AUBURN, ME – Lydia’s Lunch Bunch has reached a milestone with the release of its 500th episode, marking a significant chapter for the local weekday podcast produced by Lydia Media in Auburn.

Hosted by Mark Turcotte with rotating co-hosts Sara Poulin and Lydia Media owner Pam Ashby, Lydia’s Lunch Bunch launched in August 2024 and aims to shine a positive light on the greater Lewiston-Auburn area. The show features local news, events and conversations with people making a positive impact in the community, along with fun, recurring segments including Famous People Birthdays, On This Day and Three Random Questions.

“The format has the feel of a traditional radio morning show,” said Turcotte. “Our focus is on the people of this area,” said Turcotte. “That includes business and nonprofit leaders, public officials, entertainers, educators, artists, athletes and more. If you’re making waves in LA, we look forward to sharing your story.”

“With everything going on in the world, we hope Lydia’s Lunch Bunch can be an outlet for positive energy,” said Ashby. “We also see the podcast, along with our publications, as a way to help businesses tell their stories and show people what our community has to offer. Whether a company is trying to attract employees, introduce someone new to the area or simply connect with the people who live here, local media can play an important role.”

Ashby added that the support of local businesses helps Lydia Media continue that mission.

“We’re fortunate to work with businesses that believe in the value of being part of this community,” she said. “Their support allows us to keep telling these stories, covering local events and highlighting the people, organizations and businesses that make this area special. In that way, it becomes a little bit of a partnership—we help businesses tell their stories, and their support helps us continue telling the bigger story of our community.”

Recent guests have included internationally touring musician Eli Lev, Lewiston Auburn Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce president and CEO Susan Ruhlin, Auburn Manufacturing founder and CEO Kathie Leonard, Maine Shrine Lobster Bowl Classic organizer Bernie McAllister and Poland Spring Resort owner Cyndi Robbins.

The Lunch Bunch also has a mobile setup, allowing the team to broadcast from area events including the B2B Trade Show, Great Falls Brewfest, Art Walk LA and LA Metro Chamber breakfasts. The podcast also expanded its coverage into Western Maine this winter, offering listeners a glimpse into those making an impact in the Oxford Hills area.

The podcast is part of Lydia Media’s broader effort to connect people with their communities through local storytelling. In addition to Lydia’s Lunch Bunch, the company publishes Uncle Andy’s Digest, celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, and LA Metro Magazine, a quarterly publication focused on the people, businesses, organizations and stories shaping the region.

Lydia’s Lunch Bunch is recorded weekdays and released around lunchtime. Episodes can be streamed or downloaded at LydiaMediaLLC.com and on major podcast platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Amazon Music.

AUBURN, ME – The Maine Franco-American Genealogical Society [MFGS} is very pleased to host well-known Maine author Suzanne Roy as its guest speaker at its fall general membership meeting on October 17th in the Androscoggin Community Room of the Auburn Public Library, 49 Spring St., Auburn.

Suzanne’s presentation will begin at approximately 11:00 am, following a brief business meeting that begins at 10 am.  Light refreshments will be available for all attendees. Admission to the meeting and the presentation is free and open to the public.

Suzanne R. Roy, a life-long resident of Lewiston, is the author of THE ENCLAVE and its sequel THE LEGACY. These are two historical novels focused on the challenges faced by immigrants and by women in the last century. The books follow the life of a fictional French-Canadian immigrant named Aurore who grows up in Little Canada and whose journey toward self-determination and self-discovery takes place against the backdrop of real places readers will recognize in Lewiston and Auburn. 

Suzanne taught writing in the University of Maine system for several years and is a retired financial institution compliance consultant. She wrote “La Bonne Aventure,” the first federally-funded children’s television series aimed at Franco-Americans. She also did research for the Franco-American Heritage Center, taught a local history class at St. Dom’s,  and wrote several one-act plays, one of which won the Bert Bates Memorial Trophy as best play of the year in 2005 at the Ararat One-Act Play Festival in Australia. She is currently working on a third novel.

There will be time for a question-and-answer session at the end of Suzanne’s presentation. Some of her          books will be available for purchase.

