LA Metro Magazine - Autumn 2022

You got this! Because you have us

Peace of mind when you need it most.

Paul Colasante

B. 207-782-8823

C. 207-754-2096 paul.colasante@ mwarep.org

Art Chamberlain B. 207-514-7003

C. 207-754-6259

arthur.r.chamberlain@ mwarep.org

for every

the peace of mind that comes from working with a

representative. And enjoy the sense of purpose that comes from giving back to the community.

Mike Courtemanche

B. 207-783-8921 C. 207-240-5820 michael.courtemanche@ mwarep.org

Paul Gagne

B. 207-333-6050

C. 207-576-3426 paul.p.gagne@ mwarep.org

Brad Mates B. 207-333-6051

C. 615-594-5927 bradley.l.mates@ mwarep.org

Kim Pelkey B. 207-782-6884

C. 207-754-2069

kim.pelkey@ mwarep.org

editor ’ s note

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOSE LEIVA

It seems like we blinked a bit too long and now it’s cold outside! The leaves are changing and swimming pools and camps are being closed up. I’m not a big fan of the colder weather, but it certainly is a pretty time of year!

The changing of seasons is always a good reminder to ac knowledge, accept, and appreciate the ever-changing world around us. Here at LA Metro Magazine, we are changing. Out of the tragic loss of our founder, Jimbo, we have found some new light and are happy to welcome Pam Ashby as our new publisher. Long time readers will remember Pam as our previ ous editor-in-chief before moving to Texas. Pam is back and in our summer issue, rejoined our team as our editorial director. She will now will take the helm in the publisher’s seat to help keep us moving forward with experience, leadership, and the same drive to highlight all the positive things happening in our community that our entire team has!

There are big changes throughout LA as well. We have a new LEWISTON sign in Veterans Park created local ly by Neokraft (highlighted in our Spring 2022 issue!), many new businesses and restaurants popping up everywhere (the foodie in me is so happy about this!). The change I’m most excited about is our very own ABA semi-pro women’s basketball team, our cover story, The LewistonAuburn Maples. As a lifelong basketball fan, and now an avid Maples super fan, I couldn’t be more excited to see this change come to our very own backyard. These women can play and you should make plans to check them out next season!

This issue also features Polymer Laboratories & Solutions. You may recognize this company as Jones & Vining, a business that pioneered the shoe manufacturing industry in LA. With Poly Labs buying out Jones & Vining, they have revamped their operation and have kept manufacturing relevant and exciting in the twin cities and throughout the United States. Lastly, we feature the triumphant return of the Great Falls Balloon Festival. With the changes in the world, the festival had been on a hiatus for the last two years. But this year, they came back better than ever! The festival has certainly been missed, and many nonprofits benefit greatly from its return!

Change can be hard, but it doesn’t have to be negative. Without change, we become stagnant and complacent. Change brings growth and we need that growth to thrive. I hope you enjoy this issue and recognize the changes in our community that keep it thriving.

Be kind and well, everyone.

TYLA DAVIS Editor-in-Chief

LA Metro Magazine is proudly printed in Lewiston, Maine at

Lexington Street, Lewiston

Check out the height on this jump!

CONTRIBUTORS

Pam joins us as an editorial director while working remotely for D Magazine Partners in Dallas, Texas. As the previous editor-in-chief of LA Metro Magazine, she is thrilled to have a hand back in the local magazine. She comes back to her roots after a medical emergency her 24-year-old son experienced back in March. While being back she has enjoyed catching up with friends, hiking, and spending time with her family.

Brewster was raised in Waterford, Maine, attended Oxford Hills High School, then graduated from Colby College. He became an English teacher at Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School, where he has remained since 1988.

Christmas of 2012, he received his first camera, and quickly developed a love of the lens. Brewster freelances for some Maine newspapers and local magazines. He resides in Hebron, with his wife and two children.

On his eighth birthday, David’s favorite aunt gave him a camera. She couldn’t have known that, from that day, photography would grow into a passion, a career, and a ticket to experiences he would otherwise only have dreamed of.

Fifty years later, David is a successful filmmaker, photographer, and creative director working for national and local advertising agencies, businesses, and educational and government clients. It was, as things have turned out, the perfect gift.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Linda lives in Lewiston, a native to the city. She taught school in Auburn and earned a master’s degree in educational leadership and joined the faculty at UMF. She worked with her husband Jose writing the copy for his photo columns in the local paper.

Now fully retired, she serves on the board for Promise Early Education Center and works at her church in various ministries. She and her husband, Jose, have six children between them and share four “grands.”

PAM ASHBY editorial director

LINDA LEIVA writer

BREWSTER BURNS photographer

MICHAEL KRAPOVICKY writer

DAVID FULLER photographer

JOSE LEIVA photographer

A Pennsylvania native, Jillian moved to Maine from Dallas, Texas, with her husband and two toddler daughters in August of 2020.

Her lifelong love of the written word began with writing short stories and poems at the age of six, eventually leading to the creation of her own company, EleGrant Writing Services. Jillian is a business development specialist for Androscoggin Home Healthcare + Hospice by day and enjoys live music, books, and creative writing.

Sara is a “County” transplant enjoying life on the Androscoggin River. Most days she can’t be found, hiding away in the woods or mountains, enjoying the quiet peacefulness of the outdoors. A musician and actress, she enjoys the many diverse cultural opportunities offered in the LA area.

She writes, she runs, pats all the dogs, loves beer, and plays the ukulele... badly.

Writers & Photographers

Nicole can’t remember a time when she did not have a camera in her hands. Her passion for photography started when she was little, working with her uncle who ran his own studio.

She graduated in 2015 with a degree in photography and digital workflow. Shortly afterwards, she opened her own portrait studio, Creativeones Photography.

Her passion is to show the beauty that is within everyone. She is constantly learning new and inventive ways to capture moments that will last a lifetime.

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.

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

If you’re an accomplished writer or photographer and would like to be part of this region’s premiere lifestyle magazine, please let us know.

