LA Metro Magazine - Autumn 2018

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LA METRO MAGAZINE | AUTUMN 2018

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editor’s note PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOSE LEIVA

I thoroughly enjoy the warm, sunny days of summer, and always find it hard to see it end, but there is a fun, quiet, and comforting feel to autumn that is undeniable. I’m definitely not the ‘pumpkin spice’ type; I am more the football-watching, hoodie-wearing type who truly enjoys the fall season. Crisp mornings are the perfect time for a good run; afternoons provide comfortable weather for lots of long walks with my dog, Lydia (who is pictured with me), and don’t even get me started on the food! Hot dips, chowders, Crock-Pot meals, and hearty casseroles – this is definitely a season I can dig into.

The arrival of fall also marks a year for me as Editor-in-Chief here at LA Metro Magazine. That’s four full seasons with four, amazing issues of entertaining and community-based stories. The past 365 days have offered me distinct opportunities for exploration and learning. We’ve made a number of changes to LAMM, and will continue to strive for improvements that emphasize the pride we feel for our community- a pride that ensures we deliver a quality product to our readers, subscribers, and advertisers.

Thank you for a great first year!

PAM ASHBY Editor-in-Chief editor@LAMetroMagazine.com

My editor’s note photo was taken by Jose Leiva, in his distinct form of light painting.

Read more about Jose and this form of photography in our cover story.

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

8 Lexington Street, Lewiston 4

LA METRO MAGAZINE | AUTUMN 2018

www.penmor.com

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contributors

Toby Haber-Giasson editorial director

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 & Poetry Slam, which she co-hosts.

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Dan Marois senior writer

Dan 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, Dan does improv comedy performances, as well as offers corporate training in using the skills of improvisation.

He is also the administrative director for the Maine Public Relations Council.

Nicole Breton

Peggy Faye Brown

Brewster Burns

T.S. Chamberland

Nicole is a freelance writer living in Auburn. She graduated from Southern New Hampshire University with a Bachelor of Arts in English Language & Literature. She spends her free time at the beach, walking in the woods, and talking to her animals.

Peggy enjoys the art of writing, whether typed or handwritten in cursive. She brainstorms and daydreams whenever possible while working and commuting.

Some poems and articles have been published and her first fiction piece was published in Goose River Anthology 2017.

She enjoys writing pieces with a purpose: to commemorate the past and encourage the future.

Brewster was raised in Waterford, Maine, attended Oxford Hills High School, then graduated from Colby College. Brewster became an English teacher at Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School, where he has remained since 1988. Christmas of 2012, he received his first camera, quickly learning the love of the lens. Brewster freelances for some Maine newspapers and local magazines. He resides in Hebron, with his wife and two children.

T.S. is a native of Lewiston who first aspired to become a writer during her sophomore year at Lewiston High School. She has written for a variety of local Maine newspapers and publications since 2006. Community and growth are of particular interest to this New England Patriots fan and she enjoys fitness, beachcombing, whiskey and wine tastings, as well as travel and time with family and friends.

LA METRO MAGAZINE | AUTUMN 2018

Peggy DeBlois

Jennifer Grace

Michael Krapovicky

A native of Lewiston, Peggy began writing creatively as a child growing up in a FrenchCatholic 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.

Jennifer is a freelance photographer and content writer. She lives in Auburn with her husband, stepkids, and two high energy dogs. She also loves to cook and works mornings at Hurricane’s Cafe and Deli as a cook. Follow her photo journey and more on Instagram @captainjenway.

Michael is a freelance writer and musician from Auburn.

He graduated from the University of Maine at Presque Isle in 1999 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts.

Karen Landry

Jose Leiva

David Muise

Donna Rousseau

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.

Jose started his photography career while in the Air Force during Vietnam. He moved to Maine in the late 1980s and retired from the Sun Journal a few years ago. He now works as a freelance photographer and exhibits his art locally.

David is a serial entrepreneur, writer, painter, and player of very mediocre guitar. He fits these endeavors in around his busy fly fishing schedule.

A Maine native, Donna has dedicated much of her career to assisting families as they navigate the world of eldercare. Her philosophy is “Create good by approaching all things with an open mind and a generous, honest heart;” it has served her well personally and professionally.

Emily Chouinard Emily is a freelance writer born and raised in Auburn.

She got her start writing for local newspapers in the Livermore Falls area.

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.

She studied arts and humanities at the University of Southern Maine. She enjoys reading, writing, music, and -most of all- making her six year-old son David smile.

Jose lives in Lewiston, Maine, with his wife, Linda. Together they have six adult children, and four grandchildren who are a source of photographic inspiration.

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.

Writing is her happy place and her family is her heart.

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contents AUTUMN VOL. 3

on the cover

•

No. 4

2018

quick reads

Jose Leiva

Local Confections

A lifetime looking through the lens

19 On the Go Despite the Snow

24 features

35

12

Musical Luminaries part II

42 Social or Serious?

Reclaiming Lost Valley

38

46 Homes for the Brave

54 Chiropractic Care LA Law

Pizza & Beer

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56 The Rise of the Flying Saucers

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LA METRO MAGAZINE | AUTUMN 2018

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PUBLISHER & CEO

Jim Marston jim@LAMetroMagazine.com

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Pam Ashby editor@LAMetroMagazine.com

ADVERTISING SALES Jim Marston Tim Rucker Steve Simard

PRODUCTION MANAGERS Pam Ashby Jim Marston

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Toby Haber-Giasson

WRITERS

Dan Marois, senior writer Nicole Breton Peggy Faye Brown T.S. Chamberland Emily Chouinard Peggy DeBlois Toby Haber-Giasson Michael Krapovicky Karen Landry David Muise Donna Rousseau

PROOFREADER

PICTURE THE POSSIBILITIES...

Kayla Marston

PHOTOGRAPHY Brewster Burns Jennifer Grace Jason Leiva Jose Leiva

COVER

Photographer: Jason Leiva LA Metro Magazine is published four times each year by LA Metro Magazine, LLC

Loan & Savings Options for all of life’s moments!

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.

Copyright Š2018 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.

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LA METRO MAGAZINE | AUTUMN 2018

Where Community Comes First... Since 1945 Serving all of Androscoggin County

Branches in Auburn, Lewiston, and Turner

207.783.2096 - www.communitycreditunion.com Member eligibility required. This Credit Union is federally insured by NCUA and is an Equal Housing Lender.

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Reclaiming

Lost Valley Written by Toby Haber-Giasson | Photography by Brewster Burns

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Photo courtesy of Lost 2018 Valley LA METRO MAGAZINE | AUTUMN

Now an all-season recreation hub

A

sk just about anyone in the LA area where they learned to ski and there is only one answer: Lost Valley. Since 1961, this community has held bragging rights to an affordable ski resort 10 minutes from anywhere in town. Generations have learned to ski here; national ski champions have launched their careers here. And then it fell upon hard times. But like LA’s historic mills, this local treasure is reinvigorating its legacy by propelling itself into the next century.

Smart solution A group of longtime Lost Valley employees had purchased the operation back in 2004. They kept the business going for 10 years, but aging equipment and the reality of decreasing snowfall caught up to them. With heavy hearts, they put it up for sale in 2015, hoping for a miracle.

Enter: Scott Shanaman, a fixture in the New England ski industry since 2001. He actually got his start at the University of Maine at Farmington Ski Industries program, right up the road.

“Lost Valley was a customer of mine for 10-15 years,” he explains. “I thought the place had potential.”

His company, Aerial NDT Inspection, Inc., works with over 100 clients all across the Northeast, giving Shanaman an ideal position to observe what makes small resorts successful.

“I thought I could do the same at Lost Valley, by following the model of other areas of similar size.” His unique perspective led Shanaman and wife April to buy Lost Valley in the fall of 2015. “It’s been more of a struggle than I bargained for,” he admits, “but we are making progress.”

Season pass sales certainly reflect that rebound. Last year, Lost Valley logged nearly 40,000 skier visits in just 105 season days. Just a few years ago, this figure would have been unthinkable.

“Just to be talking to LA Metro Magazine about it now is a testament,” observes new owner Scott Shanaman. “There was some concern in the skiing community about the future of Lost Valley. Now that we have made some capital improvements, there are happy people out there, showing their support by coming back.”

Setting Priorities Lost Valley had a short, but pricey must-do list. And at the top: get the ski lifts back in shape. Naturally, Shanaman was just the right man for that job. Lift #1, formerly multi-colored but now painted blue, has been fully refurbished, and equipped with a variable drive to slow it down for younger skiers. Similar repairs are slated for Lift #2, long known as the “Silver Chair.”

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Next item on the list: upgrade rental equipment. Lost Valley made a $55,000 investment, replacing two-thirds of total inventory of Alpine skis, boots, and bindings; new boots and bindings for a majority of the snowboards; and expanded boot stock for cross-country skiing.

Lodge renovations were expected, but actual needs went way beyond what was anticipated. “Replacing a few ceiling tiles turned into a complete kitchen renovation,” recalls General Manager John Herrick. “We switched out wood counters and cabinets for stainless steel, installed a new floor and ceiling, LED lights, new grill tops, and a dishwasher.”

Tough Breaks For all the progress made, there have been epic setbacks.

First came the wind. “Last year we were way ahead. We got all our snowmaking lines tested out, lifts and electrical,” Herrick recounts. “Then a huge windstorm came through. Tree trunks pulled up our snowmaking lines; that added two weeks of work to clean it up, plus all the other stuff we had to repair. It put us back four weeks.”

And then the Grinch stole Christmas week 2017. Lost Valley was 100 percent open for the first time: all trails had snow coverage.

“We had our busiest day on the day after Christmas,“ Herrick reflected. “It snowed Christmas night, and next day was beautiful, a banner day. Then on December 27, it dropped below zero, and skiers didn’t come out for the rest of the week.”

“We had 16 days above freezing, so we could not make snow,” he explains, “but we had made enough before, so we survived that. It was a real ‘roller-coaster ride’ of a season.”

“Our objective is to be the premier outdoor recreation facility in Central Maine.”

New toys Young families are always looking for outdoor activities, especially in the winter, when their kids are cooped up inside. So Lost Valley added fun features like a tubing park and a “magic carpet” conveyor.

sooner they can ski independently. And Lost Valley is seeing the benefit: students get out of the ski school corral faster, and out on the lifts and trails.

Three trails debuted in 2017, offering one new opportunity for each skill level. Hotshots will love Coyote, an expert “black diamond” trail down the old T-bar path. The intermediate Skunk trail offers a new long run, below Lift #2. Possum, an easy trail through the Terrain Park, will please skiers and riders wanting to perfect their tricks.

Family-friendly brewpub When local brewer Darren Finnegan proposed making craft beer at Lost Valley, the idea wasn’t anywhere on the to-do list, but it was too good an idea to pass up.

