LEWISTON, ME – Today the City of Lewiston launched a new campaign, This is Lewiston, designed to connect transformational investment in the city’s downtown to strengthening the city’s economic outlook.

“This is Lewiston presents a fresh and compelling narrative – one that speaks to residents, future neighbors, business owners, and investors alike,” said Nate Libby, the Director of Economic & Community Development for the City of Lewiston. “It’s a declaration that Lewiston is a city of innovators, where opportunity isn’t just found but created. It reflects both the strength of our community today and the limitless potential ahead. This is Lewiston tells the world our community and our people are worth the investment.”

The campaign, designed by Lewiston-based communications firm Upstream Strategies, includes a website highlighting $174.9M invested in Lewiston’s Choice Neighborhood following the City’s successful bid for federal Choice Neighborhood funding in 2021. The campaign’s photographs, taken by local photographer Ryan Captures Life, feature people who live, work, play, and raise their families in the Choice Neighborhood.

The City launched This is Lewiston to LA Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce breakfast attendees during a presentation about the economic impact of Choice Neighborhood funding. The campaign was developed thanks to funding from the John T. Gorman Foundation.

“This campaign is what businesses across Androscoggin County have wanted for years,” said Shanna Cox, President & CEO of the LA Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce. “We have all been part of conversations about the challenges our community is facing. This is Lewiston acknowledges those challenges and asks us to look at Lewiston in its entirety. It amplifies the innovative and complex work people do here every day and that is key to strengthening our local economy.”

During a preview for the Downtown Lewiston Association earlier this week, members noted that the campaign will be a helpful boost for businesses on Lewiston’s Lisbon Street corridor.

“This is Lewiston helps to articulate exactly what discerning investors see here: a growing community worth attention, support, and putting our dollars behind,” said Danielle Snow, co-owner of 75 Park and Chair of the Downtown Lewiston Association Board of Directors. “This campaign challenges us to move beyond tired rhetoric about Lewiston and asks us to invest in what is possible here. Those conversations are critically important to our downtown businesses, and we are proud to be a part of these efforts.”

While the initial phase of the campaign focuses on the $174.9M invested in the Choice Neighborhood from 2021-2024, City leaders noted plans to expand the campaign to highlight businesses and investments throughout Lewiston, which has seen over $324.5M during the same period of time.

“This is Lewiston is more than a campaign – it is a statement of confidence in our city’s future,” said Mayor Carl Sheline. “Through the Choice Neighborhood Initiative and the Transformation Plan, we are not just revitalizing the Tree Streets, we are demonstrating what strategic investment can achieve. The economic momentum we are seeing is proof that when we invest in people and place, we create lasting change. Lewiston’s story is one of resilience and renewal, and we are ready for the next chapter.”

AUBURN, ME –Diamond Point Development, LLC (DPD), in partnership with The Ardent Companies, have announced that on April 15, 2025 at 3:00 pm, they will hold a Community-Wide Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening Celebration at the new, state-of-the-art Extra Space Storage facility at 1 Center Street, in Auburn, Maine.

“In the short time the Auburn Extra Space property has been open, it has been very well received by both the residential and the business communities,” said Jason Sommer, Diamond Point Development Principal. “In appreciation of the city’s support of the project, we are proud to make a donation to the new ‘Auburn PAL Center.’”

Auburn Mayor Jeff Harmon will be in attendance at the Ribbon Cutting ceremony on April 15, as well as other distinguished members of the city staff.

Mayor Harmon said, “Thank you so much for this support of the Auburn PAL Center – it is so meaningful and will directly impact the kids and families of this community. We look forward to welcoming you to our wonderful city of Auburn.”

Liz Allen, the City of Auburn’s Director of Communications & Community Engagement said, “We look forward to being a community partner and to supporting positive growth in Aburn. We are happy to connect the Extra Space team with the greater Auburn community, on April 15 and beyond.”

Eric Cousens, the City of Auburn’s Executive Director of Public Services said, “It was great to work with Aaron and Jason from Extra Space Storage on a very challenging site. The Site was attractive due to the high traffic and that also made it a challenge. Aaron and Jason assembled additional real estate to make the access safe and made room for public access rights for a future riverfront trail while designing the site. We appreciate their collaboration and investment in Auburn.”

The Extra Space Storage is a new, state of the art 100,000 square foot multi-story, secure, climate-controlled facility. The self-storage property was built on a blighted property along the Androscoggin River.

