LA Metro Magazine - April 2017

LET ’S

EAT!

More t han 50 Res tauran ts Inside ! (p. 26)

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LA METRO MAGAZINE | APRIL 2017

LA METRO MAGAZINE digital edition @ LAMetroMagazine.com

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LA METRO MAGAZINE | APRIL 2017

LA METRO MAGAZINE digital edition @ LAMetroMagazine.com

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LA METRO MAGAZINE | APRIL 2017

Over 100 Silverado’s in stock!

Over a dozen Colorado’s in stock!

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contents VOL. 2

April 2017

No. 2 FEATURES

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22 FUN & Free in LA

Hidden gems in the area

52 Lewiston Auburn Pub Crawl

Some of area’s best night spots

58 #Brewiston

Top notch breweries in LA

68 That Feeling of Home

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Real estate market in LA

82 Strong Economic Development Why LA is attracting business

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QUICK READS 68

10 LA: There’s an App for that River Walk history tour 16 LA Eats Local scene 26 Dining Guide for LA & Beyond Chamber member listing 32 At Play in LA A four season destination 38 Oxford Casino A playland for LA Metro 42 Upstairs, Downstairs at the Franco Center

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46 Maine Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum 62 Let’s Play: Chamber listing of things to do in the area 72 Live Here: Community Profiles 75 Mill Town Renaissance

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87 Healthcare on the Move 94 Townies by Choice

On the cover: Our rendition of LA on the move! A four season destination that is great for visiting, playing & staying.

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LA METRO MAGAZINE | APRIL 2017

99 Experiential City 102 Where to Stay

editor’s note PHOTOGRAPHY BY LAURYN HOTTINGER

W

elcome to our Spring 2017 mag. Putting this issue together was interesting in so many ways. I’m from here and I knew there was a fair amount to do in LA. But our theme of DESTINATION LA: Visit, Play or Stay taught me that there is so much more to do than even I realized. So much, in fact, that there was no way we could cover it all – we covered a lot, as you’ll see, but there’s so much more!

Looking to play while you’re here – we’ve got you covered. From the Oxford Casino to many fantastic local golf courses. Maybe you’re looking for local craft brews, or maybe just a great watering hole where the locals go. We think you’ll like what you find.

LA truly is a four season destination.

We hope you enjoy our Spring issue. If you have a comment, suggestion or an idea on a story we should cover, please reach out to me.

If you’re looking to learn more about the history of Lewiston Auburn, you have to check out the new TravelStorys app and take the River Walk history tour. This app will guide you along the way, either walking or canoeing/kayaking.

If you’re visiting the region, we think this issue will guide you around the area quite nicely. Some well known spots and some not so well known.

If you like what you see, and plan to stay – this region is a great place to call home and to do business in!

CHEERS LA! Best, JIM MARSTON Editor-in-chief jim@LAMetroMagazine.com LA METRO MAGAZINE digital edition @ LAMetroMagazine.com

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PUBLISHER

Jim Marston MARS Marketing LLC

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Jim Marston jim@LAMetroMagazine.com

ADVERTISING SALES Jim Marston Tim Rucker Steve Simard LA Metro Chamber staff

PRODUCTION MANAGERS Jim Marston Pam Ashby

ACCOUNTING Maureen Aube

VISUALS EDITOR Lauryn Hottinger

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Toby Haber-Giasson

WRITERS

Toby Haber-Giasson Dan Marois Karen Landry Pam Ashby Peggy DeBlois Elijah True Michael Krapovicky Emily Chouinard

PHOTOGRAPHY Lauryn Hottinger Daniel Marquis Heidi Sawyer

COVER PHOTO Lauryn Hottinger

LA Metro Magazine is published four times each year by LA Metro Magazine, LLC Editorial and subscription info: Call 207-783-7039 email: info@LAMetroMagazine.com 9 Grove Street, Auburn, ME 04210 Opinions expressed in articles or advertisements, unless otherwise noted, do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher or staff. Every effort has been made to ensure that all information presented in this issue is accurate, and neither LA Metro Magazine nor any of its staff are responsible for omissions or information that has been misrepresented to the magazine. No establishment is ever covered in this magazine because it has advertised, and no payment ever influences our stories and reviews.

Interested?

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Email your resume to jim@LAMetroMagazine.com LA METRO MAGAZINE | APRIL 2017

Copyright Š2017 LA Metro Magazine, LLC. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system, without permission, in writing, from the publisher. Printed in Lewiston, ME, USA.

chamber president’s note

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he April issue of the LA Metro Magazine highlights the many reasons that our greater LA community is a fabulous place to visit, play and stay. You will see me quoted in the article “Townies by Choice” citing why I have called this home since I graduated from College and why I am so pleased to be back working here as president of the LA Metro Chamber of Commerce.

This issue promotes many of our known and perhaps not so well known attributes and asks you to imagine the possibilities for ongoing development as a destination to live, work and visit.

As you read the stories and enjoy the fabulous photography, consider how your business or organization adds to the visual impression of our cities and surrounding towns. Encourage your friends and relatives from Maine and beyond to spend a weekend with you this summer and play tourist together, trying things on from an outsider’s perspective.

Launch a boat in the Androscoggin. Bike in and around the cities.

Treat yourself and spend a night at one of our hotels and enjoy a great meal at one of our restaurants. Take in one of our festivals, arts or sports events. Or take a walk and count the number of architectural gems we possess.

Visit. Play. Stay.

We all have a role in creating the LA Metro region not only as a gateway to other fine areas of Maine but as a destination unto itself.

Imagine the possibilities.

Rebecca Swanson Conrad President and CEO, LA Metro Chamber of Commerce

LA Metro Magazine is proudly printed in Lewiston, Maine at:

8 Lexington Street, Lewiston • www.penmor.com

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LA: THERE’S AN APP FOR THAT Walking history tour on the River Walk

By Shelley Kruszewski

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t will be all the rage. And cool is just not a cool enough word to describe the TravelStorys’ App.

The Androscoggin Land Trust (ALT) has created a cutting-edge tool to connect people to the Androscoggin River-- in the form of a smartphone application.

“TravelStorys’” is a free smartphone application for iPhone or Android.

It takes the user on a walking history tour that follows the Riverwalk paths along both sides of the river, from West Pitch Park in Auburn, across the river, through some of the old mills in Lewiston, and then returns full circle to the Auburn side of the river.

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LA METRO MAGAZINE | APRIL 2017

As the user reaches any of the 12 preprogrammed GPS points located along the Riverwalk, an audio narration is triggered on the user’s smartphone that offers historical and cultural information that matches the location. Historical photographs and other information enhance the experience. A similar tour is also available to paddlers who venture out onto the water, leading users to Lewiston’s canals, and other points of interest best viewed from the water in a canoe or kayak.

By Shelley Kruszewski | LA: There’s An App For That

Marked trail

How to access this cool app:

Recently, ALT has partnered with Grow L+A, the Cities of Lewiston and Auburn, Healthy Androscoggin, Museum L/A, Bates College, and the Androscoggin Historical Society, to plan a marked trail with signage to match the TravelStorys app, along the existing public walking spaces. The vision entails a series of 12-20 signs with interpretive content to mark the tour points.

This multi-sensory tour is a great way to learn about the rich history of the area and the remarkable recovery of the Androscoggin River in recent decades. The tour takes up to 45 minutes to complete.

Bring your smartphone down to the river and check it out!

TravelStorys story ALT created the content and recorded the narration for the TravelStorys app for these local tours. Want to know more about TravelStorys? Here’s the backstory, straight from their website: In 2012 Story Clark, a renowned land conservationist, founded TravelStorys as a tool to showcase the value of open spaces so that we might preserve those places for future generations. The scope of Travelstorys has expanded to include historic locations, scenic byways, river walks, paddling tours and many more. As the app grows, the stories evolve, but the heart of the app remains the same. No matter the location, TravelStorys connects people with the places that sustain us all.

To access the tour: 1. Download the free TravelStorys App. Scan the QR code below or visit www.travelstorys.com.

2. Select either the Androscoggin River – Walking Tour or Paddling Tour.

3. Select the green arrow to get start the tour and the narration will begin.

Map view of the River Walk Hear the history of how the canals in Lewiston powered a half dozen mills. Photo courtesy of Androscoggin Land Trust. Circa 1875

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By Shelley Kruszewski | LA: There’s An App For That

Walk the trail with or without the App The narration will be triggered at any of the GPS points, but here is a suggested route: • Start at the falls at West Pitch Park. At the fence that overlooks the river, open the app and start the tour.

• Follow this path along the edge of Simard Payne Park and then across the pedestrian bridge • Take a right and follow the paved sidewalk, so that the river is now on your right. The tour ends when the bridge is directly in front of/ above you, at the porch at Gritty’s Pub.

• Walk down the hill toward the Hilton Garden Inn • Pass the Hilton on your right. Follow the path that takes you to Court Street • Cross the left sidewalk of the bridge • At the light on the other side of the bridge, use the pedestrian crossing signal to cross • Continue to walk uphill on Court St/Main Street • Take your next right onto Mill Street • Follow Mill Street past Baxter Brewing, past the tall brick smokestack on your right, under a sky walk and then take the stairs down to your right. If you reach DaVinci’s Restaurant, you have gone too far.

A sampling of upcoming LA based ALT Events can be found below. Further details can be found at androscogginlandtrust.org/ or facebook.com/AndroscogginLandTrust

June 24, 2017

Boats ‘n Brews Canoe & Kayak Race

Lewiston/Auburn, 8am registration/9:30am start

• Cross Lincoln Street via the crosswalk and then take a right to walk across Beech Street • Turn left to walk the wavy cement path between Rail’s Restaurant and Lewiston House of Pizza

August 3, 2017

Paddle After Hours

Lewiston Auburn, 5:30pm

October 1, 2017

GMOW-Fall Foliage Paddle

at Riverlands State Park, Turner, 10am Lauryn Hottinger photo 12

LA METRO MAGAZINE | APRIL 2017

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Matthew Delamater photo

contributors

our visuals editor

LAURYN HOTTINGER

Lauryn Hottinger of Lauryn Sophia Photography is a professional photographer in Southern Maine. Available for weddings, families and editorial.

LaurynSophiaPhotography.com

Pam Ashby

Pam has been a graphic designer since 2001. She runs her own graphic design business, and is a full-time designer at Uncle Andy’s Digest. She also has additional experience in sales, management and customer service.

A sports enthusiast, Pam enjoys watching and participating in a variety of athletic activities. Her first passion is basketball, but she is also an avid runner, participating in area 5 and 10Ks, and enjoys hiking.

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our editorial director TOBY HABER-GIASSON

Toby hails from the bustling New York City world of P.R. and event promotion.

She interviewed bands and wrote album reviews for the likes of Creem and Audio magazines.

Locally, she’s logged 10 years coordinating publicity for First Universalist Church of Auburn events, co-founded UU Theatre and Pleasant Note Open Mic and Poetry Slam, which she co-hosts.

Karen Landry

Karen Landry was born in Massachusetts and moved to Maine at age 10.

Shortly thereafter she read The Outsiders, and decided she wanted to be a writer. Or a greaser.

She studied Arts and Humanities at the University of Southern Maine. She still enjoys reading, writing, music, and most of all making her 4 year-old son, David, smile.

Dan Marois

Dan Marois is an actor, producer, writer and editor. As owner of Mystery for Hire, he has performed in 750 mystery dinner theater shows. With Mainely Improv, he does improv comedy performances as well as corporate training in using the skills of improvisation.

He is also the Administrative Director for the Maine Public Relations Council.

Heidi Sawyer

Heidi Sawyer is a freelance photographer, website designer & social media guru in Lewiston.

When she isn’t freelancing, Sawyer is the Manager of Market Engagement for a statewide staffing firm, runs a growing Facebook group: Lewiston Rocks, serves on multiple committees focusing on education in Lewiston and enjoys spending time with her husband and teenage son.

contributors

Elijah True

Elijah is an artist and musician living in Lewiston. He plays in the noisy, instrumental rock band An Anderson and regularly performs around the state. He finds meaning in experiential art of all forms and tries to view the world through a lens of art.

Elijah is motivated to help document the artistic efforts of people in Lewiston and Auburn and is proud to be an active member of the community. Elijah is a cofounder and curator of the independent print zine lewburn.

Peggy DeBlois

A native of Lewiston, Peggy L. DeBlois began writing creatively as a child growing up in a French-Catholic neighborhood. A graduate of Bowdoin College, she began her career in journalism at PC Week in Boston, where she was the ghostwriter for the industry gossip columnist, Spencer the Cat. She has also worked locally as an English teacher and public relations consultant. A resident of Auburn, she recently finished her first novel.

Emily Chouinard

Michael Krapovicky

Emily is a freelance writer born and raised in Auburn. She got her start writing for local newspapers in the Livermore Falls area.

Michael is a freelance writer and musician from Auburn. He graduated from the University of Maine Presque Isle in 1999 with a BFA.

Emily grew up traveling all around northern Maine with her father, which she believes sprouted her passion for the outdoors and the history of Maine towns and their people.

He has submitted stories and articles for various publications, and performs throughout New England as a solo guitarist and bassist. Michael enjoys traveling, hiking, and spending leisure time with family and friends.

Daniel Marquis

Deborah Carroll

Dan’s interest in photography was sparked by his love of nature and the outdoors. He has been an avid bird watcher and kayaker for some twenty years. More recently he has become quite involved with cityscape photography, mostly with the LewistonAuburn area, and particularly at dawn and dusk. There is so much great architecture here in the twin cities, and the skylines are second to none. Dan strives to show our communities in a way that most people just don’t see in their day to day lives.

Deb is no longer writing for us as she has taken a executive directors job at a chamber in Vermont.

We just wanted to say: Deb, we miss you as regular contributor but we wish you the best of luck at your new position.

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“Local food provides a direct connection to the history of a region, and provides insights into the lives of the local people.”

– John Boulding 16

LA METRO MAGAZINE | APRIL 2017

LA EATS You’ll never go hungry in Lewiston Auburn

By Emily Chouinard | Photography by Lauryn Hottinger

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f there’s one thing the Lewiston Auburn area has to offer, it would be its vast collection of local eateries. From traditional taverns, to upscale and family run restaurants, diners, bakeries, and pizzerias. The opportunities are endless.

Luiggi’s Pizzeria & The Blue Goose Founded by deputy fire chief Louis C. Talarico, Luiggi’s pizzeria first opened its doors in September of 1953. For 60 years and three generations, the business was run by the Talarico family at 63 Lisbon Street in Lewiston.

© R.N. Cohen

original painting

You can’t talk about Luiggi’s without mentioning their most famous menu item, “The Fergy.”

A simple ham and cheese sandwich made with lettuce, tomato and onion on fresh Italian bread.

The sandwich isn’t what you would expect to see on a traditional pizzeria menu. It was inspired by a Lewiston policeman named Mr. Ferguson, who was always dropping in wanting something a little different. He would order the sandwich so often that the family decided to add it to the menu and dedicate it to its true creator. It has stayed there ever since.

Another big seller on the menu is the spaghetti. Meatballs, made fresh every day, and bread, bought daily from the Italian Bakery in Lewiston, set this dish apart. Some people visit Luiggi’s for the fresh bread alone.

When current owners Angie St. Hilaire and her husband Earl bought the business in 2012, they made sure to stick to the traditions of the Talarico family. One of these traditions is adding a “mystery meat” to every pizza ordered. Some employees at Luiggi’s have been working there for up to 30 years now.

One of Luiggi’s favorite’s: The Fergy

As if owning and running a successful restaurant wasn’t enough, Angie and her husband first owned the Blue Goose Tavern.

Located directly next door to Luiggi’s, this hole-in-the-wall bar has been running for over 80 years now. Opened in 1933, it is the longest-running bar in New England since Prohibition.

Its history alone makes it a great conversation starter for any local or visiting guests. Angie and Earl’s family can run both businesses successfully, thanks to a dedicated and reliable staff.

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Fish Bones

Paul and Kate Landry opened Fish Bones in 2005, after owning Mac’s Grill, a steak house in Auburn, since 1994. They decided they wanted to try something completely different. The casual upscale restaurant offers a unique menu featuring healthy and locally-sourced products. It was their goal to introduce a seafood grill concept infusing American cuisine with a multi-national flair. This provided them an opportunity to bring unique dishes and presentations to the area.

At the time of its opening, there wasn’t much in the area as far as fresh seafood and sushi were concerned, so they decided to keep the focus on fish. Despite the name, however, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Burgers, sandwiches and entree salads are some of the things you can find here. A newer dish, a maple glazed Berkshire pork, has recently been added to the menu. Cooked up by their new Chef Tony, the short rib is prepared with spring onion corncake with kale, beet and pickled onion gremolata.

This modern dining destination is in one of Lewiston’s well-known historical buildings, Bates Mill No. 6. The renovated textile mill on Lincoln Street has large windows, aged brick and a full

One of Fish Bone’s favorite dishes: Maple glazed pork

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LA METRO MAGAZINE | APRIL 2017

bar. It can be a great choice for any casual night or special occasion.

Fish Bones Chef Tony

By Emily Chouinard | Photography by Lauryn Hottinger | LA Eats

Gritty McDuff’s

From the start, Gritty’s was at the forefront of the brewing renaissance in Maine.

Since 1988, they have been creating handcrafted ales and traditional pub fare.

What started as a small brew pub in Portland’s Old Port has grown to become the pub of choice for many Mainers. The business is frequently awarded in state wide polls with “Maine’s Best Microbrew” and “Best Bar.” Their ales have even appeared as Featured International Selections at the Great British Beer Festival. Gritty’s Beer can be found in many states throughout New England, but is of course freshest and best in its home state of Maine.

Each of its three locations has a different feel to it; the Auburn location is a family restaurant that transforms into more of a bar scene at night.

Gritty’s photo

Every season, Gritty’s in Auburn gets a new menu with drinks and pub fare. One of the best dishes, the Lamb Burger, used to be a regular on the menu and is making its comeback. Made with ground lamb seasoned with feta, mint, garlic and lemon, served on toasted ciabatta bread with tzatziki sauce and choice of a side, you can pair it with one of their bestselling beers, Pub Style pale ale or Gritty’s version on a black and tan.

If you are a regular here you might already be a part of the Mug Club. Offered at all three

One of Gritty’s favorite dishes: Lamb burger

locations, you can buy a $75 mug and get any of their 21oz. ales for only $2 Sunday through Wednesday. With things slowing down in the winter in Auburn, the club has become an essential part of the business. It’s these regulars who keep things running for McDuff’s in Auburn.

Other notable eateries in the area.

The Hurricane Café and Deli in Greene offers a wide verity of award winning soups and chowders. You can also find breakfast served all day here, as well as fresh sandwiches, wraps and salads.

The Nezinscot Farm is a small and friendly, farm to table café in Turner. All meals are prepared in house and are made from the freshest ingredients, either grown on premises or provided by other local farms. They offer classic breakfast items and soups, salads and sandwiches for lunch. They also serve an assortment of homemade baked goods.

Front Porch Bakery in Sabattus specializes in custom order cakes at an affordable price. At this quaint little shop you can also find daily fresh breads, homemade cookies, turnovers, whoopie pies and desert bars. The bakery also has a very popular cupcake assortment with different flavorings ranging from refreshing fruit flavors to Apple Maple Bacon.

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Time to Call ServiceMaster!

The clean up experts after floods, fire or mold.

29 Brickyard Circle, Auburn (800) 244-7630 • (207) 539-4452 smfireandwater.com • smcarpetcleaning.com

©DanMarquisPhotography.com 20

LA METRO MAGAZINE | APRIL 2017

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FUN & Free in LA Get fresh air, any time of year!

By Pam Ashby

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hile the primary focus of the Thorncrag Bird Sanctuary has been a wildlife preserve, there are many of us two-footed explorers that have enjoyed the trails through this 372 acre spot in Lewiston, as well. Sitting at the highest point in Lewiston, an elevation of 510 feet, the network of 4.4 miles of trails can be a great escape on any given day.

Thorncrag encompasses many of the things found enjoyable when it comes to outside activities, all year round. Things like bird watching (of course), hiking, picnicking, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, sledding, skating and nature photography. If you are a local and haven’t checked out Thorncrag, it is a no-brainer. If you are just visiting and are looking for something to do to get away (without spending any money), this is a great place to see more of what Lewiston-Auburn has to offer.

The preserve area is also utilized for educational purposes. Bates College visits Thorncrag Bird Sanctuary for scientific research, along with University of Maine, other local colleges, high schools, Boy and Girl Scouts troops, botanical societies, garden clubs and arborists using the sanctuary as a demonstration and workshop site.

