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This week’s edition!

Events with Androscoggin Valley Soil & Water Conservation 

Landscaping for Biodiversity and Water Quality

February 2nd  

4pm-6pm

St Mary’s Nutrition Center, Lewiston

Join Ecologist Deborah Perkins from First Light Wildlife Habitats for a presentation on native planting and landscaping practices to promote biodiversity and protect water quality. Deb will also cover how to build bird and pollinator habitats, and will present eco-friendly and low maintenance lawn alternatives as well. We ALL live in a watershed and its important to recognize that the work that you do in your yards and gardens can have a positive impact on the entire local ecosystem! Join us at St Mary’s Nutrition Center for snacks and refreshments and information about sign ups for community garden plots.

This event is promotion for AVSWCD’s new program – the Conservation Landscape Certification program– a free checklist available to help landowners improve their properties for wildlife and pollinator habitat, water and soil quality and overall ecosystem support.

This event is funded by a grant from the Davis Foundation.

Snow and Ice Science

Tuesday, February 20th

10am-12pm

Auburn Public Library

Every winter snow and ice descends across our Maine landscape but how much do we really know about it?  Join AVSWCD Project Director Emma Lorusso for an investigation of snow and ice!  How does snow help to keep animals warm during the winter?  Have you ever seen a bubble shatter when it pops?  How many different ways can ice form?  Through games and activities we’ll learn about how snow and ice is formed, and why its important!  Unlock more mysteries to explore in winter during this special snow program!

Pruning Forgotten Old Apple Trees

Sunday, February 25th

9:30am-12pm

Valley View Farm, Auburn

Old, neglected apple trees are a staple across the Maine landscape. Did you know that you can restore them to their former glory and have local fresh apples in your backyard?  Join us for this hands-on workshop to learn how to prune your favorite fruit trees, led by apple tree enthusiast Joe Dembeck. We will cover tools and methods used to prune fruit trees to increase their viability and production. After a brief overview, participants will get to test their skills pruning apple trees.

Basic/Advanced Erosion Control Training

Thursday, February 29th

8am-4pm

USDA Field Office, Lewiston

The course is of primary interest to contractors but could also be helpful to municipal code enforcement officers, consultants, engineers, public works employees and anyone interested in implementing appropriate erosion control measures during a construction project.  Participants will learn principles of erosion and sedimentation, why erosion control practices are important, how to properly install and maintain Erosion & Sedimentation Control (‘ESC’) Best Management Practices (BMPs) and more. 

New Executive Director takes the reigns at The Public Theatre

LEWISTON, ME — The Board of Directors of The Public Theatre recently announced that the Theatre’s longtime, beloved Executive/Co-Artistic Director Christopher Schario would be retiring in 2024. In a message sent to the Theatre’s patrons, donors, corporate sponsors and friends, the Board celebrated and thanked Schario for his incredible tenure – 30 years of artistic excellence and commitment to the Lewiston Auburn community. Many celebrations of Schario are to come in 2024. He is currently helping to facilitate the transition to new executive leadership.

Lewiston native Ray Dumont will be stepping into Schario’s shoes as Executive Director, and artistic continuity will be maintained as current Co-Artistic Director Janet Mitchko assumes the role as the sole Artistic Director for the Theatre.

“I am overjoyed to be coming back to my hometown as Executive Director of The Public Theatre. I grew up in Lewiston and was educated in Lewiston Schools. It’s a tremendous privilege to come back and to be able to give back to this wonderful community,” said Dumont who has been working in professional theatre for 30 years. “Christopher has really set a high standard here at the Public, and I know I’ll rely on his valuable experience as we transition into this new leadership model.”

A graduate of Boston University School of Management, Dumont holds degrees in finance and marketing. Throughout his decades in theatre, he has been a performer, educator, director, choreographer, and administrator. He enjoyed more than 20 seasons at Maine State Music Theatre in Brunswick, including four years as Managing Director.  Dumont has worked in theatres all over the country as well as local organizations like The Ogunquit Playhouse, The Huntington Theatre Co., The Children’s Theatre of Maine, Mad Horse Theatre, and the aforementioned Maine State Music Theatre. He is a well-known and well-loved member of Maine’s theatre community and a proud member of Actors’ Equity Association.