The sense of community this magazine exudes will make you glad to be part of the L A Metro Magazine team!

Learn more about

then

at:

at

SARA POULIN writer

JILLIAN NETHERLAND writer

NICOLE RAND photographer

DONNA KEENE ROUSSEAU writer

The LA Metro Family

CEO

Marston

PUBLISHER

Pam Ashby

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Tyla Davis editor@LAMetroMagazine.com

ADVERTISING SALES

Steve Simard

PRODUCTION MANAGER

Tyla Davis

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

Pam Ashby

WRITERS

Michael Krapovicky

Leiva

Netherland

Poulin

Keene Rousseau

PROOFREADERS

Keith Davis

Marston

PHOTOGRAPHY

Brewster Burns

Fuller

Leiva

Rand

ON THE COVER

Lewiston native Julie McCabe, forward for the Lewiston-Auburn Maples ABA women’s basketball team.

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

Editorial and subscription info: Call 207-783-7039 email: info@LAMetroMagazine.com 9 Grove Street, Auburn, ME 04210

Opinions expressed in articles or advertisements, unless otherwise noted, do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher or staff. Every effort has been made to ensure that all information presented in this issue is accurate, and neither LA Metro Magazine nor any of its staff are responsible for omissions or information that has been misrepresented to the magazine. No establishment is ever covered in this magazine because it has advertised, and no payment ever influences our stories and reviews.

Copyright ©2022 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.

Thomas

in the patient

Resilience Physical Therapy and Wellness, LLC

Knowledge is power in recovery and long-term health – and Jason Burtchell of Resilience Physical Therapy is here to empower you.

Written by Jillian Netherland | Photography by Jose Leiva

Taking the plunge

For more than 20 years, Jason Burtchell has been a practicing physical therapist, assisting LA residents through recovery from injuries and helping them feel their best. It wasn’t until 2020 that he took the plunge to open his own practice, Resilience Physical Therapy and Wellness.

“I had been thinking about it for a while. What I wanted it to look like, the models that would work best,” recalls Burtchell, who had spent a decade working for a hospital system, becoming increasingly more frustrated by the corporate approach to therapy. “Eventually, I moved to a private practice and saw how different models worked; I wanted to see if I could create a practice based on clinical research that is best for the patient.”

For Burtchell, the journey in owning his practices began in Norway. And by building a solid base, he knew the model would transition elsewhere, leading to a mobile service throughout the LA area where Burtchell would visit patients in their homes due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It wasn’t long before patients began asking Burtchell where they could go to him for their appointments instead.

“People wanted to get out because they needed to get out –and having a physical office location would allow them to do that,” explains Burtchell. Hence, the Auburn practice was born.

Going into private practice has allowed Burtchell to focus on the heart of physical therapy: patient care and keeping patients central to the decision-making process.

“I don’t work for myself; I truly work for my patients,” says Burtchell, who prides himself in offering a service unlike any other in the area and making it work. Having his own practice, Burtchell states, “I can practice the way I know is best, providing the best physical therapy. This model is needed in the communities I serve.”

Out of network, in your best interest

Part of this patient-centric model for Burtchell is being an outof-network service provider. While many in-network insurance rates are based on the number of visits, therapies provided, and anything else needed, Resilience Physical Therapy can operate on a flat rate per visit, all-inclusive of anything required during the appointment without any stipulations or restrictions. While this results in much more predictable pricing than one would receive when going through an in-network service provider, it also provides patients with more individualized care and, ultimately, faster healing time.

“Being out of network means I can focus on one client’s needs at a time,” Burtchell explains. “This results in a much more personal care plan because I have the time to spend with the client, versus working with three or four patients at a time at a big clinic.”

Because of this model, Burtchell has found that the majority of patients don’t need to be seen as often, so while the typical average for physical therapy visits is two or three times per week, Burtchell books all of his patients for 60-minute appointments

Jason Burtchell

Burtchell consults with KB Lavertu

By Jillian Netherland | Photography by Jose Leiva | Resilience Physical Therapy

DRY NEEDLING

Dry needling treats muscle tissue, and its goal is to reduce pain, inactivate trigger points, and restore function. It rarely is a standalone procedure. Rather, it often is part of a broader physical therapy approach incorporating other traditional physical therapy interventions into treatment.

as needed. These range from once a week, every other week, or once a month – leading to savings for the patient in both time and money.

“What this also leads to is clients being bought into the process,” says Burtchell, whose mantra is that the most important therapy happens outside the clinic for a patient to be set up for true success and long-term management. “Education is the most important thing I provide, and I need that one-on-one time to understand how much the patient understands to be effective outside the clinic.”

Certified from cause to effect to solution

For any healthcare professional, learning is an ongoing journey, and Burtchell is no exception. Recently passing his boards as an Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS), Burtchell is ranked in the top 6% of all physical therapy providers in the United States. Although every physical therapist must pass a board examination to practice, Burtchell’s Orthopedic Specialty Certification demon strates clinical expertise above and beyond the norm in providing the best, evidence-based care.

Burtchell works on stretching exercises to test mobility.

Additionally, Burtchell is certified in the McKenzie Method of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (MDT), an internationally acclaimed method of assessment and treatment for spinal and extremity pain that helps standardize examinations and interventions.

“If you say you have back pain, I know exactly how my exam should be structured to find out what is going on, what is need ed, and then teach the patient what they need to begin taking care of themselves,” Burtchell states, adding, “having the OCS and MDT, that continued burden of staying up to date in research and literature, has helped shape my practice to make sure I have the best opportunity to help anyone who is walking through my door to see me.”

Helping you to help yourself

Throughout his decades of experience ranging from hospitals to clinics to patients’ homes and his own practices, one personalized factor remains key to patient recovery success for Burtchell: communication between visits. Through a specialized patient portal, patients can get in touch with Burtchell to problem solve between visits, boosting patients’ confidence by understanding what to expect and the exercises that may help.

“It’s all about empowering people to help themselves, coming to the realization that they don’t need someone to ‘fix’ them because they already have the tools and knowledge,” says Burtchell. “It’s active participation – not passive medical care – with a coach in their corner they can always call when needed.”