With clearly marked trails through hundreds of acres, Free and Fun in L/A can definitely be found here.

Please note: dogs, geocaching, mountain biking, and motorized vehicles are not permitted anywhere within the sanctuary.

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LA METRO MAGAZINE | APRIL 2017

Stone bench located along one of the trails at Thorncrag Bird Sanctuary. ŠDanMarquisPhotography.com

A hidden treasure Over 150 years ago, many visited Mount Apatite in Auburn, not for its scenic hiking or water holes, but in hopes of finding treasure. Situated off Minot Avenue in Auburn, commercial miners and amateurs alike once dug for gems like tourmaline and quartz. Today, only amateurs are allowed to search for these hidden treasures.

In 1994, Mount Apatite received a grant from the Land and Water Conservation Fund which

By Pam Ashby | FUN & Free in LA

the converted railroad trestle into Lewiston. This trail is paved, offers wheelchair access, and can be used for biking and in-line skating, as well as walking and running.

Wanna hear some music?

One of the many great sights at Mt. Apatite

allowed the park to offer a wider variety of uses than most municipal parks. The trails are groomed in the winter for snow lovers to enjoy snowmobiling, snowshoeing and cross country skiing. In the spring, summer and fall there is something for everyone to enjoy, like the old favorite – searching for gems in many of the mines lined along the trails. There are also 7.2 miles of trails to explore, by foot or mountain bike.

Olin Concert Series at Bates College, which runs throughout the school year, features the Bates Choir, Jazz Band, and individual student performances, among other musical talents. In the summer, Concerts on the Quad is held on Thursdays at 6:30pm, three times during the season. This concert takes place on none other than Bates’ Historic Quad, located at College Street and Campus Avenue. Bring a picnic and chairs or blankets, sit back and enjoy the talent emerging from Bates College. The rain site is the nearby Peter J. Gomes Chapel, also on the Quad at 275 College Street. For a list of who’s in the spotlight visit: www.bates.edu/olin

More fresh air The David Rancourt River Preserve, dedicated to Deputy Sheriff David Rancourt, is a trail along the Androscoggin River. Located in Lewiston below the Deep Rips Dam, this one-mile loop passes two sandy beaches and a scenic overlook on the river’s edge. Walk, run or snowshoe: this trail is open all year round. It is also great for cross-country skiing, fishing, kayaking/canoeing or just a leisurely hike. Leashed pets are permitted. Non-motorized usage only.

The Riverwalk Want to walk off that big dinner you just had, or just feel like getting out in the fresh air to stretch your legs? Auburn Riverwalk passes right behind the Gritty’s Auburn location and meanders all the way up to Bonney-Hyde Park. Walk to see the falls up close and personal, or walk across

Momenta Quartet plays at the Quad on 5.12.17

If you’re short on time, but still want to hear music, visit the Trinity Church for Oasis of Music. The beautiful church is located at 247 Bates Street in Lewiston. Every Wednesday at 12:30p.m., you can hear a half-hour of music.

From September to May, the music series features local artists performing vocal and instrumental music of all types, from folk to jazz to classical, world and everything in between. What better way to spend an afternoon than listening to a variety of styles of music in a welcoming and beautiful space?

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By Pam Ashby | FUN & Free in LA

Start a dance party in the park. Festival Plaza, located on Main Street in Auburn, is a downtown plaza for outdoor performances. It provides a gathering place for residents and visitors, with seating areas, water features, and passive recreation space for anyone just wanting to get outside and out of the backyard.

Starting in June, the Auburn Community Concert Band entertains locals and visitors alike with a complimentary concert every Wednesday through August. Starting at 7p.m., people can sit and enjoy the sounds of a variety of music that is often well-known to attendees of all ages.

The tradition of the Wednesday concert in the park has built up an average of 300-400 people in attendance on any given Wednesday. Parking is ample with a free parking garage across the street. In inclement weather, the concerts are moved to the Franco Center in Lewiston. ©DanMarquisPhotography.com

©DanMarquisPhotography.com

LA Art Walk

tions, and special performances. It’s also a great way to connect with friends and meet new ones.

Over the past six years, the Art Walk of Lewiston-Auburn has grown to bring thousands of people to the area over the course of the summer. FMI: artwalkmaine.org/artwalk-lewiston-auburn Spending the day at the beach is an enjoyable way to ward off some of Maine’s hot and humid summer days. The Municipal Outlet Beach, located at 2 Fair Street in Auburn, provides everything you might need to cool off and have some fun. With free admittance, it’s an added bonus that this beach also has picnic tables, gazebos and playground equipment. So, if you want to go for the day or just swing in for a quick dip to cool off, Municipal Outlet Beach is a great, nearby spot!

More FUN & Free • Great Falls Paddling - androscogginlandtrust. org/programs/great-falls-paddling-society • Skate Park - Park St. and Spruce St., Lewiston • Tennis Courts – Edward Little High School • Baxter Brewing Tour - 130 Mill St. Lewiston Musician playing along the sidewalk during LA Art Walk

©DanMarquisPhotography.com

Want more than just music?

In 2011, LA Arts partnered with the community to coordinate a monthly summer event that turns 20+ local business and storefronts into museums and music venues, known as the Art Walk of Lewiston-Auburn. From Main Street in Auburn, across the bridge to Lisbon Street, Lewiston, visitors and locals come to view galleries, exhibi24

LA METRO MAGAZINE | APRIL 2017

Great Falls Paddling enjoying the Androscoggin River

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Dining Guide For LA & Beyond KEY: $ = under $10; $$ = $11 - $20; $$$ = $21 - $35 B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner

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84 Court Pizza & Restaurant has established a reputation for providing highest quality Greek style food, excellent customer service.

Coast Bar + Bistro serves elevated versions of classic comfort foods. The bistro offers a range of appetizers, sandwiches, salads, our signature pizzas and delicious entrees.

www.84court.com L D $$

www.thedanielhotel.com L D $$

ALA’BAMA BBQ 823 Lisbon St. Lewiston • 207 423-6666

DAVINCI’S EATERY Bates Mill Complex 150 Mill St. Lewiston 207 782-2088

Alabama’s BBQ brings the taste and flair of an authentic Alabama style BBQ with all the fixins directly to your door in Maine, New Hampshire and Massachusetts. We are a full service caterer.

www.alabamasbbq.com LD BRUNSWICK HOTEL & TAVERN 4 Noble St. Brunswick • 207 837-6565 Convivial atmosphere, generous beverage menu of wines, regional beers and signature cocktails and an ever-changing dining menu of traditional New England favorites.

www.innatbrunswickstation.com L D $$ BUFFALO WILD WINGS GRILL AND BAR 684 Turner St. #2 Auburn • 207 689-3700 All you need to know about us is these three things: Wings. Beer. Sports.™

www.buffalowildwings.com L D $$ CHICK-A-DEE OF LEWISTON 1472 Lisbon St. Lewiston • 207 376-3870 Our menu features all kinds of fresh Maine seafood, fresh hand breaded chicken tenders to our very best all beef hamburgers.

www.chickadeelewiston.com L D $$ CHOPSTICKS RESTAURANT 37 Pine St. Lewiston • 207 783-6300

Our menu features house made Garlic Knots, Fresh Soups, Brick Oven Specialty Pizzas, and a wide array of Italian Specialties. We offer extensive lists of craft beers and wine, as well as full bar service.

www.davinciseatery.com L D $$ DUNKIN’ DONUTS

360 Center St. Auburn • 207 783-0408 800 Minot Ave. Auburn • 207 784-8611 7 Riverside Dr. Auburn • 207 783-8111 600 Center St. Auburn • 207 783-0408 100 Mount Auburn Ave. Auburn • 207 786-2670 Dunkin’ Donuts is the world’s leading baked goods and coffee chain, serving more than 3 million customers each and everyday. True to our name, we offer 50+ varieties of donuts, but you can also enjoy dozens of premium beverages, bagels, breakfast sandwiches and other baked goods.

www.dunkindonuts.com BL$ FIRESIDE INN & CONFERENCE CENTER 1777 Washington St. Auburn • 207 777-1777 Open Monday through Saturday evenings to serve an eclectic menu of local favorites. Steaks, Seafood, Chicken, Burgers and Sandwiches are available. The Chef’s Daily Specials and Homemade soups and chowders are always a treat.

www.firesideinnauburn.com D $$

We only use the freshest ingredients picked by our chef and only cook with vegetable oil.

www.chopsticks-restaurant.com L D $$ 26

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KEY: $ = under $10; $$ = $11 - $20; $$$ = $21 - $35 B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner

KEY: $ = under $10; $$ = $11 - $20; $$$ = $21 - $35 B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner

FISH BONES AMERICAN GRILL 70 Lincoln St. Lewiston • 207 333-3663

GRITTY MCDUFF’S BREWING COMPANY 68 Main St. Auburn • 207 376-2739

A casual-upscale restaurant that offers healthy choices while maintaining seasonality. A seafood grill concept fusing American cuisine with a multi-national flair.

The spacious deck features the best riverfront views in town, and our glass-enclosed, storefront brewery brings the working of a true pub brewery right to Main Street.

And of course, our kitchen serves up the finest in traditional pub fare.

www.fishbonesag.com L D $$$ FORE SEASONS RESTAURANT North Parish Rd. Turner • 207 224-7090 A seasonal restaurant located at the Turner Highland Golf Course. A pub style dining area and banquet facility, which is always open to the public.

www.foreseasons.net L D $$ FUSION 490 Pleasant St. Lewiston • 207 784-2331 A modern and open style of dining featuring a casual buffet experience, with a full array of delicious comfort food items, both for dinner and lunch. For our evening guest, a casual buffet is offered, along with a ala cart entrees, which range from burgers to traditional New England dinners.

www.grittys.com L D $$ HEIDI’S BROOKLYN DELI 624 Turner St. Auburn • 207 784-3434 We serve unique and hearty sandwiches on your choice of 9 different breads baked fresh from scratch daily.

www.HeidisAuburn.com BLD$ HURRICANE’S CAFE & DELI 682 US Rt 202 Greene • 207 946-3354

Our priority has been to give our customers the best food and service around in a bright and casual atmosphere. We feature a wide variety of award winning soups & chowders, salads, sandwiches & wraps, as well as breakfast all day.

www.ramadalewistonmaine.com/dining LD

www.hurricanedeli.com B L D $$

GIPPER’S SPORTS GRILL 120 Center St. Auburn • 207 786-0715

JASMINE CAFE 730 Center St. Auburn • 207 376-4855

Gipper’s has it all; a generous and affordable menu, a full bar featuring Maine microbrews including our own Gippers89 IPA.

www.gippers.com L D $$ GREAT AMERICAN GRILL Hilton Garden Inn Auburn Riverwatch 14 Great Falls Plaza, Auburn • 207 784-4433 www.hiltongardeninn3.hilton.com B L D $$ THE GREEN LADLE 156 East Ave. Auburn • 207 777-3199 The Ladle offers a well-rounded culinary education to juniors and seniors from partnering high schools. While much of the curriculum occurs during normal school hours, the Ladle also offers catering and seasonal take-out services.

www.thegreenladle.com

The Jasmine Café, Lewiston/ Auburn’s best restaurant, is Asian fusion style cuisine – authentic traditional Thai food with a mix of Korean, Japanese, Vietnamese, and other Southeast Asian dishes.

www.jasminecafemaine.com L D $$ K F C - TACO BELL 1201 Lisbon St. Lewiston • 207 784-4079 KFC is the world’s most popular chicken restaurant chain, specializing in that same Original Recipe® along with Extra Crispy™ chicken, home-style sides and buttermilk biscuits.

LD$ LONGHORN STEAKHOUSE 649 Turner St. Auburn • 207 784-1807 Born of fire, tested by ice, confirmed by legions of loyal guests each day, LongHorn Steakhouse® has grown to become the undisputed home for great steak done right.

www.longhornsteakhouse.com L D $$ LA METRO MAGAZINE digital edition @ LAMetroMagazine.com

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KEY: $ = under $10; $$ = $11 - $20; $$$ = $21 - $35 B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner

MAC’S GRILL 1052 Minot Ave. Auburn • 207 783-6885

PEDRO O’HARA’S 134 Main St. Lewiston • 207 783-6200

Mac’s Grill, Auburn’s finest steak house for 20+ years! It’s where you come to eat and stay to visit!

The stuff of legends, Pedro O’Hara’s can spin many tales, but it’s the mix of American, Mexican, and Irish cuisines that makes it unique.

www.macsgrill.com L D $$ MARCHÉ KITCHEN & WINE BAR 40 Lisbon St. Lewiston • 207 333-3836 An ever changing menu of delicious small plates, craft beers, cocktails and wine!

PINKY D’S 17 Higgins St. Lisbon Falls • 207 415-8997

www.marchemaine.com B L D $$

Pinky D’s, owned and operated by husband and wife team of Deborah and Randy Smith, Randy a 30+ year culinary professional, and two time Maine Chef of the Year, serves the classic poutine with their own twists.

MARCO’S RESTAURANT 12 Mollison Way Lewiston • 207 783-0336

www.pinkyds.com L D $$

Traditional Italian recipes handed down to Marco from his family in Calabria, Italy.

www.marcositalian.com L D $$ MARGARITAS MEXICAN RESTAURANT 180 Center St. Auburn • 207 782-6036 Our focus on quality food, serving the best margaritas, providing value, and offering an entertaining authentic Mexican atmosphere.

www.margs.com L D $$ METZ CULINARY 100 Campus Ave. Lewiston • 207 777-8609 MOTHER INDIA 114 Lisbon St. Lewiston • 207 333-6777 We specialize in Indian cuisine, where cooks typically use rich spices and aromatic herbs to transform intricate conjurations of vegetables, lentils, and rice into tasty meals.

www.motherindiamaine.com L D $$ PAT’S PIZZA OF AUBURN 85 Center St. Auburn • 207 784-8221 We are a “family restaurant” offering a full menu of hot and cold sandwiches, pizzas, pastas, dinners, desserts and many other items sure to satisfy anyone’s appetite.

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www.pedrooharas.com L D $$

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RAILS 103 Lincoln St. Lewiston • 207 330-0518 Our menu features a modern twist on traditional Lewiston+Auburn favorites, alongside innovative railroad-inspired comfort food dishes.

www.railsmaine.com L D $$ ROLLY’S DINER 87 Mill St. Auburn • 207 753-0171 Rolly’s is your place in New Auburn, Maine for breakfast all day as well as delicious lunch items and homemade desserts. Our specialty is good cookin’ and plenty of it!

www.rollysdiner.com B L $ SAM’S ITALIAN SANDWICH SHOPPES 268 Main St. Lewiston • 207 782-9145 Sam’s Italian Foods has 13 locations throughout Maine serving Italians, pizza, hot & cold sandwiches & pasta.

Courtesy, Quality & Service - Since 1939.

www.samsitalian.com 902 Lisbon St. Lewiston • 207 782-4444 1930 Lisbon Rd. Lewiston • 207 786-7779 963 Sabattus St. Lewiston • 207 782-5555 675 Main St. Lewiston • 207 783-2222 229 Center St. Auburn • 207 786-3333 Taylor Brook Mall Auburn • 207 783-1111

BLD$

KEY: $ = under $10; $$ = $11 - $20; $$$ = $21 - $35 B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner

SCHEMENGEE’S BAR & GRILLE 551 Lincoln St. Lewiston • 207 777-1155

THE CAGE 97 Ash St. Lewiston • 207 783-0668

Where good friends gather for great food, fun and drinks!

Homemade pub food.

www.schemengees.net LD$ SEA 40 JAPANESE CUISINE 40 East Ave. Lewiston • 207 795-6888 Featuring Japanese cuisine in an informal yet upscale environment, Sea40 takes dining and nightlife to a level never before seen in this area.

www.sea40me.com L D $$ SEDGLEY PLACE Sedgley Rd. Greene • 207 946-5990 The Sedgley Place offers complete five course dinners.

Our menu changes weekly and always includes Roast Prime Rib served au jus, a fresh fish, a poultry and usually a shellfish, lamb or veal. Vegetarian entrees and children’s portions are always available by request.

www.sedgleyplace.com L D $$$

LD$ THE VILLAGE INN RESTAURANT 165 High St. Auburn • 207 782-7796 Specializing in seafood, we are the local favorite spot.

www.villageinnmaine.com L D $$ WEI-LI CHINESE RESTAURANT 945 Center St. Auburn • 207 344-0022 Taste a variety of authentic and expertly prepared Chinese dishes while enjoying various cultural events and the amazing scenery of China on a 120-inch television screen.

www.weilirestaurant.com L D $$ KEY: $ = under $10; $$ = $11 - $20; $$$ = $21 - $35 B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner

SIMONES HOT DOG STAND 99 Chestnut St. Lewiston • 207 782-8431 Although we are known world-wide for our famous hot dogs, we have an extensive menu and variety of choices.

BL$ TABER’S 207 784-2521 473 Lake Shore Dr. Auburn Offering burgers, hot dogs, homemade chicken, lobster, and tuna rolls. The onion rings and pepper strips are favorites, both dipped in a homemade batter that is a Taber family recipe. We also offer chef salads, veggiewiches, and gardenburgers. And of course, ice cream.

CREATIVE AMERICAN CUISINE Located in the historic Bates Mill No. 6

www.tabersgolf.com LD$ THE BROAD ARROW TAVERN AT THE HARRASEEKET INN 162 Main St. Freeport • 207 865-9377 We specialize in grilled steaks, brick-oven pizzas, and the freshest of seafoods served in a casual, hunting-lodge atmosphere. Don’t miss our fabulous luncheon buffet offered daily (except Sundays).

www.harraseeketinn.com B L D $$

207.333.3663 • FISHBONESMAINE.COM 70 LINCOLN STREET, LEWISTON

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AT PLAY IN LA The Lewiston Auburn area is a four season destination

By Karen Landry

L

obsters. Lighthouses. Mountains. Stephen King. These are things that usually come to mind when people think about Maine.

Sure, we have those things. And they’re great. But what about LA? Central Maine is often treated like a neglected middle child: people tend to forget what we have to offer here for fun.

We have four seasons that vary wildly in weather, and we know how to make the most of each one.

SPRING

EMERGE FILM FESTIVAL: This independent film festival showcases talent from “emerging” filmmakers from Maine, and around the world. This multi-genre fest is scattered throughout the twin cities at locations such as L/A Arts, the Franco American Heritage Center, the Public Theatre, and Community Little Theatre, in order to screen over 40 features, documentaries, and shorts. An all-access pass gets you into all the films, the opening reception, Friday night special feature and party, and the Saturday night special feature and EFFy awards party. For tickets and info: emergefilmfestival.org

DRAGAN FIELD DISC GOLF: Located at 426 Foster Road in Auburn, Dragan field hosts thousands of disc golfers each year. From beginners to the advanced, Dragan has something for players of all levels, including tournaments for seasoned players. The pro shop can fulfill all needs, whether buying or renting discs and accessories. Courses are open sunrise to sunset year round. Yes, that’s right, year round. For those who aren’t die hard discers, spring is a great time to start the season. For more info: mainediscgolf.com.

Disc golf is a sport taking off in the LA area

FOX RIDGE GOLF CLUB: The central Maine area is home to many golf courses, but Fox Ridge is considered the cream of the crop. Stretching over 200 acres in south Auburn, Fox Ridge is a golfer’s paradise.

“It’s just a beautiful track on a great piece of terrain,” says Hal Phillips, managing director of Mandarin Media, Inc., a media PR firm that services golf clients worldwide, and who has also served on the GOLF Magazine course-rating panel since1997. “I love the way the superintendent there, Eddie Michaud, has created these hole corridors that, in many cases, are defined completely by long, native grasses that wave in 32

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By Karen Landry | At Play in LA

Greater LA is home to many great golf courses

Hole #5 at Fox Ridge

Picturesque hole #4 at Poland Spring

the breeze and change color through the seasons. And Eddie always has the place in superb shape.” Phillips does admit, “Some people find Fox Ridge a bit difficult, and it can be tough.

There are several holes that require forced carries. But if you’re looking for the best public golf option in Lewiston-Auburn, that’s it.”

Fox Ridge may be considered the best in the area, but it isn’t the only viable golf option in Central Maine. Phillips goes on to say, “What sets this area apart is the breadth of golfing options here. Springbrook Golf Club in Leeds sits just north of the Lewiston line and it’s one of my favorite courses in the state. Its got the feel of a 100-year-old golf course that was designed by some classic master, but the truth is, it was built in the 60’s by a Maine pro. The other 1A recommendation for L-A golf is Martindale Country Club in Auburn, which used to be private but

recently went semi-private - meaning the public is welcome at certain times. There’s an old 9 and a newer 9 here, but together they are every bit Fox Ridge’s equal.

