LEWISTON, ME – Lewiston Auburn Clean Water Authority (LACWA) has announced that construction is underway on a historic infrastructure project that will improve public health, and preserve the cleanliness of the Androscoggin River. The project will expand the cities’ treatment capacity by 20-percent and offer a 2.1 million gallon ‘combined sewer overflow’ (CSO) tank to serve as a relief system during wet weather events. Lewiston and Auburn are among 34 clean water utilities in Maine with aging pipe infrastructure that carry both sewer and storm waters through the same network to treatment facilities. When storms increase water volume, untreated raw waters can automatically bypass these facilities and be diverted into rivers, oceans, watersheds and bays.

“This is one of the most important projects of its kind in the state of Maine right now,” said Michael Riley, Senior Environmental Engineer, Maine Department of Environmental Protection. “The first inch of rain from a storm carries 80-percent of the pollution, so to be able to prevent that from entering Maine’s waterways is critical for the protection of both public health and our natural resources,” Riley added.

In 2023, rain events forced 197 million gallons of untreated water and sewage into the Androscoggin River. A 2023 report by the Maine DEP says 745 million gallons of raw waters polluted Maine waterbodies – a 244-percent increase from 2022. Storm events brought a record 57 inches of rain in 2023 and the impact caused water quality issues and closures at beaches and fishing sites statewide.

“This project is another example of our communities’ dedication to the protection and restoration of our river,” said Kevin Gagne, Director, Public Works Department, City of Lewiston.

A collaborative effort has been underway for 50 years to restore water quality in the Androscoggin, which was one of the top 10 most polluted rivers in the United States. After 5 decades of remediation, MDEP is currently reviewing an application to reclassify the entire river from the lowest Class C to a Class B, which means it is swimmable and fishable.

“All the communities along the banks of the Androscoggin will benefit from the economic and residential renaissance that’s underway here, which is reflected by an increase in jobs, population and new business growth,” said Ferg Lea, Androscoggin River Watershed Council. “The river is a key part of our success, and it is once again the jewel of our communities,” Lea said.

Lewiston recently adopted a slogan “Opportunity Lives Here” and is refining zoning standards to attract new development, increase housing inventory, and add opportunities to allow small stores and restaurants in some neighborhoods. Auburn is working to bring on 2,000 new housing units by 2025 and increase population by 25-percent.

“Residents can be proud of this project because it embodies our continued commitment to building infrastructure that protects our future,” said Mike Broadbent, Superintendent, Auburn Water and Sewer District.

Since 1989, the Environmental Protection Agency and Maine DEP have been actively working to limit overflow events. In 2007, over 2.5 billion gallons of raw storm and sewer waters entered Maine waters – in 2022, there was less than 400 million gallons. Since the program started 35 years ago, thirteen communities have reached zero pollution events and significant progress has been made.

“The trendline has certainly been positive in our community and statewide, but we have work left to do. Our project is a great example of how communities can work together to continue to protect clean water in Maine,” said Travis Peaslee, General Manager, LACWA.

As one of the first and largest clean water facilities in Maine, LACWA cleans up to 32 million gallons of water received daily from regional businesses and residents before safely returning to the river. The CSO tank project will increase plant capacity to 38 million gallons per day and is funded through a series of state, federal and municipal bonds and grants. It is expected to be completed by early 2026.

AUBURN, ME — The Community Little Theatre (CLT) opens its 85th consecutive season on Friday, October 25 with the musical “1776.” Winner of three Tony Awards, including Best Musical, “1776” puts a human—and often humorous—face on the pages of history as we see the real men behind the names we have known for so long.

It’s the summer of 1776, and the nation is ready to declare independence… if only our Founding Fathers can agree to do it! John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and others struggle to convince the members of the Second Continental Congress to vote for independence from the shackles of the British monarchy by signing the Declaration of Independence.

