LEWISTON, ME (September 15, 2023) – The City of Lewiston is embarking on a holly jolly mission to find the perfect Spruce to serve as the official holiday tree for the City of Lewiston. The City will turn on the Christmas tree’s lights during the City’s Annual Holiday At The Plaza festival on Sat., Dec. 2, at Dufresne Plaza, 72 Lisbon Street, and the tree will remain illuminated until January 2024. 

Public Works will decorate the official tree with 1,200 lights. Every year, Lewiston takes pride in celebrating the magic of the holiday season by lighting up a magnificent Christmas tree in the heart of the city. This iconic tree serves as a beacon of hope and unity, drawing residents and visitors alike to come together in the true spirit of the season.

 The quest for the perfect Christmas tree has become an annual tradition. Residents are encouraged to nominate their own trees or suggest potential candidates that they believe embody the essence of the holiday season. Steve Murch, City Arborist, meticulously selects the tree that best captures the spirit of the holidays. Murch suggests that residents recommend a 30-40 foot Spruce tree known for its short blue-green needles. He also notes that the tree should be easily accessible from the street in order for a truck and equipment to remove it for transport. Interested residents may contact him at smurch@lewistonmaine.gov or via 207-513-3003, x3443. The City of Lewiston will cover the tree delivery live on its Facebook page. 

The lighting of the Christmas tree serves as the centerpiece of the City’s beloved annual holiday traditions in Dufresne Plaza. This year’s Holiday At The Plaza festivities will include: 

Classic Photo with Santa

Outdoor Ice Rink

Children’s Choo Choo Rides

Food Trucks

Live Music with Holiday Carolers and So Much More. 

WINTHROP, ME (September 15, 2023)–The Bailey Library in downtown Winthrop will host award-winning poet and professor Wesley McNair on Wednesday, September 27 at 6:30 p.m.

The talk will focus on McNair’s new book “Late Wonders: New and Selected Poems,” and is part of the annual Lakes Region Forum series sponsored by the Winthrop Public Library Foundation.

McNair has received fellowships from the Rockefeller Foundation, the Guggenheim Foundation, the National Endowment for the Humanities, the National Endowment for the Arts, and United States Artists. Among his other honors are the Robert Frost Prize, the Theodore Roethke Prize, the Jane Kenyon Award for Outstanding Book, the Sarah Josepha Hale Medal for “distinguished contribution to the world of letters,” and five honorary degrees. McNair has served four times on the Pulitzer Poetry jury and was poet laureate of Maine from 2011 to 2016.

Late Wonders is a career-spanning collection of some of McNair’s best-known work from the past four decades, as well as new work.

McNair grew up in New Hampshire and has made his home in Mercer, Maine for many years. He received an undergraduate degree from Keene State College and has earned a Masters in English and American Modern Literature from Middlebury College. He has also studied American art and history at Dartmouth College.

McNair is currently Professor Emeritus and Writer in Residence at the University of Maine at Farmington, where he directed the creative writing program and received the Distinguished Faculty Award and the Libra Professorship.

The event is free and open to the public. For more information call the Bailey Library at 377-8673, or visit: www.baileylibrary.org.

LEWISTON, ME (September 15, 2023)—The Franco Center’s free Books and Stories Series at noon Wednesday, Sept. 27, will feature author David Vermette. He will read from his book, “A Distinct Alien Race: The Untold Story of Franco-Americans: Industrialization, Immigration, Religious Strife,” have books available for purchase and signing, and follow up with questions and answers after the presentation.   

“Our patrons have told us that they are very interested in the authors we have scheduled in the Books and Stories Series,” said Denise Scammon, marketing and development director at the Franco Center. “We are fortunate to have this program funded by the Maine Humanities Council and Maine Arts Commission.”   

On Wednesday, Sept. 27 Vermette will discuss his book’s French Canadian immigrant theme. According to Vermette, in the later-19th century, French-Canadian Roman Catholic immigrants from Quebec were deemed a threat to the United States, potential terrorists in service of the Pope. Books and newspapers floated the conspiracy theory that the immigrants seeking work in New England’s burgeoning textile industry were plotting to annex parts of the United States to a newly independent Quebec.   

Vermette’s groundbreaking study sets this neglected and poignant tale in the broader context of North American history. He traces individuals and families, from the textile barons who created a new industry to the poor farmers and laborers of Quebec who crowded into the mills in the post-Civil War period. Vermette is a writer, researcher, editor, and a speaker on Franco-American history and identity. He is originally from Massachusetts. 