Phillips also recommends: • Fairlawn Golf Course in Poland. “The back 9 here is one of the best in Maine.”

• Poland Spring Golf Course in Poland. “A true antique that was designed by a legend (Donald Ross).”

• Spring Meadow Golf Club in Gray. “The newest course to open in greater LA, and perhaps the best conditioned.”

Find all of these golf courses online for further information.

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SUMMER

RANGE POND STATE PARK: Located just outside of Auburn, in Poland Spring, lies Range Pond State Park. One of the most popular destinations in the greater L-A area in the summer, Range Pond hosts more than just the popular beach it’s best known for. Spanning 290 acres, folks can use the state park for camping, hiking, boating and other water activities, fishing, hunting, and gathering. Lewiston-Auburn residents don’t have to travel far to experience Maine’s rugged natural beauty. For more info: www.maine.gov

ART WALK LEWISTON-AUBURN: By far, the best event to happen in downtown LA in the summer is the ArtWalk. This happens the third Friday of every month from May-September, 5-8pm. You’ll see every type of artwork imaginable. Local artist collectives, such as The Studio and The Hive, as well as local businesses that become pop up galleries, showcase an incredible body of work. Quiet City (inside the Rainbow Bicycle building) showcases student artists. Live music and other performances dazzle the crowds that fill up the summer sidewalks.

Art Walk LA

TABERS: Nothing says summer like mini golf and ice cream. Tabers, located on Lake Auburn, is the mecca for summer fun. Whether with your family, on a date, or with friends, Tabers is the hot spot for miniature golf, a driving range, ice cream, and summertime favorites like hot dogs or lobster rolls. And don’t forget to check out their famous onion rings, dipped in a homemade batter recipe that’s been passed down through the Taber family for generations.

The picturesque Tabers is a must

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Why not make a night of it? Many of the participating businesses on the ArtWalk circuit are restaurants or bars. You can grab a bite and/or sip at hot spots such as: 84 Court Restaurant, Bear Bones Beer, Ben’s Burritos, Forage Market, Fuel/Sidecar, Gritty McDuff’s Brew Pub, Lava Fondue Restaurant and Show Lounge, Maine Gourmet Chocolates, She Doesn’t like Guthries, The Vault, and Top It Frozen Yogurt Bar.

FALL

Annual highlight: a flashback sock hop on the first Saturday in August. Prices are rolled back and the parking lot is transformed into a dance floor. FMI: www.tabersgolf.com 34

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MT. APATITE: One of the best times to hike Mt. Apatite is in the fall. The cool autumn breeze and scenic views make this little getaway, right in Auburn, a true breath of fresh air. There are 7.6 miles of easy to moderate trails to explore.

Maine Trail Finder calls Mt. Apatite, “an extensive network of forested trails that link abandoned quarries, gleaming slag piles, steep ledges, and giant boulders.” Free to the public and pet friendly, it’s the ideal spot to hike with

By Karen Landry | At Play in LA

your two- or four-legged friends. For further information, check out Maine Trail Finder at www.mainetrailfinder.com.

THE PUBLIC THEATRE: Their founding mission was to bring high quality professional theatre to Central Maine, at an affordable price. If you haven’t been to The Public Theatre, located in the heart of downtown Lewiston at 31 Maple Street, then you’re missing out. Their grade “A” performances have been making Mainers laugh and cry for 24 years. The season kicks off in September and goes through May. The box office can be reached at (207) 782-3200, or check out thepublictheatre.org.

WALLINGFORD’S FRUIT HOUSE: Pick your own apples, check. Pumpkins, check. Hayrides (haunted or otherwise), check. Bakery and store, check.

Kids play area (the back yard), check. Hard cider bar, check. Sixteen varieties of apples. Fall favorites, you name it, Wallingford’s got it. Located on Perkins Ridge Road in Auburn, Wallingford’s is a delightful local staple for all your autumn needs.

Don’t miss the parade of jack o’lanterns every October. Boo! FMI: wallingfordsorchard.com.

to enjoy Lost Valley. Many stop in for food, drinks, live music, and various events. Go to lostvalleyski.com for more info and a list of happenings.

THE ANDROSCOGGIN BANK COLISEE: The Colisee in Lewiston is well-known for hosting various events from concerts to hockey, from MMA fights to the circus. But not everyone is aware of their skating program. They offer public skating during their ice season. And according to their website, “The Androscoggin Bank Colisee employs the area’s best trainers and staff members. With a developmental skating program that teaches proper skating technique and fundamentals for hockey players, figure skaters, or recreational skaters, we have your needs covered.”

Take a look at the website at: thecolisee.com.

NORWAY SAVINGS BANK ARENA: Another option for public skating, or if you want to catch a hockey game, is the newly built Norway Savings Bank Arena in Auburn. They are Maine’s only dual surface ice arena. While there, be sure to check out the Top Shelf Cafe or The Penalty Box Tavern. FMI and schedules go to: norwaysavingsbankarena.com.

Wallingford’s is another must in the fall

Public skating at Norway Savings Bank Arena

WINTER

LOST VALLEY: Right here in our backyard is Auburn’s Lost Valley, the premiere spot to ski and ride. Snow Sports offers lessons and packages.

Check out their new snow tube park, a big hit with the youngsters, featuring bonfires and hot chocolate. You don’t have to be a snow bunny

These are just a few examples of how the greater Lewiston Auburn area is truly a four-season destination. We have so much to offer to people of all ages, incomes, and interests. While in LA be sure to stay and play!

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Southern Maine’s Casino A Playland for LA Metro

By Dan Marois

T

he Oxford Casino is only a half hour ride from the LA Metro area, a very short distance to travel for the fun, entertainment, food, and excitement that a gaming place can offer.

Since it opened its doors in June, 2012, the Oxford Casino has been a major player in economic development in the western and central Maine area.

“A total of 1.2 million visitors come through our doors,” said Jack Sours, Vice-President and General Manager for the casino located in a secluded spot on Route 26. “And at any given time, we have about 400 employees and we are always hiring.”

With the most table games in Maine and an around-the-clock operation, it brought in just over $80 million in 2016. The State of Maine received $32 million of these revenues which were used to help fund state education and local municipal services among other state needs.

Since its opening, the casino has gone through a 12,000-square foot expansion that incorporated 350 additional slot machines and 14 additional table games. In June of 2013, Churchill Downs, of Kentucky Derby fame, became owners of the Oxford Casino after purchasing it from local developers, Black Bear Realty.

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“Operationally, things are pretty standard in the casino business. New ownership hasn’t brought many changes. Day to day operations are pretty much handled locally,” said Sours, though he does admit that the investment potential available from Churchill Downs is great for the area.

“A total of 1.2 million visitors come through our doors,” said Jack Sours, Vice-President and General Manager for the casino on Route 26. “And at any given time, we have about 400 employees and we are always hiring.”

Hotel expansion

In May of 2016, Oxford Casino revealed plans to build a $25 million hotel on the property that could be completed by the summer or early fall of 2017.

The capital project includes expansion of the existing facility and will feature over 100 new guest rooms including standard rooms and suites, additional dining options, an expansion of the gaming floor and new flexible meeting and banquet space.

In a May, 2016 press release, Bill Mudd, President and Chief Operating Office of Churchill Downs said, “We are thrilled to expand our presence in Maine. The new hotel will be a great addition to the Oxford Casino property and is a sign of our commitment to provide a first-class facility in southern Maine.”

By Dan Marois | Oxford Casino It is estimated that the latest expansion of the property will create 60 new full time positions as well as an estimated 1,000 temporary construction jobs.

“We were thrilled to receive this recognition,” said Sours. “Our mission is to be a strong community partner, and this prestigious award is validation of our efforts toward success in achieving that goal.”

As one of only two casinos in Maine (the other being Hollywood Slots in Bangor), Sours is optimistic about the future direction for the enterprise.

Jack Sours, Vice President & GM

“We will continue to look at expansion opportunities and will make strategic capital investments as the market demand dictates. We believe this region of the state offers unique economic opportunities and we are happy to be contributing to a strong future of economic growth,” said the casino executive.

High profile in LA

Keeping touch with the LA area is more of a mission than just a job for Sours.

“We’ve been a LA Metro Chamber member since we opened and I’ve served on the Board of Directors since 2016 as well as on the Chamber Tourism Committee,” said Sours.

“The LA Metro Chamber is a great community asset and our organizational goals are very much aligned. My role with the LA Metro Chamber is to work with fellow community partners to find new ways to enrich the business opportunities in our region of the state.”

Sours is known to keep a high profile for the casino in the LA Metro area.

The Oxford Casino shows strong support for area veteran groups having raised more than $20,000 for these causes. “We’ve worked closely with Veterans Inc. of Lewiston, and in partnership with Townsquare Media and WBLM, we conduct regular fundraisers for them and for other veteran causes in Maine,” notes Sours. “We’re also proud to have had the Franco-American War Veterans Color Guard of Post 31 at our hotel ground breaking.”

“We are fortunate to experience strong community support in the Lewiston Auburn Metro area.

Many of our team members live and shop in the area,” said Sours.

Honored for leadership

In 2016, the Oxford Casino received the LA Metro Chamber’s Business Leadership Award for its commitment to the area.

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Upstairs, Downstairs at the Franco Center The Dolard and Priscilla Gendron Franco Center celebrates and preserves Franco-American heritage while welcoming the cultures of our neighbors.

By Peggy DeBlois

Prom,” and the Super Bowl party. The Franco Center also hosts the Maine’s Got Talent benefit and comedy shows including Mainely Improv.

One of the most popular annual events, the Medieval Feast, is a fully catered dinner theatre show. “We’re changing that feast up a bit this year,” reveals Thomas. “It’s being retooled with a pirates theme.’” Watch for details on this fall event to be announced in the coming months.

L

Franco Center, Lewiston

ooking for something interesting to do in Lewiston Auburn on any given weekend?

Check out the Franco Center. “We host about a 100 events a year,” estimates Mitch Thomas, Executive Director of the Franco. “Every time I see this place fill up, I wonder what this community did before we opened our doors.”

Performing arts center

The Franco Center produces shows on its own, as well as serving as host or host/co-producer with a variety of other community arts organizations. Franco-produced shows include the Gala and Benefit Concert, an annual event to thank the Center’s supporters, which features a dozen local restaurants and Maine performers presenting popular Broadway and movie music. Nel Meservier’s group, Just Us Entertainers, performs two sell-out benefits for the Franco Center each year. Mitch Thomas produces his own sell-out benefit production at Christmas time, highlighting twenty local performers. To round out the local events, there’s the Connie Francis Show, New Year’s Eve celebration, Mardi Gras, “Adult 42

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Performing Chicago’s All That Jazz

Other highlights of the Franco Center’s season include the Emerge Film Festival, and monthly Thread Theater. The film festival happens in late April, while Thread Theater is an original script improvisational theater event, held on the third Wednesday of the month. In mid-April, the center hosted University of Southern Maine’s premiere of “Molded by the Flow”, a multi-media event including music, art, and dance.

The Center has also become the home to the Mid-Coast Symphony Orchestra. Their relationship led to the donation of the first Steinway

By Peggy DeBlois | Upstairs, Downstairs at the Franco Center

Grand Piano in 2006; now with many appearances with two artists at a time (including in the Center’s own annual six-concert Piano Series), a second Steinway has been donated, making the Franco the only two-Steinway performance space of its size in the area. In addition to MidCoast performances, visitors to the Franco can also enjoy eight performances annually of the Maine Music Society.

Music lives at the Franco Center, thanks to its superior acoustics in both halls, and the willingness of the non-profit to welcome local performers as well. Neither of the local public high schools have adequate performance spaces, notes Thomas, so the Franco Center opens its doors to them for both chorus and other musical events throughout the school year. In addition, both hospitals take advantage of the space for program graduations and other events.

Thomas notes that the Franco Center relies on the income it generates from the full-service function hall. The hall is booked nearly all year for business and private functions, from corporate meetings to weddings. While many of these

events take place in the upstairs performance level, just as much is happening downstairs.

Wedding reception, Heritage Hall

French cultural and language center

The center is particularly reliant on the function business to support its mission as a French cultural and language center, and prides itself as the keeper of our community’s rich Franco history.

Perhaps the best-known program is the monthly La Rencontre (The Gathering). According to the Franco Center events’ page, La Recontre “is in no way restricted to French-speakers or even those of Franco descent. All are welcome to

Performance Hall, view from stage

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By Peggy DuBois | Upstairs, Downstairs at the Franco Center

attend this fun monthly meal and event, as long as spots remain open.”

“These African immigrants feel the same desire to continue speaking their language as some of the older French-Canadians, so unlikely a match as it may seem, they have found each other here.”

The Franco Center offers programs free to local schools and will be premiering two French-language films from Quebec this season. Thomas is open to any new possibility to enrich the French culture in our community; his most recent effort welcomed a youth symphony from France.

Thomas helped the group to find host families and volunteers, allowing the group to perform a free show at the Franco on earlier this month.

Unexpected partnerships

The French cultural and language piece of the Franco Center has led to a truly remarkable development for the community: the Franco Center has become a haven for local immigrants from French-speaking African nations, including Rwanda, Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Chad, Ivory Coast, Djibouti, and Angola.

“These African immigrants feel the same desire to continue speaking their language as some of the older French-Canadians, so unlikely a match as it may seem, they have found each other here,” explains Thomas.

There are regularly scheduled French language clubs that have members varied in age, background, and ethnicity, all sharing a love for their native French. “It’s been very rewarding to see some of the long-time patrons, older Franco-Americans, get to know these new immigrants,” adds Thomas. “Some of the older crowd take special pride in helping the immigrants with their English skills, which is really beautiful to see.”

For this new group of French-speaking immigrants, the Franco has established itself as much 44

LA METRO MAGAZINE | APRIL 2017

more than a language center. “People may not understand that when these immigrants arrive in our community, they have to earn the right to apply for a job permit by volunteering their time for six months,” says Thomas. “Many of them come here, and they are my best volunteers – the commitment is serious to them, as there is a lot at stake for them. It takes a large part-time staff to manage the function hall, and it’s not easy as a business to find reliable part-time help. So, it’s really a win-win for both of us.” Thomas says a majority of his part-time staff is now made up of this new immigrant group, including many who have moved from volunteer to paid positions.

The Franco Center banquet manager is originally from South Africa, where she held a similar job.

Thomas tells the story of one man, Falon Tshilumba, from Democratic Republic of Congo who began coming to the Franco because he heard that French-speaking people congregate there.

He soon became a volunteer, working in the kitchen as a dishwasher for six months before earning his work permit. During his volunteer time, he learned how to shovel and operate a snow-blower to keep the facility accessible, even though he had never seen snow before in his life. “He is a fantastic worker, always looking for ways to help, and a pleasure to have on staff – everyone loves him.” With a recommendation from the Franco Center, he has since been hired full-time by a local company.

Fulfilling its mission

The gothic-style building that houses the Franco Center was originally completed as a Roman Catholic Church in 1927, the heart of the local French-Canadian immigrant community who resided in the neighborhood then known as “Little Canada.” Like most Roman-Catholic churches, the upstairs space was used to celebrate Mass, weddings, funerals; the downstairs space was used for community gatherings. Newcomers to Lewiston-Auburn sought refuge at the original church, acclimating themselves to their new community. If the Franco’s mission is to preserve our community’s rich history, it seems it is truly bringing it to life right before our eyes.

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MAINE COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAME & MUSEUM Home of the Music Legends

By Toby Haber-Giasson | Photography by Lauryn Hottinger

C

ome take a custom tour of the Maine Country Music Hall of Fame (MCMHOF) with the legendary Slim Andrews. Slim has known every one of the 123 award winners in the Hall of Fame personally, and has a story about every single piece of memorabilia on display.

But you’re thinking, “Is Slim Andrews his real name?”

“I got into country in 1952, when I come home from the service,” Slim says. “Leonard Huntington was not a good name for country music, so I made one up.” He flashes a smile, “Conway Twitty did it-- so why not me?”

Now you’re thinking, “What was Twitty’s real name?”

Andrews, Chairman of the Award Induction Committee, used to be the Chairman of the Board

but he gave it up. “I’m getting old- I’m 85.”

The new chair is Ken Brooks, who gigs with his wife Jane, and also with the Katahdin Valley Boys Bluegrass Band. It seems like almost everyone involved in the Hall Of Fame is a performer himself.

Nominations can be brought by any member of the five Maine country and bluegrass associations: • Maine Country Music Association •P ine Tree Country Music Association, which sponsors the Maine Old Opry in the southwest corner of the state •D owneast Country Music Association, dedicated to country, gospel, folk and bluegrass • Bluegrass Music Association of Maine •M aine Academy of Country Music, which bestows the posthumous Hillbilly Heaven awards.

Cracks Slim, “I’m in no hurry to win that one.”

Slim Andrews at the MCMHOF 46

LA METRO MAGAZINE | APRIL 2017

By Toby Haber-Giasson | Photography by Lauryn Hottinger | Maine Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum

On display

The Hall of Fame is housed in a section of The Silver Spur, a honky tonk dance club on Route 11 in Mechanic Falls. The Hall itself features 123 awards, with letters and photos featuring each inductee. Since its inception in 1978, the MCMHOF honors two or three artists each year.

The exception was 2009, when so many aging pioneers needed to be recognized, they did 28 inductions at once.

• a righteous banjo built by Bob French named “Monstertone”

• one of Betty Cody’s beautiful handmade costumes

• artifacts from Hal “Lone Pine’ Breau, and sons Denny Breau and Lenny Breau

Multimedia “Every one of these people had a tremendous following,” Slim recalls. After many awardees pass on, their family members donate special mementos to the Hall of Fame Museum.

Explore these precious souvenirs of Maine’s country heyday:

• a life-size cardboard cutout of Dick Curless, one of the first inductees

• the original 45rpm recording of “A Tombstone Every Mile,” plus Dick’s size 13 patent leather boots

• Georgia Mae’s Vega guitar, with her name inlaid in mother-of-pearl

• the only existing 78rpm copy of “Mountain Rangers”

by Mellie Dunham and his Orchestra, from Norway, Maine • costumes from Bluegrass artists the Frenches of Rainbow Valley Folk

Visiting the Listening Room, with LP/CD/DVD/ video capability, is a great way to explore Maine country, on purpose or by accident.

“Every one of these people had a tremendous following.”

For instance, maybe you already know about Rusty Rogers, one of the fastest yodelers in the business. Or maybe you get curious about Rusty when Slim mentions that he was also a wrestler in the 1950s.

Don’t you want to hear him yodel?

“If people want to hear Rusty Rogers yodel, we can play it for them.” Slim points to a shelf covered with 45 episodes of Rusty’s Bravo Channel series, “A Tribute to the American Cowboy.”

Watch any episode of the local “Spotlights” TV series, shot in Farmington, hosted by Clarendon “Bing” Crosby.

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By Toby Haber-Giasson | Photography by Lauryn Hottinger | Maine Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum

Listen to CDs made from 45s and 78s, featuring mainstays of country Fred Pike, boss of Kennebec Valley Boys, and Tim Farrell, fabled fiddler.

You can also hear a copy of Mellie Dunham’s original record, recorded before it cracked. The Hall of Fame also owns many of Dick Curless’ albums on LP, and both box sets, ”Hard Traveling Man” and “A Tombstone Every Mile.”

Country Culture

Of course, the Hall of Fame collection reflects an entire culture thriving around country music radio stations, clubs, dances, and TV shows.

“Maine is a great contributor to the culture of American country music,” boasts Andrews. “The first coast-to-coast country music radio show originated on WABI in Bangor, and reached from Maine to California.” That was the old Lone Pine Mountaineer show, hosted by Hal Lone Pine, which started in late 1930s.

Lone Pine rode a craze begun in the 1930s with a National Barn Dance radio show broadcast from WLS in Chicago. In the1940s, the Wheeling Jamboree, broadcast on Saturdays, went to a 24-hour country music broadcast, all before the Grand Old Opry began. Locally, there was a Monday night talent show on WCOU Lewiston, broadcasting from New Auburn. Ken McKenzie ran a show on WGAN from Portland for decades.

to the Eastland Hotel in Portland. The success of this event led to the Maine Country Music Awards.

Real Country

“There’s nothing wrong with modern country, but don’t call it country,” Slim asks.

“Country is the original soul music brought here by British, Irish, and Scotch people from the British Isles.

Those tunes go back hundreds of years.”