Resilience Physical Therapy 34 Center Street, Auburn • www.resilienceptw.com

Relationships

are Key

Establishing a relationship with a primary care provider is one of the smartest things you can do to help ensure your long-term health.

Through regular primary care visits, you can keep up to date on your preventive care, better manage chronic conditions, and identify potential problems before they can slow you down. Our Primary Care offices are conveniently located in Lewiston, Auburn, and Poland.

WELCOMING NEW PATIENTS

Ready to get started? Call us at 207.777.8899

Burtchell assesses the joints of the feet.

StMarysMaine.com/PrimaryCare

Restaurant roots run deep

Written by Jillian Netherland | Photography by Nicole Rand

KP’s Place opened its doors in Auburn 10 years ago, but the seed for restaurant ownership was planted decades prior for owner and operator Keith Genest.

Trading spaces

To say Genest grew up in the restaurant business would be an un derstatement. Between his father’s restaurant and two additional restaurants owned by his brothers, Genest spent a large portion of his teen years working in the restaurant business – from running the cash register, to working with vendors, and learning the menu and recipes by heart. However, despite this perfect foundation and knowledge, Genest originally wanted nothing to do with restaurant ownership.

“Prior to opening KP’s Place, I worked in corporate America,” says Genest of the first few decades of his career. After 10 years in the banking world, a buyout led Genest to working for a medical com pany – until they, too, experienced a buyout, sending Genest to do some soul searching on what would come next for him.

“I knew I wanted to be self-employed, but wasn’t sure what I wanted to do, so I decided to sleep on it,” he explains. “I woke up the next day and decided to stop denying it. I knew how to run a restaurant, I knew a menu with recipes that worked, so I decided to give it a try to see if I liked it.”

Soon after his epiphany, Genest started small, opening KP’s Place in half the space of its current location, and immediately fell in love with the work.

“It has, without a doubt, been the best career decision I’ve ever made.”

Great expectations

Stepping into KP’s Place and seeing how Genest interacts with each of his customers, you’d think he had been an Auburn resident his entire life – but he actually lives in Augusta.

“Part of me coming into this town was getting to know the people,” recalls Genest, who employs an open kitchen model, not

Owner Keith Genest

Kitchen manager Adam Teft tosses chicken in crumbs before frying.

Supporting local is a key value to Genest, and something he demonstrates through the commitment of KP’s Place to its

community through nonprofit fundraisers. Although Genest may not be in a position to write large checks or take time away from the restaurant, he has never said no when asked to help with a fundraiser.

“My soft spot is with the young kids coming in for their sports teams,” says Genest, once a youth athlete, and equates his experience running a restaurant to coaching a sports team. “I use this as an opportunity to talk to the kids and connect with their families. I’d love to do more and will continue to do more as I am able.”

Ten years strong and looking forward

In commemoration of its first decade in business, KP’s Place has begun celebrating in a big way: contracting with Pepsi in order to renovate their space. In addition to a fully revamped theme and color scheme, KP’s Place will add additional, cozier seating areas and a front area dedicated to the Genest Family restaurant history.

“Three generations have run five restaurants over the years,” shares Genest. “I have that conversation at least once per day about who I am and what we’re doing here – now it will be on the wall with pictures of the original restaurant fronts.”

Despite being hidden from the main road, KP’s Place has remained consistently busy, even throughout the difficulties pre sented by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Consistency is part of it. People know they can get fresh, madeto-order food in a clean environment very quickly,” Genest ex plains. “But it’s more than that. It’s the connection. The customers know me, and I know them. That’s everything. It’s what I wake up every day excited to do, and I’m convinced it will keep me going for another 20 plus years.”

Place

Center Street, Auburn • www.facebook.com/KPSPLACE

truck•Coffee by Design•

Made in the USA

Written by Michael Krapovicky | Photography by David Fuller

Polymer Laboratories & Solutions, LLC is a manufacturer of advanced molded polyurethane components found in several cutting-edge consumer, industrial, defense, and medical applications. Poly Labs strongly focuses on bolstering the U.S. manufacturing landscape and is committed to the value of “Made in the USA” products. Poly Labs occupies an 88,000 square foot polyurethane production facility in Lewiston, a fixture of the rich culture of LA footwear manufacturing. The skill and work ethic of the twin cities’ shoemaking artisans strengthens the opportunities for the future of Poly Labs and the surrounding community.

Roots

Jones & Vining, the progenitor of Poly Labs, was established in Brockton, MA, in 1930. The company expanded into Maine by purchasing Auburn Last Co. and Corey Last Remodeling Co., two companies with an extensive legacy in the Maine shoe industry. In the 1960s and 70s, Jones & Vining Maine invested in converting its equipment and focus to becoming a global leader in polyurethane shoe outsole and insole production. With a booming facility at 765 Webster St. in Lewiston, Jones & Vining continued to pioneer the world shoemaking industry for nearly a century, and the Lewiston factory became Jones & Vining’s Industrial Products Division, looking to expand into different lines apart from footwear. But in September of 2020, due to reduced production activity caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the closure of some of the company’s customers, Jones & Vining ceased operations in Lewiston.

Portland-based Anania & Associates – in partnership with FAME, the city of Lewiston’s economic and community development office, individual investors, company management, and several key customers – created a new organization: Polymer Laboratories & Solutions, LLC, and acquired Jones & Vining’s Lewiston interests. The company doubled its workforce in the first 100 days since the official Poly Labs launch. Currently, Poly Labs has 70 employees, primarily local LA folk and other parts of central and southern Maine. Typical positions include machine operators, engineers, trimmers, packers, and stainers, as well as various other production, administrative, sales, managerial, and executive personnel.

“If you look around Lewiston and Maine, you’ll be reminded of the deep-rooted footwear history,” asserts Sarah Morrison, CEO of Poly Labs. “Poly Labs is committed to keeping Maine manufacturing alive and supporting jobs here in the Lewiston-Auburn area.”

