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

AUBURN, ME – Maine State Music Theatre is back in Auburn this fall with tribute concerts devoted to recreating the music and energy of some of the most recognizable names in popular music.

Presented at the state-of-the-art Donald M. Gay Performing Arts Center at Edward Little High School and with tickets starting at just $25, the concerts offer an affordable way to enjoy an afternoon or early evening of live entertainment close to home.

Taking the stage on Saturday, September 12 at 5:00 p.m. and Sunday, September 13 at 2:30 p.m. will be Frontiers|The World’s Number One Tribute to Journey, turning the focus to one of arena rock’s most familiar catalogs.

Journey dominated radio and record collections with soaring vocals, memorable guitar riffs and songs seemingly designed to be sung by thousands of people at once. The concert features music including “Open Arms,” “Faithfully”, “Separate Ways,”” Wheel in the Sky,” and the song that has taken on a cultural life all its own, “Don’t Stop Believin’.”

Experience Queen with Jesse Agan, celebrating a band whose music was as theatrical as it was musically ambitious, will rock the stage on Saturday, September 26 at 5:00 p.m. and Sunday, September 27 at 2:30 p.m.

Queen moved effortlessly from rock to pop to operatic spectacle, creating songs that remain instantly recognizable decades after they were first recorded. Audiences can expect favorites including “Killer Queen,” “Somebody to Love,” “We Will Rock You,” “We Are the Champions,” and “Bohemian Rhapsody.” It is music built for a live audience, particularly when an entire theater joins in on the songs everyone knows by heart.

These concerts continue Maine State Music Theatre’s presence in Auburn beyond its summer musical theatre season in Brunswick, giving Lewiston-Auburn area audiences another opportunity to experience MSMT programming closer to home.

From the piano-driven pop of Elton John to Journey’s arena-rock anthems and Queen’s larger-than-life sound, the series spans decades of music while sharing one common ingredient: songs people still love to sing along with.

Tickets start at $25. For tickets, subscriptions and additional information, visit msmt.org.

AUBURN, ME – The L/A Community Little Theatre (CLT) has announced that its 87th season will open in October with the acclaimed Kander and Ebb musical “Cabaret.”

This innovative musical explores the decadence of Berlin during the Weimar Republic amid the rising threat of Nazism. Set in a seedy cabaret called the Kit Kat Klub in 1929–30, the show tells the story of two doomed romances set against the emergence of antisemitism and fascism in Germany. Winner of eight Tony Awards during its original run, “Cabaret” has been revived on Broadway during every decade since the 1970s. Musical numbers include “Willkommen,” “Cabaret,” “Don’t Tell Mama” and “Two Ladies.” Brandon Chaloux directs “Cabaret,” which will run October 16-25.

“The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time,” an award-winning adaptation of the best-selling novel, is a rich exploration of the touching and bleakly humorous tale of 15-year-old Christopher, his neighbor’s dog, and how best to venture into the adult world. When Christopher is falsely accused of killing the dog, he sets off to uncover the truth, leading to a ground-breaking discovery and a life changing journey. Directed by Lindsay Higgins, this show will run February 19-28, 2027.

An unjustly exiled barber returns to nineteenth century London, seeking vengeance against the lecherous judge who framed him. “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street,” is an award-winning stage musical widely regarded as the masterwork of Stephen Sondheim, who crafted its music and lyrics. Incorporating elements of melodrama, romance, and social commentary, the operatic thriller marries black humor with macabre imagery to explore themes of obsession and revenge. Aaron Skolfield and Brandon Chaloux will co-direct “Sweeney Todd,” which will run April 16-25, 2027.

The June production at CLT will be announced with a “special reveal” to be held later this fall. Sophia Wood will direct this show which will take the stage June 18-27, 2027.

CLT will end its 87th season with the Tony and Academy Award winning musical “The Sound of Music.” This timeless and inspirational tale follows an ebullient postulate named Maria who serves as governess to the seven children of the imperious Captain von Trapp, bringing music and joy to the household. But as the forces of Nazism take hold of Austria, Maria and the entire von Trapp family must make a courageous decision. Paul G. Caron will direct “The Sound of Music,” which will run August 13-22, 2027.

All productions will be held at CLT on 30 Academy Street in Auburn. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evening performances begin at 7:30 p.m. with Sunday matinees at 2:00 p.m. 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, one free flex pass, and free ticket exchange. For more information, contact the box office at boxoffice@laclt.com or leave a message at 783-0958.

