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Maine MILL opens exhibit about unseen labor

LEWISTON, ME – The Maine Museum of Innovation, Learning and Labor opened on February 8 a new exhibit about unseen labor. The show expands the story of people working in Maine, and the story of their work—seen and unseen. It organizes such work thematically, with sections focused on the labor of Black people, children and unions, as well as unpaid labor in prisons and the domestic sphere. The show highlights and celebrates artwork by Candy Chang and Auburn-based Tanja Hollander. Both of these artists’ works relate directly to the museum’s memorial efforts following the October 25, 2023 mass shooting. A number of memorial items are also on display within the exhibit.

Rachel Ferrante, Maine MILL’s executive director shared, “We are thrilled to present Tanja’s Ephemera Project and Candy’s A Monument for the Anxious and Hopeful, each of which are so powerful on their own. Set against the backdrop of the complex themes of unseen labor, we hope the show will invite numerous opportunities for thought and dialogue. And our newly created memorial space will be available for the community throughout the run of the show.”

For more information about Maine MILL (formerly Museum L-A) and its events and exhibits, visit mainemill.org or call 207-333-3881. The museum is located at 35 Canal Street in Lewiston. Visitor hours are Wednesday through Saturday, 10am – 4pm.

Fill the Plate Breakfast to benefit Meals on Wheels

LEWISTON, ME – SeniorsPlus, the designated Agency on Aging for Western Maine, will hold a breakfast to benefit its Meals on Wheels nutrition program. The Fill the Plate Breakfast will be held on Friday, March 22, from 7 to 9 a.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn Riverwatch in Auburn. The breakfast will honor Lewiston resident Lucy Bisson with the 2024 Ikaria Award and feature a talk by beloved Maine humorist Gary Crocker. 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.

Maine humorist Gary Crocker will be the keynote speaker. Born in Lewiston and raised in North Monmouth, Crocker will offer remarks and observations about his beloved Maine and her people in the classic Maine tradition. After teaching public speaking at Cony HS in Augusta, he joined the Waterville Police Department. Crocker then served as Adult Ed Director at CMVTI (now CMCC) in Auburn and eventually became the spokesman for the Community College System at the Maine State Legislature. “These experiences put me in touch with people from all walks of life and prepared me to become a Maine humorist,” he said.

The event includes the presentation of the 2024 Ikaria Award, which recognizes an individual or organization for singular and outstanding contributions toward improving the lives of older adults, to Bisson, a longtime SeniorsPlus volunteer and current Executive Director of the Lewiston/Auburn Senior College.

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 Meals on Wheels America.

Last year, SeniorsPlus delivered more than 170,000 meals to 1,800 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 170,000 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. 

Maine humorist Gary Crockerwill be the featured speaker on March 22 at the 2024 Fill the Plate Breakfast to benefit Meals on Wheels at SeniorsPlus.

The breakfast will honor Lewiston resident Lucy Bisson with the 2024 Ikaria Award.

LPL hosting Valentine’s Baby Keepsake program

LEWISTON, ME — On Friday, February 23rd from 10:00am – 11:30am, the Lewiston Public Library Children’s Department will be offering a Valentine’s Baby Keepsake program. Caregivers and their young children will be able to create their own version of Maine artist Robert Indiana’s famous stacked LOVE art on canvas using handprints and footprints.

The program is recommended for kids ages birth to 5 years and their caregivers. Siblings are also welcome to attend.

This program will take place in the back of the Children’s Department on the third floor of the library. This activity is free, all materials will be provided, and there is no registration required.

Openings still available on Lewiston boards, committees

LEWISTON, ME – Lewiston Mayor Sheline 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, Board of Assessment Review, and Historic Preservation Review Board. 

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. Due to residency requirements in the City Charter, the Board of Appeals may have more than two members serving simultaneously from the same wards. This provision is to ensure adequate and balanced representation from all sections of the city. At present, the Board of Appeals is at membership capacity for members from ward four. Residents of all other wards are encouraged to apply.  

 The Board of Assessment Review hears appeals from taxpayers challenging the decision of the City Tax Assessor on their request for property tax abatement. The board reviews cases and decides if the Assessor’s findings are correct or need to be adjusted. Members shall have a working knowledge of local property values, appraisal procedures, and tax structure.  

 The Historic Preservation Review Board works with city staff to preserve, protect, and enhance buildings and areas that represent or reflect distinctive and important elements of the city’s architectural, archaeological, cultural, social, economic, ethnic, and political history, working to safeguard the city’s historic and cultural heritage and to provide procedures for local review of changes to significant structures and of new construction, reconstruction, building alternation, and demolition within designated historic districts. All members should have knowledge and experience in the architectural, archeological, cultural, social, economic, ethnic, or political history of Lewiston.

 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/boardsandcommittees. Full 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.

  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 Mon. – Fri., 8:30 AM – 4 PM, and the City Clerk’s Department is located at City Hall, 27 Pine Street, Lewiston.

Sen. Rotundo welcomes Dr. Joe Anderson to the State House 

AUGUSTA, ME — On Thursday, Sen. Peggy Rotundo, D-Lewiston, welcomed Dr. Joe Anderson, a pediatrician at Central Maine Medical Center (CMMC) in Lewiston and chair of Maine Providers for Gun Safety, to the State House as part of Health Care Advocacy Day.