“I have wanted to bring “1776” to the CLT stage for a long time. It is one of my favorite musicals, by turns witty, wise, entertaining, and even suspenseful,” says director Celeste Philippon. “The Declaration has been described as a deeply aspirational divorce decree and its authors as heroic radicals attempting to start a country on a noble idea. And many were risking their lives to do it,” Philippon adds.

With music and lyrics by Sherman Edwards and a book by Peter Stone, the show premiered on Broadway in 1969 and was made into a film adaption in 1972. The original production and movie starred William Daniels as Adams, Ken Howard as Thomas Jefferson, and Howard Da Silva as Benjamin Franklin.

Through song, humor, and at times tense drama, “1776” portrays the founders as real and relatable men. “Once our audience hears amusing songs such as “Sit Down, John” and “But, Mr. Adams” early in the first act, they will know that these men are not going to be treated as demi-gods or cardboard cutouts,” says Philippon.

The show also deals with the uncomfortable fact that the Declaration deprived one-fifth of the population of their own inalienable right to liberty. An unsettling moment in the show comes courtesy of South Carolina slave owner Edward Rutledge singing “Molasses to Rum,” a brutally honest reminder that indicts the northern colonies for their complicity in the trafficking of slaves.

Philippon and her crew have been working for weeks with their large cast of 27 actors. “Working with this talented and experienced group of people has been a joy! I am eager for the audience to see and hear the great voices we have on stage. When the large ensemble sings together, it’s powerful,” notes the director.

Philippon is assisted by musical director Linda Vaillancourt, producer/costumer Jane Mitchell, stage manager Brandon Chaloux, assistant director Mark Hazard, and assistant director/choreographer Eileen Messina.

Philippon believes that the real timelessness of “1776” is its insights into human nature and just how hard it is—and how necessary—for a group of people to work together for a common purpose, something often lacking in our current political climate. This is a wonderful musical about a seminal event in American history – on our stage just days before a divisive national election!

Performances of “1776” will start at 7:30 p.m. on October 25, 26, 31, November 1 and 2. Matinees will be held on October 27 and November 3 beginning at 2:00 p.m. A special “talk-back” with the cast and crew will be held following the October 27 matinee. Tickets are $25 for adults, $22 for seniors/students, and $17 for children aged 13 and under. All performances will be held at CLT on 30 Academy Street in Auburn. Tickets and more information are available online at laclt.com.  

At right John Adams (Mark Dils) attempts to hand the quill pen to Ben Franklin (Roger Philippon) during the musical number “But, Mr. Adams” in the CLT production of “1776.” Looking on from left are Thomas Jefferson (Grayson Smith) and Robert Livingston (Joe Cormier). The show will run from October 25-November 3.

LEWISTON, ME — A new art installation at Maine MILL commemorates the one-year remembrance of the mass shootings in Lewiston. Maine MILL commissioned locals, photographer Tanja Hollander and multimedia Deaf artist Miia Zellner, to create an installation that uses all 261 plastic flower sleeves saved from Just-in-Time Recreation and Schemengee’s Bar and Grille.

Flowers are left as signs of mourning around the world, but this is the first installation that uses the plastic flower sleeves. Through this medium, the work will explore loss, the role of impermanent expressions, and the impetus behind shared community recovery from the effects of mass violence. The installation will be on view beginning October 16 in the recently-created memorial room within the museum.

The mass shooting that took place on October 25, 2023 killed 18 people, including 4 members of the Deaf community—the 10th largest shooting in United States’ history.  Lewiston-Auburn is now among many communities around the country that have been devastated by mass shooting events. Since October 25, 2023, Maine MILL has been leading the cultural response to the shootings, documenting, archiving and preserving all of the memorial items left around the cities. The museum has committed to having a permanent memorial space to display objects and changing exhibits related to the events.

About the Artists

Tanja Hollander is an artist who works with photography, video, installation and social practice to understand how cultural and visual relationships help us make sense of our challenging world. She was born in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1972 and received a B.A. in Photography, Film, and Feminist Studies from Hampshire College in 1994. Her last body of work, Are you really my friend? debuted in its entirety as an exhibition, short documentary and book for a year at MASS MoCA in 2017. Sections were recently exhibited at the Museum of Fine Arts (Boston), Portland Museum of Art (Maine), Virei Viral (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil), and the Carl-Schurz-Haus (Freiberg, Germany). She lives and works in Auburn, Maine.