This newly-constructed three-story self-storage facility includes approximately 75,000 rentable sq ft and 750 individual storage units. To make the storing experience more comfortable and to protect customer’s belongings from the elements, every unit is temperature and humidity controlled.

Diamond Point Development and The Ardent Companies build class A self-storage facilities up and down the East Coast.

AUBURN, ME – The Auburn Public Library is excited to announce the return of its 2nd Annual Margery Eyer Schuler Silent Art Auction, taking place on Saturday, March 29th, at 10:00 AM, with bidding closing at 11:00 AM. This highly anticipated event offers attendees the opportunity to support the library while celebrating local artists and their incredible talent.

Guests will enjoy a welcoming atmosphere with light hors d’oeuvres and live music from Honey, a talented trio of Edward Little High School students, adding a harmonious touch to the morning.

Named in honor of Margery Schuler, a devoted advocate for the arts and literacy, the auction features an array of her water-themed watercolor paintings bequeathed to APL in 2023. All proceeds from the event will directly benefit Auburn Public Library programs and services, continuing Schuler’s legacy of fostering creativity and learning in the community.

“This event is a wonderful way to bring together art lovers, library supporters, and community members in a meaningful way,” said Haley Warden, APL’s Director of Development.

The auction is open to the public, and everyone is encouraged to participate. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or simply looking to support the library, this is an opportunity to take home a unique piece while making a positive impact.  Advance ticket purchase is required, only $5.00, and ticket sales are available on the library’s website or at the Lending Desk.

For more information, please visit the Auburn Public Library or www.auburnpubliclibrary.org.

AUBURN, ME — The First Universalist Church of Auburn presents About Love: Grief & Loss, 11:30-1pm. This panel talk will consider the role of faith and community in dealing with personal loss. The panel features members who have lost a loved one.

The Adult Religious Education group, chaired by Charles I. Nero, is presenting a year of programming on the theme “The Power of Love,” to explore the Unitarian Universalist Association’s new covenant. “Love is the power that holds us together,” the covenant proclaims, “and it is at the center of our shared values. We are accountable to one another for doing the work of living our shared values through the spiritual discipline of love.” Nero conceived the “About Love” series to explore that accountability.

Nero teamed up with Toby Haber-Giasson, director of the church’s award-winning UU Theater group, to structure a framework for the talk. The duo also collaborated on “About Love: Esther’s Story,” featuring a senior member’s experiences.

Freewill donations to the church will be accepted in lieu of an admission fee.

First Universalist Church of Auburn is located at 169 Pleasant St. (entrance on Spring St. across from Dairy Joy). Accessible; parking available.  FMI, call 783-0461 or contact office@auburnuu.org.

FINAL WEEKEND! Imagine Steel Magnolias meets The Golden Girls in the hilarious and heartwarming comedy HALFWAY THERE, playing at The Public Theatre now through March 23.

Filled to the brim with humor, heart and romance, this delightful comedy about four lovable ladies who meet every day for coffee and a gab fest at a diner in Nova Scotia celebrates the unshakeable bonds of female friendship and is the perfect antidote to chase away the winter blues! For tickets visit thepublictheatre.org or call 782-3200.

LEWISTON, ME – Much may have changed in Lewiston since the city’s 90s punk era, but punk, rock, and post-punk are still alive and well in L/A. Not only is the music–and the ethos–still relevant to the original generation of area musicians, it’s inspiring their kids, too. In fact, they’ll even share a stage on Friday, March 21st when local headliners Mouth Washington play with area bands Art Car and Curfew at LA Arts’ gallery and performance space at 168 Lisbon St. Doors open at 7pm, music at 7:30. The general admission show has been curated for an all-ages audience to reflect the deep and living culture of the scene.

The show kicks off LA Arts’ stylistically eclectic Downstage Performance Series and will be the first plugged-in event on the organization’s brand new stage. Envisioned as a mixed-use community arts and culture space, the downtown art gallery may seem at first glance like an atypical venue for a punk show. But the event itself makes perfect sense to local musician, performance organizer, and LA Arts Board member Elijah True, whose production vision is behind the Downstage series and the makeup of the March 21st bill.

“Punk is deeply connected to art, culture, and political expression, often tackling nuanced or difficult topics,” says True. “Over the last two decades, opportunities for punk artists to perform in L/A have mostly been limited to a dwindling number of bars and unofficial DIY spaces. These opportunities are now virtually nonexistent. I think punk bands deserve a sustainable, above-board space to perform where they can remain appropriately connected to the arts and our community.”

