The City of Lewiston helps to recruit volunteers to place almost 7,500 flags at the individual veteran’s gravestones within cemeteries within the city. 

Brief Background: The State passed a law in 2001 that requires municipalities to purchase and place individual American flags at the gravestone of every veteran buried in each cemetery located in that town. The flags must be in place for Memorial Day each year.  Lewiston has 13 cemeteries and places almost 7,500 flags. All work is done by community volunteers.  For many of the smaller cemeteries, the abutting neighbors usually place the flags each year. For the two largest cemeteries – Riverside and St. Peter’s, there are service organizations which have adopted these cemeteries over the years and take care of placing the flags for the City of Lewiston.

These groups welcome volunteers to assist them at the following locations. Volunteers do not need to sign up in advance; they are welcome to show up on the day of the event and will be provided instructions by the on-site coordinator(s).   

RIVERSIDE CEMETERY, 192 Summer Street, Lewiston

Saturday, May 18, 2024, 8:30 AM (rain date – Saturday, May 25, 9 AM)

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. PETER’S CEMETERY, 217 Switzerland Road, Lewiston

Saturday, May 18, 2024 (rain or shine) at 10 AM

Meet at the Mausoleum, St. Peter’s Cemetery, 217 Switzerland Road, Lewiston

Jerry DeWitt (207) 576-0376 is the contact person, and the L/A Veterans Council members are the coordinators for this location.   

There are approximately 4,000 flags for this location.

The plan is to assign teams of 5-10 volunteers to an area of the cemetery and to cover the cemetery in a grid fashion in order to not miss any stone. There is no master list of veterans buried at either cemetery, so volunteers will need to walk each row of stones and read the inscription on each gravesite.  If military service is listed on the stone, a flag will be placed there. This is a fairly time-consuming process so many volunteers are appreciated. 

Logistics:

Work gloves are optional but encouraged; volunteers should bring their own hand sanitizer if interested

Wear sneakers or boots in case the grass is wet

Bring a screwdriver to use to poke a hole in the grass.  It makes it much easier to place the wooden flag dowel into the ground if you make the hole first.

Plan to bring a water bottle if it is a hot day

Bring bug spray, hat and sunscreen; be mindful of ticks

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

Wearing company or organization t-shirts is welcome

Questions about the process can be directed to the Lewiston City Clerk’s Office (207) 513-3124, or volunteers can reach out to the event coordinators directly. 

LEWISTON, ME –The Lewiston Auburn Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce hosted the highly anticipated 8th annual Top Gun LA Regional Pitch-Off Competition at The Public Theater, presented by the City of Lewiston. The event, showcasing the culmination of months of entrepreneurial development, brought together a diverse array of early-stage companies vying for recognition and advancement opportunities.

Shanna Cox, President and CEO of the Lewiston Auburn Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, expressed gratitude to all attendees and participants for their support. “We are thrilled to witness the culmination of dedication and hard work exhibited by our entrepreneurial community in the Top Gun LA Regional Pitch-Off Competition,” Cox remarked.

The Top Gun LA Regional Pitch-Off Competition featured presentations from companies that had completed a rigorous 12-week entrepreneurial development program. Participants benefited from expert guidance on various aspects of business development, including market analysis, team building, financial planning, and branding strategies. The program, designed to foster the growth of local businesses, received invaluable support from the City of Lewiston and other regional sponsors.

“We extend our sincere appreciation to the City of Lewiston, the City of Auburn, and 75 Park for their unwavering commitment to fostering entrepreneurship in our region,” Cox acknowledged. “Their generous support made this program possible and accessible to our aspiring entrepreneurs.”

The highlight of the event was the announcement of the competition winners. Jacqueline Clark and Sean Corcoran of Nor’Easter Oyster Co emerged as the first-place winners, earning recognition for their innovative business concept and compelling pitch. Lorie Costigan of Glendarragh Lavender secured second place, while Sarah Chadburn of Garden Bevy was named as the alternate winner.

“These remarkable entrepreneurs exemplify the spirit of innovation and perseverance that defines our region,” Cox stated. “We congratulate them on their well-deserved success and look forward to supporting their continued growth and impact on Maine’s economy.”