Lost Valley carried the load, doing all that it takes to create a licensed brewery in its basement. This included some gnarly logistics involving drains, sewer lines, and fire-resistant walls, plus the expense. The casual atmosphere of their iconic lodge could provide the perfect place for customers to enjoy the product.

Thus launched Lost Valley Brewing Co. just this past February.

“Society loves craft beer, so the brewpub brings people out here in summer,” says Herrick, who presides over the pub. “My two pastimes are skiing and craft beer, so I get to do both.”

”Only a small percentage of the population can afford to go to the large resorts,” reasons Shanaman, ”and if you have a young family, it’s not necessary.”

Tubing is fun for everyone, especially for nonskiers, and it can serve as an introduction to snow activities. A surface lift pulls tubers up the slope, and helpers guide them at the top and bottom.

The magic carpet helps beginner skiers make repeated runs on the practice hill. The more practice runs they can log, the 14

Tubing park - Photo courtesy of Lost Valley

LA METRO MAGAZINE | AUTUMN 2018

“Magic carpet” conveyor Photo courtesy of Lost Valley

By Toby Haber-Giasson | Photography by Brewster Burns | Reclaiming Lost Valley

Badass Burger - Photo courtesy of Lost Valley

“Our market is mid-20s to 40-somethings with young families,” he says. “People come out with their kids, and have a nice meal.

Then they can take their beverages out on the front lawn and socialize. The children aren’t asking to go home; they can play horseshoes and cornhole or ride their mountain bikes. Teenagers use our free Wi-Fi or play the arcade.”

The brewpub draws patrons from LA and many surrounding towns. Check out their weekly Badass Burger special, which may feature Philly Cheesesteak on top of a three-quarter pound patty.

Thursday is their biggest night, with live music. Wired hipsters can find out what’s on their 12 taps on the Untappd app.

“Our objective is to be the premier outdoor recreation facility in Central Maine,” says Herrick. “We’ve got the facilities, the parking, and the real estate.”

Schooled Recognizing its long-standing reputation as the most prolific learn-to-ski operation in Central Maine, Lost Valley Ski Area continues to provide training for skiers of all ability levels. They provide group lessons for 25 school, recreation, and community groups. Last season, Lost Valley attracted more than 1,000 students for weekly instruction programs, both from these groups, and through direct registration. Over one-third of all skier visits last year were through instruction programs. Ski school requires Lost Valley’s highest percentage of employees and it provides half of its overall revenue per year.

Lost Valley’s racing programs attract about 300 students weekly.

Race teams from 10 area high schools, four colleges, and two independent race clubs train at Lost Valley, on both their Alpine and Nordic terrain.

Many people may not know that Lost Valley Ski Area also boasts eight kilometers of cross-country trails. The Auburn Nordic Ski Association maintains these trails, and sells season passes to their members. Nonmembers can buy day passes right at Lost Valley.

Snow strategy Skiers need snow. With warmer winters now the ‘new normal,’ resorts have no choice but to invest heavily in snowmaking.

“You have to be committed to making snow,” intones Shanaman.

“It’s survival.”

Lost Valley uses a strategic combination of methods. Tower guns are used on the trails. A system of metal tubes spray out air and water, which mix to form snow. These snow gun tubes are fed from the bottom of the mountain, where big compressors force high pressure air up the hill.

Snow-making and grooming Photo courtesy of Lost Valley

And learn-to-ski doesn’t just benefit Lost Valley. By maintaining focus on the ski school, Herrick reasons, “We’re helping the industry grow, by teaching the skiers.”

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Race participant - Photo courtesy of Lost Valley “We may go two weeks straight blowing snow,” says Herrick.

“Our electric bill for January 2018 was $30,000.” Now that’s commitment.

Due to the great expense of running high power and metal line up trails, Lost Valley uses snow fans at the mountain base, then moves snow around where it needs to go.

“The customers don’t get to see all of the inner workings of providing a quality surface to ski and board on,” Herrick elaborates.

“Grooming and snowmaking crews work diligently seven nights a week, making, pushing, and redirecting snow, creating a perfect corduroy surface for skiers and boarders.”

The business of fun Owner Shanaman still spends lots of time on the road, running his lift inspection company. This work ultimately benefits Lost Valley, both directly and indirectly.

Surely, reclaiming Lost Valley is a group effort. Shanaman credits a team of local partners for its very survival. “If it were not for AVCOG (Androscoggin Valley Council of Governments), LAEGC (Lewiston Auburn Economic Growth Council), and Mechanics Savings Bank, we wouldn’t be sitting here,” he attests.

Young skier - Photo courtesy of Lost Valley

The resort is becoming a robust local engine in LA’s economy. In the winter, Lost Valley employs over 30 full-time and 100 parttime workers. The U.S. Small Business Association, whose loans help Lost Valley finance maintenance upgrades, has already recognized the ski area for its success.

Future plans Lost Valley is developing year-round programming like the Fall Festival in September, and “Mountain of Terror” running throughout October.

The next epic project will be installing Lift #3, over the next 3-5 years. Right now this triple chair, acquired from Sunday River, is sitting in the parking lot. However, someday it will bolster Alpine East, carrying eager skiers to the south-side trails, Logging Trail and Suicide.

With its excellent facilities and year-round strategy, Lost Valley Ski Area is certainly on course to be the region’s premier outdoor recreation facility, and it’s right here in LA. Lost Valley 200 Lost Valley Rd, Auburn • lostvalleyski.com

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LA METRO MAGAZINE | AUTUMN 2018

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LA METRO MAGAZINE | AUTUMN 2018

Local Confections Written by Peggy DeBlois | Photography by Jose Leiva

Every community deserves a treat. In Lewiston Auburn, there are three ways to get your candy fix: visit a shop, experiment with custom truffles, or discover a local specialty.

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Maine Gourmet Chocoaltes retail store

Finding your fix in Lewiston Auburn Breaking the mold Stepping into Maine Gourmet Chocolates, you most likely will be greeted by owner Stephanie Bernatchez, or by one of her family members. They are integral to her successful business, which recently celebrated five years in Auburn at its Main Street location.

“My mom was a great cook,” begins Bernatchez, as she explains how she came to own a candy shop. “She always made home cooked meals, desserts, baked goods, and even some candies.

Once I left home, I bought a few candy molds and made chocolates for family and friends. By watching cooking shows and videos, I got more in-depth with what I made. I never took any classes or went to school, so most of what I know is self-taught, a lot of trial and error.”

The family-business connection doesn’t end there for Bernatchez. She specializes in making nautical items out of chocolate, which she molds from real life objects. “Years ago, I had an idea of how to make my own chocolate molds,” says Bernatchez. “Between my husband, my dad, and my brother, they were able to build a simple mechanism that we still use today. We mold lobster claws, clamshells, mussels, and more.

My father was a fisherman, so I have a lot of love for the ocean. A popular item is the lobster bake, which includes a chocolate lobster, chocolate clams & mussels, a chocolate potato, and chocolate corn on the cob. It is packaged in a mini wooden clam roller, that my husband makes out of wood that comes off the bottom of lobster traps.”

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LA METRO MAGAZINE | AUTUMN 2018

Having the ability to make custom molds has led to lots of interesting work for Maine Gourmet Chocolates. They make sets of chocolate snowshoes, bowling pins, bowling balls, and even a chocolate key to the City of Auburn.

Along with the creativity in molding chocolates, Bernatchez loves experimenting with new truffle flavors. She claims a lot of people will be adventurous if it involves chocolate, which explains her Moxie truffle, pairing that iconic soda with homemade caramel.

Her personal favorites are the chocolates paired with balsamic vinegars.

Maine Gourmet Chocolates are made using yogurt from Top It Frozen Dessert Bar, daughter Corrie’s attached frozen yogurt shop. The yogurt base has probiotics, and boasts no cream or butter, and no high fructose.

Let’s experiment!

Beer and chocolate may not seem like a natural pairing, but Jim Mingo of Marley’s Chocolate Lab makes it work by showcasing his custom truffles regularly at the Baxter Brewing Co. taproom. He describes his truffles, all made at his home in Auburn, as “flavor explosions.”

“When you bite into one of my truffles, you taste a lot of different flavors in layers,” explains Mingo. “I work with over 550 flavors, so everything is a custom flavor. If a customer calls me with a desired flavor, I will figure out a way to make it.”

Maine Gourmet Chocolates

By Peggy DeBlois | Photography by Jose Leiva | Local Confections Jim Mingo of Marley’s Chocolate Lab

“Watching the look on people’s faces when they try something they never considered in a chocolate... is the best part of what I do.”

Mingo came into the chocolate business in a rather roundabout way. He is also a keyboard player in the blues, reggae, classic rock, and funk genres. He used his cooking skills to build relationships with staff at Portland restaurants and bars where he plays music. His chocolate-covered strawberries were a real hit and he decided to try dabbling in truffles. “For me, it’s all about the flavor,” says Mingo. “I care about the taste moreso than making them pretty.

My truffles mostly look the same on the outside - it’s the inside that sets them apart.”

“Watching the look on people’s faces when they try something they never considered in a chocolate, seeing that joy spread across their faces, is the best part of what I do,” continues Mingo.

“I have 17-18 flavors that have a hot pepper ingredient. The first time I served a Cayenne Bacon Peanut Butter truffle, people thought I was crazy, but now it’s a big seller.” Other unique flavors include the Aztec truffle (dark chocolate, cinnamon, orange, and cayenne) and the Wild Blueberry Cheesecake truffle. Beyond truffles, Marley’s Chocolate Lab is also known for Stuffed Chocolate-dipped Margarita strawberries and Love Bites, which are seedless grapes wrapped in amaretto flavored cream cheese and dipped in bittersweet chocolate.

Not just peanuts Founded in 1965 by Normand and Pearl Cusson, Bob’s Peanuts and Candy Inc. is located in a modest building on River Road in Lewiston. Locals have long known it’s the place to get fresh roasted nuts and traditional candies, including Maine-made needhams and peanut butter buckeye balls.

“We are a distributor of just about any kind of candy you can name, including the old-fashioned candies that are hard to find now,” explains Kathy (Cusson) Gibson. “We cook all the nuts here, including cashews, blanched peanuts, Spanish peanuts, Virginia extra-large redskins, and salted peanuts in the shell. After the nuts, it’s all about the needhams for our customers.”

For Gibson, who manages in-house while her brothers are on the road, the best part of her day is the customer interaction. “We get some regulars every day, and they are so happy to get a simple product like a piece of candy,” she says. “The holiday season is the most fun, as we have a lot of seasonal return business, and it’s fun to catch up with those customers.” Gibson notes that many regulars call in orders for shipping, as well.

Kathy Gibson of Bob’s Peanuts

One of Mingo’s favorite recipes isn’t even a truffle. It is inspired by his grandmother’s whoopie pie recipe. “I never wanted to be a baker; I just wanted to make truffles really well. But I couldn’t pass up making Irish Car Bomb whoopie pies,” he explains. The Irish Car Bomb whoopie pie uses Guinness Stout in the chocolate, with a whoopie pie filling made with both Bailey’s Irish Cream and Jameson Whiskey.

