LEWISTON, ME – The City of Lewiston is seeking resident volunteers to serve as members of the City’s various boards and committees.  The following city boards and committees have current openings: Board of Appeals full member, Androscoggin County Budget Committee – District 2, Planning Board associate member, and Lewiston Senior Advisory Council representatives from Wards 1, 2, 4, 5, and city wide.

The Board of Appeals is charged with hearing citizen appeals regarding orders, rules or failures of certain municipal entities to act relating to the zoning and land use code, building code, property maintenance, fire prevention codes, etc. The board has limited authority in granting conditional use permits and variances of zoning setbacks and related requirements.

The County Budget Committee will review the proposed budget, meet with each department and make recommendations to the Commissioners.  The committee meets September through November.  Residents can look up their county district on the election page of the City of Lewiston’s website.

The Lewiston Seniors Advisory Council serves as an advisory council to the City Council in regard to community issues affecting seniors and shall serve as a liaison between the seniors of the community and the city. The committee shall enable seniors to send and receive recommendations from the City Council for consideration, to work toward goals that empower all of the community’s senior population, and to undertake service projects that enhance the community.

The Planning Board performs duties prescribed by ordinance and state statute regarding subdivision review, major development review, and amendments to the land use code. It directs the preparation and maintenance of the official city zoning map and the city’s comprehensive plan. The board reviews the annual capital improvement program and the acquisition and disposition of all public ways, land, buildings and other municipal facilities not acquired through tax-lien foreclosure. It hears and decides applications for conditional use permits, where the development is a major development as defined by City Code.

Lewiston residents who are interested in applying can contact the City Clerk’s Department to complete a committee volunteer application.  Application forms are also available on the Boards and Committees page of the City’s website at www.lewistonmaine.gov. Committee descriptions, meeting times and other information about committee service are also available on the City’s website.  Applications can be submitted at any time and will be accepted until the positions are filled however the requested filing deadline is 4:00pm on Wednesday, August 28.                                                                                                                                                                                                     

Residents are welcome to contact the City Clerk’s Department at 513-3124 with any questions they may have regarding the committee appointment process.  Completed applications shall be submitted to the City Clerk’s Office for processing. Office hours are Monday – Friday, 8:30am – 4:00pm.

LEWISTON, ME – Skelton Taintor & Abbott is pleased to report that it has been named in the 2025 edition of “Best Law Firms™ as a Tier 1 firm in the Family Law and Litigation – Real Estate practice areas. “Law Firm of the Year” awards recognize a single top firm for its work in a specific legal practice area nationwide. Awards are determined based on a handful of factors including lawyer feedback, the number of lawyers included in Best Lawyers® for that firm and practice area, historical analysis of the firm’s “Lawyer of the Year” awards, materials submitted by firms and the firm’s overall scope of areas of expertise.

Sarah Mitchell, Skelton Taintor & Abbott President, stated “Recognition as a “Best Law Firm” by Best Lawyers is an honor and serves to highlight the hard work and commitment to excellence shown by the firm’s dedicated lawyers and staff. I am proud to work with such a tremendous team!”

The Lewiston-Auburn Balloon Festival is this weekend! Do you plan to watch the balloon launches? Consider the rare & special experience of taking it all in from a kayak on the Androscoggin River! Install the “rent.fun” app, then visit Auburn’s Anniversary Park (in New Auburn, behind Rollie’s Diner) to rent a kayak (paddle & life jacket are included in your rental). Learn more: https://www.rent.fun/kayak-rental/auburn-me

Friday, Aug. 16

Balloon Launch, Simard Payne Park, 6:00 AM

Food Vendors, Simard Payne Park, 4:00 PM–10:00 PM

Carnival, Lincoln St. Lewiston, near Station Grille, 4:00 PM–10:00 PM

Artisan/Makers Fair and Trade Show, Simard Payne Park, 4:00 PM–8:00 PM. Join us for an Artisan/Makers Fair & Trade Show presented by Maine Micro Artisans. Hundreds of talented makers will feature crafted soaps, woodworking, crochet plush pals, candles, jewelry, artwork, handcrafted baskets, stained glass, pottery, embroidery, and so much more!

