfriend Germaine; and Chris Kuhlthau, who portrays Gaston, an amicable old Frenchman with prostate problems.

Picasso at the Lapin Agile will be performed at CLT on 30 Academy Street in Auburn at 7:30 p.m. on June 15, 16, 17, 22, 23, and 24 and at 2:00 p.m. on June 18 and 25. Ticket prices (including all fees) are $22.00 for adults, $19.00 for seniors, and $14.00 for students. Tickets are available online at www.laclt.com/box-office or by calling 207-783-0958.

L/A Community Little Theater, located at 30 Academy Street in Auburn, has been producing live theater since 1940. A volunteer, non-profit organization, our goal is to provide affordable and quality entertainment in the performing arts as well as education, training, and experience in theater for area youth. www.laclt.com.

BRUNSWICK, ME (May 26, 2023) — UUCB Concerts for a Cause will host Porch Party Mamas on Saturday, June 10, 2023 at 7:30 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Brunswick.

Concerts for a Cause brings special concerts to the Greater Brunswick area while raising money for local charities.  Porch Party Mamas will be the last concert of the 2022-2023 season and will benefit the Brunswick Area Teen Center and Maine Family Planning.

The Porch Party Mamas are an engaging and magnetic Boston-area band of four female musicians who’ve developed a fun and moving blend of folk, country, Celtic, and blues repertoire. They play beautiful arrangements of lovely and whimsical songs featuring dynamic lead vocals and lush harmonies backed by virtuosic guitar, fiddle, accordion, piano, percussion, banjo, and bass playing.

Inspired by playing and singing each others’ songs at their own “porch parties”, these established Boston area musicians and singer/songwriters decided to combine their individual talents and create their own band. They took their act on the road and “Porch Party Mamas” was born. All are seasoned players, each with their own pervasive individual music persona and critical accolades.  Between them, they have shared the stage with a distinguished litany of artists, including Willie Nelson, the Indigo Girls and Lyle Lovett.

$20 in advance, $25 at the door, $10 students/children.  Available at the church office, Gulf of Maine Books or online at https://ticketstripe.com/porchparty.

LEWISTON, ME (May 26, 2023) — What: Bates College Clean Sweep Sale 

When: Sunday, June 11th 2023 8 am 

Where: Bates Underhill Arena, 145 Russell Street, Lewiston, ME

Bates College will host the popular “Clean Sweep” yard sale again this year. Doors will open at 8am.

This popular community event,  held since 1991, remains one of the largest community tag sales in Maine. Thousands of eager bargain-hunters are expected to attend the sale which, in years past, has raised as much as $40,000 for participating nonprofits. This year’s event is in support of John F. Murphy Homes.

The bulk of the sale items come from Bates College students who donate an estimated 5,000 items, including dorm room furniture, appliances, electronics, sports equipment, camping gear, rugs, clothing, and kitchenware.

The Bates Clean Sweep yard sale has three goals:

Keep students’ used goods out of the waste stream 

Hold a low-cost yard sale for the people of Lewiston/Auburn

Donate all the proceeds to local nonprofits

In the past, bargain hunters have arrived hours before the doors open for this anticipated sale, so interested residents should plan accordingly.

LEWISTON, ME (May 26, 2023) — Lewiston Adult Education will hold its 2023 graduation on Tuesday, June 6th, at 7 p.m. in the Lewiston High School gymnasium.

The ceremony will include recognition awards for students who are still taking classes. Family and friends of the graduates are welcome to attend, along with members of the public.

AUGUSTA, ME (May 18, 2023) – Members of Lewiston’s delegation to the State Legislature will hold constituent office hours at the Lewiston Public Library later this month 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.

Sen. Peggy Rotundo, Rep. Kristen Cloutier, Rep. Margaret Craven, Rep. Mana Abdi and Rep. Michel Lajoie will host office hours Saturday, May 27, 2023 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at The Couture Room, Lewiston Public Library, 200 Lisbon Street

LEWISTON, ME (May 19, 2023) — Androscoggin Home Healthcare + Hospice, Maine’s largest independent provider of home healthcare and hospice services, is pleased to announce the establishment of the East Auburn Community Unit Pediatric Endowment. This significant initiative has been made possible by a generous gift of $35,000 presented at the East Auburn Community Unit’s Board meeting on May 17, 2023, by the President of East Auburn Community Unit, Bonney Philips. 