In his role as Executive Director of The Public Theatre, Dumont will provide vision and leadership to the Theatre’s small but mighty full-time staff of five, managing finances and fundraising, marketing, audience development, and supporting the artistic vision and standards for excellence.

Outgoing Executive/Artistic Director happily welcomes Ray Dumont in his new role as Executive Director of The Public Theatre. Schario says, “I believe that the new partnership of Janet Mitchko as Artistic Director and Ray Dumont as Executive Director will lead the theatre into a stronger and more sustainable future. Janet’s role as Artistic Director will guarantee that the theatre’s high artistic standards will be maintained and even surpassed. Ray’s years of experience in every area of the business will be a priceless asset as the theatre re-structures for the future.”

Ray Dumont, Executive Director & Janet Mitchko, Artistic Director

Budget Document Technology chosen as 2023 Elite Dealer 

LEWISTON, ME—ENX Magazine announced that Budget Document Technology is among the 118 companies chosen this year as a 2023 Elite Dealer. This is the fourth time that Budget Document Technology has been chosen among the nation’s top office technology dealerships. 

Budget Document Technology has been an independently owned, New England based office technology and equipment dealer since 1989. They provide customized, customer-focused office solutions for businesses and organizations across the country, resulting in workplace efficiency, reduced costs, and reliable service. 

“We’re honored to be recognized once again as an Elite Dealer,” said Steve Ouellette, CFO at Budget Document Technology. “While post-pandemic challenges continue, our team has adapted through their ingenuity, resourcefulness, and resilience so that we may prosper. Yet again they have gone above and beyond to provide outstanding service to our clients and business partners. Thank you to the BDT team for this achievement.”  

Each year, ENX Magazine judges Elite Dealer applicants on a number of criteria, from technical service excellence to marketing proficiency, growth initiatives, technology leadership, industry accolades and philanthropy. Those dealers chosen are profiled in the December issue of ENX Magazine.

“It is clear that this year’s cast of Elite Dealers signifies a strong return to prosperity for the office technology reseller community,” said Susan Neimes, publisher and managing editor of ENX Magazine. “Annual revenues are up virtually across the board, and this is a testament to dealers relentlessly proffering managed services and ancillary technologies that go far beyond the multifunction printer.” 

Sen. Rotundo seeks to honor victims of Lewiston shooting

AUGUSTA, ME — On Wednesday, January 3, Sen. Peggy Rotundo, D-Lewiston, introduced a Joint Resolution to honor the 18 people killed in the mass shooting that took place in Lewiston on October 25. Wednesday was the first day of the second session of the 131st Legislature.

“I offer this Joint Resolution on behalf of the Legislature, to honor the memories of the eighteen Mainers killed in the Lewiston mass shooting,” said Sen. Rotundo. “This Resolution represents our shared grief and compassion for our Maine neighbors who with broken hearts and lives must now manage the new absences in their lives. It is my hope that this resolution also represents our commitment to ensure this tragedy is not forgotten, remembering that we truly honor those we have lost by coming together and making a difference in the world.”

Sen. Rotundo also welcomed the Lewiston High School chorus to sing the National Anthem to begin the session. The opening invocation was given by Reverend Sarah Gillespie of Androscoggin Home Healthcare and Hospice in Lewiston. Many Lewiston First Responders were also on hand to accept the thanks and best wishes of the Legislature.

A Joint Resolution is an expression of the will of the Legislature to express special recognition or opinion. It does not have the effect of law.

Sen. Peggy Rotundo, Rep. Kristen Cloutier and Rep. Michel Lajoie with Lewiston High School Choral Music Teacher Moll Brown (far left) and the Lewiston High School Chamber Singers

Hannah Clark joins Fontaine Family team

Fontaine Family – The Real Estate Leader is thrilled to announce Hannah Clark as the newest addition to their growing Auburn team. As a seasoned associate broker in the real estate industry, Hannah is making waves in the Maine real estate market with her passion for helping clients find their dream homes. Born and raised in the picturesque town of New Gloucester, ME, Hannah’s journey is characterized by hard work, dedication, and a commitment to community.