“Attendees at our Sept. 13 Books and Stories program, which featured local Franco-American author Suzanne Roy, stated that the Ku Klux Klan’s negative reflection of Franco Americans and Catholics was not something they remember hearing about,” said Scammon. “David will share information about how the Ku Klux Klan’s local activities stirred up animosity against Franco Americans.” 

Later in the Books and Stories series, local author Paul Dionne will talk about his books on Oct. 4. It is suggested that attendees buy the featured books ahead of the book talk. “The authors in this series have all been suggested by our patrons to be included,” said Scammon. “All the books are of interest to residents and local historians.”  

The Franco Center is at 46 Cedar St., Lewiston. Parking is available in the mill lot. The building is handicap accessible on the Lincoln St. Alley side.  

Author David Vermette will discuss his French Canadian immigrant-themed book at the next free Books and Stories program at noon Wednesday, Sept. 27, at the Franco Center, 46 Cedar St., Lewiston.    

LEWISTON, ME (September 15, 2023) — The Ten MANHATTAN SHORT films hail from seven countries with films from Australia, Afghanistan, Finland, Iran, Switzerland, UK and Canada, alongside three films from the USA. This year’s Final Ten Films represent the best short films from among 850 submissions from 72 countries received by MANHATTAN SHORT for 2023, testimony to the enduring vibrancy and creativity of short films worldwide. This year’s final ten include Sunless (USA), Voice Activated (Australia), Yellow (Afghanistan), Tuulikki (Finland), The Family Circus (USA), Career Day (USA), Snail (Iran), The Record (Switzerland), The Stupid Boy (UK) and Soleil De Nuit (Canada).

What makes this Film Festival so special is the diversity of the short films from around the world, and the fact that the audience determines the winners. Every person watching the festival around the world will get a ballot to determine the Best Film and Best Actor awards, so this is your chance to play film critic!” The festival also has an enviable history of showing films that have gone on to be nominated for Oscars including one that went on to win the Oscar in the Short film category! All Final Ten short films become Oscar qualified, meaning they will be automatically eligible for an Academy Award nomination by screening for a week at the Arena CineLounge in Hollywood in the county of Los Angeles from September 22 to September 28.

The ten short films will be shown at The Public Theatre on Friday, September 29 and 30 at 7:00pm.  For tickets call 782-3200 or visit thepublictheatre.org. The Public Theatre is located at 31 Maple St in Downtown, Lewiston.

BRUNSWICK, ME (September 8, 2023) — UUCB Concerts for a Cause will present Magic 8 Ball in a performance at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, September 30. All proceeds from the concert will benefit two local charities:  Mid Coast New Mainers Group and Oasis Free Clinics.

Magic 8 Ball is a Mid Coast acoustic band who plays Americana and folk music and is known for their outstanding musicianship, soaring three-part harmonies and good-natured humor.

Singer/songwriter and long-time musicians Ben Hunsberger on keyboard, Ted DeMille on guitar, and Chris Dombrowski on mandolin will introduce some new songs from Ben and Ted, a special nod to Gordon Lightfoot, and a slew of our old fan favorites.

Layer fresh melodies with full-bodied undertones.     fold in a little nature and politics. season with humor, angst, and a pinch of sarcasm. serve with plenty of volume.

Take a listen to Magic 8 Ball: End of the Day

Give Magic 8 Ball a shake and you’ll be surprised by their answer!

Doors open at 7:00 p.m. and the program will start at 7:30 pm.

Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door, $10 students/children. Tickets are available at the church office, Gulf of Maine Books, or at  https://ticketstripe.com/Magic8BallMaine

AUBURN, ME (September 8, 2023) – The Great Falls Comedy Club announces more live stand-up comedy for September 16th at 7:30 pm.

Make laughter a priority and be part of the fun on Saturday as one of Maine’s most funniest comics, Connor McGrath takes the stage.  McGrath, voted Maine’s Best Comedian award by readers of the Portland Phoenix in 2017 and 2018, is one of the area’s best headliners.  Also appearing, Tim Hofmann, Mike Johnson, and Ian Rice, three prolific and hilarious dudes in the comedy scene.