Medieval Tent Activities, Simard Payne Park, 4:00 PM–8:00 PM. More information coming soon!

Live Music: Rumor Has It, Platz Associates Main Stage at Simard Payne Park, 4:30 PM–5:45 PM. Rumor Has It is a band from Central/Southern Maine that plays a wide variety of music traversing decades and multiple genres.

Live Music, Platz Associates Main Stage at Simard Payne Park, 5:45 PM–6:45 PM. More information about performers coming soon!

Balloon Launch, Simard Payne Park, 6:00 PM

Live Music: The Girls of L ~ A, Platz Associates Main Stage at Simard Payne Park, 6:45 PM–7:45 PM. The Girls of L ~ A was the brain child of Kathy Haley who wanted to form a group, not the Ya Ya Sisterhood, but maybe the LA LA Sisterhood. A group of talented professional vocalists to perform for events and various public performances.

Live Music: Taylor Hughes, Platz Associates Main Stage at Simard Payne Park, 8:00 PM–10:00 PM

Moon Glow Primary, Simard Payne Park, 8:30 PM–9:00 PM

Saturday, Aug. 17

Balloon Launch, Simard Payne Park, 6:00 AM

Pancake Breakfast, Simard Payne Park, 5:30 AM–9:30 AM

Parade, 10:00 AM–11:30 PM. Sponsored by Northeast Charter

Carnival, Lincoln St. Lewiston, near Station Grille, 10:00 AM–10:00 PM

Food Vendors, Simard Payne Park, 11:00 AM–10:00 PM

Artisan/Makers Fair and Trade Show, Simard Payne Park, 12:00 PM–8:00 PM. Join us for an Artisan/Makers Fair & Trade Show presented by Maine Micro Artisans. Hundreds of talented makers will feature crafted soaps, woodworking, crochet plush pals, candles, jewelry, artwork, handcrafted baskets, stained glass, pottery, embroidery, and so much more!

“Motors on Main” Classic Car Show, Festival Plaza and Main St. in Auburn, 12:00 PM–5:00 PM. New to the Balloon Festival this year, the City of Auburn is hosting “MOTORS ON MAIN,” a classic car show. Featuring Beautiful classic cars from the Twisted Steel Car Club & others; Delicious beverages from Gritty McDuff’s Auburn, Craft Brew Underground, Lost Valley Brewing Company and Side By Each Brewing Co.; Delicious BBQ from Burnt Ends Barbecue; Sweet treats and beverages from Nutty Netties Café. Want to show YOUR classic car (1999 & older)? Register today! Participation is free & space is limited.

Paint Party with Wicked Illustrations, Simard Payne Park, 1:00 PM–3:00 PM

Cheer Performances, Simard Payne Park, 2:30 PM–3:30 PM

Live Music: Bazinga!, Platz Associates Main Stage @ Simard Payne Park; 4:30 PM–6:00 PM. Bazinga! will rock the night away with a dynamic mix of 90s to now hits, from alt-rock anthems to smooth R&B grooves. It’s the perfect recipe for a high-energy concert vibe that’ll have you dancing all night long!

Live Music: Denny Breau, Platz Associates Main Stage @ Simard Payne Park, 6:30 PM–7:25 PM. Denny Breau, acclaimed for his flawless guitar technique and genre-blending style, effortlessly merges folk, blues, country, and jazz into mesmerizing performances. Born into a musical family and hailed by critics for his soulful voice and intricate compositions, Denny captivates audiences with every note. A respected figure in the Maine music scene and a member of the Maine Country Music Hall of Fame, he continues to inspire both listeners and fellow musicians alike with his solo work and performances alongside the Denny Breau Trio.

Balloon Launch, Simard Payne Park, 6:00 PM

Live Music: Motor Booty Affair, Platz Associates Main Stage @ Simard Payne Park, 7:30 PM–10:00 PM. Motor Booty Affair has been lighting up stages across America with their 70’s extravaganza dubbed “The Ultimate Disco Party Band”.