Marley’s Chocolate Lab’s Irish Car Bomb whoopie pies LA METRO MAGAZINE digital edition @ LAMetroMagazine.com

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Gibson attributes the longevity of the business to this family approach. “My siblings and I were all quite literally born into the business,” she explains. “My parents started this business before I was born. They started by cooking the nuts in our home cellar and Dad would sell them at the shoe shops. They operated out of a pizza place for a while, then we found this place 37 years ago. My earliest job was putting stickers on the products, as a way to save money. Gary and I joke with our youngest sister that we don’t remember her being born because we were home working on labels!”

Sweet Confection By definition, a confection is “a dish or delicacy made with sweet ingredients.” Here in Lewiston Auburn, we are blessed to have plenty of locally produced confections, made by a variety of unique individuals. That’s pretty sweet.

Maine Gourmet Chocolates 170 Main Street, Auburn • mainegourmetcoastalcookies.com Marley’s Chocolate Lab • marleyschocolatelab.com Bob’s Peanuts & Candy Inc. 557 Lincoln Street, Lewiston • bobspeanuts.com

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H

e is the eldest of seven children, born in Laredo, Texas, where he grew up speaking Spanish as his first language. He describes Laredo as a border town where you can see Mexico on the other side of the Rio Grande.

Looking fit and trim at age 71, Jose Leiva has spent most of his career in photography looking through the eye of many different lenses, while capturing thousands of images.

It was during high school that he first found an interest in photography.

“I studied to be a graphic artist in high school,” remembers Leiva. “A half day was spent in technical school, with the other half in commercial art.”

As his high school graduation approached, the year was 1965 and the nation was engaged in war with Vietnam. Leiva knew that he faced the possibility of being drafted.

When it didn’t happen, he went to the local recruiting office asking to be drafted.

“I never told my parents that I did this, but I made the decision to get myself drafted.”

He enlisted in the Air Force for a four-year stint. His first assignment took him to South Carolina. Then, while others were shipping out to Vietnam, Leiva was sent to Italy.

“I was still getting accustomed to the language,” says Leiva, of his command of English.

“It took about a year to speak comfortably.”

Because of his graphics training, Leiva found himself working in a graphics department in the service where he worked on photography, charts, graphs, slides, and presentations.

“This is where I got hooked on photography,” says Leiva, noting that he was now working in the darkroom processing his own images.

Jose Leiva A lifetime looking through the lens

Written by Dan Marois | Photography by Jason Leiva Featured Photography by Jose Leiva

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Work begins to grow

Technology takes over

After the service, he returned to Laredo but found few job prospects. On a whim, he walked into a federal building and noticed a job posting for a lab technician with the Federal Bureau of Investigation. He applied for the position and, within a matter of weeks, was assigned to the job in Washington, DC.

What does a photographer, who trained in the days of film and darkroom processing, do when the digital world takes over cameras, and computer software becomes the image processor?

“The Department of Justice and the FBI shared the same building, so I was heavily involved in photo processing of autopsies, forgeries, and crime scenes,” says Leiva, who also married his childhood sweetheart at about the same time.

His next opportunity took him to Houston, where he was a corporate photographer for the Federal Systems Division of IBM. “IBM was located right next to NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) and they did a lot of work together,” says Leiva, who thinks that he got the job because he already had federal security clearance. The work had him taking very specific photos for projects and he loved the work setting in Houston.

“I could go anywhere in NASA, and it was pretty exciting to meet astronauts and to see the space command area.”

Leiva says that his actual “schooling” in photography came when he headed up a commercial photo lab in Schenectady, New York.

“Here is where I went in the classroom. I had all the best of equipment at my fingertips and I oversaw a huge processing lab,” says Leiva. “I had free reign to learn everything I could.”

In the late 1980s, at the urging of some friends, Leiva came to Maine and started to seek out work. He walked into the offices of the Sun Journal and learned that they were looking for a parttime photographer.

By chance, the first person he saw was Heather McCarthy, an editor who would be hiring for the position.

“She just about hired me on the spot,” says Leiva, who would enjoy a 24-year career with the mid-Maine newspaper.

Leiva was a bit nervous about making the transition to becoming a photojournalist.

“In photojournalism, you are trying to capture the moment. You are not technically-minded, as you are in other photography work,” says Leiva. “The job is to get the shot but make it readable.”

Leiva soon adapted to the medium.

“You walk in somewhere and you immediately scout the area in a 360-degree look. Oftentimes, in a nanosecond, you need to see how it is going to look on a page.”

With limited time and space, on many occasions, Leiva learned to take the photo and collect the information quickly.

“When you have sheet music, you have to perform it. The same is true in taking a photo for print. You have to see the photo before you take the photo.”

“When this all happened, I knew nothing about computers,” admits Leiva. “I knew the question to ask, but I didn’t know the answer.”

The change at the Sun Journal came pretty much overnight.

Leiva went from taking film on an assignment and processing it for the paper, to immediately using digital equipment and processing.

“I found the need to embrace the technology. I still shoot for film, but the process is different,” says Leiva. “I discovered how to use Photoshop, which is equivalent to the dark room. What I would do in the darkroom in several steps now takes only one click in the computer program.”

“When you have sheet music, you have to perform it. The same is true in taking a photo for print. You have to see the photo before you take the photo.”

A new medium Although he has been officially retired for six years, Leiva continues to find himself working with his camera. He does freelance work for local publications, including LA Metro Magazine. And he has reinvented himself, in the eyes of many, with an interest in light painting.

“Many other people do light painting, but no one does it the way I do it,” claims Leiva.

The concept is simple.

You set up a subject ready to be photographed, while completely in the dark. The camera is set on a tripod focused on the subject and set to operate on a long exposure. While the aperture is opened, Leiva uses various light sources to highlight areas of the subject. The lights can be more elaborate flashlights or small hand-held pen flashlights.

“While in the dark, I literally paint the photograph with light,” says Leiva. (See editor’s note on page 4, which is a light painting.)

The results vary from stylized techno-looking photos to more subtly crafted ones resembling paintings more than photographs.

“When people see some of this work, they think it is an oil painting,” says Leiva. “They are very surprised to discover that they are digital photographs.”

He’s done about 60 light painting shots and he hopes to one day create a book of the photos. He was recently invited to demonstrate his craft at the New England Camera Club’s annual convention.

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LA METRO MAGAZINE | AUTUMN 2018

By Dan Marois | Photography by Jason Leiva | Jose Leiva

Capturing people and the news Leiva reminisced about some of his memorable photo shoots.

“I am not star struck, but I had the opportunity to photograph actor Patrick Dempsey. I had just a few minutes while he was in town for an event. As usual, I am always looking for just the right light. He was such a regular person and a gracious fellow. I didn’t shoot very long and then I simply said, ‘Thank you. I got what I needed.’” (See photo on page 28.)

“I wanted to capture photos of Holocaust survivors, so I had the opportunity to photograph Judith Isaacson, the author of Seed of Sarah, a book detailing her story of survival, and her mother, Rose. They were so elegant in the way they posed and when Rose spoke of some of her experiences, she was right in the moment, describing them as if they happened yesterday.”

Anatomy of a portrait Jose Leiva describes how he got just the right shot.

He has one bit of advice before taking any kind of photograph.

“Think ahead of time about what you want to capture in the photo,” he says. “Have a vision of the photo before you’ve even taken it.”

“The goal is to catch the moment. Think about what feeling you want to invoke. Sad? Happy? What are you trying to say? It has to grab you.”

And the advice is doubly important when doing a portrait in which you want to capture the essence of the person.

“Think about things that can be incorporated in the photo that tell you more about the person.”

Leiva notes that he always wanted to capture a photo of his father, Jose, who is 94 years of age.

“One thing or the other always seemed to prevent it,” recalls Leiva. “Finally, I decided that I needed to get it done.”

Leiva knew what he wanted to capture. “He’s 94 years old. I wanted to capture the experience of that time, that’s clearly in his face.”

The elder Leiva was also a WWII veteran, and his son wanted to capture that experience about him.

“I knew he had his WWII veteran’s hat and I wanted him to wear it in the photo. I also brought along an American flag,” says Leiva, advising that props can help complete the image you are looking for.

When he set up the photo, he had his mother hold up the American flag in the background with his father front and center. “It had the look I wanted, so I took a few shots.”

Jose’s wife, Linda, who adores his father, was observing at the photo shoot.

“Totally unexpected, Linda asked my father if he remembered how to salute,” says Leiva. His father slowly raised his hand and gave a salute, with a somber facial expression reflecting deep pride in his service to our country.

“That was the shot,” says Leiva. “I was proud to have captured it.”

(See photo on page 28.)

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“Patrick Dempsey, when the Dempsey Center for Cancer Hope and Healing was announced in Lewiston.”

“My father, Jose Leiva, Sr., on his 94th birthday. A WWII veteran.”

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LA METRO MAGAZINE | AUTUMN 2018

By Dan Marois | Photography by Jason Leiva | Jose Leiva

“I made this photo of my sister, Lydia, in 1969. She was 12 years old at the time. I had just returned from military service and wanted this image of her. I brought the beret from Italy, and she is wearing one of my wool sweaters. I opened the front door of my house for light, and made this portrait.�

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By Dan Marois | Photography by Jason Leiva | Jose Leiva

TOP LEFT: “Taking the train from Brindisi, Italy, where I was stationed, to Bari. As soon as I got off the train during siesta time around 3pm, I saw this potter napping. I quickly made one exposure from a distance, for fear of waking him up and losing the moment. I got closer and made a second exposure, for a total of two frames.” 1967 BOTTOM LEFT: “Walking around the southern Italian village of Oria, I came upon this scene of what appeared like the Village fathers all dressed in black discussing business, with a big guy standing watch over the meeting. I got up the nerve to raise my camera and make a single exposure; the body guard did not seem to object.”

ABOVE: “Visiting Rome, Italy, for the second time in 1967, walking around the famed Piazza Navona, I saw this little girl playing with a toy pistol. I saw the scene developing as she spotted a policeman. At this time, I was reloading film into my camera when she ran toward the policeman, I ran after her and while running, still loading the film, shut the camera back and made the shot.”

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“I made the portrait of Mr. Garcia in 1973 in Laredo, Texas, my hometown. I was looking around some horse stables when I ran into this wonderful man. He was the caretaker and trainer of some thoroughbreds. I chatted with him for a while before I asked if I could take his photograph. He agreed. My friend Rick held the light, which was nothing more than an umbrella lined with aluminum foil, and a small hand held flash. It was all I had for equipment, and my trusty Mamiya medium format camera.�

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LA METRO MAGAZINE | AUTUMN 2018

By Dan Marois | Photography by Jason Leiva | Jose Leiva

Jose Leiva and his son, Jason Leiva

Portrait of Jason Jason Leiva follows his father’s steps in the world of photography.