MFGS is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization whose purpose is to promote the study of Franco-American genealogy and genealogical research in the state of Maine.

For more information about MFGS visit www.mfgen.org

For more information about the meeting, contact Connie Hitchcock, MFGS Recording Secretary,  at cahitchco@aol.com.

For parking information at the Auburn Public Library, visit www.auburnpubliclibrary.org

Suzanne Roy, Author

LEWISTON, ME – One of Lewiston’s longtime hospitality properties has a new name, a new restaurant, and now, a new face on Pleasant Street.

On Thursday evening, September 10, the Maine Grill officially unveiled its new exterior signage at 490 Pleasant Street, marking one of the most visible milestones yet in the transformation of the former Ramada into the newly renovated Clarion Hotel & Conference Center Lewiston. Neighbors, city officials, local business owners, and members of the press gathered from 5:00 to 8:30 p.m., with the sign illuminated during a 6:30 p.m. reveal.

The unveiling represents the final major exterior piece of a property-wide rebuild. The Maine Grill opened in June inside the Clarion following a multi-million-dollar redevelopment led by a new ownership group that includes New York-based KS Hospitality Group. More than $500,000 went into life-safety and infrastructure work completed in coordination with the City of Lewiston, with total committed capital exceeding $3 million through 2026.

A Sign, and What It Signals

“A sign is the last thing you put up and the first thing people see,” said Kanvar Singh, Founder of KS Hospitality Group. “We spent the better part of our renovation on fire systems and electrical work that nobody will ever photograph. Thursday night was the first time the outside of this building told the truth about what’s inside it.”

The restaurant has been open since the property’s June 18 reopening, serving elevated pub fare with an emphasis on local ingredients under Joe McBrady, Director of Food & Beverage and a thirty-year veteran of Maine hospitality. McBrady has held Executive Chef roles at Maine institutions including the Tugboat Inn in Boothbay Harbor and the Tiki Hut in Old Orchard Beach, and has served as General Manager for craft breweries including Foulmouthed Brewing.

The restaurant’s business has grown steadily since opening. A core of repeat guests has taken hold, and the property’s event spaces have begun to book in earnest, with weddings and birthday celebrations now on the calendar.

Made to Gather

The Maine Grill was designed around long communal tables and a room that reads more like a neighborhood restaurant than a hotel dining room. Its tagline, “Made to Gather,” runs through the wider property, which includes a ballroom, a theater, a set of boardrooms, outdoor space, a pool, a gym, and a sauna.

That combination is increasingly rare in the region. The Clarion Lewiston is one of the largest venues in the area able to host a conference, a wedding, and a weekend of guests under a single roof, and its return has brought hospitality, food-and-beverage, operations, and event-staffing jobs back to the Lewiston-Auburn area. KS Hospitality Group has prioritized local hiring throughout.

“While much of the hospitality industry focuses investment on major metropolitan areas, I saw a unique opportunity in Lewiston,” said Singh. “Places like this are where hospitality still has the ability to matter. You’re not just filling rooms. You’re rebuilding a relationship with a community.”

What Comes Next

Additional guest room renovations and event space enhancements continue in phases through 2026. The Maine Grill is open Monday through Thursday 4pm–10pm, and Friday and Saturday 4pm–11pm, at 490 Pleasant Street, Lewiston.

Ethan Jerome / EthanJMedia

AUBURN, ME – Director Brandon Chaloux has announced the cast of “Cabaret,” Community Little Theatre’s first production of their 87th consecutive season, which will open on October 16.

In a Berlin nightclub, as the 1920s draw to a close, a garish “Emcee” welcomes the audience and assures them they will forget all their troubles at the Cabaret. With the Emcee’s bawdy songs as wry commentary, Cabaret explores the dark, heady, and tumultuous life of Berlin as Germany slowly yields to the emerging Third Reich. Cliff, a young American writer newly arrived in Berlin, is immediately taken with English singer Sally Bowles. Meanwhile, Fräulein Schneider, proprietor of Cliff and Sally’s boarding house, tentatively begins a romance with Herr Schultz, a mild-mannered fruit seller who happens to be Jewish. Musical numbers include “Willkommen,” “Cabaret,” “Don’t Tell Mama” and “Two Ladies.”