“The doctors and nurses at Central Maine Medical Center, including Dr. Anderson, made an enormous difference on the tragic night of the Lewiston mass shooting, providing the treatment that enabled many of the victims to survive,” said Sen. Rotundo. “These providers are still there, at CMMC and in hospitals and facilities all over the state, making a difference and helping Mainers live their best lives. I have enormous gratitude for all the work they did on that night and continue to do to help these victims and the entire Lewiston community heal from this tragedy.”

Dr. Anderson was working at CMMC on October 25 when the shooting victims began to arrive. He and the hospital staff worked through the night to save as many lives as possible. The majority of the victims were taken to CMMC. The last of the surviving victims was discharged in December.

Sen. Peggy Rotundo and Dr. Joe Anderson in the Senate Chamber

Mediterranean theatrical dance coming to Franco Center 

LEWISTON, ME—A Mystical Journey of the Magic Lantern and the Quest of the Golden Veils, A Theatrical Dance Performance by Imari & the Sahara Desert Dancers is coming to the Franco Center for a fundraising performance to benefit the Franco Center at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 10.    

“Don’t miss one of the most mesmerizing and colorful family events in New England, brought to life with enchanting dancing by Imari & the Sahara Desert Dancers and live music by Tribal Moon.  Let us bring you along on a journey to mystical places across the beautiful Mediterranean Sea, full of shimmies, sparkles, and smiles!” said Imari, spokesperson for the dance group. The dancers use their stage names in public. 

Imari & the Sahara Desert Dancers have committed 22 years to sharing the beautiful art of belly dancing with nursing homes and hospitals throughout Maine on a volunteer basis. The dancers spend their summers entertaining at family festivals, nursing homes, and charity events region-wide.  

“I am very proud to say that we have raised thousands of dollars for local charities such as the CMMC Unrestricted Annual Fund, Salvation Army, The United Way, Odd Fellows Nursing Home, St. Mary’s Hospital Breast Health Program and Make-A-Wish® Maine.  I am blessed with a truly beautiful and amazing group of women who are my sisters in dance,” said Imari.  “The women who make up my dance troupe vary in age, each balancing professional and family lives, and together we have formed an undeniably strong bond in striving to make a positive difference in our community, and beyond.  We simply enjoy sharing our love for our dance with our audiences and we cannot wait to light up the stage with our upcoming show at the beautiful Franco Center!  Please join us!” 

Learn more about the group at www.imaribellyancing.com. 

Doors and cash bar open at noon. Tickets range from $15 to $30. Tickets can be purchased through the Franco Center’s box office in person from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays or call 207-689-2000. Ticket purchases can also be made online at www.francocenter.org/shows.    

The Franco Center is at 46 Cedar Street, Lewiston. Parking is in the mill lot across the street. Handicap access is on the Lincoln Street Alley side of the building.  

A snow date is planned for 1 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 11, if the Saturday event is cancelled due to bad driving weather. 

Season Underwriter is Maple Way Dental Care; media sponsors are Bennett Radio Group; Sun Journal; Turner Publishing; and Uncle Andy’s Digest. Show sponsors are Androscoggin Bank and DaVinci’s Eatery.

Imari & the Sahara Desert Dancers will bring a theatrical dance performance featuring the art of belly dancing to the Franco Center at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 10. Dancers in the group are Shuruq, Adair, Sephira, Anahita, Imari, Asisa, and Bilqees. Tickets for their fundraising performance (to benefit the Franco Center) range from $15 to $30 and can be purchased at 207-689-2000 and www.francocenter.org. The Franco Center is at 46 Cedar St., Lewiston. Chad Cummings photo.   

Josée Vachon to perform in concert at Franco Center 

LEWISTON, ME—Musical artist Josée Vachon will perform at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 17, at the Franco Center. She shares her Franco American joie de vivre–her “joy of living as a Franco American” through her music. Born in Quebec and raised in Maine, Vachon has been sharing her Franco American upbringing for over 40 years, through traditional and contemporary folksongs from Quebec and Acadia, as well as her own compositions.    

“Lewiston is a special place for me, just because of the strong support I received from fans at the very beginning of my career,” said Vachon. “I love coming back and having a chance to reconnect with many fans and friends!” 

Though she often entertained at her family gatherings, she began singing publicly with the support of the Franco-American Center at the University of Maine, where she discovered others who shared the same rich heritage. She quickly gained recognition as a Franco American voice through her first performances at state festivals in Lewiston and Madawaska, Maine and at schools and parish soirées.    

She has a dozen solo recordings to her credit and continues to perform and record the music that best represents her love of Franco American culture.    

Doors open at 1 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online at www.francocenter.org/shows, by phone at 207-689-2000, or in person at the box office between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays.  

Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door day of show. 

Season Underwriter is Maple Way Dental Care; media sponsors are Bennett Radio Group; Sun Journal; Turner Publishing; and Uncle Andy’s Digest. The show is sponsored by FACE Foundation and TV5Monde. 

