AUBURN, ME (August 18, 2023) – The Great Falls Comedy Club will have live comedy this week on Friday, August 25, at 7:00 and 9:00 pm and on Saturday, August 26, at 7:30 pm.

Make laughter a priority and be part of the fun as Capital City Improv invades the stage for two shows Friday evening.  Master improver Dennis Price will bring on-the-spot comedy to all ages at 7:00 pm and then for the 18+ crowd at 9:00 pm.

On Saturday, host Nick Gordon will kick things off along with featured comedians Cathy Boyd and Ish Gupta, who set the stage for one of New England’s best stand-up comedy talents, headliner Karen Morgan.

Tickets can be found at https://www.greatfallscomedyclub.com or purchased at the door.  The Great Falls Comedy Club is located inside Craft Brew Underground at 34 Court Street, Auburn.

For more information contact the club at info@greatfallscomedyclub.com or by phone at 207-200-5366.

WATERVILLE, ME (August 18, 2023) – The Maine Film Center is excited to announce its participation in National Cinema Day with two showings of a beloved family classic: “Shrek”. “Shrek” will be shown for one day only on Sunday, August 27 at 12pm and 3pm.

Founded by the The Cinema Foundation, National Cinema Day was launched in 2022 with the mission of returning movie-goers to cinemas after a prolonged disruption by the Covid-19 pandemic. Running with the tagline “All Movies, All Showtimes, $4”, The Cinema Foundation is committed to promoting the communal cinematic experience, and the positive effects it can bring to any community.

Released in 2001, “Shrek” continues to endure as a fan favorite over two decades after its initial release. Following the story of a grumpy ogre whose swamp is threatened by the king, Shrek must embark on a journey with his talkative sidekick Donkey in order to save the Princess Fiona.

Starring the vocal talents of Mike Meyers, Eddie Murphy, and Camera Diaz, “Shrek” is truly a comedy for all ages.

Tickets for both showings go on sale August 21 at a reduced rate of $4. Furthermore, ticket sales for all films showing on Sunday, August 27 will be reduced to $4. For more information, please visit MaineFilmCenter.org.

LEWISTON, Maine (August 18, 2023)– Safe Voices has been selected as a beneficiary of the Hannaford Bloomin’ 4 Good Program for the month of September.

The Hannaford Bloomin’ 4 Good Program, which launched in August 2021, is an easy way for shoppers to give back. Every Bloomin’ 4 Good Bouquet with the red circle sticker sold supports a nonprofit organization local to the Hannaford in which it was purchased.

Safe Voices was selected as the September beneficiary by local store leadership at the Hannaford located in Auburn. Safe Voices will receive a $1 donation for every Bloomin’ 4 Good Bouquet with the red circle sticker purchased at the Auburn Hannaford located at 95 Spring Street.

“Flowers seem like a small thing,” said Grace Kendall, Director of Development and Engagement at Safe Voices. “But they can make someone’s day. And if I know a bouquet also supports a cause I really cared about, it’s doubly appreciated. I hope folks will brighten their day (and ours) with this program in September.”

Safe Voices is a domestic abuse and sex trafficking resource center serving survivors in Androscoggin, Franklin, and Oxford Counties. Last year, the agency worked with over 2,200 survivors in these counties to help them safety plan, access shelter, work with legal and civil advocates, and work through emergent crises as well as the ongoing, long-term effects of domestic abuse and sex trafficking. The agency has been doing this work in Maine since 1977. You can learn more, and access help, at safevoices.org.

For more information about the Hannaford Bloomin’ 4 Good Program, please visit hannaford.2givelocal.com.

AUBURN, ME (August 18, 2023) — East Auburn Community Unit (EACU) President Bonnie Phillips, center, presents a check for $20,000 to Tim Cowan, president of the Lewiston-Auburn Community Little Theatre (CLT) Board of Directors. This contribution was made to assist with the major stage lighting upgrades that are underway at the theatre.  At left is Britny Anderson, EACU secretary and co-chair of the production board at CLT.

Established in 1949, the EACU is a community-based, volunteer-driven organization, with a mission of supporting youth, community, and country. The EACU has a long history of supporting youth activities and organizations such as CLT that provide youngsters with recreational or artistic opportunities. In making the presentation, Phillips expressed the EACU’s gratitude “for all the beauty and opportunities that CLT brings to the L-A area.” 

AUBURN, ME (August 11, 2023) — Author Jayne Boisvert will be at the Auburn Public Library on Monday, August 21 from 4-5 p.m. to present another volume of the Cheapo Snob series, Paris and the World.

In this book, the third in the series, visitors are introduced to the many and varied global aspects of the French capital. Worldwide dining experiences—from North and South America to Europe, Africa, and Asia—are available throughout most of the city’s twenty arrondissements. In addition, several “best-kept secrets” in the form of amazing museums and houses of worship have international origins.