Tickets can be found at https://www.greatfallscomedyclub.com or purchased at the door.  The Great Falls Comedy Club is located inside Craft Brew Underground at 34 Court Street, Auburn.

For more information contact the club at info@greatfallscomedyclub.com or by phone at 207-200-5366.

LEWISTON, ME (September 8, 2023) — The Woman’s Hospital Association (WHA) Rotating Art Gallery at Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston is proud to display the paintings of well-known local artists, Jeanelle Demers and Elisabeth Salberg for the month of September.

Demers’ current focus is animal portraiture, especially dogs, cats, and birds. With acrylic on canvas, she paints custom pet portraits from reference photos, evoking the essence of your pet or a favorite moment with them. She creates lively and captivating works of art that immortalize memories, personalities, and the silly quirks that make our pets so lovable. More information is available on her website www.200faces.com

Graduating from Duke University where she studied history and art history, life took Salberg on a different path. For over 30 years she worked as a registered nurse, retiring from CMMC in 2013. At that point she returned to her earlier passion and began to paint with oils. She has exhibited her paintings in Portland, Brunswick, Bath, Belfast, Yarmouth, Falmouth, Hallowell, Kennebunkport, Norway and Sanford as well as locally in Lewiston and Auburn.

“The beautiful colors of Maine are a constant inspiration to me, and quite a challenge, as I try to transform the world of color, light and shape that I see into a painting that hopefully, others will enjoy.”

She is a member of Maine Women in the Arts. Her website is oilpaintingsofmaine.com. The works on display may be purchased through the WHA Gift Shop located adjacent to the main lobby at Central Maine Medical Center.

A percentage of sale proceeds benefits patients of CMMC.

“Pretty in Pink” by Elisabeth Salberg (digital image was taken by Salberg)

AUBURN, ME (September 8, 2023) — Long time Senior College instructor Dr. Charles W. Plummer, who is a firm believer in life-long learning, will be the featured speaker at the Auburn Library on September 26 at 2 o’clock in the library’s Androscoggin Room at 49 Spring Street. His presentation will focus on the Psychology of Personality and the role personality plays in defining human behavior. There are five basic personality styles known as “the big five” which psychologists have recognized as those that are the most important for understanding the personalities and behaviors of others and Plummer will give a detailed description of them in his talk. For those in attendance who may want to gain a better understanding of their own personality style, Plummer will hand out a very detailed and interesting personality style assessment that they can complete. Plummer will conclude his presentation with those aspects of personality that involve both an ethical and moral dimension that he views as sadly lacking in our country today.

Dr. Charles Plummer is a retired elementary school teacher and principal, and is a firm believer in the importance of remaining mentally and physically active. He has been teaching Senior College courses for over 20 years which has brought him much happiness, has kept his aging brain functioning at a good level, and has added much positive meaning to his life.

To learn more, visit the Events Calendar on Auburn Public Library’s website — https://www.auburnpubliclibrary.org/events/upcoming

AUBURN, ME (September 1, 2023) — The L/A Community Little Theatre (CLT) has announced its 84th season – with a return to full,  five-show lineup and a new Saturday matinee – will open October 26th with the Tony Award winning musical farce The Drowsy Chaperone. That will be followed in January with Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None, the musical Spring Awakening in April, Alice in Wonderland in June, and the musical The Prom in August.  

“We are very pleased to offer a five-show season for the first time since before COVID,” noted CLT co-executive director Renee Mahon Davis. “And in response to a clear trend with our audiences, we will now offer a Saturday matinee in addition to our two existing Sunday matinees,” she added.  

Winner of five Tony Awards, including Best Book and Best Original Score, The Drowsy Chaperone was hailed by NY Magazine as “the perfect Broadway musical.” A middle-aged, musical theater fan decides to play for the audience an LP of his favorite musical, the fictional 1928 show The Drowsy Chaperone. As the record plays, the show – a parody of 1920s musical comedy – comes to life onstage! A loving send-up of the Jazz Age musical, the show features numerous song and dance numbers including “I Am Aldolpho” and “Toledo Surprise.” Directed by Brandon Chaloux, The Drowsy Chaperone will run October 26-November 5.

Agatha Christie’s eerie tale And Then There Were None brings the nursery rhyme “Ten Little Soldier Boys” to life. In one of her darkest and most successful novels, ten strangers are summoned to a remote island. All that the guests have in common is a wicked past they’re unwilling to reveal and a secret that will seal their fate. For each has been marked for murder. As the weather turns and the group is cut off from the mainland, the mayhem begins! Danny Gay will direct this timeless mystery that will run January 18-28.