Motor Booty Affair consists of 4 funkateers straight from the planet Funktar; Superfly, Spanish Fly, Vinnie Boom-Boom Funktonio and Cyclone Link Skywalker Jr. It is their mission to get the crowd groovin’ as they deliver hits from Earth Wind & Fire, The Bee-Gees, KC and the Sunshine Band, Chic, The Commodores, Barry White, Abba and more. The songs are authentically reproduced by these top notch musicians with unsurpassed quality and attention to detail.

MBA’s show is energetic and peppered with 70’s lingo jive talkin’ and stage antics to make for an event you will never forget. Make sure you bring your boogie shoes because no matter how big the dance floor is – it’s always packed from the first song to the last!

Sunday, Aug. 18

Balloon Launch, Simard Payne Park, 6:00 AM

Pancake Breakfast, Simard Payne Park, 5:30 AM–9:30 AM

Lewiston Farmers’ Market, 2 Oxford St. Lewiston, 9:30 AM–2:00 PM. The Lewiston Farmers’ Market offers visitors a chance to connect with one another and shop for a wide variety of fresh, delicious, local foods and goods while fostering a vibrant downtown and building a strong community and local economy. 

Family Fun Day, Simard Payne Park, 10:00 AM–2:00 PM. Sponsored by Central Maine Healthcare

Carnival, Lincoln St. Lewiston, near Station Grille, 10:00 AM–8:00 PM

Food Vendors, Simard Payne Park. 11:00 AM–8:00 PM

Live Music: Camp of Rock, Platz Associates Main Stage @ Simard Payne Park, 11:00 AM–12:15 PM. Camp of Rock is a 2-week music camp for kids ages 7-17, inspired by the movie “School of Rock.”

Artisan/Makers Fair and Trade Show, Simard Payne Park, 12:00 PM–8:00 PM. Join us for an Artisan/Makers Fair & Trade Show presented by Maine Micro Artisans. Hundreds of talented makers will feature crafted soaps, woodworking, crochet plush pals, candles, jewelry, artwork, handcrafted baskets, stained glass, pottery, embroidery, and so much more!

Live Music: Crosshair, Platz Associates Main Stage @ Simard Payne Park, 12:30 PM–1:00 PM. Crosshair is made up of teens ages 12-15. They perform 90s alternative and metal covers with some originals thrown in.

Live Music: Julia Gagnon, Platz Associates Main Stage @ Simard Payne Park, 2:00 PM–3:00 PM. Julia rose to stardom with her performance as a finalist on the 22nd season of American Idol. She is currently on tour for her debut album, Here In Maine, and we are so grateful to be adding her to our incredible line-up of musicians.

Balloon Launch, Simard Payne Park. 6:00 PM

AUBURN, ME – Good Shepherd Food Bank of Maine recently welcomed five new board members to its Board of Directors, as well as appointed a new executive committee.

 New Executive Committee Members Include:

Chair: Scott Maker, WoodworthMaker, LLC

Vice Chair: Kate Rush, Androscoggin Bank

Treasurer: Peter Richardson

Secretary: Mary Wright

New Board Members Include:

Phil Licari, Entrepreneur-In-Residence at the Roux Institute, a Portland, Maine, based institute of Northeastern University.

Whitney Gould-Cookson, MS, RD, LD, Clinical Dietitian at Northern Light Mayo Hospital in Dover-Foxcroft, Maine.

Chris Bonacci, Vice President, Marketing at Ethos | VONT in Westbrook, Maine.

Susan Norton, Executive Vice President/Chief Administrative Officer at First National Bank in Damariscotta, Maine.

Christine Cummings, Executive Director of the Maine Grocers & Food Producers Association in Augusta, Maine. 