Miia Zellner is a Deaf multimedia artist who lives in Lewiston, Maine. Zellner graduated from MassArt with a BFA in glass in 2022 with a Master of Art in Teaching (MAT) from Maine College of Art & Design Art in 2023. Their work explores themes of the Deaf experience and the relationship between humans and their environment. In addition to their practice, Miia teaches elementary art in Turner, Maine, and inspires students to discover their own artistic voice.

The exhibit is made possible by the Maine Community Foundation, the Elmina B. Sewall Foundation, the Maine Humanities Council, and the Maine Arts Commission.

The exhibit runs from October 16, 2024 to September 6, 2025.

For more information about Maine MILL and its events and exhibits, visit www.mainemill.org or call 207-333-3881. The museum is located at 35 Canal Street in Lewiston and is open Wednesday through Saturday, 10am – 4pm.

LEWISTON, ME —Join us for the Lewiston Farmers’ Market ANNUAL FALL FESTIVAL in honor of beloved former volunteer, Joe Cook and sponsored by Munka Studio on Sunday, October 20th 9:30 am – 3:00 pm at 2 Oxford St. in Lewiston. A family fun day for all, the event will include pumpkin decorating, scavenger hunt, costume contest, face painting & more!

This year, to celebrate the farmers market’s 20th year in operation and the Chamber of Commerce’s Eat Local Challenge https://lametrocc.com/EatLocal the Fall Festival will include a HARVEST SUPPAH from 12:30 pm to 3:00 pm located at the markets green space at 75 Lincoln Street that will feature harvest soups, fresh rolls and garlic butter, a fall veggie slaw, and hot apple cider! (vegan, gluten free option available!).

A $12 donation is suggested on the day of the event for the meal, and kids under five years old eat free. Please join us in celebrating our successful market season and all our many seasons with this fun, community building event!

JAY, ME — SeniorsPlus is hosting an Open House at their Meals on Wheels (MOW) Distribution Center located in the Jay Plaza in Jay. On Wednesday, October 23 from 2:00 – 4:00p.m. the public is invited to stop by to meet staff, tour the facility and learn more about SeniorsPlus services.

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.

Janis Walker, Nutrition Services Director stated, “The new Jay location allows us to accommodate program growth and provides an enhanced space for staff and volunteers”.  Food insecurity is a major issue for older adults and increases risk of malnutrition, disease, and the inability to remain in one’s own home. Food assistance and delivery through the Meals on Wheels program is an important part of meeting essential needs for older adults. MOW meals provide a balanced nutritious meal that fosters health and healing and enables individuals to remain in their homes.

The Meals on Wheels Distribution site is located at 29 Jay Plaza Lane in Jay by Hannaford. Refreshments will be provided. Door prizes will be awarded. No RSVP necessary. All are welcome.

LEWISTON, ME – The City of Lewiston invites residents, businesses, churches and community groups to participate in the citywide Litter Pick Up Day on Sat., Oct. 19 from 8 AM to 12 noon. Volunteers can make a visible impact to Lewiston by helping to remove litter from neighborhoods, streets, parks, and trails.

“This event makes an immediate and visible difference in our community,” said Kevin Gagné, Lewiston Public Works Director. “Every piece of litter removed brings us closer to a cleaner, more beautiful city.” Gagné noted that during a recent event, volunteers removed over 1,800 pounds of litter.

Volunteers are asked to pre-register at www.bit.ly/LewistonLitterPickUpOct192024 so that Lewiston Public Works (LPW) can prepare supplies and determine a pick-up location for the collected debris. Volunteers will gather at Kennedy Park, 120 Park St., from 8 AM to 12 noon on Sat., Oct. 19, where Public Works staff will distribute supplies, including bags, gloves, pickers, and buckets.