“Real country music better tell a story,” Slim admonishes, “and it may bring tears to your eyes.”

Indeed, there’s a lot of hard times in a country song. “That’s why ‘D-I-V-O-R-C-E’ became a big hit,” citing Tammy Wynette’s 1968 song.

After all, the great songwriter Harlan Howard once quipped, “All you need to write a country song is three chords and the truth.”

Bluegrass too

Are “newgrass” groups getting it right? “Yes,” Slim affirms, “but they’re much more sophisticated. In the old days, big bluegrass bands played 3-chord songs on a 5-string banjo, mandolin, stand-up bass or guitar. But many never progressed beyond a few chords.”

Slim recalls, “Bottle clubs playing country music became popular in the 1960s and 70s. The golden years were the 70s-80s, with the Nashville sound and amplification.” In 1976, Slim and Barry Deane produced the State of Maine country Music Awards, which attracted 800+ people 48

LA METRO MAGAZINE | APRIL 2017

Slim recognizes today’s bluegrass revival, featuring the likes of Mumford and Sons, the Avett Brothers or Old Crow Medicine Show, have greatly evolved since then. “These new ones are accomplished musicians,” he marvels.

By the way, Conway Twitty was born Harold Jenkins. You’d change it, too!

CHECK THIS OUT: Maine Public “Out and About” 10-minute video http://video.mainepublic.org/ video/2365606693/

Want a Tour?

To set up a tour, call Slim Andrews 207-795-1119 Located in the Silver Spur 272 Lewiston Road Mechanic Falls, ME 04256

Don’t Miss this:

2017 Maine Country Music Hall of Fame Award Show

Sunday, June 11, at the Silver Spur Noon- Luncheon & show ~ $25 (reservation required) 1pm – Award show only ~ $10

For advance tickets or FMI call Nancy 207-645-2472 or crosby9577@roadrunner.com LA METRO MAGAZINE digital edition @ LAMetroMagazine.com

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Mac’s Grill

“Where the locals eat!”

1052 Minot Avenue, Auburn 207-783-6885

www.MacsGrill.com

MAINE’S #1 STEAKHOUSE

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LEWISTON AUBURN PUB CRAWL with L/A Meet up

By Toby Haber-Giasson | Photography by Lauryn Hottinger

W

e want to take you on a Saturday night tour of some of LA’s best nightspots. Who better to lead it than L/A Meet up?

L/A Meet up was started three years ago by members of Uplift (formerly YPLAA), an initiative by the LA Metro Chamber of Commerce to engage young professionals. Now their Facebook page is the hottest ticket in town for under-40s.

L/A Meet up does social networking like it’s their job!

PEDRO O’Hara’s, Lewiston- 6pm

L/A Meet up told Pedro’s that LA Metro Magazine was coming, so their favorite waitress saves us a good table. She has bags of swag (t-shirts, hats, Mardi Gras beads) and good deals on the beer.

Why do you like Pedro’s?

Jennifer: Every time we go out, we start here.

Lauren: The waitresses know us by name, what we drink, our food orders. There’s a consistent staff, so you make relationships.

Jen: The food isn’t pub food, but it’s not highend stuff you’re not sure about. Just real food, and regular beer. They even sell Baxter now.

Who comes here?

Lauren: Everyone- older people, families, us regulars.

Jen: When I see Bill (Welch, the owner), it’s hugs and good times. Bill had his grandchildren here, so there’s a family feel. Lots of lawyers come for happy hour.

Lauren: I come here with my parents because I know it’s gonna be reliable.

L to R: Jason, Adam, Jennifer, Lauren & Sabrina

(Lauren made puppets for people who aren’t here tonight!)

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By Toby Haber-Giasson | Photography by Lauryn Hottinger | LA Pub Crawl

Jason and Paula arrive after a private dinner together at Fish Bones.

Jason: We like weekday happy hour- $1 beer.

Is it really about saving money, or just the fun of it?

Paula: Both. We all have good jobs, you know.

Special programming appeals to them.

Lauren: They have an unlimited taco bar on Tuesdays.

Adam: Pedro’s has pull tabs for beer discounts.

Jen: L/A Meet up comes here for Trivia Night on Tuesdays.

Lauren: We’ve won five or six times. We went to the championship against the Brunswick Pedro’s.

Twice, we went in as the wildcard team, since the owner loves us. This past year, we won second place!

BAXTER BREWING, Bates Mill, Lewiston- 6:55pm

We walk up the steps to this bustling beer cafeteria- at night, an oasis in the no-man’s land of the Bates Mill complex. We meet other L/A Meet up friends here, in touch via text, who already snagged the best table for us.

We order pints in the taproom.

Lauren: Window Seat and Stowaway are usually our go-to’s. Window Seat is a seasonal brew, so you can only get that in the winter.

Why they meet-up in LA

Most of the members are single, but they’re using Meet up for fun, not to meet a mate.

Are there any couples who have met through Meet up?

Kelly McCosh & Sean Smith did. Kelly, who started the group meetup, originally, got a group of ladies together to attend a bachelor auction (for Amy Brooks who has CF). Kelly bought a date with Sean at the auction. That was three years ago, and they have been dating ever since.

The menu at Baxter

Through the glass windows, you can see the brewery.

Jennifer: Baxter gives tours. You can see the machinery, sample some beer. They have six other huge tanks out back. And you can learn about Luke, the owner.

Paula: Luke’s a local guy. I think he went to Clark.

Is supporting local business appealing to you?

All: Yeah.

Jason- I like knowing Baxter’s a local brewery.

Paula-They were real trendsetters in terms of putting beer in cans. They also make small batch beers that employees make just once, with things in them no one ever made before, or again. Like Cherry Birthday Cake.

Does it really taste like that?

Paula: Cherry- yes, but I don’t know about the birthday cake!

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There are games out here in the open space, intimate space in the tap room. Games include a bean bag game called corn hole, cribbage, and cards.

Adam: I’m here for air hockey.

Meet up chillin’ at Bear Bones L to R: Adam, Jason, Paula, Lauren & Jennifer

A toast of Baxter brews

These young people are drawn by Baxter’s events.

Jennifer: They do a Brewfest- we go every year.

They get over 40 different breweries to come from all over the state. We’ve also built terrariums here!

Jen; They also do Bend and Brew here.

Isn’t that a little corny?

Sabrina: Not at all! You pay $30 and get 5 beers and 5-course meal after an hour of yoga with Chill Yoga, a studio down the street. The food is from Marche, because Baxter doesn’t have its own kitchen.

Bear Bones Beer, Lewiston- 7:57 pm

Like Baxter, Bear Bones is strictly a tasting room with eclectic seating available.

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Taps at Bear Bones

Behind a counter is a wall with whimsical tap handles sticking out. Above is their menu.

The Meet up group probes the essence of Bear Bones.

Paula- He’s not looking for the same scale as Baxter.

Jason- He’s open to letting his brewers try something different.

Paula: Yes. He plays around with using CO2 or Nitrogen. That makes it taste different.

Jason: He made a beer with beets.

And you’re willing to try it?

Paula: Yes! I love the color.

Sabrina: I really like the one with the Smoky the Bear logo. It has a nice smoky aftertaste.

How does Bear Bones compare with Baxter?

Paula: Baxter is into commercial production for

By Toby Haber-Giasson | Photography by Lauryn Hottinger | LA Pub Crawl

the region, Bear Bones is more intimate.

Meghan: I’m glad we have both of them. Portland has a wide range. I’m glad LA has two that are both wonderful, and different.

Jen: And in walking distance of each other!

Paula: Baxter does small batches of weird stuff, but here at Bear Bones, it’s all that.

There’s a performer playing the blues on a cigar box guitar. How important is the musical entertainment?

Lauren: It’s hit or miss. We like the games.

Jennifer: Good breakfast. We came here after the Bridge Run. They were open and we had Bloody Marys at 10:30 on a Sunday morning!

Fire House has music. Tonight it’s Andrew Bailie laying down a groovy cover of “Billie Jean” that’s making it hard to just sit still. And L/A Meet up? They like the beer.

Indeed, Bear Bones has backgammon tables, and a wooden Old Century baseball game. Our photographer, Lauryn Hottinger, just smacked a home run!

Fire House Grille, Auburn- 8:45 pm

We swing over to Auburn’s Fire House Grille when this writer gets hungry. The bar’s original owner, a retired fireman, filled it with old helmets, hoses and whimsical memorabilia.

But it’s all about the beer.

What’s good here?

Lauren: Good wings, with lot of different sauces: Gen Tso, Sweet Chili, Buffalo- I don’t even have to look at the menu…On Wednesday and Sunday, they’re 75 cents.

Networking, anyone?

Do you use Uplift for professional networking?

Megan: I like Uplift for the social contacts.

They’re building a community to keep people in their 20s and 30s in the area, and that’s just as important as networking. Even though I’m from Windham, I come to LA instead of Portland.

Adam: I grew up in Greene, so LA is my city. I got into Meet up when Melissa Simones invited me to trivia. Since I started hanging out with this group, I’ve noticed what’s so cool about Lewiston; there’s so much culture here!

Music at Fire House Grille

Do you follow any bands?

Lauren: When Chad Porter plays here, and A Mighty Lion.

American Legion Hall, Post 153 Auburn- 9:30 pm

This stop is a palate cleanser. The average patron’s age here is much higher than…well, anywhere else. Jean Louie hosts Karaoke Night and we watch these older couples get up and dance.

Why do we like it here?

Lauren: It feels like I’m hanging out in my grandfather’s basement, only with a karaoke machine.

Jen: It’s karaoke with no judgment. Because of the age gap, they support you. Of course, you do have to sing old songs they like. The newer songs have too much sexuality.

Does the older crowd here set some relationship goals for you?

Lauren: When I see that older couple share their LA METRO MAGAZINE digital edition @ LAMetroMagazine.com

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beer and then get up and slow dance to a song, hold each other- that’s what we want.

Jen: When I’m 80, I hope I can go out on a Saturday night and slow dance with my honey.

Do you see yourself here in 30, 40 years?

Jason: My family is just okay sitting home in front of the TV, but these people come here. We totally appreciate what they have.

Meghan: We revel in it. We hug them, to honor that dedication to each other.

Sabrina: After the ho hum of the week, Saturday is their night. If that’s all they have to look forward to; that’s epic.

Jen: And when they bring crockpots of food- we hit that night once a month!

This place is like a home away from home- with cheap beer.

Lauren: We never pay over $3 for Sam’s or PBR. The pitchers at the legion are $10. If you’re a member, you pay half of that.

Jen: Everyone comes here. It’s been around forever, Batesies come here during the school year; in the summer, it’s kind of dead.

Lauren: I see a former patient over there, my car mechanic right there, and 20 of my best friends right here. What could be better?

Lauren & Sabrina toast to a great night out

Our bar crawl ends at 10:59pm, when we all get back in the van.

Thank you to our hosts for the night: Jennifer Cooper Paula Drouin Adam Fortin Meghan Hunt Lauren Parkinson Jason Raper

Sabrina Toye Thanks to Jim Marston, our designated driver of the big, sexy 15 passenger van! Special thanks to Jason Hall who came up with this idea in the first place. Not to mention adding some comic relief for Lauryn, our photographer.

Want to be part of L/A Meet up?

Longtime Legion bartender, Dyen Brooks

The Blue Goose, Lewiston- 10:25pm

This place is brimming with patrons of all ages, some dancing, all drinking inexpensive beer.

Why do you like the Goose?

Jason: It’s loud, its crazy, and it’s a place where you can end the evening on a high note.

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Do you love to travel, and get out?

To join, request to join L/A Meet up on Facebook.

Past L/A Meet up trips have included:

• New Orleans as a group

• Cruise to Cozumel & Grand Cayman

• Going to Switzerland and France this year

• Timeshare in Massachusetts and Six Flags

• Vermont for skiing & a lot more!

• Boston to see Bruins game

©DanMarquisPhotography.com LA METRO MAGAZINE digital edition @ LAMetroMagazine.com

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Craft Beer

One of the top questions asked by tourists coming to the area: Where are your craft breweries?

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BREWISTON, MAINE LA is home to some great original craft brews

By Michael Krapovicky

C

raft brews in a can. An ale named for Patrick Dempsey, the actor/philanthropist from Lewiston. A pilsner imbued with beets. These are but a few of the offerings one can experience in the breweries of Lewiston Auburn. More and more, the path of the aesthete is leading to the LA area, as its reputation for innovative and well-crafted beverages grows. The accolades accumulated by the breweries in LA rival Portland’s well-lauded brew-houses. The expertise, professionalism, and ambition of the brewers in LA is a clear sign of a cultural upswing in the area.

Baxter Brewing, 130 Mill Street, Lewiston Baxter Brewing was founded by Auburn native Luke Livingston in 2010. After studying outof-state, Livingston returned home to care for his mother, suffering from breast cancer. After she passed, Livingston remained in Maine and sought to pursue business avenues surrounding his passion for craft beer. “My parents took me on a tour of the Sam Adams brewery in Boston for my 21st birthday,” Livingston recalls. “Chocolate Bock, brewed with real Ghirardelli chocolatethat was the first time I thought, ‘beer can be this?’ Such an eye-opening experience.”

The benefits of starting a brewery in Lewiston’s newly renovated Bates Mill were myriad. “My roots, my business connections were here,” Livingston said. “The amount of earned media for us- rehabbing old buildings, me returning home to start the business outside of Portland-- was phenomenal.”

Environmental factors here in Maine were also a huge factor in Livingston choosing to base operations in Lewiston. “We are the largest brewery in Maine to use Maine-grown malted barley

in every one of our beers. 30% of the grain is grown in Aroostook County.” Good water, good soil, good atmosphere, our growers and brewers’ attention to detail... it’s the reason Maine beer has such high quality.”

“In 2017, we expanded what used to be our seasonal program. We call it our ‘revolvers’ or ‘revolving’ release schedule, new beer every two months. Stowaway IPA is 55% of our total production; it’s the best selling Maine-made IPA. Tarnation Maine Lager is growing in popularity.

Our wholesale sales reps are going into accounts that already have 5 IPA draft lines and saying ‘here’s something different, but it still has some character, some flavor.’”

The entire Baxter team is involved in beer creation. Livingston said, “Every employee, regardless of what they do, helps develop a recipe, and actually brews it, in our ten gallon “pilot” system.

In Baxter’s taproom, there are beers from the pilot program unavailable anywhere else. It gives us the opportunity to get direct and immediate feedback from our customers. Window Seat, our coconut almond porter, was bourne out of an employee recipe... it won a silver medal at the Great American Beer Festival in 2015, the largest competition in the country.”

Livingston is grateful to LA for Baxter’s recognition throughout the craft beer industry. “We LA METRO MAGAZINE digital edition @ LAMetroMagazine.com

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do get such tremendous respect and support throughout the community as “the hometown beer” and the original cans in the market. Whenever a new brewery starts releasing cans, the first thing we hear from retailers and consumers is, ‘oh, like Baxter,’ which is flattering. Many local establishments keep a dedicated Baxter line, changing up what’s on it: a cool way to offer customers something new but still stay loyal to a brand.”

Lauryn Hottinger photo

Gritty’s 68 Main Street, Auburn “In 2005 Gritty’s newest location opened on the banks of the Androscoggin River in Lewiston/Auburn,” recalls Gritty McDuff Marketing Director Thomas Wilson. “Our glass-enclosed, storefront brewery brings the working of a true pub brewery right to Main Street.” Gritty’s LA has a 7 barrel system, brewing 200-205 gallons per week, all of which is sold in-house. They also have a full kitchen serving pub style food; with their menu offering pairing suggestions with their varietals.

Jason VanHerzeele has been the brewmaster at Gritty’s LA since its inception. He credits that to “being at the right place at the right time. I always home-brewed with my father. When lived in Freeport, the Gritty’s there needed a keg washer/brewery assistant. I worked in Freeport for 4 or 5 years, then this position opened.”

Gritty’s Pub Style is their best seller; IPA and seasonal offerings are a close second. But as brewmaster, VanHerzeele has the freedom to create 60

LA METRO MAGAZINE | APRIL 2017

limited edition brews of his own design. He relies on the feedback of Gritty’s mug club members, his assistant Nate Chisholm, and personal taste, when choosing new flavors. “My favorite part is coming out, watching someone drink a beer and say, ‘Oh, that’s really good.’ Just like someone who makes food gets a big kick out of it when someone really enjoys it.

Gritty’s also offers Dempsey Courage Ale (named for Patrick Dempsey) on a seasonal basis, and donates $1 per pint to the Dempsey Center, which provides assistance to cancer patients and families.

Bear Bones Brewery, 43 Lisbon St., Lewiston #Brewiston Owned and operated by longtime friends Eben Dingman and Adam Tuuri, Bear Bones Brewery and taproom is one of the hubs of Lewiston’s revitalization movement. “When looking at demographics, LA was very underserved by microbreweries,” said Dingman.

“There was room for us here; there was lots more competition in Portland.”

Tuuri adds, “We grew up here.

Our patrons are Lewiston Auburn. We’ve been working on our beers to be accessible to Lauryn Hottinger photo

By Michael Krapovicky | Brewiston, Maine

the people in this area. Our Double C.R.E.A.M. is our current bestseller. It’s subtle and light enough in color, body and flavor that you can just enjoy it as an easy drinking beer; but the complexity is there if you want to read into it.”

Bear Bones uses a two-barrel system that yields about 62 gallons 2-3 times a week. In addition to the draft lines in-house, Bear Bones also ships beer to clients from Kittery to Bangor, and neighboring businesses like Fuel Restaurant and Orchid.

However, Tuuri states, “Our tasting room is our bread-and-butter. A lot of breweries have an industrial feel, and we purposefully avoided that atmosphere. We encourage people to bring games or food, and treat Bear Bones as an extension of your house. We give our customers the lowdown on what’s good in Lewiston, what we’re excited about. It makes people enjoy their experience here all the more.”

When asked about other sources from which they derive inspiration, Tuuri replies, “We do look at what the industry is doing and then ask ourselves what we aspire to be; what else can we do? We go over to The Vault (at 84 Lisbon St.) and talk to Keith (Tannenbaum, owner), see what bottles he’s got, buy a few...With the diversity in the beer market, there’s a lot of fragmentation going a lot of different directions. You can be apprised of the trends; and I think that’s valuable even if you don’t want to follow them.”

Dingman and Tuuri are proud to be included in the small group of creative professionals that have chosen LA as their home. “I think a lot of people want to see Lewiston do well and we’re part of that positive growth. That growth needed a few businesses to be anchors, like Fuel and Baxter Brewing, and we’re hoping to be one of them.”

“Anyone can drink beer, but it takes intelligence to enjoy beer.”

– Stephen Beaumont

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Let’s Play!