“He grew up with a camera in hand,” explains Jose, the proud father.

The younger Leiva graduated from Edward Little High School in 1996, and went on to receive a bachelor’s degree from Rochester Institute of Technology in imaging arts and science.

“He’s done well for himself,” says his father. “I am amazed at the things he’s done.”

Starting his career in New York City, Jason worked as a creative retouching artist for photographers and ad shops all over the country. In 2005, he relocated to Miami, where he spent seven years at Crispin Porter + Bogusky as a photographer and digital effects director, working on accounts with Volkswagen, Microsoft, Coke Zero, Sprite, Burger King, and Mini Cooper, among many others.

In 2011, Jason returned to New York City, where he worked at Mother New York. He produced, directed, and shot projects for Stella Artois, Target, Bike NYC, Fred Perry, Virgin Mobile, and Maison Gerard.

In 2013, LEIVA NYC was founded as a collaborative production company. The company has built an eclectic team of artists and production talent focused on branded content for clients such as Christian Dior, Loewe, Ferrari, Canon, Google, Reebok, Android, Pepsi, Starbucks, Angry Orchard, Timberland, Spotify, Marvel, Netflix, and Resource Magazine.

“He lives in Tribeca, New York, where his studio is right in his apartment,” reflects his father. “I helped him out on a project recently and it was unbelievable. The way he interacted with all the people involved in the shoot was incredible.”

Leiva describes the experience as watching his son run the “circus” like a ring master.

“In his business, it is not just about the photo, it is working with the people. He has the skill to work with all the elements of a project. He communicates so well with everyone.”

Leiva’s other son, Chris, also works in photography. He’s a fashion photo retoucher who has worked with the likes of Perry Ellis.

Jason Leiva We would like to extend our thanks to Jason, who reached out to us to have a part in his father’s article in LA Metro Magazine. He not only took the time to come to Maine to shoot his father’s cover shot, but much of the story layout was inspired by Jason. Thank you!

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LA METRO MAGAZINE | AUTUMN 2018

On the Go

Despite the Snow Written by Donna Keene Rousseau Photography by Jennifer Grace

LA‘s auto care professionals understand the importance of preparing vehicles for ol’ man winter. Here’s their basic checklist for keeping vehicles in good-working condition before the snow flies.

Tips for winterizing your ride Check the fluids Tony Girouard, president of Quality Care Auto in Lisbon, says, “A good rule of thumb for oil changes is checking levels once a month, and never going beyond 5,000 miles.

The proper oil for the vehicle type is key. A professional will know the oil required for your vehicle.” Many of the newer model cars require synthetic motor oil and premium filters only.

“Check the transmission fluid by running the car 10 minutes and then checking to see that it’s full,” says Jim Grimmel of Grimmel Service Station in Lewiston. “Let the car run before driving, in winter, to allow for proper transmission lubrication. Check the antifreeze; it should be [rated to] 30 below zero [fahrenheit].

Remember to keep your gas tank at least half full.”

Grimmel also recommends adding dry gas to the tank during cold weather. “For new vehicles, use only isopropyl so as not to damage the fuel injector seals.” He recommends using an enzyme fuel treatment additive, “because the ethanol in today’s gas attracts water.”

The coolant system should be flushed every three to four years.

Adding fresh coolant will decrease the chance of engine or heat-

ing system damage. “Coolant level and freeze protection must be checked,” says Ron Major, ASE Master Certified Technician with Quality Care Auto. “Engine thermostats and proper coolant intervals will ensure proper heater output in cold weather.”

Under the hood Conduct a battery checkup that includes review of connecting cables. Although some may choose to conduct a do-it-yourself check, the use of professional equipment results in greater accuracy when testing for a weak battery. “The last thing you want is to have your battery die at the most inopportune time,” says Mike Morin, owner of Morin’s Auto Care in Auburn.

“While conducting routine checks, our mechanics will also look at other visible parts of the vehicle, including the belts which, if dry or cracked, can lead to loss of electrical power. Your mechanic can protect you from big surprise repairs and help you plan ahead to keep you safe on the road.” Ask your mechanic or technician to also check the exhaust system for leaks and holes in the floorboards or trunk to protect the vehicle’s cabin free from dangerous, toxic fumes.

Additionally, Morin reminds drivers to have brakes and suspension checked periodically. “A trustworthy mechanic can spot brake issues long before the telltale grinding sound, signaling brake repair.” He adds, “And proper suspension is critical to smooth handling on the roads and will increase the life span of your tires.”

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Speaking of tires

Under the hood at Quality Care Auto

“Be sure to check tire pressure,” says Major. “Tires don’t lose air in the cold. The air condenses, dropping the pressure, and tire pressure determines how much tread touches the road.

Inside the door jamb of your car is a sticker that states the correct tire pressure for your vehicle type.”

Have tire treads evaluated for wear. A healthy tread is key to safety. “Check tread depth and distance from the wear bars marking the tire,” says Morin. “As the tread wears, the space narrows in on the wear bar, leaving less clearance for snow, and creating an increase for sliding on slippery roads.”

While many of today’s vehicles sport all-season tires, Grimmel says, in his opinion, nothing replaces snow tires when it comes to traction in the snow. Ask your mechanic whether he or she recommends snow tires for the type of driving you do. In the end, it is a personal preference.

Mike Morin’s Auto Center

A word on wipers Wipers and visibility are partners in winter driving safety. Wiper performance depends first on the proper clearing of frost and snow from the windshields.

“It is a mistake,” Mike Morin explains, “and if you have ever been in a hurry on a frosty day, you’ve likely done this- to partially clean the windshield and use the wiper fluid to break up a layer of frost or ice, for quick visibility. It’s like dragging rubber over sandpaper, and results in ragged wiper edges that don’t perform.”

Girouard, Grimmel, and Major agree. Keep wipers in good condition by freeing blades of ice and thoroughly clearing the windshield. Never use wipers to clear heavy snow; this can cause wiper arms to seize. “Look for an all-weather wiper that resists ice buildup,” suggests Major. Stock up on windshield washer solvent, keeping some in the car, and remember to have an ice scraper available.

Last, but not least There are two details for winterizing your vehicle that don’t require a mechanic or technician. First, take your car to the car wash regularly during the winter, to keep your undercarriage clean. The materials used to maintain winter roads wreak havoc on a car’s body and contribute to rust and erosion.

Second, stock your vehicle with emergency essentials. Such items include: extra gloves, boots, blankets, flashlight, flares, cat litter, extra car charger, tire chains, jumper cables, high-protein snacks, and bottled water. Like insurance, you hope you never need to use your emergency kit but, if you do, you’ll be glad you planned ahead.

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Grimmel’s Service Station

By Donna Keene Rousseau | Photography by Jennifer Grace | On The Go Despite The Snow

Winter’s on the way Girouard states most auto shops offer winterization specials, and will provide a breakdown for their customers of what those specials include. The most important item on your vehicle’s winter ready checklist, however, is a trusted mechanic or technician.

“We highly recommend bringing your vehicle to a reputable and certified repair facility,” says Girouard. “And a facility with knowledge and experience working on modern vehicles with computer systems is a plus.”

When it comes to winter driving, whether getting to work or to the mountains for a ski getaway, a trustworthy automotive care professional and some thoughtful planning can keep you in a vehicle that gets you where you want to go this winter.

Grimmel’s Service Station 679 Lisbon Street, Lewiston Mike Morin’s Auto Center 1122 Center Street, Auburn • autorepairsauburnmaine.com Quality Care Auto 183 Lisbon Street, Lisbon • qca.me

Mike Morin’s Auto Center

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By Andrew Watson | Photography by Paul Michaud

CHIROPRACTIC CARE Written by T.S. Chamberland Photography by Jose Leiva

Your spinal and central nervous system wellness plan

W

hat is chiropractic care? Even if you’ve never been to a chiropractor, you likely know at least one person who gets adjustments regularly. Just what are adjustments, and why would you consider adding chiropractic care to your life?

Here to set you straight Chiropractic is a concentration within the medical field that focuses on the spine and its relationship with the central nervous system. The body functions based on the communication it has with the brain. When that communication is stunted, interrupted, or adversely affected by compression, the results can often be chronic or intense pain, lack of energy, headaches, and even an overall sense of malaise. If the spine is out of alignment, it is likely disrupting vital messages being sent between the brain and the body, therefore impacting quality of life.

Assessing underlying issues and their potential causes, using a variety of diagnostic tools like X-ray, surface electromyography (EMG), and thermography, in addition to physical examinations, chiropractors are able to design treatment plans specific to each patient. These treatments are designed to restore the brain-body information highways and improve patients’ lives.

The Lewiston Auburn area is fortunate to have many practicing Doctors of Chiropractic, making it far easier for people to find a chiropractor who will help them meet their specific goals.

Whatever your individual needs are, making a connection that feels right is just as important as feeling better.

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Body and brain Dr. Jeff Clark, of Perfect Balance Chiropractic, says a true definition of chiropractic care is the detection and removal of vertebral subluxation. Subluxation occurs when a bone out of place in the spine causes pressure on a nerve that exits the spine.

“When a bone is out of place and puts pressure on the nerve, the brain can’t communicate with the body,” describes Clark, who treats patients in his Auburn and Topsham locations. “The body doesn’t know how to function. So if the brain is telling the stomach how much hydrochloric acid to produce, and that signal is getting messed up along the way, the body might produce too much or not enough hydrochloric acid.”

Prolonged pressure on the nerves, explains Clark, can prevent 70 percent of the information traveling back and forth, along the nerves between the brain and the body, from being relayed properly. It’s not unlike that childhood game called “Telephone,” where the initial statement becomes something altogether different by the end of the line, sometimes not even resembling the original message. When the body’s instruction or message is altered or interrupted, it can also cause secondary issues, as other nerves that run organs and body systems can also be experiencing the same pressure as the primary ailment. Treatment like Clark offers can increase mobility and flexibility, as well as provide patients with greatly reduced symptoms, and even freedom from some issues altogether.

By T.S. Chamberland | Photography by Jose Leiva | Chiropractic Care time to drive to and sit through another appointment in their busy schedules. Athletes in training, professionals in business, and families on-the-go; anyone who needs or prefers a notso-old-fashioned house call, can save themselves the time and aggravation of a hectic drive to a downtown office, and enjoy treatment wherever they are.

“As a chiropractor, my primary function is to address the spine and the nervous system, and how they affect body wellness and illness.”

— Dr. Kathy Boulet

“My appointments are either in people’s homes or offices,” St. Denis explains.

Those appointments last anywhere from 30-40 minutes, and the convenience of a house call means that time otherwise spent driving to and from the appointment is spent focusing on treatment. With a background in neurology, St. Denis says that “seeing people’s living environments and how they go about daily activities, as well as seeing their workspace firsthand” is quite valuable in the success of his treatment plans.