This guidebook also provides short biographies and addresses associated with a great number foreign nationals who spent time in Paris. And what an extraordinary group they are! Some examples include composers Chopin and Liszt, artists van Gogh and Picasso, authors Oscar Wilde and James Joyce, and Nobel Prize laureate Marie Curie.

In other categories readers will discover actors, dancers, and fashion designers to mention but a few.

An ardent traveler, Dr. Boisvert has visited many different areas of France and the Francophone world over the years. Signed copies of the book will be available for purchase. This program will take place in person, in the Androscoggin Community Room. No registration is necessary. For more information on this or other upcoming programs offered by the Auburn Public Library, visit our website (auburnpubliclibrary.org), our Facebook page (Auburn Public Library Advocates), or call the Reference Desk at 207-333-6640, ext. 4.

AUBURN, ME (August 11, 2023) — L/A Senior College is emerging from the pandemic a new and improved organization. We plan to start this year with a celebration of where we have been, and where we are going. So we are inviting members of the Lewiston/Auburn community to join us at Wallingford’s on Sept. 6.

Come meet old friends and new. And, hear about the changes we’ve made. You will enjoy:

Door prizes

Gift bags

Wallingford’s tasty goodies

All the fun that Wallingford’s has to offer at harvest time

Mark your calendar for Wednesday, September 6, 2023. Meet our members and find out if we have something to offer you and/or your family members.1:30 – 4:30 p.m. at Wallingford’s at1240 Perkin’s Ridge Road in Auburn

LEWISTON, ME (August 11, 2023) — On August 17 at 5:30pm, Maine Museum of Innovation, Learning and Labor (Maine MILL) will host Ebenezer Akakpo of Akakpo Design Group to discuss the creation of his jewelry inspired by his native Ghana and adopted home of Maine.  Mr. Akakpo will share his amazing life journey including learning about lines, symbols and designs from his architect father and studying design and stone cutting at Le Arti Orafe in Italy. A graduate of Maine College of Art and Design and Rochester School of Design, Mr. Akakpo combines his passion for beautiful design and social justice.

“Design can often be interpreted as a luxury for the wealthy. But it is my mission to use design as a tool to solve problems. The creation of the Akakpo line has allowed me to combine my multifaceted educational experiences with this desire to affect positive change.  I am able to use the traditional designs of my Ghanaian heritage to create pieces of art that carry personal and cultural power. After designing a portable filtration system with B9 Plastics to purify water for the people of my native Ghana, I decided to commit 70% of the proceeds from my Emekor Collection to continue to support the Better Water Maker project I helped them launch.”

Following a conversation lead by emcee Dennis Price of Capital City Improv, attendees will be able to view many Akakpo Designs and select items from the lines will be available for purchase. Light appetizers and drinks will be served. Registration is encouraged at mainemill.org/programs-events/made-in-maine.

The evening is the next in the “Made In Maine” series offered by Maine MILL. The event is free and made possible by the Onion Foundation. “Made in Maine” spotlights businesses making an impact locally, regionally, nationally and globally that continue the long tradition of exceptional craftsmanship and industry in our region.

For more information about Maine MILL (formerly Museum L-A) and its events and exhibits, visit www.mainemill.org or call 207-333-3881. The museum is located at 35 Canal Street in Lewiston.

AUBURN, ME (August 11, 2023) — Agren Appliance, a leading name in Maine’s retail industry, broke ground on their cutting-edge distribution center in Auburn on July 17th. This milestone event paves the way for enhanced delivery services, operational efficiency, and continued commitment to customer satisfaction.

The new distribution center will serve as a hub for Agren’s delivery, service, and installation operations, boasting a skilled workforce of over 60 dedicated employees and a fleet of more than 50 vehicles. This strategic expansion enables the company to scale up its purchasing capabilities, ensuring the ability to match competitive box store pricing without compromising product quality or service excellence.

Spanning an impressive 51k square feet and occupying a sprawling 12-acre corporate campus, the warehouse signifies Agren’s dedication to meeting customer demands swiftly and effectively. Conveniently located just off the I-95 exit in Auburn, adjacent to the company’s official headquarters, the center’s strategic positioning further enhances the company’s logistical advantages. 

“Breaking ground on our distribution center in Auburn is a testament to our commitment to customer satisfaction and operational efficiency,” said CEO Jason Agren. “This milestone empowers us to deliver unmatched service while matching competitive pricing and maintaining top-notch quality. We anticipate a big positive impact on our community and the retail sector as a whole.”