PERFORMING ARTS AUBURN COMMUNITY CONCERT BAND PO Box 138 Auburn, ME 04212-0138 (207) 782-3917 www.auburncommunityband.com

THE MAINE MUSIC SOCIETY 221 Lisbon St. Lewiston, ME 04240 (207) 782-7228 www.mainemusicsociety.org

FRANTASIA PRODUCTIONS ADVENTURES IN SOUND PO Box 226 Livermore Falls, ME 04254 (207) 897-6158 www.frantasiafestival.com

THE OLIN ARTS CENTER--BATES COLLEGE 75 Russell St. Lewiston, ME 04240 (207) 786-6135 www.bates.edu/music//about/olin-arts-center

GENDRON FRANCO CENTER Corner of Oxford & Cedar St. Lewiston, ME 04240 (207) 783-1585 www.francocenter.org L/A ARTS 221 Lisbon St. Lewiston, ME 04240 (207) 782-7228 www.laarts.org L/A COMMUNITY LITTLE THEATRE 30 Academy St. Auburn, ME 04212-0262 (207) 783-0958 www.laclt.com

THE PUBLIC THEATRE 31 Maple St. Lewiston, ME 04240 (207) 782-3200 www.thepublictheatre.org THEATRE AT BATES 2 Andrews Rd. Lewiston, ME 04240 (207) 786-6187 www.bates.edu/boxoffice THEATER AT MONMOUTH 796 Main St. Monmouth, ME 04259 (207) 933-2952 www.theateratmonmouth.org

MIDCOAST SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Gendron Franco Center Lewiston, ME 04011-0086 (207) 371-2028 www.midcoastsymphony.org MYSTERY FOR HIRE & MAIN STREET ENTERTAINMENT PO Box 254 158 Tiger Hill Rd. Poland Spring, ME 04274 207 998-2472 www.mysteryforhire.com STUDIO 88 MUSIC SCHOOL 88 Lake St. Auburn, ME 04210 (207) 783-0465 ©DanMarquisPhotography.com 62

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FESTIVALS ART WALK LEWISTON/AUBURN May-September (207) 782-7228 www.artwalklewistonauburn.com

BATES COLLEGE MUSEUM OF ART Olin Arts Center 75 Russell St. Lewiston, ME 04240 (207) 786-6158 www.bates.edu/acad/museum

AUBURN WINTER FESTIVAL (207) 333-6600 www.auburnmaine.gov/Pages/Government/ Winter-Festival-

DANIEL BUCK APPRAISALS 501 Lisbon St. Lisbon Falls, ME 04252 (207)407-1444 daniel@danielbuckappraisals.com

EMERGE FILM FESTIVAL Spring www.emergefilmfestival.org/

GENDRON FRANCO CENTER Corner of Oxford & Cedar St. Lewiston, ME 04240 (207) 783-1585 www.francocenter.org

GREAT FALLS BALLOON FESTIVAL August (207) 783-2249 greatfallsballoonfestival.org GREEK FESTIVAL September holytrinity.me.goarch.org/ LIBERTY FESTIVAL 4th of July (207) 783-2249 www.libertyfestival.org/ MOXIE FESTIVAL July (207) 353-3000 moxiefestival.com/ SUMMER BLOCK PARTY for Make-A-Wish Maine August (207) 783-7039 www.LASummerBlockParty.com

ART GALLERIES & MUSEUMS

MAINE ART GLASS STUDIO 51 Main St. Lisbon Falls, ME 04252 (207) 353-6700 www.maineartglass.com MAINE COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAME & MUSEUM 272 Lewiston St. Mechanic Falls, ME 04256 (207) 654-2227 www.facebook.com/MECountryMusicHOF MUSEUM L-A 35 Canal St. Box A7 Lewiston, ME 04240 (207) 333-3881 www.museumla.org POLAND SPRING MUSEUMS 37 Preservation Way Poland, ME 04274 (207) 998-4142 www.polandspringps.org WASHBURN-NORLANDS LIVING HISTORY CENTER 290 Norlands Rd. Livermore, ME 04253 (207) 897-4366 www.norlands.org

ATRIUM ART GALLERY 51 Westminster St. Lewiston, ME 04240 University of Southern Maine (207) 753-6554 www.usm.maine.edu/artiumgallery LA METRO MAGAZINE digital edition @ LAMetroMagazine.com

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RECREATIONAL & ENTERTAINMENT FACILITIES/ACTIVITIES ANDROSCOGGIN BANK COLISEE 190 Birch St. Lewiston, ME 04240 (207) 783-2009 www.thecolisee.com

PETTENGILL PARK/ UNION ST GULLY Auburn, ME 04210 (207) 333-6600 www.auburnmaine.gov

ANDROSCOGGIN LAND TRUST 86 Main St, Suite 201 Auburn, ME 04212-3145 (207) 782-2302 www.androscogginlandtrust.org

POINT SEBAGO 261 Point Sebago Rd. Casco, ME 04015 (800) 655-1232 www.pointsebago.com

ANDROSCOGGIN RIVER PO Box 3145 Auburn, ME 04210 www.androscogginlandtrust.org

RANGE POND STATE PARK Empire Rd. Poland, ME 04105 (207) 998-4104

KIDDOS, LLC 945 Center St. Auburn, ME 04210 (207) 619-0905 www.kiddosmaine.com

SKYDIVE NEW ENGLAND 40 Skydive Ln. Lebanon, ME 04027 (207) 339-1520 www.skydivenewengland.com/

L/A FIGHTING SPIRIT 190 Birch St. Lewiston, ME 04240 (207) 783-2009 www.fightingspirithockey.com

SPARETIME RECREATION 24 Mollison Way Lewiston, ME 04240 (207) 786-2695 www.sparetimerec.com

LEWISTON SKATE PARK Kennedy Park Lewiston, ME 04240 207) 513-3005

STANTON BIRD CLUB corner of Highland Spring Rd. and Montello St. Lewiston, ME 04243-3172 (207) 783-2839 www.stantonbirdclub.org

LOST VALLEY MANAGEMENT 200 Lost Valley Rd. Auburn, ME 04210 (207) 784-1561 www.lostvalleyski.com MT ABRAM SKI AREA 308 Howe Hill Rd. Greenwood, ME 04255 (207) 875-5000 www.mtabram.com MOUNT APATITE PARK Auburn, ME 04210 (207) 333-6600 NORWAY SAVINGS BANK ARENA 985 Turner St. Auburn, ME 04210 (207) 333-6688 www.norwaysavingsbankarena.com 64

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TABERS 473 Lake Shore Dr. Auburn, ME 04210 (207) 784-2521 www.tabersgolf.com TAYLOR POND YACHT CLUB Perkins Ridge Rd. Auburn, ME 04210 (207) 777-3534 www.tpyc.info THE GREAT OUTDOORS RECREATIONAL FUNCTION FACILITY LLC 68 Naiad Lane Turner, ME 04282 (207) 224-7061 www.greatoutdoorsme.com

THORNCRAG NATURE SANCTUARY corner Highland Spring Rd. and Montello St. Lewiston, ME 04240 (207) 753-2839 www.stantonbirdclub.com THREE RIVERS WHITEWATER 2265 US Route 201 The Forks, ME 04985 (207) 663-2104 www.threeriversfun.com WINNER’S CIRCLE OTB 4 Mollison Way Lewiston, ME 04240 (207) 784-6457 www.lri-inc.com YMCA AUBURN LEWISTON 62 Turner St. Auburn, ME 04210 (207) 795-4095 www.alymca.org YWCA 130 East Ave. Lewiston, ME 04240 (207) 795-4050 www.ywcamaine.org

POLAND SPRING RESORT 640 Maine St. Poland Spring, ME 04274-6117 (207) 998-4351 www.polandspringresort.com SPRING MEADOWS GOLF CLUB 59 Lewiston Rd. Gray, ME 04039 (207) 657-2586 www.springmeadowsgolf.com SPRINGBROOK GOLF COURSE 141 US Hwy 202 Leeds, ME 04263 (207) 946-5900 www.springbrookgolfclub.com TABERS 473 Lake Shore Dr. Auburn, ME 04210 (207) 784-2521 www.tabersgolf.com TURNER HIGHLANDS COUNTRY CLUB 10 B Highland Ave. Turner, ME 04282 (207) 224-7060 www.turnerhighlands.com

GOLF COURSES/DRIVING RANGES APPLE VALLEY GOLF COURSE 316 Pinewoods Rd. Lewiston, ME 04240 (207) 784-9773 www.applevalleyme.com

Heidi Sawyer photo

FOX RIDGE GOLF CLUB 550 Penley Corner Rd. Auburn, ME 04210 (207) 777-4653 www.foxridgegolfclub.com MARTINDALE COUNTRY CLUB 527 Beech Hill Rd. Auburn, ME 04211-1036 (207) 782-1107 www.martindalecc.com POINT SEBAGO RESORT COURSE 261 Point Sebago Rd. Rte 302 Casco, ME 04015 (207) 655-3821 www.pointsebago.com LA METRO MAGAZINE digital edition @ LAMetroMagazine.com

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THAT FEELING OF HOME The State of the Real Estate Market in LA

By Dan Marois

R

eal estate professionals are busy in Androscoggin County as they see the market for housing improving here, and statewide.

“We are starting to see some nice activity,” said Barbara Trafton, a 10-year real estate veteran with the Maine Real Estate Network. “The inventory is less than a year, meaning that it is a seller’s market.”

In a phone interview, Trafton had gathered her facts from the Maine Listings, a depository of real estate information available to REALTORS® with information that can be broken into many categories.

“The listings show information in rolling quarters about housing activity,” said Trafton. “It gives a good indication of the market in an area.”

In the period from November 2015 to January 2016, statewide sales were up 17.45% from

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the previous year with the median sales price at $177,500, up 2.31%. In that same period in Androscoggin County, sales were down 1.04%, but the median price was $130,000 for a 2.4% increase.

There’s a strong appeal for folks considering to move to the LA area. Area real estate professionals see it every day.

For the same period from November 2016 to January 2017, statewide sales saw a 12.61% increase with a median price of $189,000, up 6.48%.

“In Androsoggin County during that period, sales increased 26.7%, almost double the statewide total,” said Trafton. “And the median selling price was $144,000 for a solid 10% increase.”

By Dan Marois | That Feeling of Home

Chad Sylvester, owner of Androvise Realty, poses a different statistic for LA. “With properties, up to $200k in list price, there is a three-month supply which is a strong seller’s market,” said Sylvester. A seller’s market is one that has more buyers than sellers.

“Between $200k-$300k there is a balanced market at approximately

rently 93 active commercial properties available that include buildings for sale or for lease.

“That list covers many different commercial spaces, though the LA area has a big supply of office space,” said Trafton.

There’s a strong appeal for folks considering to move to the LA area. Area real estate professionals see it every day.

“The market is ripe for businesses who want or need to borrow money. Attractive rates exist and consumer and business confidence is strong.”

– Chad Sylvester six months of supply of inventory on the market.” A balanced market is where the number of buyers and sellers is comparable.

And in higher end properties of $300k and above, Sylvester notes a buyer’s market with about an eight-month supply of inventory.

“This means there are more potential buyers in this category than there are sellers on the market,” adds Sylvester.

Commercial space inventory remains strong In the market for commercial space, Sylvester sees good indicators.

“The market is ripe for businesses who want or need to borrow money. Attractive rates exist and consumer and business confidence is strong,” he said, though the labor market is tightening.

Trafton noted that there are cur-

Barbara Trafton

Chad Sylvester

“Home prices are more affordable here in comparison to the Portland market,” explains Trafton. “You can buy a very lovely home in the area and end up with a nicer home for a lower cost.”

“I have seen an increase in buyers who are being priced out of the Portland and Southern Maine markets finding great options here in LA,” said Marnie DuBois, co-owner with husband, Brian, of DuBois Realty Group at Keller Williams Realty in Auburn. “I think we will continue to see that happening which will continue to help our area grow.”

Marnie DuBois

Trafton says that the location in the state speaks for itself.

“There’s tremendous flexibility in getting places with a nice central location. It is easy travel times to the coast and Freeport, Portland LA METRO MAGAZINE digital edition @ LAMetroMagazine.com

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Living in LA – Working in Michigan

Kyle & Kaily McLellan standing in front of their home in LA.

Kyle and Kaily McLellan moved to LA Metro from Detroit, Michigan. Kaily is a physician working at the family medicine residency program at Central Maine Medical Center while Kyle is an electronics engineer who still works for DISHER, an engineering and business consulting firm back in Michigan.

– photo by Lauryn Hottinger

“I help other companies design and develop new consumer products. I’ve worked with entrepreneurs and Fortune 500 companies to design items such as the headlights and taillights of new cars, wireless chargers for cell phones and tablets, and even a gamma ray detection system for nuclear reactors,” said McLellan, originally from Fort Wayne, Indiana.

“Most of my work is done on a computer or in a lab, and nowadays customer and team meetings can be done fairly easily over Skype or some other web-conference system.”

To work adequately from home, McLellan needed a good internet connection and a small home electronics lab. DISHER purchased the necessary lab equipment, and when the couple shopped for homes, they made sure there was space for a home office.

“I would say that remote working is definitely catching on with particular groups; some professions lend itself more easily to remote work than others.

Of those of us lucky enough to be part of the more mobile professions, I believe there is a trend of leaving the traditional workplace and finding a location that really fits with your personality and interests,” McLellan said. “I actually have a friend who worked for several months designing circuit boards from a sailboat in the Atlantic.”

Technology and remote access actually helped the McLellans find their current home. When real estate agent, Barbara Trafton found them a house to consider she gave Kyle a tour via video chat.

“I recorded the walkthrough so that Kaily could watch it that evening,” said McLellan. “Based on that we put in an offer, and flew to Maine for the inspection. When we saw the house in person, it was even better than we were expecting.”

As people moving here with absolutely no connections to the area, McLellan said that having Barbara Trafton on speed dial made all the difference.

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“Not only did she… help us find a home that we love in a great location, but she has a real passion for showing off the local community,” said McLellan. “We’ve turned to her on numerous occasions for recommendations on the best area hiking spots, trustworthy places to have work done on our car, or even a good place for a haircut. She’s more of a friend than a REALTOR® to us.”

LA METRO MAGAZINE | APRIL 2017

By Dan Marois | That Feeling of Home

or to Sugarloaf and Sunday River,” said Trafton.

“And there are so many amenities in terms of theater, arts, colleges, and libraries; the list goes on.”

Sylvester agrees that the outdoor recreational opportunities are a big draw citing accessibility to ocean or skiing. (Remember that LA has its own ski area at Lost Valley.) “The services in this area are cheaper as well in comparison to surrounding areas making that another plus to attract home buyers,” said Sylvester.

“There’s a variety of living styles,” said DuBois.

“We offer rural settings, in-town homes offering walkable neighborhoods with classic and mid-century modern architecture, planned developments offering up-dated styles, and popular neighborhood settings.”

Who is moving here?

“I’m seeing interest in duplexes and three or four multi-units, as well,” said Trafton, noting that people like investment opportunities. “I’m also seeing retirees interested in the area, but there aren’t many properties with first floor master suites that interest them.”

“I’m seeing a mix of professionals, millennials, and people returning to their home area,” said Sylvester, who has a dozen years experience in the industry and opened his own firm in May 2015.

What does 2017 hold in store for the LA Metro housing market?

“While the current market continues to be robust especially for sellers, the inevitability of increased interest rates will slow things down some in the coming months,” said Trafton.

Today, there’s a wide range of buyers considering LA. With interest rates still appealing, first time home buyers are engaged in the market as are people of all ages.

Sylvester believes that more sellers who have been on the fence about listing in the past will list their homes for sale and buyers will jump more quickly due to the market.

“First time home buyers still have great interest rates on their side and which provides increased affordability. They can get more house for their money,” states DuBois. “It is still a great time to buy.”

“It should produce a growth of movement in properties in this area through the year.”

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Live Here!

COMMUNITY PROFILES AUBURN

LEEDS 80 Community Drive, Leeds, ME 04263 • 207 524-5171

www.townofleeds.com Square Miles.................................................... 40.4 Population..................................................... 2,326 Type of Government.............................. Selectmen 2016-2017Tax Rate...................................... $17.05 Utilities................................. Private water & sewer Admin. Assistant................................... Joyce Pratt

LEWISTON 27 Pine St. Lewiston, ME 04240 • 207 513-3000

60 Court St. Auburn, ME 04210 • 207 333-6600 www.auburnmaine.org Square Miles.................................................. 65.74 Population................................................... 23,055 Type of Government................... Council/Manager 2016-2017 Tax Rate..................................... $22.35 Utilities...........................................Private & Public

Populations.................................................. 36,000

City Manager................................... Peter Crichton

Average $ of single family home............. $110,000

www.lewistonmaine.gov Square Miles.................................................... 35.4 Type of Government.............. City Administrator/Mayor-Council 2016-2017 Tax Rate...................$27.54 per $1,000 Utilities.....................................Public Water/Sewer City Administrator .....................Edward A. Barrett

DURHAM 630 Hallowell Rd. Durham, ME 04222 • 207 353-2561

www.durhamme.com Square Miles.................................................... 38.1 Population..................................................... 3,848 Type of Government............ Town Meeting/Select Board 2016-2017 Tax Rate..................................... $18.80 Utilities................................. Private water & sewer Average $ of single family home............. $213,093 Admin. Assistant................................ Ruth Glaeser

GREENE 8 Community Dr. Leeds, ME 04263 • 207 946-5146

www.townofgreene.net Square Miles....................................................... 36 Population..................................................... 4,500 Type of Government..... Town Manager/Selectmen 2016-2017 Tax Rate..................................... $14.26 Utilities................................. Private water & sewer Average $ of single family home............. $125,000 Town Manager.............................. Charles Noonan 72

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LISBON 300 Lisbon St. Lisbon, ME 04250 • 207 353-3000 www.lisbonme.org Square Miles.................................................. 23.82 Population..................................................... 9,009 Type of Government............. Town Council/Town Manager 2016-2017 Tax Rate.................................... .$22.40 Utilities...................................Town Water & Sewer Average $ of single family home ............ $159,000 Town Manager...................................Diane Barnes

LIVERMORE 10 Crash Rd. Livermore, ME 04253 • 207 897-3207

www.livermoremaine.org Square Miles.................................................... 39.4 Population..................................................... 2,095 Type of Government................Board of Select Person/Town Meeting Tax Rate 2016-2017..................................... $16.00 Utilities................................. Private water & sewer Admin. Assistant................................Amy L. Byron

LIVERMORE FALLS

TURNER

2 Main St. Livermore Falls, ME 04254 • 207 897-3321

11 Turner Center Rd, Turner, ME 04282 • 207 225-3414

www.LFME.ORG Square Miles.................................................. 34.59 Population..................................................... 3,187 Type of Government........... Selectboard/Town Manager Tax Rate 2016-2017..................................... $20.90 Utilities............................................ Sewer & Water Average $ of single family home .............. $80,000

www.turnermaine.com Square Miles....................................................... 62 Population..................................................... 5,734 Type of Government..... Town Manager/Selectmen Tax Rate 2016-2017..................................... $15.90 Utilities.......................................PrivateWells/Septic Average $ of single family home .................. $150,000

Town Manager................................Kristal A. Flagg

Town Manager.....................................Kurt Schaub

MECHANIC FALLS

WALES

108 Lewiston St. Mechanic Falls, ME 04256 • 207 345-2871

175 Centre Rd. Wales, ME 04280 • 207 375-8881

www.mechanicfalls.govoffice.com Square Miles....................................................... 11 Population..................................................... 3,100 Type of Government...................................Council Tax Rate 2016-2017..................................... $21.31 Utilities............................................ Private & Public Average $ of single family home .................. $112,500

www.walesmaine.org Square Miles.................................................... 16.3 Population..................................................... 1,616 Type of Government..............Town Meeting/Board of Selectmen Tax Rate 2016-2017..................................... $16.25 Utilities......................................................... private Average $ of single family home.................. $185,910

Town Manager.................................... Koriene Low

MINOT 329 Woodman Hill Rd. Minot, ME 04258 • 207 345-3305

www.minotme.org Square Miles....................................................... 32 Population..................................................... 2,306 Type of Government............... Selectmen w/ Town Administrator Tax Rate 2016-2017..................................... $15.60 Utilities.................................... Private Wells/Septic Average $ of single family home.......... Est. $185,000 Town Administrator........................Arlan Saunders

POLAND 1231 Maine St. Poland, ME 04274 • 207 998-4601

www.polandtownoffice.org Square Miles.................................................. 49.69 Population..................................................... 5,376 Type of Government.............. Town Manager/Board of Selectmen Tax Rate 2017................$14.39/thousand @ 100% Utilities...........................................Private & Public Average $ of single family home............. $187,500

SABATTUS 190 Middle Rd. Sabattus, ME 04280 • 207 375-4331

www.sabattus.org Square Miles....................................................... 25 Population...................................................... 5100 Type of Government..............Town Manager/Selectmen Tax Rate 2017.................................. $18.75@100% Utilities........... Sabattus Sanitary Dist. & Water Div. Town Manager................................. Anthony Ward

TRAVEL DISTANCES

AUGUSTA.................................................. 30 BANGOR................................................. 106 BOSTON................................................. 142 BRUNSWICK............................................. 20 FREEPORT................................................. 25 MONTREAL............................................. 237 NEW YORK CITY.................................... 349 PORTLAND............................................... 34 QUEBEC.................................................. 256

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MILL TOWN RENAISSANCE Looking at LA with a new set of eyes.

By Peggy DeBlois | Photography by Heidi Sawyer

I

n 1972 I was eight years old and found myself lying flat on my back on the gravel of the Holy Cross School yard, my legs tangled in the elastic cord of the Chinese jump-rope.

I opened my eyes and saw students in various states of disarray, nuns running to and fro with their black habits blowing behind them like bird wings. The WS Libbey Blanket Manufacturing Plant had exploded, and I realize now that it quite literally rocked my world.

Making excuses for my hometown It was already accepted that mills were closing, leaving behind a polluted river bisecting Lewiston and Auburn. The mills had been the heart of the city of Lewiston, and we were in congestive heart failure at that point, quietly letting the city die. The blast served to lodge that belief into my head, and it would be 44 years until I saw my city any differently.