Image: Event flyer for 3/21 Mouth Washington show with Art Car and Curfew

Details

· Mouth Washington with Art Car & Curfew at LA Arts

· Friday, March 21, 2025

· Doors: 7pm; Music: 7:30

· LA Arts, 168 Lisbon Street, Lewiston, ME · Tickets: $15 at laarts.org/performances

· General Admission, all ages

· Beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages available for purchase

LA Arts, the arts agency for the cities of Lewiston and Auburn Maine, has pursued a mission to engage and inspire a vibrant community through arts and culture since 1973. The agency works with governments, businesses, schools, and local arts and cultural organizations to create opportunities for community members across the generations to experience, learn, and participate in the arts. LA Arts organizes arts programs and initiatives, supports the work of local artists and arts organizations, and highlights the essential role the arts play in shaping an economically vital, socially integrated, and forward-looking future for its community. Learn more at www.laarts.org.

AUBURN, ME — The Auburn Public Library presents “A Journey Through the Roots of American Popular Music” with Jon Waterman on Monday, March 24th at 5:30 PM. All are welcome to join for an engaging performance exploring the history of American popular music.

“A Journey Through the Roots of American Popular Music,” is a program of songs and stories about the origins of the blues, rock and country music presented by singer and songwriter Jon Waterman. In the show, Jon is joined by Li Waterman on bass. The program, which also features an accompanying slideshow, explores some of the fascinating characters and events that are part of the history and the role of music in our lives.

The performances have received enthusiastic reviews from those in attendance. Sarah Swifter, the Director of MAGMA in Gloucester, MA, where the program was presented in November of 2019 writes:

“A Journey Through the Roots of American Popular Music” by Jon Waterman is a unique performance experience combining music history, storytelling, and original songs inspired by his research. Waterman successfully transforms fascinating tales from history into an evening-length performance that feels personal, contemporary, and politically relevant. A must see for anyone interested in American history or American music!” – Sarah Swifter, Director, MAGMA – Gloucester, MA (November, 2019)

This program is paid for by proceeds from the Lisa Giguere & Ralph Tuttle Endowment Fund. It will take place in the Androscoggin Community Room at the Auburn Public Library. Registration is not required.

For more information about this and other programs offered at the Auburn Public Library, visit their website at www.auburnpubliclibrary.org or call the Reference Desk at 207-333-6640, ext. 4

LEWISTON, ME — Central Maine Medical Center’s (CMMC) soon-to-be new neighbor is already making a positive impact.

cPort Credit Union is preparing to open its doors this fall at its Lewiston location on Main Street, directly across the street from CMMC. In a show of support for the hospital and its team members, cPort has generously given CMMC a $10,000 donation, reinforcing its commitment to community well-being, even before its official launch.

“We are excited to be partnering with Central Maine Medical Center,” said Gene Ardito, CEO of cPort Credit Union. “This collaboration represents an important milestone as we work together to better serve this region. We are particularly enthusiastic about being partners and neighbors, contributing to the strong sense of community in the Lewiston-Auburn area.” 

“This partnership with Central Maine Medical Center underscores our commitment to our community’s well-being by supporting both financial and physical health,” said Kelsey Marquis, President of cPort Credit Union. “Together, we can work towards ensuring a healthy future for all area residents.”

“We are grateful to cPort Credit Union for their generous $10,000 donation to support our Corporate Partnership Program,” said Lisa Lavallee, Development Director at Central Maine Healthcare. “This contribution will directly impact our ability to provide vital services and resources to our patients and team members. Their commitment to our mission strengthens our community and enables CMMC to continue delivering exceptional care.”

For more information on Central Maine Healthcare’s Corporate Partnership program, please contact System Director of Philanthropy Lisa LaVallee at 207-795-2685 or giving@cmhc.org.

Pictured left to right: Sophia Giancotti, Marketing Manager, cPort, Kelsey Marquis, President of cPort, Lisa Lavallee, System Director of Philanthropy, Central Maine Healthcare, Kara Johnson, Senior Vice President of Business and Community Development, Central Maine Healthcare, Dick Kropp, Chief People Officer, Central Maine Healthcare, Gene Ardito, CEO of cPort, Mandy Hill, Marketing and Communications Coordinator of cPort

AUBURN, ME—SeniorsPlus, the designated Agency on Aging for Western Maine, will hold a breakfast to benefit its Meals on Wheels nutrition program. The 2025 Fill the Plate Breakfast will be held from 7 to 9 a.m. Friday, March 21, at the Hilton Garden Inn Riverwatch in Auburn. The breakfast will honor Lewiston resident Margaret Craven with the 2025 Ikaria Award.