The East Auburn Community Unit, a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the East Auburn Community and supporting children’s well-being, recognizes the outstanding work of Androscoggin Home Healthcare + Hospice in caring for some of the most medically vulnerable children in the region. The establishment of the Pediatric Endowment underscores their commitment to ensuring the continuation of uncompromising pediatric care throughout Maine for generations to come. 

In expressing his appreciation Androscoggin’s President and CEO, Ken Albert, stated, “The establishment of the Pediatric Endowment is a significant milestone in our mission to provide uncompromising pediatric care throughout Maine. We are truly thrilled and immensely grateful for your organization’s vision and dedication to ensuring the continuation of exceptional care and support for generations to come. This endowment will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on the lives of the children and families we serve, regardless of their personal circumstances.”

 The $35,000 donation from the East Auburn Community Unit will be invested in Androscoggin’s Long Term Mission Endowment Fund. This fund ensures a sustainable source of annual income, supporting the organization’s programs and services while prioritizing the needs of patients and their families. By investing in the endowment, the East Auburn Community Unit demonstrates their commitment to making a lasting difference in pediatric care and the well-being of children throughout the state of Maine. 

An endowment is a philanthropic investment fund established to provide ongoing financial support for a specific cause or organization. The principal amount is carefully managed and invested, while the generated income supports the designated programs and services. The East Auburn Community Unit’s decision to establish the Pediatric Endowment reflects their dedication to the long-term well-being of children and families in Maine. 

Androscoggin Home Healthcare + Hospice extends its deepest gratitude to the East Auburn Community Unit for their exceptional generosity and commitment to improving pediatric care throughout Maine. The Pediatric Endowment stands as a testament to the power of philanthropy and community collaboration in creating lasting positive change.

AUBURN, ME (May 18, 2023) — Chief Robert Chase of the Auburn Fire Department announces a series of promotions as a result of a promotional process that started in late 2022 and ended in March of 2023. “I am excited to honor the advancements these individuals have made in their careers, and to promote the qualities of integrity and accountability that they demonstrate. I look forward to seeing the impact they will have on the department in the future.”

Michael Scott- Promoted to the rank of Battalion Chief on January 1, 2023, and assigned to command Shift A. Battalion

Chief Scott has been with the department since February 19, 1996, and was promoted to Lieutenant in February of 2008. He was again promoted on April 26, 2015, to the rank of Captain. During his time with the department, he has been involved with many aspects of the department’s operations and training, and currently assists in management of the department’s fleet of vehicles. BC Scott is the highest-ranking officer of Shift A.

Erik Poland- Promoted to the rank of Captain on February 15, 2023, and assigned to Shift B.

Captain Poland has been with the department since January 7, 2008, and was promoted to Lieutenant on July 8, 2018. Captain Poland who is assigned to Shift B is also a State of Maine licensed Paramedic. Additionally, Captain Poland is the commanding officer of the Fire Department Special Rescue Division.

Tyler Arsenault- Promoted to the rank of Lieutenant on March 8, 2023, and assigned to Shift C as the officer of Engine 2 on South Main Street

Lieutenant Arsenault has been with the department since April 1, 2012. Lieutenant Arsenault is part of the training team and is the Station Chief for South Main Street Fire Station. In addition to his other duties, Lieutenant Arsenault assists the department in recruitment activities throughout the state.

Adam Salve- Promoted to the rank of Lieutenant on March 8, 2023, and assigned to Shift C as the officer of Rescue 3 at Central Station

Lieutenant Salve has been with the department since October 3, 2017. Lieutenant Salve is a State of Maine licensed Paramedic and is the Officer in charge of our department’s Ice and Water Rescue Teams.

Photo (left to right): Chief Robert Chase, Lt. Adam Salve, Lt. Tyler Arsenault, Captain Erik Poland, Battalion Chief Michael Scott, Deputy Chief Matthew Fifield

AUGUSTA, ME (May 18, 2023) – Rep. Mana Abdi, D-Lewiston, and Rep. Deqa Dhalac, D-South Portland, spoke to their experiences as first-term members in the Maine House of Representatives and called on young Black Mainers to engage in politics during the state’s inaugural Black Voices Advocacy Day at the State House on Thursday.