Owen Lewis will appear as the Emcee, Hillary Perry as Sally Bowles, Justin Morin as Clifford Bradshaw, Justine Weisinger as Fraulein Kost, Ryan Delorme as Ernst Ludwig, Elise Christie as Fraulein Schneider, and Roger Philippon as Herr Schultz. The Kit Kat Girls will be played by Karianna Merrill, Koley True, Carly Dillingham, Ha?nnah Perry, Meg Walz, Lacey Moyse, Hannah Hanson, Phoebe Edwards and Emma Bennett. Appearing as the Kit Kat Boys will be Toby Gouette, Archer Slater, Nex Staples, and Justine Weisinger.

Performances of “Cabaret” will be held on October 16, 17, 22, 23, and 24 at 7:30 p.m., and October 18 and 25 at 2:00 p.m. All shows will be held at CLT on 30 Academy Street in Auburn. Tickets to “Cabaret” are now available online at www.laclt.com.

Season subscriptions are also available online. Subscribers to CLT’s new season can enjoy savings of 20 percent, priority seating, and other benefits. For more information, contact the box office at boxoffice@laclt.com or leave a message at 783-0958.

Pictured here are the cast members for CLT’s upcoming production of “Cabaret.” From left in front are Toby Gouette, Karianna Merrill, Hillary Perry, Koley True, Carly Dillingham, Ha?nnah Perry, and Roger Philippon. Standing are Meg Walz, Elise Christie, Lacey Moyse, Justin Morin, Owen Lewis, Ryan Delorme, Justine Weisinger, Hannah Hanson, Archer Slater, and Nex Staples. Absent are Phoebe Edwards and Emma Bennett.

LEWISTON, ME – The LA Metro Chamber is bringing back Taste the Harvest on Wednesday, September 30th, transforming Lisbon Street and Dufresne Plaza in Downtown Lewiston into a celebration of local food, community, and all things fall.

Designed to bring the community together while showcasing local businesses, Taste the Harvest offers an affordable, family-friendly evening with something for everyone to enjoy. From 4 to 7 p.m., families and community members can enjoy local flavors, live music, vendors, fall-themed activities, and plenty of opportunities to make memories together. The event is free to attend, and this year’s tasting tickets are available at a new, lower price point, making it easier for guests to sample local dishes while enjoying the festival.

The festival will feature hands-on fall activities from ArtVan, live music, local vendors, fire pits, photo opportunities, an AmFund Travel Auction, and candid photography by Ryan Captures Life. Families are encouraged to make an evening of it, with activities and entertainment for all ages throughout the festival. Guests 21 and older can also visit the Beverage Garden, featuring seasonal favorites generously donated by Valley Beverage.

Guests looking to taste their way through the festival can choose from 2, 4, or 8 tasting options, with tickets offered at a new lower price point this year. Participating restaurants and businesses will be serving up a variety of dishes throughout the event. This year’s featured participants include The Blue Feather, The Pub at Baxter, Nonesuch River Brewing, Cozy Fox Bakery, 84 Court, Forage Market, KP’s Place, and Mogadishu Market.

Taste the Harvest is made possible through the generous support of Central Maine Healthcare, Beverage Garden Sponsor; Maine Family Federal Credit Union, Music Sponsor; and Dirigo Federal Credit Union and Central Maine Federal Credit Union, Friends of Taste the Harvest Sponsors.

Additional sponsorship opportunities are still available.

For more information, visit discoverlamaine.com/taste-the-harvest/ or contact LA Metro Chamber Events Coordinator Justin Morin at justin@lametrochamber.com.

AUBURN, ME – As the Woman’s Literary Union of Androscoggin County (WLU) begins an exciting new chapter, its Board of Trustees is placing a strong emphasis on the preservation, responsible stewardship, financial viability, and long term sustainability of Auburn’s historic Foss Mansion.