The ambitious project represents Agren’s most significant financial commitment to date, with an estimated investment of approximately $9.5 million for its successful completion. The company is eager to bring this vision to life and looks forward to its positive impact on the local economy.

As construction commences, Agren is unwavering in its commitment to maintaining the highest quality and environmental sustainability standards throughout the process. The distribution center is anticipated to be fully operational by 2024.

Balloon rides are available for 6 launches throughout the weekend. Morning flights launch at 6 a.m. and evening flights lift off at 6 p.m.

All balloon rides are free-flying and go where the wind takes them. Balloons range in size—from 2 to 10 passengers. Whatever the size of your group, we can find a balloon to fit your needs. At the end of each balloon ride, there will be a champagne toast to celebrate your adventure.

The earlier you book, the better the selection.

Availability

Friday, August 18, 2023 (morning *limited availability* and evening launch)

Saturday, August 19 2023 (morning and evening launch)

Sunday, August 20, 2023 (morning and evening launch)

Cost

$250 / person

All purchases must be prepaid with either a check or a credit card, we can also send you an invoice via email after you send in your form where you can pay securely online. (see Ride Application).

Passenger Ride Application Form can be accessed at https://greatfallsballoonfestival.org/hot-air-balloon-rides/

Ticket Delivery

All tickets will be mailed out prior to Monday, August 15, 2023. If tickets are purchased on or after August 15, 2023, tickets will be available on the day of your flight. Please refer to your email confirmation for time, location and pick up information.

If traveling and you have not received your tickets in the mail, replacements will be issued during flight registration per your confirmation email.

Questions? Contact: Rides@GreatFallsBalloonFestival.org

We hope to see you at the festival and that you will join in on the fun and excitement of taking a hot air balloon ride!

LEWISTON, ME (August 4, 2023)–Mayor Carl L. Sheline and City Council members are seeking local citizens to fill 11 volunteer positions on several city board and committees. Applications are requested to be submitted by August 11 at 9 AM; however, applications will be accepted until positions are filled. 

The following city boards and committees have current openings:                                                                              

Board of Appeals – 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 code, fire prevention codes, etc.

 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Review Committee – The CDBG applicants must be residents of Census Tracks 201-204 (downtown area).The Community Development Block Grant Review Committee assists the City of Lewiston in developing specific goals and objectives for the CDBG Consolidated Plan, which is updated every five years, and to annually review and score CDBG funding requests in order to make a recommendation to the City Council as to how CDBG funds should be invested each year to best meet plan goals.

 Historic Preservation Review Board – The Historic Preservation Review Board works with city staff to preserve, protect and enhance buildings and areas which represent or reflect distinctive and important elements of the city’s architectural, archaeological, cultural, social, economic, ethnic and political history. The board works 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.

 Housing Committee – The Housing Committee has two dedicated open seats – one opening for a financial institution rep and another for the owner of a multi-unit property. The Housing Committee is charged with advising the City Council on the full range of housing issues facing the community with the goal of ensuring the quality and safety of the city’s residential housing stock, expanding the diversity of housing options and types, and providing safe and healthy housing alternatives for current and future residents of every socioeconomic status.

 Lewiston Auburn Transit Committee – The Lewiston Auburn Transit Committee’s charge is to establish, maintain and implement a short and long-range bus transit development program; apply for, receive and administer Federal and State grants-in-aid for mass transit on behalf of the Cities of Lewiston and Auburn; and provide adequate and efficient bus mass transit for the Lewiston-Auburn area.

 Library Board of Trustees – The Trustees shall act in an advisory capacity for the purpose of providing assistance to other municipal officials charged with the responsibility of furnishing quality public library service. The Trustees shall work to identify and promote general library objectives; establish the character and quality of books and other materials to be contained in the library collection; promote cooperation with other libraries; provide effective programs and services to schools and other groups who use library services; and establish and support cultural programs sponsored by the library.

 Senior Advisory Council – The Senior Advisory Council vacant seat is for a Ward 5 resident. The Lewiston Senior Advisory Council (LSAC) serves as an advisory council to the Lewiston City Council in regard to community issues affecting senior citizens and shall serve as a liaison between the senior citizens of the community and the city. The LSAC shall also enable seniors to send and receive recommendations from the City Council for consideration, to work toward goals that empower the community’s senior population, and to undertake service projects that enhance the community.

 For full descriptions and information: www.lewistonmaine.gov/boardsandcommittees

 There are two ways to apply, either in person or online. To apply in person, individuals may visit the City Clerk’s Department at Lewiston City Hall, 27 Pine Street – 2nd floor, weekdays from 8:30 AM to 4 PM. An online application may be completed at www.lewistonmaine.gov/boardservice at any time.                                                                                                                     

Residents are welcome to contact the City Clerk’s Department at (207) 513-3124 with any questions.