It was a slow progression for me to recognize that I live in a wonderful community in the fledgling stage of a true renaissance. When my husband and I lived in Boston, we reveled in the mystique of “being from Maine.” I tried to

explain to people that we were from a mill town, not the lakeside retreat or ocean view resort they knew from their idyllic vacations. I eventually just acquiesced – the map of Maine had great gaps where the mill towns were, Lewiston simply couldn’t co-exist in their minds with Bar Harbor.

I like to think of this period of time as coming from a ghost-town; I almost believed that Lewiston-Auburn didn’t really exist.

Except it did. And it called us home. The plan was to live in Lewiston-Auburn for a few months, until we could find a home to buy in a more acceptable community, like Brunswick or Portland.

That was nearly 30 years ago, because life moves forward and my personality clings to anything solid, like our first home in Auburn.

It was home, but there was still a shroud hanging over it. Yes, we’re from Lewiston – Auburn – I would correct my husband. Then we started visiting colleges for our two daughters, and took a whirlwind tour of the East Coast. We loved to travel, so visiting colleges was a great excuse.

We would spend time exploring the cities, finding interesting little restaurants, walking trails alongside the rivers, stopping in local history museums. We treated each town, from glitzy Miami to bad-rep Pittsburgh, as a mysterious gift to be opened. Several years into this pattern and two matriculations later, we realized we had never even considered treating our own town in a similar fashion. It was time to see our town with different eyes.

Gaining perspective For several years, we drove by this wall along Main Street in Auburn that had always been covered in graffiti, but was now miraculously transformed into an outdoor gallery space. Most LA METRO MAGAZINE digital edition @ LAMetroMagazine.com

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people speculated that it wouldn’t last a month before being destroyed – it has been unscathed for over five years at this point. It houses over a dozen large panels of art, matted and hung on the concrete wall, lit at night, easily within view of anyone driving and even within touch of anyone walking by. I have never seen anything like it in all our travels.

If you continue past the wall and take a right past the gas station and before the newly constructed low income housing, you find yourself in a beautifully maintained park. I expected to see the families with children playing on the elaborate play structure, but I was surprised to see an artist with his easel set on the banks of the river.

Welcome to the entrance into the heart of our city. From this vantage point on the banks of the Androscoggin you can see not only the river, but the truly spectacular Great Falls, the continuous

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structure of the mills sitting atop the ingenious built-by-hand (mostly by French-Canadians) canal structures, the majestic St. Peter and Paul Cathedral looming in the background, far up the hill warning you of its unexpected glorious size. There is green space everywhere you turn, paved walkways that lead you along the banks of the river in both directions, small and large parks with manicured lawns, flower beds, and park benches.

Finding the heart of the city When I was a girl growing up here, I would have never considered spending any time along this river – too dangerous. Now, my friends and I meet here pretty much every week to walk a loop that begins behind the Great Falls, where sometimes we have to almost shout to hear each other as the water crashes over the layers

By Peggy DeBlois | Photography by Heidi Sawyer | Mill Town Renaissance

of rock. The loop takes us along the riverbank on the Auburn side, where we delight in the hundreds of ducks that have taken up residence

– when I was a child, the river was not clean enough to be considered a natural habitat for ducks. We wonder if the young men who run the hot dog stand and the canoe and kayak rental places will pop up again as we get closer to the summer months. We cross the railroad trestle bridge, and say hello to a stately looking gentleman who is setting up professional looking camera equipment. Another reminder that art lives here.

I tell my friends about bringing one of our adult daughters and her boyfriend to Baxter Brewery on the Lewiston side of the river. It was a Saturday afternoon, and there was a constant stream of young couples, many with small children,

stopping in for a Baxter. It was an epiphany.

People, young adults even, were choosing to not only open businesses in our town, they were living here, raising their children here. And they had come from other places – they had chosen Lewiston-Auburn. And why shouldn’t they? One block up from the river, downtown Lewiston now houses enough good restaurants that my husband and I have a hard time deciding which one to go to (although, I’ll admit, Fish Bones is our favorite – probably because the owners, Paul and Kate Landry, also grew up here and we love to talk about what an exciting time it is for our black sheep city). Downtown Lewiston-Auburn has numerous brew pubs, restaurants for all tastes, a yoga studio, an organic coffee-shop, wine shop, bakery, bike shop, yogurt place, candy shop, music studio – and affordable apartment housing in renovated office buildings. We even have our own art walk and farmers market in the warmer months.

All those years ago, when the Libbey Plant exploded, my young mind accepted it as a death knell, the beginning of the end for my hometown. Now, I see that it was rocking our 1972 world in a more positive way, it was literally trying to stir us into action. There was a long stretch of silence after that mill-shattering blast, during which our renaissance has been quietly growing.

And for those of us who can be patient, I’ll see you on the Riverwalk.

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Moving to the area HOUSING

MODULAR/SITE BUILT HOMES

LEWISTON HOUSING AUTHORITY

SCHIAVI CUSTOM BUILDERS

1 College St. Lewiston, ME 04240 (207) 783-1423

AUBURN HOUSING AUTHORITY

20 Great Falls Plaza Auburn, ME 04212-3037 (207) 784-7351 www.auburnhousing.org

754 Main St. Oxford, ME 04270 (207) 539-9600 www.schiavicustom.com

MAINE SOURCE HOMES INC. 314 Center St. Auburn, ME 04210 (207) 333-6001 www.mainesource.com

TEDFORD HOUSING, INC.

14 Middle St. Brunswick, ME 04011 (207) 729-1161 www.tedfordhousing.org

HAGGERTY REALTY

353 Lisbon St. Suite 1 Lisbon, ME 04250 (207) 353-9500 www.HaggertyRealty.com

GFDG

12 Ash St. Lewiston, ME 04211 (207) 312-4400 www.gfdg-maine.com

MOLD TESTING AND REMOVAL RPR PROFESSIONAL HOME INSPECTIONS 72 Old Lisbon Rd. Lewiston, ME 04240 (207) 782-9663 www.rprprohomeinspections.com

MORTGAGES MORTGAGE NETWORK

INSPECTIONS

36 Center St. Auburn, ME 04210 (207) 376-4483 www.mortgagenetwork.com

SIMARD & SONS INC

RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE SERVICES INC

3 Trident Dr. Lewiston, ME 04240-3547 (207) 783-0297 www.simardandsons.com

181 Center St. Auburn, ME 04210 (207) 777-1551 www.rmsmortgage.com

SIROIS INSPECTION

30 Mitchell St. Lewiston, ME 04240 (207) 784-8227

RPR PROFESSIONAL HOME INSPECTIONS 72 Old Lisbon Rd. Lewiston, ME 04240 (207) 782-9663 www.rprprohomeinspections.com

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REAL ESTATE ANDROSCOGGIN COUNTY BOARD OF REALTORS 19 Community Dr. Augusta • (207) 622-7501 www.avbor.com

ANDROVISE REALTY

1761 Lisbon Rd, Suite 8 Lewiston • (207) 333-6020 www.androvise.com

BARBARA TRAFTON THE MAINE REAL ESTATE NETWORK 34 Center St. Auburn • (207) 754-0253 www.barbaratrafton.com

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOMESERVICES NORTHEAST REAL ESTATE 473 Center St. Auburn • (207) 784-0159 www.bhhsnortheastrealestate.com

BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS THE MASIELLO GROUP

155 Center St. Bldg A Auburn • (207) 782-8311 www.masiello.com

CBRE/THE BOULOS COMPANY

1 Canal Plaza Suite 500 Portland • (207) 772-1333 www.boulos.com

CENTURY 21 ADVANTAGE

506 Main St. Lewiston • (207) 782-2121 www.century21-advantage.com

DUBOIS REALTY GROUP KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY

195 Center St. Auburn • (207) 344-3230 www.DuBoisRealtyGroup.net

HALL & KNIGHT REALTY

72 Franklin St. Lewiston • 207 754-1729

KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY GEORGE GREENWOOD

195 Center St. Auburn • (207) 344-3300 www.kwmaine.com

KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY - JAN JACQUES & COMPANY 195 Center St. Auburn • (207) 344-3250 www.janjacques.net

LEGACY REALTY

681 Sabattus St. Lewiston • (207) 376-4830 www.Legacy-Realty.net

MAGNUSSON BALFOUR COMMERCIAL & BUSINESS BROKERS 95 India St. Portland • (207) 346-0873 www.balfourcommercial.com

MALONE COMMERCIAL BROKERS

5 Moulton St. Suite 3 Portland • (207) 772-2422 www.malonecb.com

R K ADAMIAN DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

29 Mill St. Arlington, MA • (781) 648-5350

THE MAINE REAL ESTATE NETWORK STEVE MORGAN 34 Center St. Auburn • (207) 689-9898 www.stevemorgangroup.com

FONTAINE FAMILY - THE REAL ESTATE LEADER 336 Center St. Auburn • (207) 784-3800 www.brendafontaine.com

HAGGERTY REALTY

353 Lisbon St. Suite 1 Lisbon • (207) 353-9500 www.HaggertyRealty.com

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SCHOOLS AUBURN SCHOOL DEPARTMENT

REGIONAL SCHOOL #16

BATES COLLEGE

SANDCASTLE CLINICAL & EDUCATIONAL SERVICES

CENTRAL MAINE COMMUNITY COLLEGE

SAINT DOMINIC ACADEMY

60 Court St. Auburn Hall 4th Fl Auburn, ME 04212-0800 (207) 784-6431 www.auburnschl.edu

2 Andrews Rd. Lane Hall Lewiston, ME 04240 (207) 786-6255 www.bates.edu 1250 Turner St. Auburn, ME 04210 (207) 755-5273 www.cmcc.edu

HEBRON ACADEMY

339 Paris Rd. Hebron, ME 04238-0309 (207) 966-5225 www.hebronacademy.org

KAPLAN UNIVERSITY

475 Lisbon St. Lewiston, ME 04106 (207) 333-3300 www.lewiston.kaplanuniversity.edu

LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS

36 Oak St. Dingley Building Lewiston, ME 04240 (207) 795-4100 www.lewistonpublicschools.org

LISBON SCHOOL DEPARTMENT 19 Gartley St. Lisbon, ME 04250 (207) 353-3032 www.lisbonschoolsme.org

MAINE COLLEGE OF ART

522 Congress St. Portland, ME 04101 (207) 699-5017 www.meca.edu

NEW ENGLAND SCHOOL OF METALWORK 7 Albiston Way Auburn, ME 04210 (207) 777-3375 www.newenglandschoolofmetalwork.com

REGIONAL SCHOOL #4

971 Gardiner Rd. Wales, ME 04280 (207) 375-4273 www.rsu4.org 80

LA METRO MAGAZINE | APRIL 2017

3 Aggregate Rd. Poland, ME 04274 (207) 998-2727 www.rsu16.org

72 Strawberry Ave. Lewiston, ME 04240 (207) 782-2150 www.sandcastlemaine.org 121 Gracelawn Rd. Auburn, ME 04210 Bishop Joseph OSB Boulevard (207) 782-6911 www.stdomsmaine.org

SCHOOL ADMINISTRATIVE DISTRICT #52 486 Turner Center Rd. Turner, ME 04282 River Valley Adult & Community Education (207) 225-1000 www.msad52.k12.me.us

SPRUCE MOUNTAIN SCHOOL DISTRICT RSU #73 9 Cedar St. Livermore Falls, ME 04254 (207) 897-6722 www.rsu73.org

SOUTHERN NEW HAMPSHIRE UNIVERSITY 10 Tibbetts Dr. Brunswick, ME 03106 (207) 725-6486 www.snhu.edu/336.asp

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MAINE 51 Westminster St. USM LAC Lewiston, ME 04240 (207) 753-6500 www.usm.maine.edu/lac

WAYFINDER SCHOOLS

215 Gloucester Hill Rd. New Gloucester, ME 04260 (207) 926-4532 www.thecommunityschool.org

WICKED ILLUSTRATIONS STUDIO & GALLERY 140 Canal St. Lewiston, ME 04240 (207) 576-3743 www.wickedillustrations.com

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©DanMarquisPhotography.com

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Strong Economic Development Draws Folks to LA Why Lewiston Auburn is attracting business

A

By Dan Marois

quarter of Maine’s population lives within 25 miles of the LA Metro area. That’s over 300,000 people according to the Lewiston Auburn Economic Growth Council’s website. And with 12% of the area’s workforce in the manufacturing business-people who make things-LA has a higher percent of employment in manufacturing than most every other place in Maine.

higher property prices and rental rates in the greater Portland area are find a haven in LA Metro where prices can be substantially lower.

“Businesses want an area that is well located and an attractive place to live,” said Benson, noting that LA ranks high on both accounts.”

That bodes well for the LA Metro area, said Scott Benson, the Economic & Business Development Director for the Growth Council.

“When a business is considering to locate in LA, they first ask about the workforce, particularly who is available and what skills do they have,” said Benson, who has been in the economic development business for over 25 years. “If the workforce is here, they are interested in learning more about the area.”

The second item of importance to folks considering the area is location.

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The third item on the shopping list concerns the infrastructure in an area. “They need to know if the physical and logistical landscape is in place.

Is there transportation to move goods and products? Can people easily find your location? Is there technology to support a vibrant connectivity system that’s essential in computer operations, communication services, and online resources?”

“Businesses want an area that is well located and an attractive place to live,” said Benson, noting that LA ranks high on both accounts.”

Lewiston-Auburn was among the first cities to support industrial parks established well before the rest of Maine caught on to the idea. The community has become a transportation hub for the movement of international cargo, and a center of education, research and culture.

The central location in Maine is a plus with the ability to reach other parts of Maine within a short drive. Businesses that might shy away from

“There are 237 gigabit fiber to the premises (FTTP),” notes Benson, reflecting a high amount of connectivity for computer networks. “There’s

LA METRO MAGAZINE | APRIL 2017

By Dan Marois | Strong Economic Development Draws Folks to LA

the first to say that when it comes to economic development, everything is collaborative; almost a well-executed team effort to make things happen.

He says that the cities of Lewiston and Auburn work well together leaving aside little competition for business opportunities. “Each city can distinguish themselves in what makes them uniquely different,” said Benson. “The reality of this work is that what is good for either city would benefit both. The truth is that we are one city when it comes to economic development.”

For Michael Chammings, Director of Economic Development for the city of Auburn, there’s a quote made by Secretary of the Treasury, Alexander Hamilton, in 1791 that sets the stage for economic development. existing sewer and water for production operations and a wide natural gas network. And, of course, we have direct access to I95 Auburn Intermodal Center, for rail freight, and the Auburn-Lewison Municipal Airport.”

Collaboration matters While the Growth Council has been instrumental in bringing many ventures to the area, Benson is

“Hamilton said, ‘that government holds the responsibility to build a foundation so that the private sector can flourish,’” said Chammings.

“I believe that this is still true today. It is also important that we strive to balance the various interests of different groups of people; economic, social, and environmental.”

While Chammings and Benson are busy attracting new business, they also focus on helping to expand and retain current businesses.

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“It is a positive sign for the area when an existing business plans an expansion,” said Benson. “It is a clear sign that the business is thriving and is committed to remaining in the area. Expansions are vital to economic development where a business needs more space and usually creates additional jobs.”

“We have several Auburn businesses aggressively looking to expand, outside businesses looking to locate or relocate in Auburn, and we have several foreign investors actively looking to invest into the city,” said Chammings, optimistic about the future.

Success story Probably the biggest single score in recent decades was the creation of hundreds of jobs at one time, the result of a $93-million investment in the WalMart Distribution Center, in Lewiston, the largest in the entire northeast.

in the construction of the 850,000-square foot Walmart Distribution Center, which employs 550 people and is the second largest taxpayer in Lewiston.

Benson downplays LAEGC involvement by saying they were mostly the catalyst in a long line of partners that were brought to the table to make the project happen.

“In this project, getting the win was great, but there was more achievement in the exercise itself,” claims Benson, citing regional cooperation and collaboration that really won the project for LA.

Relocating to LA - Grand Rounds Based in San Francisco, California, Grand Rounds was founded in 2011 with a simple premise in mind: When people get better quality health care, they get remarkably better outcomes, and the system saves a lot of money. Enabled by technology, Grand Rounds bridges the gap to high-quality care by matching patients with world-class experts for in-person office visits, as well as access to virtual consultations with leading physician experts across the nation.

And the official name of its Maine office is the Maine Patient Center.

According to information on the LAEGC website, the council fielded a call from a national site search consultant looking for 150 acres near a turnpike exit for an unnamed Fortune 500 Company. LAEGC took the lead role and assembled a package of site options in Lewiston and Auburn, delivered to the consultant within three days.

The company flew in three days later to evaluate the options. A site was identified in Lewiston and LAEGC played a consulting and coordinating role as myriad partners were brought to the table, each doing their part, ultimately resulting 84

LA METRO MAGAZINE | APRIL 2017

“We decided to expand to the East Coast to scale our customer service capabilities for our patients and expert physicians who are largely based in the Central and Eastern Time Zones,” said Danielle Snow, Senior Vice President of Patient Care. “More specifically, two-thirds of patients using our Expert Opinion service, and 60% of expert physicians affiliated with Grand Rounds are based in this region.”

After a diligent and competitive selection process of more than 30 locations across the East Coast, Grand Rounds selected Lewiston for its sense of community, proven record of supporting new businesses, and our strong management team roots in Maine.

Lauryn Hottinger photo

By Dan Marois | Strong Economic Development Draws Folks to LA

Economic Engines

Signs of growth, development, and activity throughout the LA Metro area: • Center Street Dental becomes Maple Way Dental moving into the Former Camden National Building at 110 Canal Street.

• The Hartley Block has 63 apartment units and 4,100 SF on commercial space on Lisbon Street.

• Rinck Advertising moves to the 14,500 SF Former Grant Building on Lisbon Street.

• Hampton Inn is located at 15 Lincoln Street greeting visitors to LA. • Hartt Transportation Systems, INC. provides freight hauling for local as well as national and international customers from a terminal location in Auburn.

Our medical director, Dr. Jacob “Gus” Crothers, grew up in Portland and our director of care coordination and Maine site director, Meryl Fogg, grew up in Falmouth,” said Snow. “And I grew up here in Lewiston.”

• Tambrands operates as a subsidiary of The Procter & Gamble Company manufacturing feminine care products primarily in North America in Auburn.

The Maine Patient Center is located in the Bates Mill complex and currently employs 30 fulltime employees and it expects to grow to more than 150 employees in the next 5 years.

“LA has transformed its reputation greatly in recent years due to the hard work of community members to make it a vibrant place to live, work, and play,” said Snow. “If you are looking for a place where you and your employees can take part in shaping and growing a strong, rich community - LA is a great place to be.”

Lauryn Hottinger photo LA METRO MAGAZINE digital edition @ LAMetroMagazine.com

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The Fortin Group

217 Turner St. Auburn, ME 04210 207-783-8545 70 Horton St. Lewiston, ME 04240 207-784-4584

Heidi Sawyer photo

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LA METRO MAGAZINE | APRIL 2017

Healthcare Professionals on the Move to LA LA’s two big hospitals are a big lure for young professionals.

By Toby Haber-Giasson | Photography by Lauryn Hottinger

Dr. Asia Mubashir

A

s a rheumotologist, Dr. Asia Mubashir had her pick of metropolitan areas to relocate to. Why did she choose LA over Washington D.C.?

A home in LA would cost more than twice that price in D.C. “For half the price, you’re getting excellent schools, equivalent to the D.C. suburbs.”

“It’s extremely expensive to live there, for families,” says Dr. Mubashir, mother of two children, aged 5 and 7. Her research showed Maine had a more manageable cost of living, while still offering competitive compensation for physicians.

The Mubashir children thoroughly enjoy the fresh air in Maine

An opportunity to be Director of Rheumatology with St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center also seemed like good fit for her, she says. The hospital’s non-profit status provides a unique opportunity for community-based care. “It’s important to me to be able to treat the poor and not turn them away,” she says, citing the philanthropic mission of the hospital.

The Mubashirs had just returned from her husband’s 4-year assignment abroad- in India, where air pollution is a big problem. Maine’s pristine environment, offering open spaces for play and outdoor recreation, held great appeal for this young family. “We are learning to golf at Martindale, and take ski lessons at Lost Valley,” she reports. Camping, kayaking and snowshoeing are on the list of activities to try.

Dr. Asia Mubashir, flanked by her children

A home in LA would cost more than twice that price in D.C. “For half the price, you’re getting excellent schools, equivalent to the D.C. suburbs.”

And she likes the community feel of LA’s smaller scale. “You know everybody,” says Dr. Mubashir, after a year and a half in town. “That’s reassuring, when you have young children.” Fewer people also means less traffic. In a bigger city, driving two miles can take a long time. She says, “A shorter commute means more time with the kids.” Living in LA lets her put family first.