The Top Gun LA Regional Pitch-Off Competition is part of a broader effort by the Lewiston Auburn Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce to support and empower local businesses. Through initiatives like the Top Gun program, the Chamber aims to nurture a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem that drives economic prosperity and community development.

For more information about the Top Gun LA Regional Pitch-Off Competition and upcoming Chamber events, please visit LAMetroChamber.com.

About Lewiston Auburn Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce:

The Lewiston Auburn Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to fostering a vibrant business community and promoting economic growth in the Lewiston Auburn Metropolitan Area.

L-R Sarah Chadburn, Jacqueline Clark, Lorie Costigan. Photo Credit Ryan Captures Life

 LEWISTON, ME—Xerox has announced that Budget Document Technology of Lewiston is among the companies selected this year to be a member of their CEO Club.  

Budget Document Technology has been an independently owned, New England-based office technology and equipment dealer since 1989. The company provides customized, customer-focused office solutions for businesses and organizations across the country, resulting in workplace efficiency, reduced costs, and reliable service. 

 “We’re thrilled to be recognized as a member of the Xerox CEO Club,” said Tom Ouellette, President. “The Budget Document Technology team goes above and beyond to provide outstanding service to our clients and business partners.Thank you to our team for this achievement.”   

The Xerox CEO Club is an annual program that celebrates the top one percent of partners who have delivered exceptional results and exemplified behaviors crucial to industry growth. 

“This is an important time in Xerox’s 117-year history, and we have a lot to be proud of,” said CEO of Xerox, Steve Bandrowczak, to recipients of this honor. “Our progress and accomplishments this past year would not have been possible without your contributions, as well as your energy, passion, can-do attitude, and growth mindset.”

LEWISTON, ME – SeniorsPlus announces that their Meals on Wheels (MOW) Distribution Center will be relocating to the Jay Hannaford Plaza in June. The center is currently located in Livermore. The new distribution center is expected to be open by June 21.

 Janis Walker, Nutrition Services Director, stated, “The Jay location will provide expanded space to accommodate program growth and enhanced space for staff and volunteers.” Food insecurity is a major issue for older adults and those with disabilities and increases their risk for malnutrition, disease, and the ability to remain in their own home. Food assistance and delivery is an important part of meeting essential needs for older adults. 

The MOW program provides nutritious meals for eligible individuals 60 years of age and older and individuals under 60 years of age that have a disability. SeniorsPlus delivers meals to residents throughout Franklin, Oxford and Androscoggin counties and includes a Pets on Wheels component for clients with pets. Individuals who would like to apply for Meals on Wheels, receive additional information or volunteer can call 207-795-4010 or 1-800-427-1241.

LEWISTON, ME — The Central Maine Heart and Vascular Institute (CMHVI), which is part of Central Maine Healthcare, is pleased to welcome Jared Tobolski, MD. 

Dr. Tobolski, a general cardiologist who specializes in non-invasive cardiology, will be the new director of the institute’s preventative cardiology and sub-specialty clinic, as well as director of Cardiac Rehabilitation.  

Dr. Tobolski completed medical school at Drexel College of Medicine and his residency at Brown University in Rhode Island. He also completed a fellowship in cardiology at Maine Medical Center.  

“I chose the field of cardiology due to the high prevalence of cardiovascular disease and opportunity to provide meaningful interventions to reduce mortality and hospitalizations within my community,” Dr. Tobolski said. “I additionally love the physiology of the cardiovascular system and ability to personally interpret radiographic studies in the clinical context of my patients. 

“My goal is to ensure all the patients within our healthcare system are receiving the highest quality, guideline-directed cardiovascular care in order to improve their quality of life and prevent unnecessary hospitalizations.”

 Dr. Tobolski serves part-time in the New Hampshire Air National Guard as an internal medicine physician.

LEWISTON, ME—Three local musicians got together to perform in a fundraising concert at the Franco Center in March and raised more than $6,000 for the victims, and the families of the victims, of the Oct. 25, 2023 mass shooting in Lewiston.  

The concert was coordinated by and featured BMW, an acronym that represents musicians Denny Breau, Mark Miller, and Arlo West. Also on stage for the concert were Arthur Melendy on keyboards; Krister Rollins on bass; and Ron Bouffard on drums. Greg Keneborus of HPA Production and Services managed the sound for the concert. 