Dr. Jeff Clark treats a patient “Essentially, what happens over time is, by keeping the pressure off the nerves, the body can rebuild itself correctly and a lot of these symptoms, for a lot of people, go away,” he summarizes.

Patients with disc herniations, even those potentially under consideration for surgery, may benefit from spinal decompression, a treatment Clark offers at his Topsham location. This method uses a machine that gently elongates the spine in visits that take place over a six to eightweek period. While the patient is in a prone (horizontal) position, it creates a vacuum effect inside the disc, which draws the disc fluid back in place.

During his post-doctorate, St. Denis studied EEGs (brain wave functions), and ran stress evaluation tests on people over a number of years. The tests, he says, looked at brain function and the body’s response to stress.

“What we found was that the majority of people manage stress pretty well, but hardly anyone knows how to recover from stress,” St. Denis states. “My philosophy, my take on chiropractic, is applying the right type of care for someone so that they can recover from stress, instead of just manage it.”

“Eighty-five to 90 percent of the people we put on that table we keep out of surgery,” says Clark.

The nerve of it Work, family, obligation – the pace of daily life can wear even the most fit people down after a while. Being pulled in several directions, all requiring focus and sustained energy, eventually puts the mind and body under strain. Strain, or more over, stress, plays a large role in misalignment and nerve pressure, and these days it seems there’s more stress than ever to go around.

Dr. Cory St. Denis, of Dr. Cory House Calls, chose to alleviate some of that stress for individuals who just can’t seem to find the

Dr. Cory St. Denis making a house call LA METRO MAGAZINE digital edition @ LAMetroMagazine.com

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lifestyle routines. Dr. Kathy Boulet, of Boulet Chiropractic and Wellness in Lewiston, says that in her 30-year career, the integration between traditional medicine and chiropractic has become more common place and beneficial for everyone.

“We can do what’s best for the patient,” Boulet continues.

“There’s more communication and dialogue, and it’s been really positive.”

A “whole body approach” is how Boulet describes how she treats her patients. Utilizing chiropractic, acupuncture, and acupressure, she says she is able to help release the pressure and restriction in the spine that can cause problems throughout the nervous system and their bodies.

“As a chiropractor, my primary function is to address the spine and the nervous system, and how they affect body wellness and illness,” says Boulet.

Patients return to her, claiming to feel better, not just from whatever ailment or issue brought them to her for that initial visit, but also, she says, they tell her of relief from other issues. Patients experience fewer headaches, relief from PMS symptoms, easier, freer breathing, and an overall sense of well-being they hadn’t experienced in a long time.

Dr. Cory St. Denis using a tool of the trade Less stress often results in better mental clarity and attitude, according to St. Denis, and it becomes a bit more understandable why so many people today are seeking chiropractic care.

Restored movement and mobility, faster recovery from common illness, and decreased pain, are just some of the reasons people incorporate chiropractic into their overall wellness routines.

“If there are parts of your body that aren’t working right, then they are taking a lot of your brain’s energy,” explains St. Denis.

“If you can get those things sorted out, the body self-regulates. Then you have all of that brain power to focus on being healthy.”

“There have been more and more studies showing that chiropractic does have an effect on the central nervous system and the immune system, as well,” explains Boulet.

Like St. Denis and Clark, Boulet enlists a number of techniques to treat patients and each patient’s needs determine which method or technique she utilizes.

“We are seeing a much more interactive patient dynamic in their own health care, which is great,” explains Boulet. “We’re just seeing that overall in how people look at their diets and their lifestyles and those type of management issues. Chiropractic has always been proactive, so that’s a great point to be able to meet the patient there, as well.”

St. Denis, like many chiropractors, offers free consultations for prospective patients, in part, as a way to answer any questions they may have about chiropractic and his approach to this type of care. He describes his approach as gentle and focused on achieving proper brain function.

“I would encourage most people who have never heard about chiropractic care to talk to a chiropractor,” St. Denis says. “Generally, people come out on the other end of that conversation feeling better about what their types of care are, what the kinds of treatment are, and what they’re good for.”

In medicine, it’s all relative Twenty to thirty years ago, it was far less common for a general practitioner or doctor to recommend chiropractic as an option for treatment and wellness care. Once thought to be ‘voodoo medicine,’ chiropractic has shed its pseudo-science label, as people have a better understanding of this branch of the medical field.

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LA METRO MAGAZINE | AUTUMN 2018

Dr. Kathy Boulet uses a “whole body approach”

By T.S. Chamberland | Photography by Jose Leiva | Chiropractic Care

It all begins with a conversation

Dr. Kathy Boulet shows a spine model

These three practices may offer differing ways of treating their patients, but each chiropractor’s main focus is helping their patients achieve optimal health of the spine and central nervous system. Increasing the quality of daily life, and even healing underlying issues that might have been previously undiagnosed or unrecognized by the patient, all begins with a consultation.

A one-on-one discussion about any issues a potential patient is experiencing, paired with medical history, heredity history, a physical exam, and assessment, are often the first step toward healing. It can also determine doctor-patient compatibility.

“Just sitting down and talking for 10 minutes or so to address questions they may have, it gets personal,” explains Boulet.

“They get a feel for who I am and what I may or may not be able to do for them.”

St. Denis agrees, and also says he uses the consultation, in part, as a way to answer any questions they may have about chiropractic and his approach to this type of care.

Clark, who’s been a chiropractor for 20 years, says that with enough adjustments, pressure on the nerves is alleviated and the brain can effectively communicate with the body and those types of problems eventually get better or even go away completely.

Most people who have tried chiropractic for any period of time, in Clark’s experience, tend to gravitate toward continuing with it, because they see the positive difference it makes in their daily quality of life.

“Once you can visualize how the body and brain communicate with one another, it makes sense,” Clark says. “Chiropractors don’t cure anything; your body was made to heal itself. All we’re doing is removing the nerve interference, so the body can facilitate that healing process.”

Perfect Balance Chiropractic 871 Court Street, Auburn • 207chiro.com Dr. Cory House Calls calldrcory.com

The Fortin Group

Boulet Chiropractic and Wellness 675 Main Street, Lewiston • bouletchiropractic.com

Moving #LAMaine forward.

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

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In the previous issue, LA Metro covered the early days of rock ‘n’ roll and the influence of Ed Boucher and Maurice Fournier.

This article focuses on the musicians who succeeded the PAL Hop Days - defining LA’s musical canvass, and inspiring today’s working musicians.

De nn y

Bre au

Musical

Luminaries Written by Michael Krapovicky

part II

Perspectives on the history of music in LA Denny Breau No list of LA musicians could be complete without mentioning Denny Breau. His parents, Hal Lone Pine and Betty Cody, are members of the Maine Country Music Hall of Fame. His late brother, Lenny Breau, is considered by many to be one of the greatest guitarists of all time. This stellar pedigree, combined with an unparalleled dedication to his instrument, has made Breau the standard-bearer all Maine guitarists strive to match.

Breau’s prowess and versatility have allowed him an enviable career in music.

Aerial view of both tracks 42 LA METRO MAGAZINE | AUTUMN 2018

“To survive as a musician, you have to take it all as it comes: teach, do studio work, play weddings, anything!” stated Breau.

“Being proficient at all forms of music, not just one type, is the key. Country, folk, rock; play it all- and learn how to sing!”

“I started liking the guitar when I was about nine or ten,” Breau recalls. “This was the early 60s. I started playing in friends’ bands at 11, 12, and started meeting a lot of folk musicians. Tom Rowe and I started a band in junior high and high school. I went on to play with the likes of Dick Demers and Roger Renaud, musicians that were playing club gigs, doing steady gigs in town.”

By Michael Krapovicky | Musical Luminaries part II Breau joined the armed forces, and played guitar in the Army band stationed in New Jersey. “When I got out of the service back in ‘75, for a short stint I was the janitor and guitar tech at Carroll’s Music,” Breau said. “That’s where I met my wife, Anne, who was the flute teacher. I started teaching guitar there. But my main source of income all my life has been playing live. Back in the 60s and 70s, Lewiston Auburn had tons of live music- employing bands five nights a week! A lot of the clubs had house bands working nearly every night, which was really cool for a guy like me. I could make a pretty good living and I didn’t have to travel. I could keep my family hat on and a musician’s hat, too.”

While the tide of popular music was changing, Breau maintained steady engagements. “Dick Demers and I were commercial musicians. Whatever was #1, whether it was a Beatles song, funk, soul, or ‘Yummy, Yummy, Yummy (I Got Love in my Tummy),’ we were playing it. The Beatles changed my life; I loved their music and paid attention to what they were doing, through until they broke up. As we continued playing over the years, big bands like Chicago and Blood Sweat and Tears were getting involved in rock ‘n’ roll. All the genres were starting to mix; blues, country, and folk-rock bands were emerging. There was a lot of inspiration all around you, to hone your chops with and decide what you liked and how you wanted to play. It was a great time to be a musician.”

Dick Demers, Royal Hotel, Lewiston - 1966

Dick Demers Dick Demers is a drummer extraordinaire, who has mentored and influenced Maine drummers for nearly six decades. “When I started in 1960, bands could play in clubs as a full-time occupation,” Demers reports. “There were tons of places to play; all the private clubs, restaurants, most which don’t exist anymore. I had a stretch for about 22 years where I played five to six nights a week.”

The environment in Maine was fertile ground for talented musicians. “This was a musical town,” Demers asserts, “you could tell.

The Lewiston High School Band was at least a hundred strong, and Edward Little was 120, 130 people! Paul Mercier was a good friend of mine. He played the Hammond B3 organ just as well as national artists like Jimmy Smith or ‘Groove’ Holmes. He and his drummer Bob Elie were top-notch musicians. Steve Grover was a great drummer as well, hugely influential.”

While all of Maine enjoyed a renaissance during the late 60s through the late 70s, no place was a bigger hotbed than LA. “Lewiston Auburn was a focal point,” maintains Demers. “There was more action even than in Portland. For example, The Roundhouse, on Center Street in Auburn, held a couple hundred people. Wednesday night there was always a line. It was near impossible to get in! Friday and Saturday also had lines. It was incredible.”

Denny Breau - Photo courtesy of Jose Leiva

The Flairs - 1974 Back L to R: John Danish, Roger Renaud, and Dick Demers Front: Tom Rowe, and Wayne Blood LA METRO MAGAZINE digital edition @ LAMetroMagazine.com

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Deb Morin Deb Morin’s powerhouse vocals have awed generations of fans, from the heyday of folk and rock bands through today. As a frontwoman, Morin’s vocal ability and charisma enabled her to entertain a wide range of audiences, retaining genre-specific credibility.