The new members join the existing group of directors, including:

Odette Perriel, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital

Frank Pecoraro, Coastal Pacific Food Distributors

Dora Anne Mills, MD, MaineHealth

Mary Wright

Andrea Sockabasin, Wabanaki Public Health

Victoria W. Rogers, MD

Marwa Hassanien, Northern Light Health

Jason Fournier, BerryDunn

Peter Forester, Hannaford Supermarkets

Michelle Draeger, Maine Justice Foundation

Tae Chong, Maine State Chamber of Commerce

John Bennett

Peter Richardson

Kate Rush, Androscoggin Bank

Scott Maker, WoodworthMaker, LLC

For additional information on Good Shepherd Food Bank’s board of directors, visit www.FeedingMaine.org.

LEWISTON, ME – The City of Lewiston is seeking resident volunteers to serve as members of the City’s various boards and committees. The following city boards and committees have current openings: Board of Appeals full member, Androscoggin County Budget Committee – District 2, Planning Board associate member, and Lewiston Senior Advisory Council representatives from Wards 1, 2, 4, 5, and city wide.

The Board of Appeals is charged with hearing citizen appeals regarding orders, rules or failures of certain municipal entities to act relating to the zoning and land use code, building code, property maintenance, fire prevention codes, etc. The board has limited authority in granting conditional use permits and variances of zoning setbacks and related requirements.

The County Budget Committee will review the proposed budget, meet with each department and make recommendations to the Commissioners. The committee meets September through November. Residents can look up their county district on the election page of the City of Lewiston’s website.

The Lewiston Seniors Advisory Council serves as an advisory council to the City Council in regard to community issues affecting seniors and shall serve as a liaison between the seniors of the community and the city. The committee shall enable seniors to send and receive recommendations from the City Council for consideration, to work toward goals that empower all of the community’s senior population, and to undertake service projects that enhance the community.

The Planning Board performs duties prescribed by ordinance and state statute regarding subdivision review, major development review, and amendments to the land use code. It directs the preparation and maintenance of the official city zoning map and the city’s comprehensive plan. The board reviews the annual capital improvement program and the acquisition and disposition of all public ways, land, buildings and other municipal facilities not acquired through tax-lien foreclosure. It hears and decides applications for conditional use permits, where the development is a major development as defined by City Code.

Lewiston residents interested in applying can contact the City Clerk’s Department to complete a committee volunteer application. Application forms are also available on the Boards and Committees page of the City’s website at www.lewistonmaine.gov. Committee descriptions, meeting times and other information about committee service are also available on the City’s website. Applications can be submitted at any time and will be accepted until the positions are filled however the requested filing deadline is 4 PM on Wed., Aug. 28.                                                                                                                                                                                                

Residents are welcome to contact the City Clerk’s Department at 207-513-3124 with any questions. Completed applications shall be submitted to the City Clerk’s Office for processing. Office hours are Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM to 4 PM.

LEWISTON, ME — On July 19, family, friends, parishioners, and Maine military members convened at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Lewiston to honor the memory of Pvt. John Yianitsas, who was killed in action in Belgium during the Battle of the Bulge in January 1945.

Pvt. Yianitsas, originally from Massachusetts, was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart for paying the ultimate sacrifice while assigned to the 327th Infantry Regiment of the famed 101st Airborne Division “Screaming Eagles.” The Purple Heart, the United States Armed Forces’ oldest decoration, is awarded to those wounded or killed in action while serving their country.

Yianitsas’ body was sadly never recovered after the battle, but a headstone stands in his honor at the Henri-Chappelle American Cemetery in Plobmbières, Belgium. At the time of his passing, Yianitsas’ family struggled with grief and never held a formal funeral or ceremony to celebrate his life.

William Kell, of Lewiston, is Pvt. Yianitsas’ uncle and next remaining kin. In July 2023, Kell’s daughter, Dr. Tina Kell, reached out to Melissa Landry, a constituent services representative for Senator Susan Collins, to assist in acquiring service records and medals for Pvt. Yianitsas. Landry worked with the National Personnel Records Center to validate Yianitsas’ records and confirmed that Yianitsas should be awarded the Purple Heart and the World War II Victory Medal.