Penny Drumm, financial administrator of the Franco Center, wrote a check to the LA Metro Chamber Foundation for $6,867.03, representing the money raised by the BMW trio at the fundraiser concert.  

“We are so grateful for the collaborative effort and leadership from our community of musicians through the Franco Center! Throughout the days and weeks following October 25, we were amazed at how our community showed support and raised funds by giving of their unique talents,” said Shanna Cox, president and CEO of the LA Metro Chamber. “This donation to the One Lewiston Resilience Fund will support the communities’ journey to healing, including upcoming remembrance events this October.” 

The One Lewiston Resilience Fund, which was announced in March 2024, is a collaboration between the City of Lewiston and the LA Metro Chamber Foundation. The fund will be overseen by a group of stakeholders responsible for engaging survivors, first responders, and the whole community to determine the most impactful and lasting ways to heal. Updates on the fund can be found at OneLewiston.org, and the announcement of committee membership and remembrance events will be updated regularly. 

The Franco Center is in the former St. Mary’s Church at 46 Cedar Street, in Lewiston. The Center is home to performing arts and heritage programs. Visit www.francocenter.org for more information about upcoming events at the Franco Center. 

Angie D’Amours, Chamber director of engagement; Theresa Shanahan, Franco Center development administrator; Penny Drumm, Franco Center financial administrator; musician Denny Breau; Shanna Cox, Chamber president and CEO; and musicians Mark Miller and Arlo West, gathered recently to present a check to the Chamber foundation in the amount of $6,867.03 for the One Lewiston Resilience Fund created for the victims of the Oct. 25, 2023 mass shooting in Lewiston. The musicians were instrumental in coordinating the fundraising concert in collaboration with the Franco Center. Photo credit: Jose Leiva 

AUGUSTA, ME — The Augusta Symphony Orchestra presents its final regular season concert on Sunday, May 19 at 6 pm at the South Parish Congregational Church, 9 Church St, in Augusta, ME.

Under the direction of conductor Jinwook Park, the ASO will begin with Mozart’s high energy Overture from the Marriage of Figaro. The concert then spotlights ASO’s cellist Jonathan Moody as soloist performing the beautiful Cello Concerto in C Major by Joseph Haydn.

After growing up in the Pineland Suzuki program, Jon received his B.M. in performance at Susquehanna University in 2015, studying cello with Andrew Rammon, and his M.M. in performance at Bowling Green State University in 2017, studying with Alan Smith and Brian Snow. Jon works full time drafting CAD and has been teaching, playing in ASO, and playing as a mentor in Colby Symphony and Kennebec Valley Youth Symphony. 

Following intermission, the audience will be treated to the best of Beethoven – three of the most famous movements from his symphonies. The orchestra will conclude the concert with a special add-on performance of Bizet’s famous opera Carmen Suite No 1.

As always, ASO concerts are free, with donations gratefully accepted. For more information, please visit www.augustasymphonymaine.org . Please join us for an evening of fine music!

Jon Moody

LEWISTON, ME — The Maine Music Society Chorale will showcase a variety of musical genres from 1972, the year the Chorale was born, on Saturday May 11 at 7 pm and on Sunday May 12 at 2 pm at the Franco Center in Lewiston. 

Under the direction of our Artistic Director, Dr. Richard Nickerson, the 70+ member chorale will regale you with time honored favorites such as “Listen to the Music”  and medleys from Broadway shows like “Jesus Christ Superstar” to name just a couple. The singers will also lead you in an exploration of some of the unusual and exciting musical styles and pop rhythms of the era that are sure to leave you surprised and breathless.  

Join us as we take you back fifty years to a time that evoked an age of free spirit and creative musical expression. You definitely will want to be present as we celebrate our Golden Jubilee – 50 Years of Song! 

Tickets are available online at www.mainemusicsociety.org or by calling our business office at 207-333-3386. 

MMS encourages you to purchase your tickets early. 

Tickets: Adult – $27*; Senior – $25*; Student – $15*

Children under 12: free when accompanied by an adult. Group rates available for 10 or more tickets to the same performance purchased at the same time. Call our business office: 207-333-3386.