Based on Frank Wedekind’s groundbreaking and controversial play (once banned in Germany), Spring Awakening depicts a dozen young people as they navigate teenage self-discovery and coming of age anxiety in a powerful celebration of youth and rebellion! This angsty rock musical, set in Germany in 1981, explores the journey from adolescence to adulthood with a poignancy that is illuminating and unforgettable. Winner of eight Tony Awards, including for Best Musical, Spring Awakening will be directed by Becca Tinkham and will run April 4-14.

In a delightful adaptation of the timeless tale of Alice in Wonderland, Alice encounters mad tea parties, irate queens, and many other fantastic creatures. Based on the beloved classic by Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland is a reimagining of Wonderland, with an unexpected twist ending. When Alice tumbles down a rabbit hole, she is immersed in a wacky, fantastical land filled with zany characters such as the Mad Hatter and the Chesire Cat. A perfect play for audiences young and old alike, the show will be directed by Britny Anderson and will run June 13-23.

Four eccentric Broadway stars are in desperate need of a new stage. When they hear that trouble is brewing around a small-town prom, they know that it’s time to put a spotlight on the issue – and themselves. But when one student wants to bring her girlfriend to the prom, the entire town has a date with destiny. Winner of the Drama Desk Award for Best Musical, The Prom is a musical comedy with a message that resonates with audiences now more than ever. Directed by Jennifer McClure-Groover, The Prom will run August 8-18 to close out CLT’s 84th season.

Subscribers to CLT’s 84th season can enjoy savings of 20 percent and get five shows for the price of four. Season subscriptions are now available online and individual show tickets will be available starting September 25. For more information, visit www.laclt.com, or contact the box office at boxoffice@laclt.com or 783-0958.

CLT will open its 84^th season in October with the musical comedy The Drowsy Chaperone.

LEWISTON, ME (September 1, 2023)—The Franco Center has announced a new program called Books and Stories Series at noon on Wednesdays. Admission to these author talks is free. The Books and Stories program features an author who will read from his/her book, have books available for purchase and signing, and follow up with questions and answers after the presentation.  

“The program brings people together of all ages and backgrounds to explore and share ideas about culture, heritage, and historical identities through storytelling events with authors,” said Denise Scammon, marketing and development director at the Franco Center. “This is a new program for the Franco Center and it has been funded in part by the Maine Humanities Council and Maine Arts Commission.” 

At noon Wednesday, Sept. 13, Suzanne Roy, author of “The Enclave” and “The Legacy” will discuss her books that follow a fictional French-Canadian immigrant girl who attempts to keep her dreams alive as she grows into womanhood in the “Little Canada” enclave her culture created to protect itself from the American melting pot. The girl’s journey toward self-discovery and self-determination is one that women of all cultures are still struggling to complete. “The Legacy” is the stand-alone sequel to the “The Enclave.” 

Roy, a retired independent compliance consultant, taught English at University of Maine Orono from 1972 to 1974 and later taught writing as a member of the adjunct faculty of UMA. She wrote the bilingual children’s television series “La Bonne Adventure” in the mid 1970s, did Franco American research housed at University of Southern Maine, taught a local history class at St. Dom’s in 1980, and wrote several plays about Franco Americans, two of which were produced and won awards in Australia. Roy is a native and resident of Lewiston and is currently working on her third historical novel. 

Other dates, authors, and books in the series include Sept. 27 David Vermette author of “A Distinct Alien Race: The Untold Story of Franco-Americans: Industrialization, Immigration, Religious Strife,” and Oct. 4 Paul Dionne author of “The Priestess and the Pope” and new “Madeleine’s Inquisition.” It is suggested that participants buy the featured books ahead of the book talk at an online or favorite book store. 

Doors open at 11:30 a.m. Presentation starts at noon. Attendees may bring a bag lunch. The Franco Center is at 46 Cedar St., Lewiston. Parking is available in the mill lot. The building is handicap accessible on the Lincoln St. Alley side. 

At noon Wednesday, Sept. 13, local author Suzanne Roy will discuss her novels “The Enclave” and “The Legacy “which she based on local Franco American history. Admission is free. Submitted photos.