Landry then reached out to the Maine Army National Guard to help give the Kells a ceremony deserving of their uncle’s sacrifice. The Guard performed military funeral honors and presented the Kell family with a United States flag that, through Senator Collins’ office, was flown over the US Capitol in Yianitsas’ honor.

Brigadier General Diane Dunn, The Adjutant General of the Maine National Guard, and Command Sergeant Major Alexander Clifford presented the Kell family with Pvt. Yianitsas’ Purple Heart, World War Two Victory Medal, and the Honorable Service Lapel Button WWII.

“We are extraordinarily honored to be a part of recognizing Pvt. Yianitsas’ sacrifice for our country,” said Dunn. “He paid the highest price a nation can ask, and we are proud to finally give his family the closure and recognition they deserve.”

Senator Collins also offered her gratitude through a personal letter written to the Kell family.

“Awarding Pvt. John Yianitsas with the Purple Heart and World War II Victory Medal is a long-overdue acknowledgment of his bravery and valor, and it has been an honor to assist the Kell family with this tribute,” said Senator Collins. “While we can never fully repay the debt we owe John and his fellow service members, we can preserve their legacies by ensuring that their achievements and sacrifices are never forgotten.”

Pvt. John Yianitsas

LEWISTON, ME — SeniorsPlus is accepting applications for the Meals on Wheels program serving older adults and individuals with disabilities in Androscoggin, Franklin, and Oxford Counties.

Meals on Wheels at SeniorsPlus has the capacity to serve more individuals in its tri-county service area. Meals on Wheels is a need-based rather than a financially-based program. Individuals are encouraged to contact SeniorsPlus to find out if they are eligible.

The provision of nutritious meals can keep people living independently at home, avoiding costly long-term care facilities. Every visit provides a meal that offers one-third of the recommended daily nutritional intake and can be tailored to specific health conditions. The program also serves as a safety check and social interaction. Meals on Wheels is more than just a meal; It’s a lifeline for independence and well-being.

“We are honored to deliver nutritious meals to the homes of aging adults and individuals with disabilities,” said Janis Walker, Nutrition Services Director. “Our program addresses nutrition, provides essential human connections, and enriches the lives of all clients, their families, and the entire community.”

To learn more, to refer an older adult or an individual with disabilities who could benefit from Meals on Wheels, or to volunteer, visit seniorsplus.org or call 207-795-4010.

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 overall program goal of SeniorsPlus is to assist older people and adults with disabilities in its tri-county area to remain safely at home for as long as possible. 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. 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 social dining.

AUBURN, ME — The L/A Community Little Theatre’s production of The Prom opens Friday, August 9 at 7:30 p.m. Winner of the Drama Desk Award for Best Musical, The Prom expertly captures all the humor and heart of a classic musical comedy with a message that resonates with audiences now more than ever.

“This show has a great mix of music, from big splashy dance numbers to power ballads that may make folks choke up,” says director Jennifer Groover. Audiences can expect to see a lighthearted story full of humor. It’s the kind of show where Broadway takes a poke at itself, and theater lovers will enjoy watching some larger-than-life characters and their funny antics,” Groover adds.

The story centers around four eccentric Broadway stars who 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 an important issue. The town’s parents want to keep the high school dance on the straight and narrow—but when one student just wants to bring her girlfriend to prom, the entire town has a date with destiny. On a mission to transform lives, Broadway’s brassiest join forces with a courageous girl and the town’s citizens and the result is love that brings them all together.

Groover and her crew have been hard at work for weeks with their large cast of 35 actors. “Working with this talented and experienced cast has been a joy! I am excited for audiences to hear the blending of voices. When the large ensemble sings together, it’s powerful,” notes Groover. Assisting the director are crew members Myranda Michaud, assistant director; Paul G. Caron, music director; Adelyn Bell, choreographer; Brian Pfohl, stage manager; and Sophia Wood, producer.