Deb Morin and Kathy Haley of Good & Plenty Photo courtesy of Gini Haines

Like Breau and Demers, Morin began her storied professional career in her childhood. “I started singing with my family at 12 years old, a lot of old Canadian country music. My father taught me how to sing harmony. I took voice lessons, and competed statewide.”

Morin started forming bands with friends. “Tom Rowe and Denny (Breau) were mentors of mine, growing up. They were already a few years into the scene; they were so knowledgeable. They just took me under their wing and helped me grow.”

In 1969, Morin‘s Debbie & The Starlighters appeared on the Ken McKenzie show. “I was also in Heritage, greatly influenced by Blood Sweat and Tears. When I was 19, I started Good & Plenty, with Kathy Haley and Denny Breau. Good & Plenty eventually settled into the Ramada, as a house band. We played there five nights a week, for well over a decade.”

Good & Plenty Photo courtesy of Gini Haines

Cheyenne was Morin’s country band. “We opened up for national acts like Barbara and Louise Mandrell, and played all the clubs in town.” Years later, Cheyenne had a run of shows in the late 2010s with Jack Cox, and later, Chad Porter, featured as Morin’s male counterparts.

Good & Plenty played a reunion show in September 2018. “It amazes me that people will still come out to see folks like us,” Morin muses. She wryly states, “Music is something you can keep doing, until you can’t any more.”

Stay tuned for the next issue in which we will discuss the impressions and influence of musicians like Arlo West, Mike Giasson, and Ken Goodman.

Thorncrag Bird Sanctuary - © Jennifer Grace 44

LA METRO MAGAZINE | AUTUMN 2018

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Teams battle for bragging rights...

or more?

SOCIAL HOUR

An ongoing section in LA Metro Magazine highlighting great places to go and things to do in our communities.

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LA METRO MAGAZINE | AUTUMN 2018

Joe Walker and Jeremy Fitts

social or serious?

Written by Emily Chouinard Photography by Jennifer Grace

Cornhole: not just your backyard game

T

he game of cornhole has been gaining popularity fast in the past few years. With its easy and portable setup, it’s no surprise so many people are jumping on the bandwagon.

Since the game can easily be set up indoors or outdoors, it’s a great activity for us Mainers. Traditionally played at backyard BBQs and tailgate parties, cornhole has adapted from its humble beginnings into a pretty competitive sport. There are cornhole leagues popping up all over the LA area, as well as tournaments happening year-round.

The basics To play cornhole you’ll need at least two goal boards. Essentially, these are inclined wooden platforms, two feet by four feet, with a hole at one end. To set up a game, position goal boards directly opposite each other, 27 feet apart.

You’ll also need some cornhole bags. Each player gets a set of four bags to throw, to score points. Filled with feed corn, these bags come in a variety of colors and patterns, so you can easily differentiate them and keep score without a hassle.

A game of cornhole can be played two ways. You can compete one-on-one, often called a singles game. Or you can play with a partner and throw bags as a team. The game is played similar to horseshoes, only it is safer and easier to set up.

The rules The game is played by throwing bags at the hole on the opposite goal board. All throws should be made from a “pitcher’s box” beside your goal board. Bags that make it through the hole are worth three points each. If any player knocks your bag into the hole, you still receive three points. Bags that land on top of the board are worth one point. The contestants alternate throwing, until one team reaches a score of 21. Whoever gets to 21 points first is the winner.

Cornhole bags are always thrown underhand. If your bag touches the ground before landing on the board, you receive a foul.

When a foul occurs, the bag in question must be removed immediately from play, for the remainder of the inning. To learn more about the rules of cornhole, visit the American Cornhole Association’s website: playcornhole.org/ACA-official-rules-ofcornhole-corntoss/

A league of their own The Great Falls Cornhole League (GFCL) has been running winter games for three years now, with over 40 players last year. They start up the league in January and go for about 10 weeks. Games are held at Sapphire, a nightclub and event center on Center Street, in Auburn. GFCL has the whole place to itself every Wednesday night, during the winter season.

“The league is nothing more than a group of people trying to stay connected in the area,” says Jon Mercier, one of the vice presidents of the league.

Anyone is welcome to join. The cost is $60 per person, or $120 for a team. The league runs everything online through their Facebook page. You can find all the information on any upcoming cornhole tournaments and events. They also post all the scores from the season here. To join the Great Falls Cornhole League, or get more information, visit their Facebook page.

Schemengees Bar & Grille Joe Walker is no stranger to running leagues. For the past 20 or so years, he has been running an in-house pool league at Schemengees Bar and Grille. He is also the vice president of the Central Maine Dart League. When it comes to cornhole, howevLA METRO MAGAZINE digital edition @ LAMetroMagazine.com

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er, he is pretty new to the scene. Joe was inspired by the indoor games of the Great Falls Cornhole League; he thought it would be a great way to bring in business.

“If you can throw a bag and make the distance, you are welcome here at Schemengees,” says Joe Walker.

location in Lewiston. It costs $10 to join, and $10 a week to play.

The money collected throughout the season is used to send players to the Fenway Cornhole Classic in Boston. You don’t have to be a Schemengees’ league winner to attend, but last year’s top team, Ron Morin and Brent Hamel, came in 16th out of 150 teams at the Fenway Classic. Not too shabby.

The fall season starts in September, and runs until around Christmastime. It picks up again in January, and runs to May. The summer season starts in June, so there is a league happening basically year-round. Games are held every Tuesday night at their

This all-ages league can be a great way to meet new people.

If you happen to miss a game, they make sure to hold makeup games, so no one falls behind. At Schemengees, it’s all about the fun of the game.

Lost Valley Brewing Co. Lost Valley Ski Area has been a winter staple in Auburn for as long as anyone can remember. With the opening of Lost Valley Brewing Co., they have been able to expand their business yearround. On a nice day, you can come here and enjoy a Lost Valley brew and throw some cornhole with your peeps. When it’s raining, they set up the game indoors. Next year, they plan to start a cornhole league, to build on their Adult Day tournaments during Lost Valley’s October Fall Festival. Stay up to date on events by visiting their website or Facebook page.

Cornhole nation

Schmengee’s Bar & Grille

Playing cornhole has become a fantastic way to get connected with others in our community. There are a wide variety of competitors you will come across. Some take the sport pretty seriously, and some are just in it for the social aspect. The sport is easy enough for anyone to learn, and can be played just about anywhere. We can certainly expect the cornhole community to continue its growth here in LA. With the chance to win some cash prizes, why not try it out?

Great Falls Cornhole League Facebook.com/groups/gfclme Schemengees Bar & Grille 551 Lincoln St., Lewiston • schemengees.com Lost Valley Brewing Co. 200 Lost Valley Rd, Auburn • lostvalleyski.com Lost Valley

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LA METRO MAGAZINE | AUTUMN 2018

Over a dozen Colorado’s in stock!

Over 100 Silverado’s in stock!

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LA L aw

Written by Peggy Faye Brown | Photography by Brewster Burns

The drama series LA Law spent eight seasons on television.

While “our LA”- the cities of Lewiston and Auburn- lacks glass buildings and flashy theme songs to introduce you to our lawyers, our practitioners are worthy of a place in the spotlight.

Many lawyers right here in our own LA are neighbors, and volunteers in the community. Many of the lawyers interviewed for this story grew up in our LA. The lawyers at Paradie & Rabasco, Norman, Hanson & DeTroy, LLC, and Fales & Fales, P.A., have decades of experience right here in Lewiston Auburn.

People often don’t reach out for legal help, in the belief that lawyers are too expensive. Did you know there are many life events that don’t require up front fees for professional legal assistance? It is worthwhile to inquire, especially in the cases of personal injury law. In some situations, fees are paid after an amount is awarded to you if your case is won, and sometimes there is no fee at all, even if a case is lost. Several areas of law are practiced here in LA and while each of these firms can help you in many of the same situations, a few specialized niches are explained here.

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LA METRO MAGAZINE | AUTUMN 2018

By Peggy Faye Brown | Photography by Brewster Burns | LA Law

Experience you want for the service you need Local and approachable A common notion is that lawyers are not easily approachable.

This reporter was admittedly nervous about this assignment.

But the first interview, conducted at the office of Fales & Fales, P.A., changes the notion. As I walk through their door on Lisbon Street, I am instantly put at ease by the interesting historical photos on display, and the beautiful wooden pew in the entrance area, obtained from the former St. Mary’s Catholic Church (now known as the Franco Heritage Center). I receive a warm greeting from Anthony “Tony” and Jennifer Nichols Ferguson, who also happen to be married, as they introduce themselves.

According to Jennifer, “We are just regular people who work in the service industry of helping people through difficult times.” Of course, not just any person has won a $4.4 million settlement for a client, as Tony Ferguson has done. It was the largest personal injury settlement in Maine at that time.

At the Main Street office of Norman, Hanson & DeTroy (NHD), the first thing I notice is the familiar sight of the latest issue of LA Metro Magazine. The large law firm of NHD has a surprisingly small office area. With the recent retirement of John Bonneau, three lawyers call this their professional home. John Geismar, Charles Hedrick, and Shane Wright are often joined here by colleagues from the Portland office.

The Lewiston office existed for nearly 11 years when the firm of Bonneau & Geismar merged with NHD. Dave Norman, Bob Hanson, and Peter DeTroy created their firm in 1975, which has now grown to almost 50 attorneys working in Portland and Lewiston.

Managing partner Stephen Hessert runs the firm, as well as his own full-time law practice.

John Geismar shares how grateful he is to be part of this firm whose namesakes left a legacy of reliability, dependability, and expertise. Geismar says, “The firm is experienced, effective, and efficient, and we solve difficult and unusual legal problems in a competent and graceful way.”

The office of Paradie & Rabasco overlooks Lewiston with a bird’seye view of rooftops and steeples. An intriguing rock water fountain on Ed Rabasco’s desk has a calming effect on the nerves. A friendship formed years ago while Verne Paradie and Ed Rabasco were building their law careers in town, and they joined forces about five years ago. They also have an associate on staff, Patrick Nickerson, who is building his criminal law litigation career.

Since the courthouse is within walking distance to the office, Verne Paradie goes out of his way to squeeze an interview into his busy day. “Because I get a lot of criminal cases that put me in the media,” says Paradie, “people don’t realize we have a very active civil practice, and do a lot of personal injury, medical malpractice, and vaccination court cases.”

A shot of justice Ever heard of vaccination court? Well, there is such a thing, and Verne Paradie, of Paradie & Rabasco, is currently the only lawyer in Maine who represents clients with vaccination injury compensation claims in this Washington, D.C. court. In prior years, many cases involved childhood vaccinations, but today, the majority of cases now involve adult clients with reactions to the influenza vaccines. This includes: those diagnosed with GBS (Guillain Barre Syndrome); neurological injuries such as transverse myelitis and encephalopathy; shoulder injuries related to vaccine administration (SIRVA); and urticaria, caused by the HPV vaccination.