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Truth be told, Neilson’s mother was also rooting for Chip to move to Patrick Dempsey’s hometown (she’s a Grey’s Anatomy fan).

Another celebrity hero figured in: Muhammad Ali, who fought his famous 1965 bout against Sonny Liston right here in Lewiston. “I’d like to see a hockey game at the Colisee, where the fight took place.”

Also on the bucket list are the Liberty festival and the Great Falls Balloon Festival.

Chip Neilson in his CMMC office

Chip Neilson

C

hip Neilson is new to LA. Like first-ofthe-year new, when he relocated from Colorado to LA to become the Director of Contracting for Central Maine Healthcare.

But for now, Neilson plans to focus on growing his family; his wife is expecting their second child. We wish them all the best in their new New England home.

Yet, when Neilson came here, he found something familiar. He saw what Central Maine Medical Center means to the LA community. “It reminded me of Dayton, Ohio, where I’m from. My first opportunity was at a hospital like CMMC. That hospital was also a focal point in the region, with lots of veteran employees logging 20-30 years of service. But the population was shrinking, unlike big cities where people are on-themove.”

Truth be told, Neilson’s mother was also rooting for Chip to move to Patrick Dempsey’s hometown (she’s a Grey’s Anatomy fan).

For Neilson, this move was, in part, motivated by the current challenges CMHC faces. He wants to be part of a solution by adding value. “CM is relationship-oriented. I want to participate in the turn-around.”

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LA METRO MAGAZINE | APRIL 2017

The Neilson Family

By Toby Haber-Giasson | Photography by Lauryn Hottinger | Healthcare Professionals on the Move to LA

Greg Holder

G

reg Holder was looking for a challenge to his job at a large regional medical center in Wilmington, North Carolina.

He looked in Florida, Texas, and Washington state. How did Maine’s LA win him over?

“It surprises me that more young professionals haven’t move here.”

Now that he’s lived here for nearly two years, Holder would advise other young professionals to consider smaller communities like LA, where the competition isn’t quite as fierce as in large cities, and where there are additional benefits including work/life balance.

“It surprises me that more young professionals haven’t move here,” Holder says.

“In a large healthcare system,” he explains, “there’s an emphasis on mergers and acquisitions, and you feel like a number.” Holder craved a community, making the size of St. Mary’s Health System is a better fit. “It has a close-knit, patient-focused feel.”

As the new Director of Provider Network Specialty Services for St. Mary’s, Holder was given autonomy to frame the network in a new light. “I have appreciated the opportunity to drive and grow the specialty practices.”

Raised Catholic, Holder also appreciates St. Mary’s mission to provide health ministry with the values of compassion and integrity.

The Holders had vacationed in Portland, but what’s it like for this Southern family to live in New England? “We like the 4 seasons,” Holder reports. “We thought the snow would bother us, but it hasn’t. And people are friendly and genuine.”

“We really like it here,” adds Holder’s wife Ashley, who found the idea of making a move to Maine enticing. “Aside from the amazing beauty and nature here in Maine, it’s a wonderful place to raise our son TJ. ” The Holders are looking forward to taking their boat out to the coast and Maine’s lakes. “We love LA’s proximity to the mountains, lakes, the coast, to Portland, and airports, so we can go visit family back home.”

Greg Holder at St. Mary’s

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First Class Health Care ACUPUNCTURE CENTER

FACING CHANGE, PA

AGING EXCELLENCE

FAMILY EYE CARE

ANDROSCOGGIN HOME CARE & HOSPICE

JORDAN’S BRIDGE CHRISTIAN COUNSELING

CATHOLIC CHARITIES MAINE

L/A HEARING CENTER

12 Highland Spring Rd. Lewiston • (207) 783-2016 113 Pleasant St. Brunswick • (866) 988-0991 15 Strawberry Ave. Lewiston • (207) 777-7740 St Francis Recovery Center 24 Dunn St. Auburn • (207) 781-8550

CENTRAL MAINE AUDIOLOGY

475 Pleasant St #11 Lewiston • (207) 782-1160

CENTRAL MAINE GASTROENTEROLOGY 77 Bates St. Lewiston • (207) 784-5784

CENTRAL MAINE HEART & VASCULAR INSTITUTE 300 Main St. Lewiston • (207) 753-3900

CENTRAL MAINE ORTHOPAEDICS

690 Minot Ave. Auburn • (207) 783-1328

220 Sabattus Street, Lewiston • (207) 782-9501 160 Canal St. Lewiston • 513-2796

72 Strawberry Ave. Lewiston • (207) 782-2150

MAINE MADE INFUSED PRODUCTS

www.mainecbdproducts.com • (207) 740-5607

MAINE OPTOMETRY

585 Main St. Lewiston • (207) 784-0153

MAINE SPINECARE

690 Minot Ave. Auburn • (207) 376-3340

OPTOMETRIC ASSOCIATES

168 East Ave. Lewiston • (207) 784-3564

CENTRAL MAINE SURGICAL ASSOCIATES

ORTHOPAEDIC INSTITUTE OF CENTRAL MAINE (OICM)

CENTRAL MAINE UROLOGY CENTER

RHONDA HUGHES, LCSW

COMMON TIES MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

RIVERSIDE EYE CENTER, P.A.

COMMUNITY CLINICAL SERVICES

SANDCASTLE CLINICAL AND EDUCATIONAL SERVICES

12 High St, Ste 401 Lewiston • (207) 795-5767

287 Maine St Suite 404 Lewiston • (207) 795-2171 12 Bates St. Lewiston • (207) 795-6710

57 Birch St B Street Community Center Lewiston • (207) 513-3897

300 Main St. M2 Lewiston • (207) 795-2134 79 Main St. Auburn • (207) 553-0079 245 Center St. Auburn • (207) 786-2500

72 Strawberry Ave. Lewiston • (207) 782-2150

CORNERSTONE WELLNESS CENTER

SEQUELCARE OF MAINE

DEMPSEY CENTER

SHAPIRO HEARING AID CENTERS

EDUMEDICS

SPECTRUM MEDICAL GROUP

871 Court St. Auburn • 376-4981

29 Lowell St. 5th Floor Lewiston • (207) 795-8250 76 High St. Suite 201 Lewiston • (502) 819-5053

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4 Park St. Lewiston • (207) 784-0922

LA METRO MAGAZINE | APRIL 2017

70 Bayview St. Yarmouth • (207) 847-2273 410 Main St. Lewiston • (207) 783-9443 324 Gannett Dr. Suite 200 South Portland • (207) 482-7800

TRI-COUNTY MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES 1155 Lisbon St. Lewiston • (207) 783-9141

MAINE MEDICAL CARDIOLOGY PARTNERS

WELLNESS CONNECTION OF MAINE

99 Campus Ave. 3rd Floor, Ste 301, Lewiston (207) 777-5300

WESTSIDE NEURO REHABILITATION SERVICES

100 Campus Ave. Ste 101 Lewiston (207) 755-3785

33 Omni Circle Auburn • (207) 553-9211 dba Goodwill Industries 618 Main St. Lewiston • (207) 795-6110

YOUR BEST SKIN OF MAINE 250 Center St. Suite 206 Auburn • (207) 333-3069

MEMORY CLINIC – GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY

OUTPATIENT COUNSELING

100 Campus Ave. Suites A & B Lewiston (207) 755-3434

POLAND FAMILY PRACTICE

ST. MARYS

1230 Maine St. Poland (207) 998-4483

AUBURN MEDICAL ASSOCIATES

RHEUMATOLOGY

B STREET HEALTH CENTER

SLEEP MEDICINE PRACTICE

2 Great Falls Plaza Ste 201 (2nd fl), Auburn (207) 330-3950 57 Birch St. Lewiston (207) 753-5400

93 Campus Ave. 4th Floor Lewiston (207) 777-4420

15 Gracelawn Rd. Ste 203 Auburn (207) 777-8959

CCS DENTAL SERVICES

SMRMC PSYCHIATRY

CCS FAMILY HEALTH CARE

ST. MARY’S CENTER FOR FAMILY UROLOGY

CCS PEDIATRICS

ST. MARY’S CENTER FOR ORTHOPAEDICS

CENTER FOR FAMILY MEDICINE AT MOLLISON WAY

ST. MARY’S CENTER FOR SLEEP DISORDERS

GI - GASTROENTEROLOGY

ST. MARY’S MEDICAL ASSOCIATES

INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE

ST. MARY’S NEUROLOGY ASSOCIATES

60 Second St. Auburn (207) 755-3456

100 Campus Ave. Ste 201, Lewiston (207) 755-3445 330 Sabattus St. Suite B, Lewiston (207) 755-3160 15 Mollison Way Lewiston (207) 777-4440

93 Campus Ave. 2nd Floor D Wing, Lewiston (207) 755-3636 198 Main St. Lewiston (207) 753-4970

100 Campus Ave. Ste 203 & 208 Lewiston (207) 777-8974 99 Campus Ave. Suite 401 Lewiston (207) 755-3150 15 Gracelawn Rd. Ste 101 Auburn 333-4710 15 Gracelawn Rd. Ste 203 Auburn (207) 777-8959

99 Campus Ave Ste. 201 Lewiston (207) 777-8810 99 Campus Ave Ste. 402 Lewiston (207) 777-4455

L-A INTERNAL MEDICINE 3 Willow Run Auburn (207) 513-3550

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ST. MARY’S PULMONARY MEDICINE & INFECTIOUS DISEASE 99 Campus Ave. Ste 301 Lewiston (207) 777-432

ST. MARY’S PULMONARY MEDICINE & INFECTIOUS DISEASE

12 High St. Suite 102 Lewiston • (207) 784-4539

CENTRAL MAINE FAMILY MEDICINE RESIDENCY 76 High St. Lewiston • (207) 795-2800

93 Campus Ave. Suite G025 Lewiston (207) 777-4320

CENTRAL MAINE FAMILY PRACTICE

ST. MARY’S SURGICAL ASSOCIATES

CENTRAL MAINE FERTILITY CENTER

106 Campus Ave. Lewiston (207) 777-8650

ST. MARY’S PHYSIATRY SERVICES 15 Gracelawn Rd. Auburn (207) 333- 4799

THE URGENT CARE CENTER 791 Turner St. Unit B, Auburn (207) 330-3900

WEIGHT MANAGEMENT 198 Main St. Lewiston (207) 753-4970

WOMEN’S HEALTH ASSOCIATES

12 High St. Suite 302 Lewiston • (207) 795-5750 287 Main St. Suite 201 Lewiston • (207) 795-7180

CENTRAL MAINE GASTROENTEROLOGY

77 Bates St. Suite 202 Lewiston • (207) 784-5784

CENTRAL MAINE GYNECOLOGY & UROGYNECOLOGY

287 Main St. Suite 201 Lewiston • (207) 795-7180

CENTRAL MAINE HEART ASSOCIATES 60 High St. Lewiston • (207) 753-3900

CENTRAL MAINE HEART ASSOCIATES Turner St. Two Great Falls Plaza Auburn • (207) 782-4022

330 Sabattus St. Suite A Lewiston (207) 777-4300

CENTRAL MAINE INFECTIOUS DISEASES

WORKMED

CENTRAL MAINE INTERNAL MEDICINE

CENTRAL MAINE MEDICAL CENTER

CENTRAL MAINE MEDICATION MANAGEMENT CLINIC

15 Gracelawn Rd. Auburn (207) 753-3080

ANDROSCOGGIN RHEUMATOLOGY ASSOCIATES 10 High St. Suite 204 Lewiston • (207) 784-1699

BENNETT BREAST CARE CENTER

12 High St. Suite 103 Lewiston • (207) 795-2100

CENTRAL MAINE BARIATRIC SURGERY

10 High St. Suite 105 Lewiston • (207) 795-5710

CENTRAL MAINE CARDIOVASCULAR SURGERY 60 High St. Lewiston • (207) 795-8260

CENTRAL MAINE ENDOCRINOLOGY & DIABETES CENTER

287 Main St. Suite 301 Lewiston • (207) 795-7520 92

CENTRAL MAINE ENT HEAD AND NECK SURGERY

LA METRO MAGAZINE | APRIL 2017

76 High St. Lewiston • (207) 795-2729

12 High St. Suite 400 Lewiston • (207) 795-5700

10 High St. Suite 103 Lewiston • (207) 795-2310

CENTRAL MAINE MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES 10 High St. Suite 301 Lewiston • (207) 795-8385

CENTRAL MAINE NEUROLOGY

10 Minot Ave. Auburn • (207) 729-7800

CENTRAL MAINE NEUROSURGERY

12 High St. Suite 401 Lewiston • (207) 795-2494

CENTRAL MAINE OBSTETRICS-GYNECOLOGY 12 High St. Suite 200 Lewiston • (207) 795-5770

CENTRAL MAINE PAIN MANAGEMENT 77 Bates St. Trolley Building, Suite 101 Lewiston • (207) 795-2929

CENTRAL MAINE PEDIATRIC CARDIOLOGY & ADULT CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE

LISBON FAMILY PRACTICE

2 Bisbee St. Lisbon • (207) 353-6721

MECHANIC FALLS FAMILY PRACTICE

22 Pleasant St. Mechanic Falls • (207) 345-9729

12 High St. Suite 301 Lewiston, ME 04240 (207) 795-5950

MINOT AVENUE FAMILY MEDICINE

CENTRAL MAINE PEDIATRICS

POLAND COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER

CENTRAL MAINE PLASTIC SURGERY

SPRUCE MOUNTAIN MEDICAL ASSOCIATES

CENTRAL MAINE PODIATRY

TURNER PHYSICAL THERAPY SERVICES

12 High St. Suite 301 Lewiston • (207) 795-5730 287 Main St. Suite 302 Lewiston • (207) 795-6543 287 Main St., Suite 200 Lewiston • (207) 782-2256

789 Minot Ave. Auburn • (207) 795-8475 364 Maine St. Poland • (207) 998-2100

38 Union St. Livermore Falls • (207) 897-7070 287B Auburn Rd. Turner • (207) 225-2610

CENTRAL MAINE PULMONARY & SLEEP MEDICINE 76 High St. Lewiston • (207) 795-5544

CENTRAL MAINE SLEEP CENTER 60 High St. Lewiston • (207) 795-7522

CENTRAL MAINE SPORTS MEDICINE 77 Bates St. Trolley Building, Suite 201 Lewiston • (207) 795-8465

CENTRAL MAINE SURGICAL ASSOCIATES 12 High St. Suite 401 Lewiston • (207) 795-5767

CENTRAL MAINE UROLOGY CENTER

287 Main St. Suite 404 Lewiston • (207) 795-2171

CMMC URGENT CARE

593 Center St. Auburn • (207) 782-2004

CYNTHIA A. RYDHOLM CANCER TREATMENT CENTER

Hammond St. Lewiston • (207) 795-2440

FAMILY HEALTH CARE ASSOCIATES 190 Stetson Rd. Auburn • (207) 784-7388

GRAY FAMILY HEALTH CENTER

126 Shaker Rd. Gray • (207) 657-3308

HEMATOLOGY-ONCOLOGY ASSOCIATES 12 High St. Suite 205 Lewiston • (207) 795-2935

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TOWNIES BY CHOICE: Bates alumni who stayed and shared their gifts with LA

By Toby Haber-Giasson | Photography by Lauryn Hottinger Bates College, LA’s liberal arts hub, is indisputably a magnet for creative, thoughtful, dynamic youth.

It draws diverse talented people into our midst. LA becomes the laboratory. And sometimes, the experiments turn into real life.

“Bates taught me to be a world citizen, to be engaged,” she reflects. “You can participate here, you feel you can contribute.”

Let’s meet some Bates grads who call LA home.

R

ebecca Swanson Conrad, Bates English major, and new President & CEO of the LA Metro Chamber.

Something about Bates College just felt right.

Right from Beckie Conrad’s start, in 1978, she made connections to the LA community, both on campus and off.

In town, as a freshman, Conrad started waitressing at a restaurant called The Warehouse. She recalls, “in 1978, Lisbon Street was really alivePecks, Benoits, Grand Orange, Ward’s.” Here she began making connections to LA.

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On campus, she got a work-study job creating a sophisticated filing system for alumni records.

She pored through mountains of correspondence highlighting the important role the college played in people’s lives. Gradually, she started to see herself in those letters.

“Bates taught me to be a world citizen, to be engaged,” she reflects. “You can participate here, you feel you can contribute.”

During her senior year, she recognized a young man from town at a campus party. Audie Conrad had come back to his hometown LA with a business degree when they met. The two became a pair, so Beckie stayed in LA after her graduation

By Toby Haber-Giasson | Photography by Lauryn Hottinger | Townies by Choice

from Bates in 1982. The two married in 1984, and soon opened Austin’s Fine Wines & Foods, a business they owned for 20 years.

search. “The Chamber job opened up, and here I am,” she says, marveling at the timing.

Conrad began working at Bates in variety of roles that would span 21 years: Director of Housing, Study Abroad, special projects and fundraising.

“I know that LA’s historic and current increasing diversity has been perceived as a challenge but I see it as one our strongest assets for our community’s future economic and cultural growth.”

LA collaborator

During her last 5 years, she became Director of LA Excels, which Conrad describes as “developing intentional programs in the community to look at big-picture issues and see how a college played a role as corporate citizen.” She held forums for visioning among residents and youth, asking questions like, ‘How does an entity like Bates help the LA community envision the need for housing, leadership, arts and culture, and how could Bates contribute?’

When this fulfilling project came to a natural end, Conrad decided to invest in LA’s downtown in her own way. In 2003, she opened Rysen Home Garden & Antiques, a retail venture selling locally handcrafted goods. “It was way undercapitalized,” she muses, “but a fun break for me.”

Portland focus

In 2006, Conrad took an opportunity at Maine College of Art. Though she started in fundraising, her position changed to VP for Institutional Advancement.

“In 12 years at MECA,” she reflects, “I was part of a conversation about how arts and culture can be a driver in Portland’s creative economy. We also celebrated the many craftsmen based in this area with the landmark ‘Made in LA’ show.”

Living LA

What does Conrad love about LA? “We have the potential to do things well here, and treat each other well.” She believes our rich diversity is a key to success.

“I know that LA’s historic and current increasing diversity has been perceived as a challenge but I see it as one our strongest assets for our community’s future economic and cultural growth.”

From an economic standpoint, Conrad sees LA as a place that grew organically around serving a manufacturing workforce, then lost that anchor.

“To rebuild that had to be intentional. There’s raw material here that people can work withWe don’t want our downtowns to languish, but I hope we don’t become everywhere USA -it’s not a cookie cutter community.”

As Conrad stands poised to make yet another important contribution to LA, she takes a perspective on where she’s been.

“My journey took me into a smaller concentric circle,” Conrad observes. “This is where I want to be.”

Evidence of a shift in focus in 2008, the Conrads even put their Auburn house on the market: luckily for LA, the real estate market collapsed and the house didn’t sell.

C

Then in 2014, Beckie realized that because of commuting, she had given up working on LA boards and socializing with LA colleagues who had anchored her to LA. She began an LA job

“I was attracted to idea of small city, where people make the best of what’s here. Other schools

raig Saddlemire, a Bates grad who stayed- and enriched the LA community

Growing up, Craig Saddlemire lived in nearly a dozen different communities. Why did he choose Bates College, and then settle in LA?

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in hipper, bigger places like Portland didn’t have that vibe.”

Community in focus

While at Bates, Saddlemire began a long-term project documenting the grassroots activism of The Visible Community as they worked to prevent Lewiston from demolishing the poorest part of town to build a highway. This led him to stay in LA after his graduation in 2005, to make what he calls “community-based cinema.” “I try to make work that is responsive to communities interested in social change.”

He found many non-profits and artists wanted video documentation. Craig collaborated with William Pope.L, an acclaimed visual artist then on Bates faculty, notably capturing his (in)famous Black Factory performances. He also interned at MPBN, making more LA connections.

After 5 years, Visible Community stopped the demolition project, and Craig completed “Neighbor by Neighbor,” a film now used in college classrooms doing urban studies.

Later, Craig earned an MFA in Visual Art, focusing on documentary, to deepen his video career, although he has put that aside for now.

Civic engagement

Saddlemire devoted his time to many LA committees and groups around urban redevelopment, tenants’ rights, public green space, bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, and public transportation.

In 2012, he addressed these issues as a Lewiston city councilor, helping make Lewiston become more sustainable. His dedication earned him the Public Service Leadership Award from the Androscoggin County Chamber of Commerce.

Housing focus

In 2008, Saddlemire co-founded Faire-Op, a three-unit housing cooperative, with some friends. “Starting your own co-op is a lot of work.