Hannah’s roots in Southern Maine run deep, having graduated from Grey-New Gloucester High School before furthering her education at Central Maine Community College (CMCC), where she earned her Associate’s Degree. Her diverse professional background includes valuable experience at a marina in Freeport and a real estate investment firm, shaping her into the well-rounded and knowledgeable real estate professional she is today.

Beyond the world of real estate, Hannah finds joy in various hobbies and activities. An avid gardener, she cultivates her passion for plants and nature, creating vibrant and welcoming spaces. At home, Hannah is a loving owner to three dogs and two horses, adding a touch of animal companionship to her life.

In her spare time, Hannah dedicates herself to the family farm, Royal River Orchard, in New Gloucester. Her hands-on involvement showcases her commitment to preserving local agriculture and maintaining a strong connection to her community.

What sets Hannah apart is not only her professional expertise but also her compassionate heart. In honor of her son, Jackson, Hannah is an active member of the MPS Society and the Cure Sanfilippo Foundation. By participating in these organizations, she advocates for awareness, research, and support for those affected by Sanfilippo Syndrome, demonstrating her dedication to making a positive impact beyond the realm of real estate.

Hannah’s multifaceted background and community engagement make her a standout professional in the Maine real estate landscape. Whether you’re buying or selling, Hannah Clark is the trusted partner you need for a seamless and fulfilling real estate experience, with the support of the Fontaine Team. Contact Hannah today at hannahclark@fontaineteam.com or (207) 713-4496.

Day’s Jewelers unveils website to elevate jewelry shopping

 WATERVILLE, ME — Day’s Jewelers, a trusted name in the world of fine jewelry, is proud to announce the launch of their brand-new website, designed to transform the way their customers shop for jewelry online. With an elegant and user-friendly interface, enhanced features, and an extensive range of stunning jewelry collections, the new website promises to be a one-stop destination for Day’s Jewelers customers, both new and established.

The redesigned website, accessible at www.daysjewelers.com, offers an immersive and personalized shopping journey, reflecting Day’s Jewelers’ commitment to excellence in both jewelry craftsmanship and customer service.

Key features of the new Day’s Jewelers website include:

Contemporary and Intuitive Design: The website showcases a modern, clean design that seamlessly blends aesthetics with user-friendliness, ensuring a hassle-free shopping experience for visitors.

Enhanced Search and Filtering Capabilities: Shoppers can effortlessly discover their perfect piece of jewelry by utilizing an array of search filters, including type, metal, gemstone, price range, and more.

Product Location: Customers now have the convenience of tracking the physical location of an item within Day’s Jeweler’s eight stores.

Secure and Convenient Shopping: The website offers a secure and seamless shopping experience, complete with various payment options- including financing- to provide peace of mind to customers.

A Glimpse into the Future: Day’s Jewelers tantalizes customers with a promise of even more exciting features and enhancements to be unveiled in 2024.

Joe Corey, President of Day’s Jewelers, expresses his enthusiasm stating, “we are delighted to introduce our state-of-the-art website. Our primary goal with this new website is to continuously enhance the guest experience by incorporating the latest features and technology. It’s a momentous time for our company as we launch this robust website that will support our growth and build upon our 109-year-old legacy.”

Day’s Jewelers has been serving customers with an exquisite range of fine jewelry, engagement rings, and impeccable service since its inception in 1914. The new website is a testament to their mission to build a company that stands the test of time through their commitment of creating unforgettable moments with uniquely crafted jewelry.

Embark on a journey by visiting the new Day’s Jewelers website at www.daysjewelers.com and discover a world of timeless elegance and meaningful jewelry.

Waterville Opera House prepares for 2024 season

WATERVILLE, ME —The Waterville Opera House (WOH) is delighted to announce its 2024 theatrical season. Two amazing musicals and two entertaining plays will reignite the stage of the historic 121-year-old theatre in downtown Waterville.