The WLU leadership officers also serve as members of the Board of Trustees, bringing organizational leadership and property stewardship together as the WLU plans for the future of the Mansion.

The Board is chaired by Stephanie Hlister-Croteau, with trustees Robin Allen, Ruth Hall, Angela Lupardo, and Tracie MacLeod, together with WLU officers Stefanie Mahr Damien, President; Rhonda Ferrara, Vice President; Claudette Cyr, Secretary; and Angela Saltis, Treasurer.

Preserving a historic property requires more than responding to repairs as they arise. The Board is focused on identifying and prioritizing  immediate and long-term preservation and capital needs, evaluating responsible improvements, and developing the financial resources necessary to properly care for the Mansion well into the future.

A major part of that effort will be ensuring that the Foss Mansion is financially sustainable. Thoughtful use of the property, hosted events and rentals, fundraising initiatives, membership growth, donations, grants, and community partnerships can all play an important role in creating dependable support for preservation.

Stewardship for the Next Generation

The Foss Mansion is more than the home of the Woman’s Literary Union—it is an important part of Auburn’s history. Protecting that legacy requires careful planning today for the needs of tomorrow.

Working together, the Board of Trustees, committees, members, volunteers, and community supporters are committed to developing a responsible path forward that respects the Mansion’s historic character while strengthening its financial foundation.

Community members who value local history and historic preservation are encouraged to become involved. Opportunities include WLU membership, volunteering, participating in events, supporting fundraising efforts, sharing professional expertise or community connections, and making a financial contribution toward preservation and capital projects.

Every contribution—whether time, resources, or financial support—can help ensure that the Foss Mansion remains an important part of the Auburn community for generations to come.

Leadership team, Rhonda Ferrara, vice president; Stefanie Mahr Damien, president; Claudette Cyr, secretary; Angela Saltis, treasurer

Board of Trustees: Bottom row: Angela Lupardo, Robin Allen, Ruth Mary Hall

Top row: Rhonda Ferrara Stefanie Mahr Damien, Angela Saltis, Claudette Cyr

Not pictured: Stephanie Hlister Croteau, Tracie Macleod

LEWISTON, ME – Three Broadway-type shows are coming to the Franco Center Friday, Sept. 11, Saturday, Sept. 12, and Sunday, Sept. 13. All shows are at 7:30 p.m. and doors and cash bar open at 6 p.m. “Best of Broadway 2” is a high-energy musical revue that features unforgettable songs from favorite Broadway productions, performed by a cast and crew of 30 talented local performers. Audiences will experience dazzling costumes, dynamic choreography, powerhouse vocals, and beloved music from The Phantom of the Opera, Les Misérables, Wicked, Hamilton, Cabaret, Rent, Hello, Dolly!, Oklahoma!, and many more. 

“We can’t wait to see the audience at Best of Broadway 2 because we love the production created by cast and stage crew and can’t wait to share with an audience! It’s a brand-new show created entirely in-house!” said production manager Jake Hodgkin. “From rehearsals to the final curtain, our cast and crew have been working hard to bring something truly special to the stage.”

 Best of Broadway 2 is the major kick-off production for the Franco Center. “This show isn’t a repeat of the first Best of Broadway. This show has new songs and special effects and costumes: all the things you’d expect to see in a high-quality Broadway show revue!” said Hodgkin.

 The show will be held in the upstairs Performance Hall with reserved seating. Tickets range from $15 to $30 depending on whether a student or not and whether purchased in advance or at the door. Tickets can be purchased online at https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?show=337352 or by calling the box office at 207-689-2000.

“We appreciate the local businesses that have sponsored this show. Thanks go out to DJ Brothers; Maine Community Bank; and Emerson Chevy,” said Executive Director Theresa Shanahan. “Celebrate the Franco Center’s new 2026-2027 season with the all-new Best of Broadway 2 revue!”

Season underwriter is Maple Way Dental Care; media sponsors are Bennett Radio Group; Sun Journal; Turner Publishing; and Uncle Andy’s Digest.