Rep. Abdi speaks at Black Voices Advocacy Day at the State House.

Rep. Dhalac speaks at Black Voices Advocacy Day at the State House.

AUBURN, ME (May 8, 2023) — Director Becca Tinkham has announced that auditions for the Community Little Theatre (CLT) production of The Little Mermaid will be held Sunday, May 21 at 4:00 p.m. and Monday, May 22 at 6:30 p.m. 

With Music by Alan Menken, Lyrics by Howard Ashman & Glenn Slater, Book by Doug Wright, The Little Mermaid musical is based on the well-known Hans Christian Anderson story and the Disney animated film. Songs include Under the Sea,” “Kiss the Girl” and “Part of Your World.”

Anyone who wishes to audition is asked to fill out the online audition form before May 19 and to include on the form (or bring to rehearsal) a list of all possible schedule conflicts. Rehearsals will begin Sunday, May 28th.

Each person auditioning will be asked to sing a song from the show and—time permitting—read from the script and learn a bit of choreography. All audition details and character descriptions can be found online at laclt.com/auditions. 

Auditions will be held at the theater at 30 Academy Street in Auburn. The performance dates for Little Mermaid are August 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, and 19 at 7:30 p.m. and August 13 and 20 at 2:00 p.m. 

 LEWISTON, ME (May 10, 2023) — The City of Lewiston annually helps to recruit volunteers to place nearly 7,500 flags at individual veterans’ gravestones within Lewiston cemeteries. As Memorial Day approaches, volunteers are again being sought. 

A 2001 Maine State law requires municipalities to purchase and place individual American flags at the gravestone of every veteran buried in respective town/city cemeteries for Memorial Day each year. Lewiston has 13 cemeteries, and community volunteers annually place nearly 7,500 flags. 

For many of the smaller cemeteries, abutting neighbors usually handle the annual flag placement. For the two largest cemeteries, Riverside and St. Peters, service organizations have historically adopted these cemeteries and undertake flag placement for the City of Lewiston. 

As such, for 2023, flag placement will occur as outlined below at Riverside Cemetery and St. Peters Cemetery, and the organizing groups welcome volunteers to assist them: 

Riverside Cemetery, 192 Summer Street, Lewiston Saturday, May 20, 2023, 9:00AM (rain or shine) 

The Knights of Columbus are the coordinators for this location. Contact is Leo Baillargeon at (207) 577-7424 

There are approximately 1,600 flags for this location. 

St. Peters Cemetery, 217 Switzerland Road, Lewiston Sunday, May 21, 2023, 10 AM (rain or shine) 

Meet at the Mausoleum, St. Peter’s Cemetery, Switzerland Road, Lewiston. 

The L/A Veterans Council are the coordinators for this location. Contact is Jerry Dewitt at (207) 576-0376 

There are approximately 4,000 flags for this location. The plan is to assign teams of 5-10 volunteers to an area of each cemetery and to cover the cemetery in a grid fashion in order to not miss any stone. If military service is listed on the stone, a flag will be placed there. 

Volunteers do not need to sign up in advance; they are welcome to show up on the date/time of the event and will be provided instructions by the on-site coordinator. The City of Lewiston is also noting the following helpful logistics for volunteers who participate. 

1) Work gloves are optional but encouraged. 

2) Volunteers may bring their own hand sanitizer. 

3) Wear sneakers or boots in case the grass is wet. 

4) Bring a screwdriver to poke a hole in the grass; it is much easier to place a flag’s wooden dowel into the ground if a hole is first made. 

5) Plan to bring a water bottle if it is a hot day. 

6) Bring bug spray, hat, and sunscreen. 

7) Be mindful of ticks. 

8) Children/youth are encouraged to participate but must be accompanied by an adult. 

9) Wearing company or organization t-shirts is welcome. 

Jerry Dewitt, on behalf of the L/A Veterans Council, expresses appreciation to volunteers for their efforts, “Thank you for your support of veterans to remember their service on Memorial Day.” Questions about the process may be directed to the Lewiston City Clerk’s Office (207) 513-3124, or volunteers may directly reach out to event coordinators.

 Nate Cheever, Lewiston building maintenance employee, helping to store flags at Lewiston City Hall in anticipation of placement.