The Ross Flex machine flexes shoe soles thousands of times to ensure that they hold up to rugged use.

Transition

Poly Labs sought to retain or rehire the Jones & Vining team and access the vast knowledge within their employee base. The group employs an attentive hands-on management approach, providing resources and tools to fully utilize the capability and expertise of their in-house staff, cultivated from decades of experience.

“When J&V originally opened the Industrial Products division at the current HQ factory site of Poly Labs, it helped strengthen the manufacturing industry in this area,” recalls Morrison. “Now, as Poly Labs, we’re honoring the tradition of footwear manufacturing in Maine, continuing to grow jobs in the Lewiston-Auburn area.”

Jones & Vining had less than 25 employees at the point of acquisition. Those employees had proven that they were valuable assets to the company through decades of commitment, and their expertise.

“There were many unsung heroes behind the scenes who built systems, formulations, equipment, and processes to benefit the business,” confirms Morrison. “They showed up every day and gave one hundred percent, even as resources, markets, and industries diminished.”

Experience rewarded

The Poly Labs facility underwent extensive renovations. The parking lot, perimeter of buildings, and driveway all were restored. Investment in the expansion of the R&D and testing lab – new equipment and renovation. A new employee break room and café were a welcome addition for the Poly Labs workers.

In addition to upgrading the building, creating a better workplace environment was a goal of Poly Labs. The work environment and culture at Poly Labs strongly emphasize teamwork and communication.

Many of the former J&V employees have grown into senior leadership and management positions at Poly Labs.

“Their flexibility in helping guide us all through the transition to Poly Labs was truly the difference-maker,” says Morrison.

Sarah Morrison

“At Poly Labs it was and is important for us to recognize the knowledge and commitment of those employees and encourage their continued growth,” affirms Morrison.

The J&V acquisition was successful partially due to Anania’s experience working with manufacturing companies and helping them grow to their full potential. However, the know-how of the veteran J&V employees was crucial to Poly Labs’ transition.

“We’ve hired a lot of new personnel – from entry-level production employees to high-level chemical and process engineers,” avows Morrison. “However, we retained a lot of core employees from the J&V days. That group has been integral to helping us shift and transition into Poly Labs, providing us the flexibility we need to help the newer team members integrate.”

Change

Like most industries, the initial shift to offshore manufacturing had the most significant effect on footwear manufacturing in the LA area. But Poly Labs research is seeing a trend toward working with onshore businesses.

“With a growing demand for US-based production, we are seeing opportunities to partner with suppliers and customers that value what ‘USA made’ can mean,” says Morrison. “This notion opens us up to more opportunities than just footwear.”

Thusly, Poly Labs has branched out into working with other polyurethane-based products. They are a 100% US-based leader in producing highly engineered molded, self-skinning, and smallpour polyurethane.

“It is imperative to diversify the business and customer base, to be a manufacturer of polyurethane products, not just footwear,” Morrison maintains. “If we can make your product fit our manu facturing model, we want to partner with you regardless of your industry or market.”

Poly Labs creates specialized polyurethane foam systems – engineering, designing, and manufacturing polyurethane foam materials into molded components that many use or wear daily. As a result, they serve an amalgam of markets in addition to footwear, including medical, automotive, defense, and industrial safety.

“All products are produced on polyurethane pouring equipment, utilizing both manual and automated pouring lines,” Morrison explains. “We manufacture polyurethane components for various industries – footwear, small furniture, medical cushioning, and military ear cushions, just to name a few.”

Innovations

Poly Labs business model is partnering with industrial and consumer OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) partners to develop, pour, mold, and manufacture polyurethane components

Dan Keeley, Vice President of Business Development, Sarah Morrison, Chief Executive Officer, Keith Davis, Laboratory Technician, Les Gardner, Continuous Improvement and QA Director, Sam Bonnevie, Chemical Engineer, Rick House, Chief Technology Officer, and Roger Champagne, Mold Manager, at their daily production meeting.

This new 3D printer helps with Poly Labs’ prototyping.

and materials. Poly Labs has grown with changing technology by adding new machinery, equipment, and tooling to keep its capa bilities growing. From fully-robotic machinery to 3D printers for prototyping components – Poly Labs has availed themselves of advanced technology and specialized equipment that is unique in the manufacturing industry.

“Not only are we implanting new equipment in production set tings, but we are also investing in our R&D programs to ensure we are participating in new technologies in both equipment and materials as they develop,” says Morrison. “The growth and development of our engineering team has given us the resources to partner with suppliers and customers to lead the implementation of new technologies.”

Exposure became a critical component of the growth of Poly Labs, and new marketing strategies yielded substantial dividends.

“As simple as its sounds, a new website and minimal advertising with Google launched Poly Labs into new markets and got us in front of new customers,” claims Morrison. “Within a short time, we had more new opportunities than we could support.”

In the summer of 2021, Poly Labs was awarded the Ken Additon Small Business Advocacy Award from the Lewiston Auburn Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce.

Made in the USA

Poly Labs is focused on adapting to the world’s mutable manufacturing climate.

“The models for supplying the factory with materials have changed, but what hasn’t changed is our customer’s desire for quality products delivered on time,” says Les Gardner, Continu

ous Improvement & QA Director at Poly Labs. “Our manufacturing strategy supports buying from U.S. Suppliers.”

Businesses that once were acquiring their goods from overseas are leaning towards partnering with United States owned-and-operated companies to access their component and material manufacturing onshore.

“Our focus on ‘Made in the USA’ components is popular with big brands, as well as independent companies and even startups looking to partner with us and source their materials and components from within the United States,” says Morrison. “We’re work ing with companies and helping educate them about why making components in the U.S. is so important.”

Poly Labs, in most instances, will not compete with overseas competitors regarding price, feeling their products and service are worth the potential for the added expense.

Diane Moody and Les Gardner assess product quality.

Denise Keene tests products as part of the quality testing line.

“What we can offer is quality precision parts made in the USA, coupled with a strong relationship and commitment to our customers,” Morrison proffers. “In the current market, consistent quality, timeliness, and excellent customer support provide a competitive edge for Poly Labs.”