* Price includes all handling fees 

The Maine Music Society thanks its season underwriters Hardy, Wolf & Downing and the Sun Journal,  Foundation sponsor The Ladd Foundation, and  the Event Sponsor Rowe Auburn for making this concert possible

The Maine Music Society Chorale is an auditioned, mixed-voice community chorus based in Lewiston-Auburn. Led by Maine Music Society Artistic Director Dr. Richard Nickerson, the 75+ voice chorale has distinguished itself with an ever-evolving level of excellence and professionalism. Founded as the Androscoggin Chorale in 1972, the group’s diverse repertoire reflects its desire to advance the cultural heritage of Central Maine, to explore a broad range of musical genres — contemporary, musical theatre, classical, opera, oratorio — and to provide its members with opportunities to experience their love of singing.

MMS Chorale, March 2024, photo by Jared Morneau

LEWISTON, ME — Welcome to the 4th Annual Lewiston/Auburn Community Read with the Lewiston and Auburn Public Libraries. This year’s book pick is Where Are You From? by author Yamile Saied Méndez. The Community Read initiative is in partnership with the Lewiston and Auburn Public Schools and the City of Lewiston. This initiative would not be possible this year without the support and sponsorship from The Friends of the Lewiston Public Library.

A community read event is a shared reading experience where members of the community all read one book. By having access to and reading the same book, it further builds our depth of community in our cities by a shared act. Parents, business owners, students and community members can discuss the book and the thoughts it brings forward while building a culture of literacy.

We are celebrating art since this year’s community read is a picture book. We are inviting all ages to come to the Lewiston Public Library and create your own artwork inspired by Where Are You From? All artwork will then be displayed at the Community Art Exhibition in Callahan Hall on Saturday, May 11th at 11am. Come and see your artwork among many others from both cities along with art displays from each of the Lewiston Public Elementary schools. To participate, visit Callahan Hall during the open hours listed below to create your own watercolor painting or clay sculpture.

Monday, May 6th and Tuesday, May 7th 3:00PM – 6:30PM

Wednesday, May 8th and Thursday, May 9^th 9:30AM – 1:30PM

Along with your artwork submission, indicate where you are from on the world map and add your chosen piece of yarn to the loom where we will be creating our very own Lewiston/Auburn woven tapestry.

Join us for the grand Community Art Exhibition Day with author Yamile Saied Méndez. In addition to the elaborately displayed community and school artwork, participants will enjoy an author talk, food, book giveaways and signing, and activities for kids. This event is for all ages and no registration is required.

Yamile (sha-MEE-lay) Saied Méndez is the author of many books for young readers and adults, including Furia, a Reese’s YA Book Club selection. Her books have received many accolades such as the Junior Library Guild Gold Standard, Whitney Award, Cybils Award, Américas Award, Bank Street Spanish Language Book Awards, among others. She was born and raised in Rosario, Argentina, but has lived most of her life in Utah. An inaugural Walter Dean Myers Grant recipient, she’s also a graduate of Voices of Our Nations (VONA) and the Vermont College of Fine Arts MFA Writing for Children’s and Young Adult program. Yamile is also a founding member of Las Musas, the first collective of women and nonbinary Latine authors.

The Lewiston Public Library is located downtown at 200 Lisbon Street at the corner of Pine Street and Lisbon Street. More information on this initiative is available by contacting the Lewiston Public Library at 513-3133 or LPLKids@lewistonmaine.gov.

LEWISTON/AUBURN, ME – The Lewiston/Auburn Memorial Day Ceremony will be held the Saturday before Memorial Day, May 25 at Veterans Park at 10am. All are invited to attend.

Flags will be installed at St. Peters Cemetery on the18th of May at 10am. Volunteers are needed as there are over 3000 flags to install.

Volunteers are also needed to install vases on veterans’ graves at Maine Veterans Cemetery in Augusta at 10am on the 19^th of May.

There will also be a Memorial Day program at Maine Veterans Cemetery, Mount Vernon Road, Augusta at 10am. The public is invited to attend. 

For more information, contact Jerry DeWitt at 576-0376.