The Franco Center, 46 Cedar Street, Lewiston, is handicap accessible through its elevator entrance on the Lincoln Street Alley side of the building. Parking is available in the city’s corner lot at Cedar and Lincoln streets; in the Chestnut St. Parking garage; and in the city’s lot on the corner of Chestnut and Lincoln streets. 

Cast

Jake Hodgkin

Spencer Cramp

Breanna Dorman

Preston Marston

Nathaniel Dorman

Zachary Gimpel

Jackie Preston

Michelle Breton

Adrian Morneau

Heather Marichal

Logan Roy

Hannah Reynolds

Noelle Reynolds

River Charlett

Cassie Asselin

Avery Thibodeau

Meg Thibodeau

Steven Michaels

Torrey Gimpel

Eden Bauer

Owen Lewis

Bette Fecteau

Alexis Handy

Stephen Miller

Jim Hodgkin

Leanne Weston

April Seddon 

Riley Gimpel

Tech Team

Director/Choreographer: Jake Hodgkin

Stage Manager: Allison Marston

Asst Stage manager: Missy Hodgkin

Microphone manager: Michael Breton

Sound Design: Brando Morin

Stage crew: Larry Hodgkin, Spencer Cramp, Lucus Kelly, Mary Jo Hodgkin

Spotlight: Theresa Shanahan

Costume designer: Astrea Charlett

Costume asst: Bette Fecteau

Lighting designer and set designer: Jake Hodgkin

Projection Designer: Jake Hodgkin

Preston Marston rehearses in his costume from a song from “Little Mermaid” in the Best of Broadway 2 production at the Franco Center on Sept. 11, 12, and 13. Tickets are available online at www.francocenter.org. Jake Hodgking photo.

AUBURN, ME – Payroll Management (PMI), the family-owned payroll processing, HR, and tax support services provider for small and medium-sized businesses across New England, today announced two additions to its leadership team: the promotion of Bernie Ouellette to Chief Operating Officer and the hiring of Amanda Wozich as Human Resources Director.

Ouellette brings more than three decades of operations and strategy leadership to his new role. He holds an MBA from Thomas College, where he later served as Executive Vice President, following a 24-year career in operations leadership with Hannaford. A graduate of Leadership Maine and a longtime youth basketball coach, Ouellette is known for building dependable teams and turning day-to-day complexity into steady, reliable service. As Chief Operating Officer, he will oversee PMI’s operations and continue the hands-on, one-on-one support the company is built on.

Wozich joins PMI as Human Resources Director, bringing more than 20 years of HR leadership across healthcare, education, and nonprofit organizations throughout Maine. A member of SHRM and the Southern Maine HR Association, she has led work in HRIS implementation, benefits administration, compliance, and employee engagement. Her track record of translating organizational priorities into practical, people-first solutions closely aligns with the kind of HR support PMI provides to its clients every day.

“Everything we do comes down to the people behind it, and Bernie and Amanda both understand that,” said Gary K. Hemenway, President and CEO of Payroll Management. “Bernie has a real gift for keeping operations steady and dependable, and Amanda brings the practical, people-first HR experience our clients count on. We are proud to have them helping lead the next chapter for PMI.”

ABOUT PAYROLL MANAGEMENT

Payroll Management (PMI) is a family-owned and operated payroll processing, HR, time and attendance, and tax support services provider for small and medium-sized businesses that want personalized service from real people. Serving businesses throughout Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont, PMI pairs every client with a dedicated representative and a level of one-on-one support larger providers cannot match. Learn more at payrollmgt.com.

LEWISTON, ME – The LA Metro Chamber is bringing back Taste the Harvest on Wednesday, September 30th, transforming Lisbon Street and Dufresne Plaza in Downtown Lewiston into a celebration of local food, community, and all things fall.

Designed to bring the community together while showcasing local businesses, Taste the Harvest offers an affordable, family-friendly evening with something for everyone to enjoy. From 4 to 7 p.m., families and community members can enjoy local flavors, live music, vendors, fall-themed activities, and plenty of opportunities to make memories together. The event is free to attend, and this year’s tasting tickets are available at a new, lower price point, making it easier for guests to sample local dishes while enjoying the festival.