“This show is one way our theatre can help destigmatize and support everyone because this show is about inclusion, acceptance, and belonging. It is also filled with laughter, song, and dance, so it will leave the audience feeling uplifted and hopeful,” adds Groover.

The Prom will be performed at 7:30 p.m. on August 9, 10, 15, 16, and at 2:00 p.m. on August 11, 17, and 18.  All performances will be held at CLT on 30 Academy Street in Auburn. Tickets are now available online at www.laclt.com/box-office or by calling 783-0958. Ticket prices (including all fees) are $25.00 for adults, $22.00 for seniors and students, and $17.00 for children ages 13 and under.

Cast members Isana Bell, Tessa Hayashida, Maddy Vaillancourt, Maddi DuBois, and Julie Sanborn enjoy a laugh during a rehearsal for the upcoming production of The Prom, which opens this weekend at Community Little Theatre.

 LEWISTON, ME – The Lewiston Auburn Balloon Festival Presented by Emerson Toyota proudly announces a stellar musical lineup featuring performances on the Main Stage sponsored by Platz Associates at Simard-Payne Park sponsored by Platz Associates at Simard-Payne Park, 83 Beech Street. The festival showcases a variety of artists, ensuring a memorable good time for all! Mark your calendar for American Idol alum Julia Gagnon and Motor Booty Affair to perform at this year’s festival.

Friday, August 16

4:30 PM – Rumor Has It : are all about having fun, engaging the crowd and playing music that everyone enjoys.  They play a wide variety of music traversing decades and multiple genres!

6:45 PM – Girls of L/A: bring together the talented voices of Bette Sanborne, Bonnie Edwards, Debbie Morin, Jeannie Martin, Kathy Haley, and Laurie Sidelinger. These local legends will perform an array of covers guaranteed to get everyone dancing.

8 PM – Taylor Hughes: a New Hampshire homegrown country singer. He started singing when he was very young.  His musical drive is to bring storytelling and traditional country music.  He’s performed all around New England and has sold out performances at the Bank of New Hampshire stage.

Saturday, August 17

4:30 PM – Bazinga: They will energize the crowd with a dynamic mix of 90s hits to now hits, from alt-rock anthems to smooth R&B grooves contemporary favorites.  Get ready to enjoy the sounds and put your dancing shoes on!

6:30 PM – Denny Breau: legendary guitarist and singer/songwriter Denny Breau will mesmerize the audience with his flawless rhythm and stunning six-string guitar work, blending folk, Delta blues, country, and jazz effortlessly.

7:30 PM Motor Booty Affair: Wrapping up Saturday night, Motor Booty Affair will host the ultimate disco party, playing infectious, danceable hits from Earth Wind & Fire, The Bee-Gees, KC and the Sunshine Band, and more.

Sunday, August 18

11:00 AM – Camp of Rock: Start your Sunday with the youthful energy of Camp of Rock. These talented summer camp students will perform rock classics from Heart, The Kings, The Black Crowes, and Led Zeppelin.

12:30 PM – Crosshair: a young four-piece high energy 90’s alternative, hard rock and metal. The band has played several successful shows and was recently featured in the Summer Edition of L/A Metro Magazine.

2:00 PM – Julia Gagnon: When a singer causes all three American Idol judges to give you a standing ovation, you know you have to come hear Maine’s Julia Gagnon. Gagnon will take the stage at the festival and we hope to hear her powerful rendition of Whitney Houston’s “I Run To You,” Her performance is a must-see highlight of the festival.

4:30 PM – Jody Boys: a fun party band who cover great hits from the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s with a few surprises from all over. If you’re looking to enjoy some good diverse music this band likes to rock!

The Lewiston Auburn Balloon Festival promises a weekend of outstanding live music, family fun, and vibrant community spirit set under the backdrop of fantastic hot air balloons! Don’t miss out on this free event featuring remarkable local talents and renowned performers. Mark your calendars and join us at Simard-Payne Park for a festival experience like no other! The concerts are free.

For more information about all events and activities at the L/A Balloon Festival, visit www.laballoonfest.org.