Volunteers can pick up litter in any Lewiston neighborhood, park or trail and Lewiston Public Works will arrange to collect the bags of litter. Please note that volunteers will not be collecting food waste, yard debris, leaves, bulky waste, or large items.

“Our team works hard every day to maintain the cleanliness of our city, but this event allows us to go even further,” said Megan Bates, Deputy Director of Public Works. “It’s a great way for residents to pitch in and help us keep Lewiston looking its best.

Bates reminded residents that this event is citywide. “Lewiston is home to miles of trails and several parks that would be an ideal location to pick up litter,” said Bates. “For example, if a neighborhood group got together to pick up, they would register with us and we would arrange for them to have supplies and removal of what they collect.

The citywide litter pick up will occur rain or shine. Pre-registration is encouraged and LPW staff will also be able to register residents on Sat., Oct. 19.

LEWISTON, ME – Andwell Community & Behavioral Health, a division of Andwell Health Partners, is pleased to announce the launch of outpatient substance use disorder services, designed for individuals of all ages.

Based out of our outpatient facility located at 710 Main Street in Lewiston, 498 Essex Street in Bangor and 284 Main St. Suite 390 in Wilton, Andwell’s services are designed to be 100% confidential, client-centered, and strength-based, with a strong focus on recovery and the promotion of optimal health and wellbeing of the individual and affected others.

“October is Substance Use Prevention month and we are honored to add to our continuum of behavioral health offerings outpatient substance use disorder services,” said Bill Robinson, LCPC, director of Andwell Community & Behavioral Health.  “Our goal is to be a partner and valued resource in our local communities, offering evidence-based methods of prevention and treatment of substance use disorder. We seek not only to care for those working towards healing and optimal well-being, but also be a support to those affected by a loved one suffering from substance use disorder. Nearly 10% of Mainers over the age of 12 suffer from substance use disorder.”

Andwell’s comprehensive outpatient counseling program offers both individual and group sessions, tailored to meet the unique needs of each client. Our team of highly trained and licensed professionals is committed to assessing individual needs and supporting clients in developing and achieving their personal recovery goals. We believe in a collaborative approach to healing and are dedicated to partnering with clients on their recovery journey.

Our substance use disorder services include:

Assessment

Relapse prevention

Recovery groups

Co-dependency support

Support for family members (Affected Others)

Access to comprehensive resources

 Andwell Community & Behavioral Health is committed to providing a supportive and empowering environment for those seeking to overcome substance use challenges. We invite individuals and families to take the first step towards recovery by reaching out to us for more information about our services.

LEWISTON, ME — Get ready for FANGtastic fun when The Public Theatre kicks off the Halloween season, with the Maine premiere of the recent Off-Broadway hit, DRACULA: A COMEDY OF TERRORS playing October 11-27.

Imagine putting the legendary story of Dracula into a blender with Mel Brooks, Monty Python and The Carol Burnett Show! You’ll scream with laughter as five actors sink their teeth into dozens of characters in this fast-paced, laugh-out-loud version of Dracula perfect for audiences of all blood types.

When Mina Westfeldt falls mysteriously ill, her father calls on well-known vampire hunter Doctor Jean Van Helsing to help them find the elusive and seductive Count Dracula. Filled with imaginative staging, silliness, and special effects, this delightful comedy is the perfect way to get spooky this season!

The cast of fully professional Equity actors includes Luke Sholl as Dracula, Jessica DiGiovanni as Lucy/ Kitty/Driver, Mark Cartier as Dr. Westfeldt/Renfield/Sea Captain, Kevin Cristaldi as Mina/Van Helsing and Ian Gould as Jonathan/Bosun/Grave Digger/Suitors.  All five actors have had an extensive career Off-Broadway and in regional theatres as well as television and film.

