LEWISTON, ME (November 22, 2022)—A festive holiday-themed La Rencontre luncheon has been planned for 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 8, at the Franco Center. The event will include lunch and live holiday music in its downstairs Heritage Hall.  

La Rencontre (the gathering) is not restricted to French-speakers or even those of Franco descent. All are welcome to attend this event. Lunch is at 11:30 a.m. and will consist of tourtiere, butternut squash soup, and cake.   

After lunch, Present Company will provide entertainment. Members of this trio are three Franco-American cousins from Lewiston: Lorna Jollymore, Diane Meservier, and Margaret Dix.  They have been performing together in public as Present Company for almost 35 years. Their singing will be accompanied by Jollymore on the keyboards. 

Tickets for La Rencontre must be purchased by noon on Monday, Dec. 5, and are $15. Tickets will not be sold at the door. The price includes the meal and entertainment.  

Order tickets at www.francocenter.org/shows or 207-689-2000. Purchase tickets in person at our box office between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.  

Support for this event comes from FACE Foundation, Quebec Delegation Boston, and TV5Monde. Proceeds from ticket sales will benefit the Franco Center and its mission to preserve its home in the former St. Mary’s Church and to bring the best in arts and entertainment to the community.  

Other holiday events at the Franco Center include the Don Campbell Christmas Concert Dec. 16 followed by a fundraiser for the Franco called Sights & Sounds of Christmas on Dec. 17 and 18. Tickets are on sale now. 

The Franco Center is at 46 Cedar St. in Lewiston. The building is handicap accessible on the Lincoln St. Alley side. 

Present Company will provide musical entertainment at the Franco Center’s La Rencontre on Thursday, Dec. 8. The performing trio includes Lorna Jollymore, Diane Meservier, and Margaret Dix. Doors to the event open at 10 a.m. Lunch is at 11:30 followed by entertainment.