Poly Labs often produces and delivers molded polyurethane components to their partners much quicker than foreign competi tors, helping to reinvigorate the domestic market.

“We support customer satisfaction through execution of standardized quality-focused processes, recognized worldwide,” Gardner quantifies.

On the map

Dan Keeley is Vice President of Sales & Development at Poly Labs. He is also a member of the Board of Directors for the United States Footwear Manufacturers Association, an organization dedicated to the resurgence of footwear manufacturing and supply chain development in the U.S.

“Our growth in the multiple industries we serve is fabulous, but as an old Jones & Vining employee, it is super exciting for Poly Labs to be playing a role in helping reshore footwear manufacturing in the U.S. after an extended absence,” Keeley states. “Domestic footwear manufacturing is the reason our plant was built, and really one of the main reasons Lewiston is on the map.”

The Lewiston-Auburn area has a rich history of industrial manufac turing. Within its aged mill buildings, LA’s workers produced not only footwear, but textiles, bricks, and other valuable commodities.

“Lewiston always has and will continue to be an industrial city,” says Morrison. “The culture, expertise, and resources are ever present in here.”

Poly Labs representatives acknowledge the business-positive climate here in LA.

“The chamber of commerce and economic development teams in and around the Lewiston area played a critical role in saving jobs and manufacturing opportunities for Poly Labs and its employees,” Morrison attests. “Whether Jones & Vining or Poly Labs, we have been in Lewiston, and Lewiston has continued to support us and our growing business.”

Past, Present, and Future

Poly Labs remains invested in LA’s manufacturing legacy and wishes to continue it moving forward.

“The Lewiston community is part of our DNA, and Poly Labs supports hiring locally to contribute toward the success of the area,” says Gardner. “Our investment is here in our one location, and there are possibilities for additional expansion on-site.”

Poly Labs is poised to enact new projects, with a focus on new employment growth and even further production expansion.

“It’s important to us to continue manufacturing in Lewiston because of the past, present, and future,” Morrison says. “The past tells us how big manufacturing is to this area, and the present shows us the importance of manufacturing jobs in Lewiston. In terms of the future, we hope to add even more personnel and continue growing our capabilities through our people and our equipment.”

Taking over where Jones & Vining left off as a valued member of LA’s business community, Poly Labs is a burgeoning resource for employment here in Maine.

Polymer Laboratories & Solutions, LLC 765 Webster Street, Lewiston • polyurethanelaboratories.com

Dan Keeley shows off some of Poly Labs’ many products.

Highlighting great places to go and things to do in our communities.

Community Forward SOCIAL HOUR

Written by Michael Krapovicky | Photography by Nicole Rand

The historical significance of The Colisée cannot be overlooked. Dating back to the rematch between Cassius Clay and Sonny Liston in 1965, as well as a myriad of concerts, sporting events, and theatrical performances. Since 2004, The Colisée has developed a night-club section to be a source of entertainment and libations for the community. The Colisée Club has undergone significant renovations since it’s first incarnation as the Baxter Lounge, and since 2021, services patrons with comedy, music, and a place to relax with friends.

Faces

As general manager, Stephen Androlewicz fills many roles, from construction to cooking, to planning and overseeing the Club’s activities.

“I wear many hats,” jokes Androlewicz.

Androlewicz attended Rhodes College, working security at scholastic events and local clubs, inspiring an interest in venue management.

“Since college, I’ve worked in most of the large cities in the US, overseeing and owning clubs, mostly in St. Louis,” recalls

Androlewicz. “The Colisée is the 38th venue I’ve been involved with.”

Androlewicz moved to Maine to expand his children’s opportunities to play scholastic sports.

“My oldest son played for the Nordiques, as a goalie, and he now plays for the University of Maine at Orono,” explains Androlewicz. “My youngest son plays for the Nordiques as well, and I wanted to work close to them.”

Tiffany Levesque, a graduate of Lewiston High School in 2011, is the Director of Operations at the Colisée.

“My whole life was athletics, so I was very familiar with this building.” says Levesque.

Though her academic field was architecture, Levesque sought a new path.

“I wanted a career change,” states Levesque. “I interned for a year at The Colisée in 2019; then I became Operations Director in October of 2020.

Rebirth

In 2004, The Colisée allotted space for events called the Baxter Lounge, which in 2011 became a gymnasium for athletic training. Androlewicz and Levesque sought to re-open the event space at The Colisée to offer a new, upscale entertainment venue right here in LA.

“I noticed folks going to Portland for nightlife,” says Androlewicz. “We’re trying to keep everything local – so people don’t feel the need to travel.”

The team did extensive renovations to the space to accommodate their vision. As a result, the atmosphere is classy and deco-

The bar at The Colisée Club

Stephen Androlewicz

rative, with brilliantly colored portraits of iconic musicians, actors, and other entertainers.

“When the club is at capacity seating, we can move out into the arena,” says Androlewicz. “The “Mainiacs” bar, that used to be in Baxter Lounge, that had been stored away, was repurposed in this area.”

Quality service

The team at The Colisée Club employs simple, tried-and-true service implementation, as directed by Androlewicz.

“I’ve been in the service industry for 42 years; I’m old-school,” asserts Androlewicz. “We offer meals and drinks at a fair price, quick service, and good communication.”

Androlewicz and the team at The Colisée Club eschew being labeled one type of venue, favoring a universal appeal.

“We want to provide entertainment that all age groups can enjoy,” insists Androlewicz. “I took the boys to Ireland, seeing people who were 18, as well as 50 and over, all in the same environment having a good time – that’s what we’d like to see happen here.”

Because of his experience, Androlewicz is more than willing to accept feedback from his clientele. “I believe in developing relationships,” says Androlewicz. “If you want us to change something, we are willing to adapt based on the needs of the community.”

Locally-sourced

The Colisée Club enlists entertainment from the community nearly exclusively.

“We are trying to stay all local when it comes to talent,” says Levesque. “We want live entertainment willing to be our partner –we provide food and drinks, they provide the show.”