The world of Transylvania and England will be brought to life by the set design of Michael Reidy, spooky lighting by Matt Cost, the soundscape of Charles Coes and costumes by Kevin Hutchins. At the helm of this wacky world will be Director and Artistic Director of The Public Theatre, Janet Mitchko who promises many similarities in style and tone to previous Public Theatre comic hits such as Hound of the Baskervilles and Around the World in 80 Days.

In the spirit of encouraging community engagement and connection, The Public Theatre will also be offering a pre-show wine tasting held in the lobby included with the price of your ticket on Thursday Oct 17th and a pre-show beer sampling at the Saturday evening performance on Oct 19th.

Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors, playing at The Public Theatre, Lewiston/Auburn’s Professional Theatre, Oct 11 – 27. Thurs-Friday at 7:00pm, Sat at 3pm, Sun at 2pm with a Sat evening show on Oct 19 at 7:30pm.  Tickets: $35 Adults, $20 (ages 19-35), $15 (18 and under). Group rates (10+) are available.  Tickets can be purchased online at thepublictheatre.org or by calling 782-3200. The Theatre is located at 31 Maple St. Lewiston.

Sponsored by Austin Associates, Berubes Complete Auto Care, NAPA Coastal Auto Parts, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Sun Journal, Bennett Radio Group and Platz Associates.

From left to right – Mark Cartier, Kevin Cristaldi, Luke Sholl, Ian Gould and Jessica DiGiovanni

LEWISTON, ME — The Lewison mass casualty event of Oct. 25, 2023 underscored the critical need for maintaining an adequate blood supply.

On that evening, Central Maine Medical Center (CMMC) relied not only on its own supplies, but on the resources of the American Red Cross and other community partners, as well. Simply put, blood donations save lives.

With that in mind, Central Maine Healthcare is partnering with the American Red Cross of Northern New England and LifeFlight of Maine to hold a “One Lewiston” blood drive in October in honor of the victims. The locations and times are:

Location: Central Maine Medical Center, 12 Main St. Conference Room A,B,C

Dates: Oct. 14 and 18

10 a.m.-3 p.m.

As Oct. 25 approaches, our goal is to collect 1,025 (10/25) units of blood during this drive.

To donate blood, visit https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?zipSponsor=lifeflight   

To volunteer, visit https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C084AA9A623A5FDC25-51734436-stronger#/

We encourage community members to use the hashtag #oneLewiston in social media activity related to this event.

To donate to CMMC’s Compassionate Care Fund, established in the days following the tragedy to support patients, caregivers and the community in the wake of a mass casualty incident, please visit www.cmhc.org/cmmc/ways-to-give.

RAYMOND, ME – Have you always wanted to learn the art of watercolor painting? Or do you want to brush up on your skills?  Suitable for any skill level, Kathleen Gerdes’ watercolor workshop is coming to Nathaniel Hawthorne’s Boyhood Home in Raymond (40 Hawthorne Road) on Saturday, October 12, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.  Cost is $45 per student, which includes the use of the instructor’s supplies and materials. Everyone wishing to participate is asked to please register in advance by emailing workshop instructor Kathleen Gerdes at gerkat214@gmail.com.  

Designed to be a fun, stress-free community experience among fellow artists, Ms. Gerdes’ workshop will cover, step-by-step, what each student needs to know about paints, brushes, paper, and basic watercolor skills and techniques. Plenty of time will be offered to practice what you learn, and each student will leave with his or her own painting, along with the knowledge and skills needed to continue painting at home.

More about Kathleen Gerdes

Kathleen Gerdes of Naples is a mostly self-taught artist who teaches watercolor classes at Scarborough Adult Education.  A painter for more than 20 years, Kathleen believes that everyone is an artist and her love of teaching reflects that. Her work is unique and whimsical, and she loves to paint everyday objects that have lots of color. Her upcoming workshop at Nathaniel Hawthorne’s Boyhood Home in Raymond reflects her hope to expand and share her work throughout the Naples-Raymond-Bridgton area.

For more information, please visit www.hawthorneassoc.com or send email to gerkat214@gmail.com 

Image courtesy of Kathleen Gerdes.