The festival will feature hands-on fall activities from ArtVan, live music, local vendors, fire pits, photo opportunities, an AmFund Travel Auction, and candid photography by Ryan Captures Life. Families are encouraged to make an evening of it, with activities and entertainment for all ages throughout the festival. Guests 21 and older can also visit the Beverage Garden, featuring seasonal favorites generously donated by Valley Beverage.

Guests looking to taste their way through the festival can choose from 2, 4, or 8 tasting options, with tickets offered at a new lower price point this year. Participating restaurants and businesses will be serving up a variety of dishes throughout the event. This year’s featured participants include The Blue Feather, The Pub at Baxter, Nonesuch River Brewing, Cozy Fox Bakery, 84 Court, Forage Market, KP’s Place, and Mogadishu Market.

Taste the Harvest is made possible through the generous support of Central Maine Healthcare, Beverage Garden Sponsor; Maine Family Federal Credit Union, Music Sponsor; and Dirigo Federal Credit Union and Central Maine Federal Credit Union, Friends of Taste the Harvest Sponsors.

Additional sponsorship opportunities are still available.

For more information, visit discoverlamaine.com/taste-the-harvest/ or contact LA Metro Chamber Events Coordinator Justin Morin at justin@lametrochamber.com.

Behind every mile, every dollar raised, and every participant is a story worth showing up for. Together, we rally, honor, and celebrate 18 years of supporting cancer patients, their loved ones, care partners, and survivors with comfort, connection, compassion, and choice—always at no cost.

IN PERSON EVENT

In-person event located in Lewiston, Maine featuring 5K/10K run/walk and ride events on Saturday, September 19th

Dempsey Challenge Registration Includes:

Participant t-shirt

Fundraising Incentives

Fundraising Guide to help you achieve your fundraising goals!

Beverage ticket to enjoy a Maine craft beer, mimosa or bloody Mary (or Colton + Levi’s Lemonade Stand!)

Maine-inspired finisher meal in the Food + Beverage Tent

VIRTUAL EVENT

Virtual event you complete on September 19th, anywhere and in any way you choose!

Virtual Dempsey Challenge Registration Includes:

Fundraising Guide to help you achieve your fundraising goals

Fundraising Incentives, shipped to you

Achieve $150 in fundraising and receive an official bib and Dempsey Challenge Finisher’s patch, shipped to you!

OPPORTUNITIES FOR EVERYONE

Register for the in-person Dempsey Challenge, join virtually from anywhere, or take part as a volunteer. For every story, there’s a way to show up. Together, as a global community, we challenge ourselves to rally around those impacted by cancer and help ensure everyone has access to the support they deserve.

CHALLENGE YOURSELF

Four easy steps to get in on the fun!

1. Choose Your Challenge

We offer different participation levels suited for all skill levels!

Walk/Run a  5K or Run a 10K

Ride a 25mi (Wendy’s Way), 50mi, or 65mi cyling road routes OR choose a 30-ish or advanced 55 mi gravel ride!

Virtual Participants can participate in any activity from anywhere in the world – and support people impacted by cancer.

2. Register

Registration is currently open. When registering as an adult participant, you’re committing to a fundraising minimum.

3. Choose a Team Type

Participate on your own, join a team, or create your own team.

About Teams

There is no limit to how many members can be on a team.

Teams can be a mix of walkers, runners, riders, and virtual participants.

Each team member is responsible for their own fundraising minimum for their chosen event.

4. Fundraise

Fundraising commitments vary by event but participants have until event day, September 19th, to meet or exceed their minimum.

Your commitment and generosity supports the Dempsey Center’s mission to make life better for people managing a cancer impact.

 Register

KEY DATES

Friday, September 11, 2026 5:00 PM ET Team Packet Pickup registration deadline; Registration change deadline

Thursday, September 17, 2026 12:00 PM ET Deadline to be recognized as Dempsey Challenge individual or team award winner*; Deadline for College Cup and High School Challenge*; Deadline to raise $3,000+ to receive A Night of Love + Light Champion event invitation*

September 19, 2026 5:00 PM ET Final incentive deadline *All funds must be received by the deadline date and time