“I’m excited to bring this amazing selection of theatrical productions to life for our community. From laugh-a-minute comedy, suspense filled mystery, to full-on musical spectacle, there truly is something for everyone to enjoy! Our 2023 season offerings resulted in record-breaking attendance, with over 40% of ticket purchasers being first-time visitors to the Waterville Opera House. Our reputation for top-notch storytelling has created a more robust audience base for our outstanding community theatre performers to dazzle with their talents. I hope to tempt our theatre patrons back to the Waterville Opera House in record numbers by offering a 2024 Season Pass to catch all four of these crowd-pleasing offerings at a 20% discount,” states WOH Executive Director, Michelle Sweet.

Opening the 2024 season is Drinking Habits (Feb 2–11). Accusations, mistaken identities, and romances run wild in this traditional, laugh-out-loud farce. Two nuns at the Sisters of Perpetual Sewing have been secretly making wine to keep the convent’s doors open, but Paul and Sally, reporters and former fiancées, are hot on their trail. They go undercover as a nun and priest, but their presence, combined with the addition of a new nun, spurs paranoia throughout the convent that spies have been sent from Rome to shut them down.

Just in time for spring is Head Over Heels (April 26–May 5). A jukebox musical comedy, Head Over Heels fuses together the world of Shakespeare with the iconic music of The Go-Go’s! It follows the escapades of a royal family who set out on a journey to save their beloved kingdom from extinction. A modern-day fairy tale, this musical is a romantic, gender-bending, hilarious good time.

Next, we revisit a popular mystery with Miss Holmes Returns. The sequel to 2020’s Miss Holmes, this stand-alone story finds Miss Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Dorothy Watson back on the case! After a string of successes assisting Scotland Yard, a seemingly clear-cut murder case finds itself at the detectives’ feet. The powers that be are certain the murderer was a young woman of immigrant heritage, but Holmes and Watson aren’t as sure. Can they find the truth before the authorities catch and convict their suspect?

Finally, ringing in the holiday season, we’ll have The SpongeBob Musical (November 22–December 1). When the citizens of Bikini Bottom discover that a volcano will soon erupt and destroy their humble home, SpongeBob and his friends must come together to save the fate of their undersea world. With lives hanging in the balance and all hope lost, a most unexpected hero rises, proving that the power of optimism really can save the world!

Tickets for all four shows will go on sale to Waterville Creates members on Monday, October 23 and to the general public on Monday, October 30. Season Passes are available, giving a 20% discount when purchasing tickets for all four shows.

For more information, visit operahouse.org or call 207-873-7000.

The Laundress returns for Tarot 101 workshop

LEWISTON, ME — The Lewiston Public Library will host a Tarot 101 Workshop on Tuesday, February 6, 2024, from 5 to 6:30 pm in The Jeanne Couture Room. The Tarot 101 Workshop will feature the return of Kate Sheridan, a.k.a The Laundress. This workshop is free and open to both teens and adults. Registration is required and the link to sign up can be found on the Lewiston Public Library’s website under events.

This event is for anyone who wants to learn more about tarot cards, using the classic Smith-Rider-Waite deck as a guide. The program will cover basic tarot theory, a brief history of tarot cards, and an introduction to all 78 cards and how they work together. The goal is to demystify the tarot to empower you to use the cards. Throughout the evening, you’ll be invited to consider card images using both the information from the workshop and your own intuition. At the end of the evening, you’ll be shown how to conduct a reading for yourself or others, and you’ll leave with practical next steps to do at home.

While some of the workshop material will certainly apply to Oracle cards, please note that this workshop is focused on the traditional 78-card tarot. Please bring your own 78-card deck and something to take notes with you to the program. Only a few tarot decks will be available to borrow for the program.

Kate Sheridan, a.k.a. The Laundress, is a tarot reader and astrologer who believes that fortunes are created rather than told. Her style is down-to-earth and conversational, and she draws heavily on her previous life as a high school English teacher to ensure that her clients understand the logic behind the intuitive information she provides. After she left teaching in 2019, she turned her longtime interest in Western Astrology into an intensive study. She has been playing with tarot cards for 20 years, studying them seriously for nearly 10, and reading professionally since 2019.

The Lewiston Public Library is located downtown at 200 Lisbon Street at the corner of Pine Street and Lisbon Street. More information on Tuesday’s program is available by contacting the Lewiston Public Library at 513-3135 or LPLReference@lewistonmaine.gov.