L/A Community Little Theatre is a volunteer, non-profit organization that has produced live theatre since 1940. It strives to provide affordable and quality entertainment in the performing arts as well as education, training, and experience in theatre for area youth.

AUBURN, ME – Central Maine Community College kicked off the new academic year by celebrating championship achievements, welcoming a new class of student-athletes, and recognizing the coaches and staff who have helped build one of the region’s most successful small-college athletics programs.

Maine Senator Bruce Bickford, representing Senate District 20, and Representative Laurel Libby, representing House District 90, joined the CMCC community to formally recognize the Mustangs men’s soccer team with a Legislative Sentiment honoring their second consecutive USCAA Division II National Championship. The recognition provided an opportunity for state officials to honor the team on campus after the Mustangs were unable to travel to the State House for recognition last semester.

“It was great to see these student-athletes and a pleasure to present them with this well-deserved honor. Winning back-to-back national championships is an incredible accomplishment, and they have made CMCC and our entire community proud,” Bickford said.

“I’m honored to have CMCC and the Mustangs in my district, and proud to represent you in Augusta. Congratulations to the men’s soccer team on their national championship and continued athletic achievement! This recognition is well deserved, and I look forward to our next national championship,” Libby said.

The men’s soccer team completed an undefeated 2025 season with a 16-0-3 record, defeating Cincinnati-Clermont 2-0 in the national championship game in Pittsburgh. The victory gave the Mustangs back-to-back national titles under Head Coach Dalton Wing.

Members and coaches of CMCC’s 2025-26 women’s basketball team were also honored during the event, receiving their national championship rings. The Mustangs captured the 2026 USCAA Division II National Championship with a decisive 74-46 victory over Miami-Hamilton, finishing the season 29-1 under head coach Andrew Morong. The championship was the fourth national title in program history.

New CMCC President Susan Rogers welcomed returning Mustangs and this year’s incoming student-athletes, encouraging them to build on CMCC’s strong tradition of achievement both in competition and in the classroom.

“Our student-athletes are among our highest performers, on and off the field,” Rogers said. “You are joining a prestigious tradition of champions, and I have every expectation that you will continue that tradition with heart, dedication, and mutual respect for your teammates and coaches.”

Rogers also recognized CMCC Athletics Director Dave Gonyea, the Athletics staff, and Mustang coaches for building programs that consistently compete at the highest levels while supporting student success in the classroom and beyond.

“The success of our teams does not happen by accident,” Rogers said. “Our coaches and Athletics staff put tremendous energy into developing these young men and women as students, athletes, teammates, and people. Their commitment is a big part of what makes CMCC Athletics so special.”

With two national championship teams celebrated on campus and a new group of student-athletes beginning their CMCC careers, the event marked an enthusiastic start to a new year of academic and athletic opportunity for the Mustangs.

“Thank you for becoming part of what makes the CMCC Athletics program such a special and valuable part of who we are,” Rogers told the student-athletes. “I wish you all the best of luck this academic year. Go Mustangs!”

AUBURN, ME – The Auburn Community Concert Band has announced that rehearsals for their Fall season will begin on Wednesday, September 9th. This is an ideal opportunity for former high school and college band musicians to again experience the enjoyment of making music and performing in front of large audiences. Currently, the Auburn band has a specific need for tuba and trumpet players.

New members must be able to read music, and have their own instruments. Band membership requires a commitment to the group’s weekly schedule of Wednesday evening rehearsals. Rehearsals take place every Wednesday from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. at the High Street Congregational Church, located between High and Pleasant Streets, in Auburn.

For the next couple of months, the band will be preparing for its annual holiday concert, which will take place on Wednesday, December 16th at the Donald M. Gay Performing Arts Center located at Edward Little High School in Auburn.

Currently, the ACCB has 55 members, ranging in age from late-teens to early eighties. These members collectively represent a total of 15 central and western Maine towns. Before joining this organization, many of the group’s volunteer musicians had last played in a school or community band some 10 to 20 years ago, according to band director Milt Simon. “New members are often nervous when they first join, because of the lapse of time since they last practiced,” said Simon. He added that “most people regain their playing skills relatively quickly.”

New members should email their intentions to Auburncommunityband@gmail.com prior to attending their first rehearsal. Prospective members, who are unable to participate in any of the September rehearsals, will have a second opportunity to join the band during the group’s next “Open Membership Month”, happening in January.

The concert band is currently celebrating its 45th season. The organization was established by Simon back in 1981. Additional information regarding membership can be found on the band’s website at www.auburncommunityband.com.