It seems like you shouldn’t have to do that just to get decent housing.” He shared what they 96

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learned at workshops in Portland and Augusta by various groups for free, sharing their founding documents.

Later, in 2014, he co-founded Raise-Op Housing Cooperative, the only urban housing coop in the state. This group strives to develop social and financial equity for its residents through diverse ownership and leadership. Craig now provides support to over 40 residents who cooperatively own and manage Raise-Op’s three buildings and 15 apartments.

And Craig’s not done giving back. In 2014, he taught a Bates short-term course on Social Change Organizing and Advocacy.

Indeed, Saddlemire made the best of LA. He wanted a community; he has made LA a richer place than when he found it.

T

im & Marianne Cowan, both bound for Bates, discovering new opportunities.

Tim Cowan was destined to go to Bates College. No doubt. He’s the fourth generation; his great-grandfather attended Bates.

“We love LA’s exciting restaurants, theater, music and culture, it’s so close to mountains and lakes. It’s a fantastic place to live.”

At Bates, he met his future wife Marianne who, like Tim, was destined to go to Bates. They both

By Dan Marois | That Feeling of Home

had grown up in upstate New York. Both their mothers had grown up in Maine and- yes- both had gone to Bates. A case of parallel universes.

After graduation, Tim did a stint in South Carolina for his Masters degree. Then Marianne’s graduate pursuits took them to Buffalo, New York.

Finally, in 1999, the Cowans could decide where to settle their young family.

Back to LA

The move back to Maine was also destiny; both of their parents had moved back to Maine. Besides the lure of LA’s small-town feel, something else brought the Cowans back. “Living in LA, we were fortunate that our kids could grow up with more diversity than what you might expect in Maine,” explains Tim. “It makes them grounded.”

The Cowans enjoy outdoor activities the region offers- hiking, snowshoeing, XC skiing, and camping.

“We love LA’s exciting restaurants, theater, music and culture,” Tim reports, “but it’s so close to mountains and lakes. It’s a fantastic place to live.”

Professional opportunity

From a professional standpoint, settling in Maine was a very good move for Tim, as a public health epidemiologist. Since our small state doesn’t

“The great thing about Maine is its small scale,” he says. “I could not have made such a contribution elsewhere.” have a formal public health infrastructure, it’s up to grant-funded organizations to partner to develop policy. Through his work at MaineHealth since 2001, Tim has been able to impact healthcare practice.

Tim’s “baby” is the Maine Health Index. With his team, Tim developed this system to monitor seven priority areas with data and tools to drive improvements in healthcare.

“The great thing about Maine is its small scale,” he says. “I could not have made such a contribution elsewhere.”

But Tim also contributes to LA by serving on the advisory board for Healthy Androscoggin. For the past five years, he’s been providing expert guidance and feedback to their local providers.

“It’s rewarding to help guide efforts in our area.

We have the highest obesity and tobacco use rates in the state, so I’ve been excited to get involved in addressing that.”

Back to Bates

Marianne Cowan’s work as Associate Director of Program Design for the Purposeful Work initiative at Bates allows her to build bridges between LA and her alma mater in a new way. She brings the best of LA to Bates, recruiting local professionals to teach practitioner-led courses for Bates’ May short term. This brings LA voices into the classroom to bridge the gap between course content and “work.” She is also the liaison between Bates student entrepreneurs and the Lewiston Economic Growth Council’s Top Gun LA committee.

Because Marianne is employed at Bates, the Cowans decided to let their children end the Bates legacy. “We hope they will come back to Maine,” says Tim. But perhaps they, too, will come back and share their gifts in LA. LA METRO MAGAZINE digital edition @ LAMetroMagazine.com

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EXPERIENTIAL CITY: A Subjective Guide to Music and Art in Lewiston & Auburn

By Elijah True

L

ike cities all over the country, the Twin Cities have experienced fluctuations in artistic culture and nightlife, but there’s a rich history of music and art in this area of the state. It would be insincere for me to claim Lewiston and Auburn offer the most comprehensive artistic experience in Maine, but I believe we’re moving toward a renewal of experiential opportunities, due in large part to the efforts of many dedicated artists, musicians, and small business owners who have made it their mission to create a blossoming culture of art.

Lewiston and Auburn offer many kinds of experiences – so many, in fact, that I’m choosing to focus my attention on experiences best suited for adults. I will undoubtedly leave a lot out, so I’ll approach this as if you were my personal acquaintance and guide you to the things I’ve discovered and enjoyed the most in recent years, but I’d encourage anyone to seek out experiences beyond what I highlight here.

Let’s talk about music.

She Doesn’t Like Guthrie’s For a beginner-level experience there’s nothing easier than She Doesn’t Like Guthrie’s; a small, family-owned, casual restaurant located at 115 Middle Street in Lewiston. Guthrie’s is for the early birds. They close at 10:00 PM on Friday night and don’t open again until Monday morning.

Music at Guthrie’s is most often jazz, folk, light blues, and a few other more eclectic acoustic acts. It’s a great place to start your evening with

a very chill vibe, a healthy meal, and music that doesn’t require earplugs. You’ll also find art by local artists hanging on their walls.

Bald Hill at Guthrie’s Toby Haber-Giasson photo

And even though this section is supposed to be about music, I can’t bring up Guthrie’s without mentioning The Corner; live storytelling series curated by Michael Sargent. The Corner takes place on the second Thursday of each month.

It’s a great way to hear personal stories from the diverse people of Lewiston and Auburn, but don’t dilly dally. The Corner takes a three-month summer hiatus starting in June.

Bear Bones Beer Bear Bones is a tiny brewery at 43 Lisbon Street in Lewiston.

Like Guthrie’s, they close their taproom at 10:00 PM. You’ll find local art on their walls as well, and their furniture even includes handmade pieces from local artists. In addition to offering truly excellent beer, Bear Bones has just started a live music series called Taproom Tunes, which goes from 7-9 PM LA METRO MAGAZINE digital edition @ LAMetroMagazine.com

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on Saturday nights. So far, this series has been a bit noisier than what you might find at Guthrie’s, but still comprises a range of musical styles from folk to light indie rock. You could be in for something quiet and contemplative or something much more spirited.

The owners of Bear Bones and Guthrie’s seem to share a very special altruism that guides their decisions toward doing what’s good for the environment, artists, and the community while still operating sustainable businesses. I highly recommend either of these places.

Ready for the harder stuff? Me too.

The Cage La Cage, as it’s known to some, is a long-lived fixture in Lewiston and Auburn’s dive bar culture. I’ve written about The Cage before. I love it. I’m a regular. Located at 99 Ash Street in Lewiston, it’s almost directly across the street from The Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, which makes walking out the door at 1:00 AM an almost surreal experience.

worth the experience.

The Cage also hosts a weekly open blues jam on Thursdays. Musicians of all walks are free to stop in and play with the house band or do a short solo performance. And if that’s not enough to entice you to try The Cage, they also regularly book some of the best cover bands in Androscoggin County. (Don’t miss Black Cat Road.)

I believe The Cage still has a pay phone. I don’t know if it actually works.

Other music venues I’ll offer a few more things in rapid-fire mode. All of the following places regularly have musical entertainment, mostly in the form of cover bands and acoustic acts.

• Gritty McDuff’s • The Fire House Grill • Pedro O’Hara’s • Fast Breaks Open mics also abound. Here are a few regular open mic nights: Monday - Pedro O’Hara’s, hosted by Michael Krapovicky Wednesday – Sea40, hosted by Tom Gurney

The Cage has been many things to many people over the years, but now it’s somewhat of a beacon for loud, original, rock bands. There are few places to hear metal in L/A, and The Cage is by far the most consistent about booking loud bands.

Every first Thursday – The Fire House Grille, hosted by Dana Banks

Most metal shows happen on Saturday nights and the scheduling of these events has become more frequent in the last two years. It’s a window into L/A’s gritty metal tradition, and you’ll find the range of local practitioners well represented here. Bands promote these shows themselves, so you won’t find any info on The Cage’s Facebook timeline, but keep an eye out for these events. If you stop in for a drink, you’ll probably see fliers or a chalkboard with a list of upcoming shows, which usually include three to five bands for a very small door charge. Five dollars is generally

Visual arts For me, art in the Twin Cities is all about the UMVA-LA, which stands for Union of Maine Visual Artists – Lewiston and Auburn chapter. It’s a long acronym to describe a simple idea.

A group of local artists have teamed up to support each other and keep a focus on art in our community.

100 LA METRO MAGAZINE | APRIL 2017

Every second Friday – The Pleasant Note at Auburn UU, hosted by Toby Haber-Giasson It’s time to move on to art.

By Elijah True | Experiental City

The UMVA-LA meets monthly and anyone who’s interested is welcome to join its meetings. These artists are constantly brainstorming new and better ways to make art accessible. They’re the driving force behind public art, like the painted sidewalk squares and fire hydrants on Lisbon Street and “creative crosswalks” like the hotdog-shaped crosswalk you can find near Simones Hot Dog Stand. They arrange lectures and workshops for artists and aspiring artists, support Art Walk LA, and host events throughout the year.

But most importantly, they ensure there will be opportunities for people to experience art and interact with artists during the colder months, when Art Walk LA isn’t active. Events are usually grouped and themed around holidays, like Halloween and Valentine’s Day. These events are free to the public and artists are never charged submission fees.

The UMVA-LA along with L/A Arts keep art vital in Lewiston and Auburn. Here’s a list of venues that participate in UMVA-LA events. They all offer services and support for artists and art lovers, and I urge you to visit them regularly.

• The Studio 291 Lisbon Street, Lewiston • Wicked Illustrations Studio and Gallery 140 Canal Street, Lewiston • Quiet City: Books, Art, Gifts, and Heart 97 Lisbon Street, Lewiston • The Hive Artisan Co-op 178 Lisbon Street, Lewiston • Kimball Street Studios 191 Lisbon Street, Lewiston In addition to UMVA-LA events, The Hive Artisan Co-op frequently hosts small openings and oneoff events featuring the work of local artists. It’s always worth it to pop in and check their events board. They sell a variety of arts and crafts made by their members, and it’s a great place to tap into what’s coming up in Lewiston-Auburn’s informal arts district.

• L/A Arts 221 Lisbon Street, Lewiston __________________________________________ Elijah True is a local artist and musician. He also curates his own independent arts and culture zine called *lewburn.*

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Where to Stay

KEY: N = No; Y = Yes; O = Outside; I = Inside

HOTELS

CENTER STREET VALUE INN - AUBURN 170 Center St. Auburn 207 784-1331 • www.executiveinnmaine.com

HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS & SUITES 303 Sable Oaks Dr. So. Portland 207 775-3900

# of meeting rooms rooms

# of meeting rooms rooms

65

N

pets pool restaurant

N

N

N

handicap hot tub/ access jacuzzi

Y

N

130

Y

pets pool restaurant

Y

I

N

handicap hot tub/ access jacuzzi

Y

FIRESIDE INN & SUITES 1777 Washington St. Auburn 207 777-1777 • www.firesideinnauburn.com

THE BRUNSWICK HOTEL AND TAVERN 4 Nobel St. Brunswick, ME • 207 837-6566 www.thebrunswickhotelandtavern.com

# of meeting rooms rooms

# of meeting rooms rooms

100

Y

pets pool restaurant

Y

O

Y

handicap hot tub/ access jacuzzi

Y

Y

52

Y

pets pool restaurant

Y

N

Y

handicap hot tub/ access jacuzzi

Y

HAMPTON INN LEWISTON/AUBURN 15 Lincoln St. Lewiston • 207 344-1000 207 344-1050 • www.hamptoninn.com

THREE RIVERS WHITEWATER 2265 US Route 201 The Forks 207 663-2104 • www.threeriversfun.com

# of meeting rooms rooms

# of meeting rooms rooms

93

1

pets pool restaurant

Y

I

N

handicap hot tub/ access jacuzzi

Y

N

10/11

Y

pets pool restaurant

Y

N

3

N

N

handicap hot tub/ access jacuzzi

Y

Y

HARRASEEKET INN 162 Main St. Freeport 207 865-9377 • www.harraseeketinn.com

POINT SEBAGO RESORT 261 Point Sebago Rd. Casco • 207 655-7949 207 655-3371 • www.pointsebago.com

# of meeting rooms rooms

# of meeting rooms rooms

93

5

pets pool restaurant

Y

I

Y

handicap hot tub/ access jacuzzi

Y

N

200

Y

pets pool restaurant

Y

N

Y

handicap hot tub/ access jacuzzi

Y

N

HIGHLAND LAKE RESORT 115 N. High St. Bridgton 207 647-5301 • www.highlandlakeresorts.com

POLAND SPRING RESORT 543 Maine St. Poland Spring • 207 998-4351 207 998-2811 • www.polandspringresort.com

# of meeting rooms rooms

# of meeting rooms rooms

138

Y

pets pool restaurant

N

I

Y

handicap hot tub/ access jacuzzi

Y

Y

200

N

pets pool restaurant

Y

O

Y

handicap hot tub/ access jacuzzi

Y

HILTON GARDEN INN AUBURN RIVERWATCH 14 Great Falls Plaza Auburn • 207 784-4433 207 777-7328 • www.auburnriverwatch.hgi.com

PORTLAND MARRIOTT AT SABLE OAKS 200 Sable Oaks Dr. So. Portland 207 871-8000

# of meeting rooms rooms

# of meeting rooms rooms

138

Y

pets pool restaurant

N

I

Y

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handicap hot tub/ access jacuzzi

Y

Y

226

Y

pets pool restaurant

Y

I

Y

N

handicap hot tub/ access jacuzzi

Y

Y

KEY: N = No; Y = Yes; O = Outside; I = Inside

KEY: N = No; Y = Yes; O = Outside; I = Inside

RAMADA CONFERENCE CENTER 490 Pleasant St. Lewiston • 207 784-2331 207 784-2332 • www.ramada.com RAMADA CONFERENCE CENTER 490 Lewiston • 207 784-2331 # ofPleasant meeting St. pets pool restaurant handicap hot tub/ rooms rooms 207 784-2332 • www.ramada.comaccess jacuzzi 117 Y Y I Y Y Y # of meeting pets pool restaurant handicap hot tub/ rooms

rooms

access

RESIDENCE 117 Y INN Y BYIMARRIOTT Y Y 670 Turner Rd. Auburn • 207 777-3400 800-384-9855 • www.marriott.com RESIDENCE INN

BY MARRIOTT 670 Rd.pets Auburn 207 777-3400 # ofTurner meeting pool •restaurant handicap rooms rooms access 800-384-9855 • www.marriott.com 100 Y Y pool I restaurant N Y # of meeting pets handicap rooms

rooms

access

jacuzzi

Y

hot tub/ jacuzzi hotYtub/ jacuzzi

RESIDENCE 100 Y INN Y BYI MARRIOTT N Y Y 139 Richardson St. Bath • 207 443-9741 800-384-9855 • www.marriott.com RESIDENCE INN

BY MARRIOTT - BATH 139 St. pool Bath restaurant • 207 443-9741 # ofRichardson meeting pets handicap hot tub/ rooms rooms access jacuzzi 800-384-9855 • www.marriott.com # of meeting rooms rooms

pets pool restaurant

handicap hot tub/ access jacuzzi

SAMOSET 86 Y RESORT Y I N Y N 220 Warrenton St. Rockport • 800 341-1650 207 389-2004 • www.samoset.com SAMOSET RESORT 220 St. Rockport • 800handicap 341-1650 # ofWarrenton meeting pets pool restaurant hot tub/ rooms rooms access jacuzzi 207 389-2004 • www.samoset.com 178 Y Y pool O restaurant Y Y # of meeting pets handicap hotYtub/ rooms

rooms

access

jacuzzi

SEBASCO 178 Y HARBOR Y ORESORT Y Y Y 29 Kenyon Rd. Sebasco Estates • 207 389-1161 207 389-2004 • www.sebasco.com SEBASCO HARBOR RESORT 29# of Kenyon Rd. Sebasco Estates • handicap 207 389-1161 meeting pets pool restaurant hot tub/ rooms rooms access jacuzzi 207 389-2004 • www.sebasco.com 110 Y Y pool O restaurant Y Y # of meeting pets handicap hotYtub/ rooms

rooms

access

jacuzzi

SLEEPY TIME MOTEL 110 Y Y O Y Y Y 46 Danville Corner Rd. Auburn • 207 783-1435 207 344-6014 • www.sleepytimemotel.com SLEEPY TIME MOTEL 46# of Danville Rd. Auburn 783-1435 meetingCorner pets pool restaurant• 207 handicap hot tub/ rooms rooms access jacuzzi 207 344-6014 • www.sleepytimemotel.com N Y pool N restaurant N N #6of meeting pets handicap hotNtub/ rooms

6

rooms

N

Y

N

N

access

jacuzzi

N

N

BED AND BREAKFAST INN THE BREAKFAST AGORA BEDAT AND 1 Walnut St. Lewiston 855 • www.innattheagora.com INN552-4672 AT THE AGORA 1 #Walnut St.year Lewiston of water meals pets handicap fireplace hot tub/ rooms view round served access jacuzzi 855 552-4672 • www.innattheagora.com N year Y meals N pets Y handicap Y N hotNtub/ #6of water fireplace rooms view round served

access

jacuzzi

NORTHERN 6 N YPINES N BED Y ANDYBREAKFAST N N 31 Big Pine Rd. Raymond 207 655-7624PINES • www.maine.com/norpines NORTHERN BED AND BREAKFAST 31# of Bigwater Pine year Rd. Raymond meals pets handicap fireplace hot tub/ rooms view round served access jacuzzi 207 655-7624 • www.maine.com/norpines Y year N meals B pets Y handicap N N hotN #5of water fireplace tub/ rooms view round served

access

jacuzzi

rooms view round served

access

jacuzzi

THE OUTDOORS 5 GREAT Y N B Y & RECREATION N N N FUNCTION FACILITY LLC 68 Naiad Lane Turner THE GREAT OUTDOORS & RECREATION 207 224-7061 • www.greatoutdoorsme.com FUNCTION FACILITY LLC 68# of Naiad waterLane yearTurner meals pets handicap fireplace hot tub/ rooms view round served access jacuzzi 207 224-7061 • www.greatoutdoorsme.com Y year N meals N pets N handicap N fireplace N hot N #3of water tub/ THE 3 LODGE Y NAT CAMDEN N N HILLS N N N 186 Belfast Rd. Camden 207 • www.thelodgeatcamdenhills.com THE236-8478 LODGE AT CAMDEN HILLS 186 # ofBelfast water Rd. year Camden meals pets handicap fireplace hot tub/ rooms view round served access jacuzzi 207 236-8478 • www.thelodgeatcamdenhills.com 14 N year Y meals N pets N handicap Y fireplace N # of water hotYtub/ rooms view round served

access

jacuzzi

WOLF COVE 14 N Y INNN N Y N Y 5 Jordan Shore Dr. Poland • 207 998-4976 207 998-7049 • www.wolfcoveinn.com WOLF COVE INN 5 #Jordan Shore Poland 207 998-4976 of water year Dr. meals pets • handicap fireplace hot tub/ rooms view round served access jacuzzi 207 998-7049 • www.wolfcoveinn.com Y year Y meals B pets Y handicap N fireplace Y #10 of water hotYtub/ rooms view round served

10

Y

Y

B

access

Y

N

jacuzzi

Y

Y

KEY: N = No; Y = Yes; O = Outside; I = Inside

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KEY: N = No; Y = Yes; O = Outside; I = Inside

CAMPGROUNDS POINT SEBAGO RESORT 261 Point Sebago Rd. Casco • 207 655-7949 207 655-3371 • www.pointsebago.com planned activities

Y

# of sites

120

water

B

boating

fishing

season

Y

Y

May 1-Oct 31

RIVERBEND CAMPGROUND 1540 Route 106 Leeds 207 524-2315 • 207 524-5711 www.riverbendcampgroundmaine.com planned activities

Y

# of sites

100

water

boating

Y

Y

fishing

Y

season May 1-Oct 9

SAGADAHOC BAY CAMPGROUND Sagadahoc Bay Rd. Georgetown 207 371-2014 • www.sagbaycamping.com planned activities

N

# of sites

64

+ 4 cabins

water

boating

fishing

season

B

Y

Y

May 1-Oct 9

©DanMarquisPhotography.com

THREE RIVERS WHITEWATER 2265 US Route 201 The Forks 207 663-2104 • www.threeriversfun.com planned # of water boating fishing season activities

Y

sites

23

Y

Y

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Y

Dec 26-Nov 23

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