The Colisée Club hosts The River Comics on the first and third Friday of every month. The fourth Friday features father and son music duo Ernie and Scott Gagne.

“We all collaborate on ideas, figure out how to market, and schedule them,” says Levesque. “We are a member of the Cham ber of Commerce, so we have some happy hour events for the Chamber, like trivia nights.”

The Colisée Club is willing to take time to develop the potential of new acts, knowing it can take up to six months for an event to become a dependable place to go.

“The owners are very flexible about what we do and patient with allowing us to build recognition over time, giving us a lot of latitude with new ideas,” affirms Androlewicz.

Local focus

The Colisée Club endeavors to be recognized as an entertainment center with a catering aspect, providing whatever is required for a

Tiffany Levesque

(Photo courtesy of WIGY Radio)

Comedian Mark Turcotte performs for a packed house at the club.

By Michael Krapovicky |

Photography by Nicole Rand | The Colisée Club

client’s event. With a total capacity of 200, seating for 137, and a substantial kitchen, The Colisée Club can cater to birthday parties, baby showers, graduations, weddings, and the like.

“We offer a really unique environment, unlike anything in LA,” says Androlewicz. “Also, there are practically no limits on food choice – you can have prime rib, hand-breaded chicken parmesan, or just pizzas and hot dogs.”

The Colisée Club has held events for local police, firefighters, motorcycle clubs, and local businesses, as well as sponsored fundraisers for the Muslim community, Make-A-Wish Foundation, and many others.

“The Colisée Club is constantly striving to supply what local institutions require,” Androlewicz maintains. “As people are feel

ing more comfortable gathering, we hope they will continue to discover and utilize this great space we have here in Lewiston.”

New space

In the future, The Colisée Club will not only continue its live events and catering, but it will also have another concession space available, offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as a late-night menu. Androlewicz is hoping to have the new space this autumn or winter.

“When people are here for hockey games, and they want a bite to eat, it will be available to them,” Androlewicz says. “Folks can use delivery services like Grubhub for our offerings as well.”

Carey Zembas, Chad Sparks, Shanna Cox, & Keith Davis enjoy a night out at a comedy show.

(Photo courtesy of Jose Leiva)

Ernie & Scott Gagne always draw a crowd at The Colisée Club.

Fyfe

“The late-night menu is a priority to get rolled out – I think it’s a need in the community that we’d like to fill,” Androlewicz imparts.

Changing with the times

The entertainment will be fluid over time as The Colisée Club seeks to satisfy the public demand.

“We’d like to add karaoke to our roster,” says Androlewicz. “We also would like to have bands and other sources of cost-effective entertainment.”

The Club wants to offer a memorable experience for the people attending the larger events at The Colisée or those merely seeking a stylish yet personable atmosphere.

“The Colisée Club is available before and after the larger events happen,” says Androlewicz. “We just want to be known as an entertainment club that, on any given night, when you walk out, you can say, ‘I had fun.’”

The Colisée Club 190 Birch St. Lewiston • www.thecolisee.com/the-colisee-club

WINE.

By Michael Krapovicky | Photography by Nicole Rand | The Colisée Club

N THINGN THING

BUT NETBUT NET

Written by Sara Poulin | Photography by Jose Leiva

Walking through the Lewiston Armory’s wide-open doors, the squeak of sneakers and the smell of polished hardwood floors bring a flood of memories from afternoons and evenings spent in recreation centers and school gymnasiums. Lewiston Auburn is lucky to have been blessed with an amazing number of exciting activities for the family throughout the years. This summer has been no exception; from Riverfest, to Artwalk, to the return of the Great Falls Balloon Festival, there has been plenty to do. The exciting opportunities continue with the addition of the first semi-pro women’s basket ball team, the Lewiston-Auburn Maples, to the LA area. LA Metro Magazine sat down with the owner of the LA Maples, Josh Brister, and general manager Sarah Soltan to talk about the team, the sport, and the building they call home.

The name of the game

The LA Maples are part of the Women’s American Basketball Association (WABA), the sister league to the American Basketball Association (ABA), a semi-professional men’s basketball minor league that has existed since 1999. The Women’s American Basketball Association began in 2017 with six teams. Since its inception, the WABA has expanded to include over twenty teams across the country. Unlike the ABA, which is on an international scale, the WABA is currently only in the United States.

There are many significant differences between men’s and women’s semi-pro sports, and basketball is no exception. One of the most significant examples is that the WABA has no “feeder league,” which, according to Soltan, means minimal opportunity for advancement in the sport. She says, “Many of the athletes will end up playing professionally overseas.”

Playing in the WABA is one of the only opportunities for female players to expand and extend their careers after high school or college. Unfortunately, there is no affiliation with the Women’s National Basketball Association, and the WNBA is cutting worldclass players all the time, making it exceptionally difficult to come onto the professional basketball scene from a smaller semi-pro team like the Maples.

Major players

The WNBA has only twelve teams with eleven players on each team and because it’s so difficult to make the cut, it really isn’t a viable option for most of the players who are looking to further their professional athletic careers. Those who want to pursue the game will likely be playing in Scotland, Macedonia, or other overseas leagues.

That’s what makes the Maples and other teams in the WABA league so important to the players. It allows them an outlet for playing the game, continuing to live in Maine or the states, and having lives outside of basketball while still continuing to hone their skills and be a part of a team.

The Maples states, “Our mission as an organization is to utilize the game of basketball to create life-changing opportunities for women looking to further their professional basketball careers, while also creating lasting opportunities for those in the Lewiston Auburn community.”

Many of the Maples players live and work in the community where they play. Brister says, “These players are a quality and talented group of ladies.” He continues, “They are everyday humans before basketball; they are nurses, moms, and teachers.”

Auburn native Grace Briggs drives to the hoop through a swarm of defenders.