Humane Society announces “Cold Paws, Warm Heart” winners

LEWISTON, ME – The Greater Androscoggin Humane Society announces the winners of their “Cold Paws, Warm Heart” Annual Raffle. With over $12,000 in ticket sales the winners were: Erica Brown of Rumford winning $500 of home heating assistance and a handmade quilt, James and Mary Ingalls of Greene with $300 of home heating assistance, Dee Kelley of Lewiston with $200 of home heating assistance and Mike Twitchell of Turner with $100 of home heating assistance. All proceeds from the raffle directly benefit the Humane Society.

The Greater Androscoggin Humane Society provides a safe haven for over 3,000 sick, homeless and abused animals in the greater Androscoggin area per year. The primary support for the shelter comes from fundraising events and donations of concerned citizens.

The Greater Androscoggin Humane Society is located at 55 Strawberry Avenue in Lewiston. If you are interested in learning more about volunteering at the Shelter or adopting an animal call 783-2311 or visit the website at www.SavingPetsInMaine.org. You can also join them on www.facebook/GAHumane.

Turning spare space into a thriving community gallery 

Guest column by Briana Hilton

LEWISTON, AUBURN, ME — Lewiston-Auburn has a relatively mature population in terms of age. As the Sun Journal highlights, planning for later life has become a key step for many residents, and the community as a whole has a responsibility to provide support and steps to care for this invaluable section of society. The city and its community have already taken significant strides towards this with the decision of the referendum at Lewiston High School creating specific room for adult and senior learning, and there are now spaces being outlined for the use of the entire community in the future. With that in mind, it’s worth considering what can make a community space a worthwhile area, starting with considering creativity.

 Introducing creativity 

A shared communal space needs to have a purpose – especially one that places a focus on that community and its adult citizens. That purpose can be communicated through its creative design, and this nod is especially important if the area is designed for creative uses. Consider, for instance, the use of sculptures, both metal and otherwise.

 As ArchDaily notes, sculptures shape urban areas. As well as acting as a focal point, they can reflect and present the values of the town and its people. Some of the most famous sculptures do exactly this. Take, for instance, Barbara Hepworth’s Summer Dance, which reflects the cultural and historical ties of its host towns of Cornwall to the ancient links of the region. Artwork should mean something. As it happens, the industrial and farming history of Lewiston-Auburn is a great basis for the use of metal sculptures. Twisted and sculpted metals can easily provide a fantastic icon which harks back to the golden era of the twin cities, and will be a focal artistic point for an area with real purpose. 

Making it utilitarian 

It’s important that any plans have an edge to them that will lend itself to the educational and vocational development of adults. Given, a public gallery and community space will already provide the community with some big benefits, ranging from the active space to be used through to the creativity such a space fosters. However, it must also be there for active use and cannot simply be something to look at.

 A simple way to manage this is through providing ample sitting space – both conventional (in the forms of benches and such) and improved (such as stone steps, plinths and fountains). This is another great area to get creative with. Dezeen highlights one sunken garden design used in Los Angeles, where shade can be taken from the sun and a distinctly green aspect given to any learning or other engagement. This is a great way to provide inspiration and make an area feel fully sheltered. 

Ensuring inclusivity 

Lewiston-Auburn is one of the most creatively dense places anywhere in the country, defined by the amount of public viewable artwork and creations in and around the city. You might not know this, however, if you have any form of motor disability; according to Bates University, the accessibility that enables everyone to view these works of art is simply not there. It is imperative that any new developments put accessibility first. 

There are simple principles to adhere to in ensuring that public spaces are accessible. These are providing wheelchair ramps; ensuring pathways are wide enough for the use of mobility aids; and making sure that pathways are level. Despite this, it can be quite easy to get this wrong. Using US federal and UN guidelines is important, as these will provide the proper widths and requirements for mobility aids and safety measures. This won’t just aid people with mobility impairments, either, as those hard of hearing or sight will stand to benefit from inclusive spaces.

 Pulling all of this together will ensure that any new public space is fit for the needs of older generations. They have a right to access education and learning, too, but these spaces are not always constructed in a way that’s perfect for them. The design of these spaces needs to be carefully managed, of course, but that’s entirely achievable while still creating a relaxing and creative area.


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