There is no fee for this service; the United States government pays all legal fees. In the 1980s, many vaccine manufacturers threatened to stop making some important vaccines, due to the high cost of lawsuits brought by people who suffered negative reactions. The government created this court to handle all cases, so the manufacturers could focus on producing vaccines.

Disability benefit applications Ed Rabasco says that the time to seek help with a disability claim, including Social Security disability, is before an application is made. Many people wait until their claim is denied, to reach out

Ed Rabasco LA METRO MAGAZINE digital edition @ LAMetroMagazine.com

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for help. According to Rabasco, “Once denied, a person has to endure an 18 month waiting period before they can reapply.”

Rabasco has a lot of experience representing clients in Social Security court. Though some believe there is a lot of disability excess and fraud, Rabasco is quick to disagree. Physicians need to prove medical conditions, as there are many conditions that casual onlookers cannot easily see. He also noted that substance abuse, including alcoholism, is no longer a condition granted for disability compensation.

Hip replacement nightmares If you received a Zimmer VerSys femoral stem hip replacement and have developed metal toxicity, Tony Ferguson has some insight. He has experience helping clients who have been injured by this medical product.

Both he and his wife, Jennifer, have practiced law in Lewiston since the mid-1980s, and are well-versed in areas of personal injury and medical malpractice. Years ago, they represented most of these clients in court.

These days, there is a lengthy process of mediation, malpractice screening panels, and judicial settlement conferences before a case reaches trial.

“Because all the decision makers are in one room together with a mediator, many cases come to a resolution before trial,” notes Tony. Now, only when agreement isn’t reached do the Fergusons represent clients at trial. Tony says, “The jury is the measuring stick of the value of your case.” Win, lose, or draw, clients won’t front any out-of-pocket expenses for these types of cases.

Tony and Jennifer Ferguson

L to R: Patrick Nickerson, Verne Paradie and Ed Rabasco

Eggshell skull In 1971, an accident in Lewiston became the basis for the adoption of the “eggshell skull” rule in Maine. This legal term has been around for a long time, but many have never heard of it. If you are injured due to an accident caused by negligence, this may apply to you. People may have prior conditions which make them more susceptible to injury, and which result in more damage than that which a person without the pre-existing condition would endure. This can be significant in cases of traumatic brain injury, when an insurance company may attribute part of the injury to pre-existing conditions and try to lessen the value of the claim.

Buying or selling a property or business John Geismar, recipient of a high individual ranking from the Martindale-Hubbell peer review, specializes in transactional law.

He helps NHD clients buy and sell businesses, advising them on matters such as generational transfers.

Shane Wright, also at NHD, specializes in commercial real estate transactions and other business matters including asset purchases and sales, entity formation, and providing local businesses with general operational guidance. Wright is also a title attorney

Vehicle accidents You could say that Fales & Fales, P.A., “wrote the book” on vehicle accidents. In fact, they wrote The Maine Car Accident Book, based on their combined experience representing accident clients.

“Law shouldn’t be a mystery,” declares Jennifer Ferguson, who co-wrote the book with partner Tony. The book, available as a free download through their website, explains many facets of litigation, including liens and other tactics insurance companies may use against you, to try to reduce your settlement.

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LA METRO MAGAZINE | AUTUMN 2018

Jennifer and Tony Ferguson

By Peggy Faye Brown | Photography by Brewster Burns | LA Law authorized to issue title insurance, and able to assist clients with the resolution of title issues and disputes.

IRS issues If you get an IRS notice for audit or a bill for additional money, wouldn’t you want an experienced lawyer to help you navigate those shark-infested waters?

John Geismar helps clients with state and federal tax matters. “I am at my happiest when I am able to resolve a tough IRS situation for a client,” says Geismar, who also assists clients with tax deferred exchanges.

Plan for the future Alongside his practice of assisting business entities, Charles “Chip” Hedrick of NHD also serves individuals with wills and trusts, estate planning, long-term care planning, probate law, and other areas of elder law. His experience in this field has been shared with many during presentations on estate administration and how to protect assets. If you are a personal representative of someone who has passed away, he can efficiently and effectively help you navigate the complex arena of probate and estate administration.

Criminal defense Defense lawyer Verne Paradie thrives in front of a jury. Clients learn quite quickly that Paradie is skilled and aggressive while handling criminal defense cases.

“Criminal cases can be tough to win, and I like that challenge. I’m also an athlete, so I like to win,” he states.

John Geismar of NHD

I believe they would all agree with Ed Rabasco, who enjoys “having a positive impact on people and removing financial anxiety from their lives.”

Paradie & Rabasco 217 Main Street, Suite 400, Lewiston • lawyers-maine.com Norman, Hanson & DeTroy, LLC 217 Main Street, Suite 100, Lewiston • nhdlaw.com Fales & Fales, P.A. 192 Lisbon Street, Lewiston • faleslaw.com

Cooperation, not competition

Unplanned parallel: Anthony “Tony” Ferguson’s father, who was a Lewiston police officer for decades, was the namesake of inspiration for the famous “Fergy” sandwich at Luiggi’s Pizzeria (see Pizza and Beer story on page 56).

It is very clear upon meeting these lawyers that they have great personal and professional respect for each other. According to John Geismar, “Even though we are often on opposite sides of the table in cases, we respect each other and work out our cases professionally to reach the best outcome for our clients.”

If a situation arises which one firm doesn’t handle, these professionals are willing and able to highly recommend their local colleagues. All of these lawyers are pleased that Lewiston Auburn is where they chose to practice law, while they continue the legacy of respect and reputation of their mentors. They enjoy what they do and like to help people.

LA METRO MAGAZINE digital edition @ LAMetroMagazine.com

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NONPROFIT

SPOTLIGHT

An ongoing section in LA Metro Magazine highlighting the good work of nonprofit organizations in the LA community.

Homes for the Brave Written by Karen Landry | Photography by Brewster Burns

Veteran - a person who has served in the military

A

ccording to the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans, about 11% of America’s homeless population are veterans. These people have served in World War ll, The Korean War, Cold War, Vietnam War, Grenada, Panama, Lebanon, Persian Gulf War, Afghanistan and Iraq, and South America.

Nearly half of the homeless vets served during the Vietnam era.

The U.S. department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) estimates that at least 40,000 veterans are homeless on any given night. Meanwhile, an additional 1.4 million other veterans are considered at risk for homelessness.

And why are veterans at such a high risk for homelessness? Like any American, veterans run into a lack of affordable housing, livable income, and adequate healthcare. These factors can be compounded by symptoms of post-traumatic stress, which, for some, may develop into PTSD. Additionally, the transition back to the civilian workforce sometimes proves difficult as military training can be so specific to the role in which the veteran served, that it may not correlate into an obvious job right away.

Lewiston site Veterans Inc.’s Lewiston location is run by manager Alley Smith-Morrissey, a Marine Corps/Navy Reserve, OEF (Operation Enduring Freedom), veteran. Working closely with Smith-Morrissey is Courtney Pelletier, a Universal Service Advocate for Veterans Inc., and Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF).

Their goal: to end chronic homelessness among veterans in our community. Erin Daly Stelmach, media relations for Veterans Inc., says, “Achieving that goal is complex, requiring more than putting a roof over the veterans’ heads. It requires a holistic approach that addresses the total veteran.”

The three most prevalent services: housing assistance, financial assistance, and case management, all done in house.

As a way to combat these problems, the VA’s programs for homeless vets emphasize a collaboration with community service providers. The most effective programs for homeless and at-risk veterans are community-based, nonprofit, “veterans helping veterans” groups. Here in Lewiston, we have such an organization.

Veterans Inc. Incorporated in 1990, Veterans Inc. is New England’s leading provider of supportive services to veterans and their families.

This nonprofit’s single-minded mission is to be there for veterans in their time of need. Veterans Inc. has helped more than 80,000 veterans in all six New England states. Services include: housing, employment and training, intensive case management and counseling, family support programs, temporary financial assistance, legal advice, health and wellness, food services, post 9/11 support, and women’s and childcare services.

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L to R: Billie Sullivan, Alley Smith-Morrissey, Courtney Pelletier, and Ray Michaud

By Karen Landry | Photography by Brewster Burns | Homes for the Brave Located in a former school, Lewiston’s Veterans Inc. works with nearly 200 vets each year, in many different capacities including counseling, job training and employment services, family support programs, and additional seervices. Veteran’s Inc. Lewiston also currently houses 20 veterans, but they’d like to house more.

“All of us at Veterans Inc. take pride knowing we are making a difference in the lives of the men and women who have honorably served our country, but we want to help even more,” says Vincent J. Perrone, Lieutenant Colonel, USAF (Retired), Veterans Inc. president and CEO. “It is our vision to complete seven more units in our Lewiston location so that veterans will have a safe and comfortable place. With the help of residents and businesses in the area we can make this a reality.”

Case management

What YOU can do Veterans Inc. Lewiston is currently seeking donations of materials and labor, as well as financial assistance to complete the project.

To learn more about Veterans Inc., get information on how to help, or if you are a veteran or know of a veteran who may be in need of services, please visit: veteransinc.org or call anytime at 800-482-2565.

Housing

LA METRO MAGAZINE digital edition @ LAMetroMagazine.com

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PIZZA BEER

Written by Nicole Breton Photography by Jennifer Grace

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LA METRO MAGAZINE | AUTUMN 2018

By Nicole Breton | Photography by Jennifer Grace | Pizza and Beer

A perfect combination

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uiggi’s Pizzeria opened its doors in 1953; it was owned and operated by the Talarico family until August 2012. That’s when the St. Hilaire family took a chance at owning the iconic business that has been feeding the denizens of LA for 65 years.

Like some dreams, it all started over a cold beer at a local bar.

Gladys, the blue plastic goose, sits high atop a shelf at The Blue Goose bar in Lewiston and keeps a watchful eye on the place.

She was once a traditional white, but someone painted her blue, applicably.

Rumor has it that Gladys was once stolen from the bar by some Bates College students, and she traveled around the country with them for a time. She was eventually returned to the bar along with pictures of her excursion.

Located at 69 Sabattus Street in Lewiston, The Blue Goose, known simply as The Goose, has been in existence for 85 years. You haven’t really experienced the city until you’ve bellied up to the bar at The Goose.

From doorman to owner Earl St. Hilaire has been connected to The Goose for many years. He started out as a patron, and would stop in to visit a friend who worked there. He asked the manager if there were any available positions, but at the time, there were no openings. One Friday night in 1999, St. Hilaire stopped in to the bar and, by chance, the doorman had not showed up for his shift; Earl was asked to stand in for him. That turned into a one-year gig.

St. Hilaire would arrive to work early on those Friday nights, so he could learn how to mix and pour drinks. Soon, he was offered a job tending bar twice a week.

In 2000, the manager asked if he would manage the bar while he was away.