By Sara Poulin | Photography by Jose Leiva | Lewiston-Auburn Maples

Home court advantage

The Lewiston Armory, the home of the Maples, has a rich entertainment history. For years, big-name performers would play to capacity crowds filling the building with heavy rock and roll sounds and bluesy rhythm guitars. From Queen to Jimi Hendrix to the “Boss” Bruce Springsteen himself, the Armory has played host to some major attractions, including high-profile boxing matches and other sporting events.

The LA Maples have brought some new life and energy back to the historic Armory by bringing some quality athletic talent and no small amount of finesse to the game of basketball. While the team and its players are the heart of the Maples, the building where they play is, Soltan believes, a big part of the success of the Maples’ fan following. Because it is such an iconic and historical part of the city, it helps to bring community involvement to the games.

Soltan says, “It’s a beautiful building, it’s a wonderful building, with so much to offer and lends its character to the team and is such a big part of Lewiston history.”

For a majority of the Maples players, this is the level of play they are looking for. While some of the players for the Maples have other obligations that limit the amount of time they can dedicate to the sport, they’re moms and partners and hold full-time jobs or are full-time students; it doesn’t diminish their commitment to the team. They travel almost weekly and practice almost daily.

The Maples have created a powerful team, as proven by their regular season statistics. In the regular season, they lost only one game, by two points, to the Mount Vernon Shamrocks, which secured their spot in the playoffs. However, another hard-fought game against Mount Vernon on September 11th ended with a loss, knocking them out of the playoffs and ending the Maples’ season. Nevertheless, the Maples’ season stats are impressive, especially for a first-year team.

Kayla Evangelist is a mom and works a full-time job. She joined the team, according to Soltan, almost by accident. She approached coach Jim Seavy and asked if she could practice with the team. Because of her skill and natural leadership, Evangelist went from just practicing with the team to joining as a player and team Captain.

Some players have come on board with the Maples mid-season looking to advance in the league or because their teams unfortunately folded. For example, Lexi Barrows joined the team in mid-July. Having formerly played for the New England Trailblazers, she has been referred to as an “athletic powerhouse” who has been named player of the week following a fantastic showing between the Maples and the New Jersey Expressions, where the Maples won by 38 points.

Kaitlyn Mathieu left the team mid-season to return to her team, Badel, for their season in North Macedonia. Brister says Mathieu, “set the pace for the season and brought professionalism to the locker room.” In their first season, the team was solid, and their athleticism was remarkable. It’s likely a major factor in the fans returning to the Armory for each game.

The community is invited before each game to join in “pregaming” with the team and their families. People want to see good things happening in the Armory. So, before each home game, The Maples Market takes place in the Armory parking lot. It’s an opportunity for the community members to meet the team players and learn more about them. The pregame festivities have a tailgate party atmosphere, but in a family-oriented way.

There are crafters, games, bounce houses, and many more things for families to enjoy before the game starts. Once inside the Armory, the feeling is like stepping back in time. The seating is the same as it has been for many years. There is a birds-eye view of the game as all of the original mezzanine seating is still in place.

Josh Brister

Sarah Soltan

The Maples aim in bringing families to the Armory is to enjoy the game, snack bar, and family-friendly activities. The snack bar offers traditional sporting event foods, such as hot dogs, popcorn, nachos, candy, and seltzers, all at affordable prices. Soltan says it’s intentional, “We want families to come and enjoy the game, have a snack and still leave with money in their pockets. It shouldn’t be a bankrupting activity to go to a sporting event.” It’s that attitude that draws the community to support the Maples. The team, its coaching staff, management, and owners have been accessible from the beginning of the season. They’ve come into the community with open doors and continue to reach out and be a vital part of all that is good about Lewiston Auburn.

An assist

Neil Kiely, President of Androscoggin Bank, a B-Corp financial insti tution local to Lewiston Auburn, states, “Com-

munity involvement and engagement are an important part of business.” Androscoggin Bank was one of the first companies to partner with the Maples and to offer sponsorship and support.

Kiely believes that Brister and Soltan bring a lot of enthusiasm to the Maples and the sport of basketball. That was a factor in inspiring Androscoggin Bank to choose to partner with the team. Kiely states, “Our team (Androscoggin Bank) is abundant with passionate individuals and we were inspired by the passion of Josh and Sarah.”

It’s no surprise that Androscoggin Bank joined in a partnership with the LA Maples.Kiely states, “The Maples mission resonates and is aligned with that of Androscoggin Bank. To be one of the first to support the Maples team is a privilege.”

The bank’s long community involvement history made it an organic connection. The mission of Androscoggin Bank is “To create community impact through partnership – empowering employees to act as stewards of our communities.” Kiely elaborates, “Anything we can do to cultivate the community is a great responsibility. We live and work here; it is meaningful to be able to give back to the community.” He feels it is even more true in the early stages of post COVID. Kiely believes that people need opportunities to “mix and mingle” and that having a team to support “gives fans of the sport a shot of joy in the arm.”

Looking up court

The fans are showing up. Mayor of Lewiston, Carl Sheline, has attended every game and is a longtime basketball fan. The fans

Lewiston Mayor Carl Sheline can be seen courtside at every Maples home game and is one of their most avid fans.

Neil Kiely

Tianna Sugars and Jess Conant practice.

By Sara Poulin | Photography by Jose Leiva | Lewiston-Auburn Maples

show up for every game with sounds of cheering and applause filling the gym as the fast-paced game of WABA basketball domi nates the floor of the Lewiston Armory.

As for the future here in Lewiston Auburn for the Maples, it looks bright. Brister says there are plans to include some “boot camplike” basketball programs for the local youth, which he hopes will provide opportunities and encourage all ages and genders to get into the sport, particularly girls and young women. The goal is to show them that the sport, and sports in general, are for them. Intrasquad scrimmages are on the horizon for those fans who may have missed the regular season games and possible highlight events to show off the talent and skills of the team. There is hope

to add some upgrades to the snack bar as well. More options might include beer and wine for those who are looking for the full adult sporting event experience.

Basketball is a rich and strong tradition in Maine, and according to Brister, “especially women’s basketball.” With that strong foundation, the hope for the Maples is that they continue to bring in world-class athletes, to entertain the crowds in the Armory here in Maine for many more seasons.