For the keynote, singer Julia Gagnon will give a talk titled The Music in My Veins. Tickets are $30 per person ($35 at the door) and are available at www.seniorsplus.org/march-for-meals or by calling 207-795-4010. Seats are limited and advance registration is recommended.

Margaret Craven will be the recipient of the 2025 Ikaria Award, which recognizes an individual or organization for singular and outstanding contributions toward improving the lives of older adults. A resident of Lewiston, Craven recently stepped down from the Maine State Legislature after serving in the House for nine years and the Senate for six. She holds a master’s degree in adult education from USM Gorham and an undergraduate degree in social sciences from USM.

In a talk titled “The Music in My Veins,” singer Julia Gagnon will reflect on her upbringing and the people who helped her carve a path from Cumberland, Maine, to the 22nd season of “American Idol.” Gagnon is a student at the University of Southern Maine.

Ikaria is a Greek island in the Aegean Sea. It is considered one of the world’s five “Blue Zones” – places where an estimated one in three members of the population regularly lives an active life into their 90s.

The Fill the Plate Breakfast is presented in conjunction with March for Meals, a national campaign of the Meals on Wheels America. The fundraiser is made possible by the support of major sponsor Andwell Health Partners and additional sponsors Northeast Bank, Vital I/O, AARP Maine, Berman & Simmons, and Richard Brothers Financial Advisors.

Last year, SeniorsPlus delivered 147,000 meals to more than 1,000 homebound older adults and adults with disabilities in Androscoggin, Franklin and Oxford counties through its Meals on Wheels program.  Each meal provides one third of the recommended daily allowance of nutrition, a safety check, and a visit to these vulnerable adults. The majority of the clients of Meals on Wheels are lower income or on fixed income.

The overall program goal of SeniorsPlus is to assist older adults and adults with disabilities in our tri-county area to remain at home safely for as long as possible .The overwhelming majority of older adults (greater than 95% in an AARP survey) wish to remain at home until they die. The Meals on Wheels program provides nourishment, socialization and regular safety checks.

Since 1972, SeniorsPlus has been improving the lives of older adults and adults with disabilities. As the designated Area Agency on Aging for Western Maine, SeniorsPlus provides statewide services with an emphasis on Androscoggin, Franklin and Oxford counties for core services (ie nutrition and information and assistance) that support independent living, healthy aging, and fight isolation. The mission of SeniorsPlus is to enrich the lives of older people and adults with disabilities, their families and communities, and to support them to make informed choices. SeniorsPlus envisions a future where all older adults and individuals with disabilities are engaged and respected while living quality, independent lives in the communities of their choice. Annually, SeniorsPlus serves 8,000 individuals and fields 101,000 phone inquiries. SeniorsPlus offers a network of support, including information and assistance, short-term care management, Medicare counseling, caregiver support and respite, health and wellness education, benefits counseling, and Meals on Wheels and congregate dining. 

Former Maine State Legislator Margaret Craven will be honored with the 2025 Ikaria Award on Friday, March 21 at the Fill the Plate Breakfast to benefit Meals on Wheels at SeniorsPlus.

LEWISTON, ME — Central Maine Healthcare is encouraging the communities it serves to remember the saying, “You are what you eat” throughout March, which is National Nutrition Month.

The theme for this year’s National Nutrition Month is “Food connects us.” Food is a beautiful way that we can connect with one another through culture and community, registered dietician nutritionists say.

Central Maine Healthcare, which includes Central Maine Medical Center (CMMC), Rumford Hospital, Bridgton Hospital and numerous practices, includes a team of registered dietitians that plays a critical role in helping patients and its own team members understand the connection between the food we eat and how it impacts our health throughout our lives.

“It’s no secret: healthy food choices are key to well-being and longevity,” said Sandy Collins, RDN, LDN, clinical dietitian, Central Maine Bariatric Surgery. “Some of the steps we can take to achieve this include dining out less, eating more plant foods and fiber, choosing whole grains such as brown rice, whole wheat bread and sides such as quinoa and consuming healthy fats and lean protein. Regular physical activity can also make a big difference.”

Members of Central Maine Healthcare’s nutrition team are hosting information tables in the CMMC cafeteria in March to help spread the word about healthy food choices.

Central Maine Healthcare dieticians at CMMC nutrition information table