The Franco Center is at 46 Cedar Street, Lewiston. Parking is in the mill lot across the street. Handicap access is on the Lincoln Street Alley side of the building.

Josée Vachon, a favorite Franco American performer among regular patrons of the Franco Center, will perform at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 17. Tickets are available at 207-689-2000 and www.francocenter.org/shows. The Franco Center is at 46 Cedar Street, Lewiston. Franco Center photo. 

Lewiston’s Chief Assessor elected to international role

LEWISTON, ME – With the backing of 8,000 members of the International Association of Assessing Officers (IAAO), William “Bill” Healey, Lewiston’s Chief Assessor, is the organization’s new Vice-President. Bill is the first assessing officer from Maine to achieve this role in 40 years.

“I am profoundly grateful for the honor of being elected,” said Healey. “The endorsement and backing of esteemed assessors worldwide hold great significance and are deeply appreciated,” said Healey, who joined the IAAO in 1998.

IAAO is the preeminent source for innovation, education and research in property appraisal, assessment administration, and property tax policy. Founded in 1934, IAAO members are from government, business, and academic communities. Membership provides access to educational resources, networking, and research data regarding administration of property tax.

“The City of Lewiston is very fortunate to have outstanding department heads, and Bill’s involvement with the International Association of Assessing Officers is a tremendous asset to the work he does here in Lewiston,” said City Administrator Heather Hunter.

“I have been an IAAO member for 25 years and find networking to be a great asset. I can reach out to the membership and get assistance with nearly any assessing issue when needed. As Lewiston is undertaking a citywide revaluation to be completed by early 2026, being part of the IAAO will be a valuable resource,” said Healey.

Healey has served as the City of Lewiston’s Chief Assessor since 2015. He has been a Certified Maine Assessor for over 22 years and also served as Assessor for Cumberland, Yarmouth, and Scarborough Maine.

Healey has been very involved with the Maine Association of Assessing Officers, serving as Education Chair and as President and as a member of Northeastern Regional Association of Assessing Officers, where he served as Vice President.

In 2019, Healey was awarded the IAAO’s Residential Evaluation Specialist Award, one of the highest honors to be achieved within the assessing profession.

CLT to bring back “Bandstand to Billboard” concert                                     

AUBURN, ME — The “Bandstand to Billboard” concert – featuring song favorites from the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s, is back! After four consecutive years of sold-out shows at the Franco Center, this very popular concert is back, with three performances to be held at Community Little Theatre (CLT) on February 9, 10, and 11.

The repertoire includes major hit songs – all of which hit Billboard’s Top 100 list and were also featured on the American Bandstand TV show. With six singers and a full live band, some of the songs include “L-O-V-E,” “Come Go With Me,” “Stand By Me,” “Happy Together,” “Downtown,” “Chapel of Love,” “Sweet Caroline,” “Tie a Yellow Ribbon,” “Suspicious Minds,” and “Leaving On A Jet Plane.”

As an added treat, the band will perform a special tribute to the Beatles, commemorating the week in April 1964 when the Beatles held all top five slots in the Hot 100 list.

The returning singers, who are all veteran performers at CLT, are Renee Mahon Davis, Sophie Messina, Eileen M. Messina (director), Michael Litchfield, Gerry Therrien, and Duane Glover. The band includes Paul G. Caron, musical director and keyboards; Mike French, guitar; Shane Davis, bass; Mark Fredericks, percussion; Blaise Spath, woodwinds; Bruce Theriault, trombone; Mike Plossay and Mike Truchon, trumpet; Alex Wong, cello; Kate Gray, violin; and Linda Vaillancourt, viola.

The three performances will be held starting at 7:30 p.m. on February 9 and 10, and at 2:00 p.m. on February 11. All performances will be held at CLT on 30 Academy Street in Auburn. Tickets are $25.00 and may be purchased online at https://app.arts-people.com or at the door. More information at https://www.laclt.com.

The “Bandstand to Billboard” singers are pictured here from left: Gerry Therrien, Sophie Messina, Duane Glover, Eileen Messina, Michael Litchfield, and Renee Mahon Davis.

Sen. Rotundo welcomes Miss Maine to the State House

AUGUSTA, ME — On Thursday, Sen. Peggy Rotundo, D-Lewiston, welcomed Kirsty Beauchesne, Miss Maine 2024, to the State House.

“It was wonderful to meet Ms. Beauchesne in Augusta yesterday — she is a very impressive young woman,” said Sen. Rotundo. “I thank Kirsty for representing our community of Lewiston in such a positive light and wish her the best of luck in July!”

Ms. Beauchesne is a Lewiston native. She is currently pursuing a Master’s in Business Administration from Husson University. In July, she will travel to San Antonio, Texas to represent Maine in the Miss United States of America pageant.

According to its website, “United States of America pageants are designed to encourage women to strive to achieve their hopes, dreams, goals, and aspirations, while making them feel confident and beautiful inside and out.”

Rep. Michel Lajoie, Miss Maine 2024 Kirsty Beauchesne, Sen. Peggy Rotundo and Rep. Kristen Cloutier in the Senate Chamber


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