St. Hilaire was hesitant but the bar’s owner told him he

had plans to sell the bar within three years and expressed interest in selling to him. St. Hilaire readily accepted the manager position.

After three years had passed and St. Hilaire was gearing up to the buy The Goose, he discovered that he wasn’t the only one interested in purchasing the bar. In fact, there were others who had been offered the bar over him. St. Hilaire patiently waited; as each deal fell through, he inched closer to his goal. With a little luck, he was able to purchase the business in 2003, leasing the space from the Talarico family. Currently he and his wife, Angie, are celebrating their 15th year owning and operating The Goose.

Pizza with beer St. Hilaire’s entrepreneurial spirit surged as he considered purchasing the building that houses both The Goose and Luiggi’s Pizzeria. “I owned The Goose but I didn’t own the building, and my 15-year lease was coming up. If someone had come along and bought the building, they could’ve closed down the bar or put another business there,” he says.

Through the years, he would joke with the owner of Luiggi’s about selling the building and, essentially, the business to him.

St. Hilaire went into Luiggi’s one day to pay his rent, and the owner told him he was ready to sell.

In August 2012, the St. Hilaires purchased the building and decided to continue the tradition of Luiggi’s Pizzeria along with St. Hilaire’s brother, Dennis, and brother-in-law, Mark Frenette.

After five years, Dennis realized he was too busy to co-own the business, and gave up his share. Frenette, an attorney, remains co-owner and handles the legal side of the business.

Angie St. Hilaire took over the daily operations of Luiggi’s and credits senior staff members, Terry Roy and Lisa Dorrington, for teaching her about the business. Angie refers to Terry, now in her eighties, as “the spice girl,” since she’s been making Luiggi’s famous secret sauce and meatballs for 26 years.

Lisa, the manager, started working at Luiggi’s as a teenager some 20 plus years ago. About Lisa’s experience in predicting business demand Angie boasts, “She just knows how much to make and how much to order. We rarely have waste. I don’t know how she does it. We would be lost without Terry and Lisa.”

Same as it ever was Angie and her staff use 250 pounds of ground beef to make the roughly 5,000 meatballs they sell each week. On a typical day, they go through four to six giant vats of homemade sauce. It’s double that amount on Wednesdays, for Spaghetti Special day.

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Future plans As far as their plans to build another Luiggi’s at the former site of Graziano’s restaurant in Lisbon, the St. Hilaires simply didn’t have the time to put into another business. Earl manages a roofing company during the day and oversees the bar in the evenings, Angie spends most of her time at the pizzeria, and their children, Camree (16), Bailee (12), and Toree (11) participate in a variety of sports, leaving them with little free time.

It hasn’t been easy for the St. Hilaires. “In the past few years, we’ve put thousands of dollars into the building,” Earl remarks, recalling the boiler they had to replace, a broken pipe that caused extensive water damage to Luiggi’s dining room, the new pizza ovens, and HVAC unit they installed. They also were broken into a few times, and had to install new doors.

The St. Hilaires take a positive approach to these challenges.

They hope their children, nieces, and nephews will eventually take over both businesses. They see these repairs as improvements, as well as assurance that the next generation will start their journey with The Goose and Luiggi’s on solid ground.

The St.Hilaires “People think we’ve changed the recipes for our sauce and our meatballs, but we haven’t. It’s the same recipe it’s always been,” Angie remarks. “We still make our own pizza dough every day!”

The staff makes 170 small and 45 large pizza doughs daily. After the dough is made, it is put through a separator that splits it into dough balls, after which it is sent through a flattener to be ready for the pizza pan. The equipment used for the pizza dough, as well as the bread slicer used for the Fergy sandwich, have been around since 1953.

Angie jokes, “You can’t buy this equipment anymore so we keep fixing it. I don’t know what I’d do if these broke.”

Luiggi’s Pizzeria 63 Sabatus Street, Lewiston • luiggispizzeria.com The Blue Goose 69 Sabattus Street, Lewiston Facebook.com/Blue Goose Bar & Grill

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After the Union Street Market in Lewiston closed in late 2017, owner Andy Beaupre joined up with Angie to introduce his chicken salad to Luiggi’s. “It is the best around,” Angie reports.

Using Beaupre’s recipe, the staff stuffed more finger rolls than they could count this past holiday season, and plan on doing more this year.

Family matters There are currently 17 staff members at Luiggi’s, the St. Hilaires’ daughter, Camree, being one of them. “My staff is amazing,” Angie says. “They love to come to work and they do a great job.”

This interview with the St. Hilaires took place at Luiggi’s during a torrential downpour in Lewiston. The streets were flooded and water gushed down Sabattus Street in a fury. As we glanced up from talking, we noticed an elderly customer being assisted outside by Owen, one of the younger staff members, while he held an umbrella over her head. “Look at that! Do you see what I mean about my staff?” Angie asks, beaming with pride.

One of the only changes the new owners made to the pizzeria was the addition of beer and wine. “People asked for it, so I put in a few taps, but in the end, it just wasn’t selling,” Earl St. Hilaire remarks. “So after a year, we took them out.”

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Written by Peggy Faye Brown | Photography by Jose Leiva

Sabattus Disc Golf

Dragan Field

Campbell Highlands

Devil’s Grove

I t ’s been said that, “Golf is a good walk spoiled.” The disc version of golf, however, has proven the perfect compliment to a good walk.

Many courses are set in wooded areas with well-maintained paths, and an abundance of flora and fauna. Much like its “ball” cousin, if you are errant in your disc shot, you may end up a wee bit deeper in the woods than you might’ve expected- but really, that seems to be half the fun.

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The popularity of disc golf soars in LA

D

isc golf started in the 1970s in a form much like we know it today. It’s not entirely different from the venerable old sport of ball golf, in that players aim to get the lowest score possible. Also, each “hole” begins on a tee and ends when the disc lands in a hole, or “basket.” The similarities end here: disc golf employs a Frisbee, greens fees are very affordable, you’ll never get a bad tee time, and there’s rarely a dress code.

The Professional Disc Golf Association says about disc golf, “It is designed to be enjoyed by people of all ages, male and female, regardless of economic status.”

A player needs to learn different disc golf shots; using these shots will greatly increase their chances of success. Much like ball golf, disc golf requires a drive, an approach, and a putt. Players will find that each of these shots may have to be played around obstacles- most often trees. The heavily wooded settings of many disc golf courses beg a player learn how to manipulate a disc to turn left-to-right or right-to-left. The good news is that there are a wide variety of discs to choose from that will naturally help a player with these angles. Ask your local disc golf pro shop for assistance in choosing discs to get started. Most shops will be more than happy to give you some basic tips.

We set out to explore LA’s four disc golf courses. Additionally, there are 16 more within a half-hour’s drive. The options are abundant, and terrain and difficulty vary at each course.

The flagship Sabattus Disc Golf (SDG) offers four separate courses, and the most widely stocked clubhouse around. Development of this facility began in 2006 and officially opened for play in 2008. Owner Peter Ruby says, “We set out to integrate the amenities and fields of ball golf with the world of disc golf. The result is what you see at Sabattus Disc Golf.”

SDG accommodates a range of players, from beginners to seasoned veterans. Their four courses are modeled after a disc golf educational program called EDGE, or Educational Disc Golf Experience, which basically allows players a comfortable place to learn the game and the associated shots, while also seeing their skills improve as they move up in difficulty from course to course.

“Ultimately, this is a fun and affordable family activity that’s close to home and is available year-round.”

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By David Muise | Photography by Jose Leiva | The Rise of the Flying Saucers Enter the clubhouse at SDG, by far the largest in the area. Like a ball golf clubhouse, the place is chock full of gear- from discs to backpacks and everything else the most seasoned player could possibly pine for- and stocks the largest selection of disc golf equipment. Manager Cecile Lebel and her crew are ready to offer insights and answer questions about the game.

Diamond in the rough

“This is a family-friendly facility,” says Lebel. “Our whole team strives to promote that atmosphere. In fact, our philosophy is ‘Family, Fun, and Fitness.’ Our courses are even designed to be stroller- and wheel chair-friendly.”

The course sits on property adjacent to the owner’s home. You will often find him sitting in the small, but well-stocked clubhouse, welcoming visitors to the grounds. When he’s away, he offers an honor box where players can drop their daily fees before play.

“Ultimately, this is a fun and affordable family activity that’s close to home and is available year-round,” says Ruby. “We’ve got family packages and loyalty programs which serve to further keep costs down. And, between our knowledgeable staff and exciting variety of courses, there’s really something for everyone here.”

SDG also runs an e-commerce business where players can get guaranteed low prices on all their disc golf gear.

The devil’s in the technicalities Devil’s Grove features two courses in the woods of Lewiston: the Devil and the Demon. The Demon is the shorter of the two courses, and demands a more technical shot selection. The terrain here is hilly; you’ll be shooting both up and downhill, and walking that way as well.

The Devil is a longer course where you can let your discs fly. It’s more open with wider fairways, and allows for big throwers to really let loose. The elevation change is not as great as the Demon, which makes for a more leisurely round.

Devil’s Grove has a welcoming staff, plenty of parking and well manicured grounds. For a day rate of $8, you really can’t beat the variety that these two courses offer.

Campbell Highlands is located on Witham Road in Auburn. It’s impeccably manicured and beautifully landscaped. The courses are almost entirely wooded, which poses a special challenge for even the most seasoned player.

Campbell Highlands twists and turns through the woods, over small water features and eventually curves back in on itself finishing back at the clubhouse. The course is carefully laid out with plenty of space between holes. Fairways are well-maintained and offer a thorough shot selection.

Let ‘er fly The result of our whirlwind disc golf tour of LA is that if you’ve considered but haven’t yet partaken in this popular sport, you are out of excuses. The courses are numerous, nearby, and the unspoiled walk in the woods nearly unparalleled in ease of access and fun to be had for everyone.

Sabattus Disc Golf 605 Bowdoinham Rd., Sabattus • sabattusdiscgolf.com Devil’s Grove 455 Grove St., Lewiston • facebook.com/devilsgrovediscgolf Dragan Field Disc Golf 436 Foster Rd., Auburn • mainediscgolf.com/dragan Campbell Highlands 176 Witham Rd., Auburn • campbellhighlands.com

Fire breather Dragan Field, located in south Auburn, is the oldest course in the area. It’s incredibly versatile and well-designed; in just a single 18-hole course, it offers nearly every type of shot, length, and technicality.

This course proudly boasts that it is “open year-round, weather or not.” Dragan’s crew actually grooms their fairways in the winter, which makes playing in even the coldest months possible for the diehard disc golf fans.

Dragan Field is also home to the longest-running PDGA sanctioned disc golf tournament in Maine: the Dragan Disc Golf Classic. Players from across the country travel to Auburn to participate, and play this championship-caliber course every June.

Spectators are welcome; this is a great opportunity to see some of the very best the sport has to offer.

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