Lewiston-Auburn Maples www.lamaples.com

Lexi Barros draws the foul as she goes up for the shot.

Artistry and athleticism in motion

Written by Linda Leiva | Photography by Nicole Rand

Like Peter Pan, the child in all of us often wishes to fly and twirl in the sky. That inner child may be perhaps a bit of a circus performer, or maybe even a Cirque du Soleil wannabe. AerialJade is the Neverland to bring out artistic movement in those who want to try.

Aerial art is a tool

The founder of AerialJade, Danielle Hirsh, hopes to find a com munity of people interested in art, athleticism, self-expression, and confidence building. Hirsh believes in the hunger for art and self-expression and blends the two here in LA with aerial arts. Her website states it is “a hub of artistic expression with circus at it’s core!”

“I want to bring out the art in people. I want to bring healing where healing is needed,” says Hirsh. “It healed me,” she recalls. “Half of my family had breast cancer, I had depression and dealt with drugs, and the world could have lost me. (Aerial) ignited all my art inside of me, and my life pivoted.”

Hirsh flourished in Corporate America, yet feeling unfulfilled, she went to Florida and attended Orlando Circus School, where she learned the art of aerial performing. She already had a background in art, in winning Little Miss Maine in 1988 and 1989, and a performer’s heart. For her, what came together was the inner artist, physics, mental discipline, self-awareness, and strength. Aerial “woke up” the artist in her.

“Art is a tool of hope, a tool to cope if you will,” says Hirsh. “I see (aerial) performing as art first, not just exercise. Most of my students are in the health field, they are the real healers, and they are attracted to this art form. I heal healers!” she says enthusiastically. “We’ve come to a point in society where we have to invest in ourselves.”

“This is not for weight loss, but I can promise muscle growth and confidence. Some students consider this a ‘girls’ night out,’ and others see the benefit of connecting with their own bodies,” says Hirsh. Folks of all body types can participate in this experience if they are willing to learn.

Danielle Hirsh

AerialJade performers: Maggie Kase, Amy Bowie, Danielle Hirsh, Rosaria Robinson, Carrie Thibodeau, & Samantha Lorenzetti

By Linda Leiva | Photography by Jose Leiva | AerialJade

Training, business, and art collide

Hirsh began AerialJade and holds classes at Pelletier’s School of Karate. She has private lessons and some group sessions in which the students encourage each other. These lessons are recorded to highlight their work and growth, and the students often share their videos of progress. Lessons begin at $25.00 for a 60 to 90-minute class. Classes for school-age children haven’t started, but are planned for the future.

Hirsh recruited and trained by the cast of cirque du soleil, is a performance athlete/artist. Her showcases reveal her skill, and that of some of her advanced students, as well as live painting and art shows. In addition, she has continued her training as an instructor through Jill Franklin, a world-renowned aerialist from Los Angeles.

Showcases Hirsh has hosted have been held on Park Street in Lewiston and another at Vista of Maine Vineyard & Cidery Wedding Barn in Greene. Held at sunset, the latter venue highlighted the art of aerial grace and expression. She is planning more showcases the Vista and in New York.

“The art and exercise are a delicate cross-fit training,” Hirsh says. Though the moves are somewhat ballerina-like and graceful, they do require considerable strength and control in the body’s core, legs, and arms.

The two primary pieces of equipment are the Lyra and silks. The Lyra is essentially a hoop suspended by a carabiner from at least a ten-foot-high ceiling. On this apparatus, the aerial artist can demonstrate a stag or gazelle (for whom Hirsh’s daughter, Jaselle, is named) or an upside-down position with legs looking much like a stag in motion or hanging from one’s ankles, for example. The silks suspended from the ceiling require a great deal of strength, more so than climbing ropes, because the silks tend to give a little. Hirsh explains that at 120 pounds, she puts 1,300 pounds of pressure on the silks.

Once the climbing begins, the perfor mer can then wrap legs and feet around the silks to form loops to hang, wrap around the body to sit, and turn upside down, all while flying in the air with proper form. Usually, all of this is done to music that inspires her students.

Only the best

Hirsh is currently awaiting an order of more equipment being built in Hawaii, the same equipment built for Cirque du Soleil. Safety is of great importance to her; hence, she requires the best equipment. She also has rules about training. The proper form and moves are designed to keep artists safe.

Her business background supports her two-year plan to create more certified teachers. She is also looking to expand the number of showcases to bring together the community, such as in-store openings, Boys and Girls Club, celebrations, and partnerships with other local and Maine-based businesses. She adds, “I’m a Mainer, so I want to keep it here.”

Hirsh’s goal is to train others so aerial can spread. To network her business, she is a member of the Synergy Chapter of Business Network International. There is also a global board for aerial training.

Building community

Reflecting upon her success, Hirsh states, “With success comes greater responsibilities. (It’s the) small triumphs to see this in

Maine, to create stages to support art in the fitness community.” And regarding her earlier comment about healing, “A community does not heal until adults come, heal, and grow. It affects their siblings and families.” Working with partners, she hopes to create a traveling circus school here in Maine.

All in all, according to Hirsh, aerial art can bring this warrior person out of you. We stand up and shout (about our success). Can you imagine bellowing, ‘I can fly, I can fly!’?

AerialJade www.aerialjade.com

Hirsh’s children, Jaselle and Jah, hang on tight.

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Loving the mission. Loving the people.

Written by Linda Leiva | Photography by Jose Leiva

t has been said there is a Chinese symbol for the word crisis, and it means danger and opportunity, or when something begins to change. This is a great way to describe the beginning of An Angel’s Wing, a non-profit that helps people with Substance Use Disorder find the help they need to recover and lead fulfilling lives.

Opportunity born

Their mission, “To ensure each person has every opportunity available to live, learn, and recover from Substance Use Disorder (SUD) with access to education, detoxification, rehabilitation, and employment,” encompasses what An Angel’s Wing can offer.

An Angel’s Wing was born out of frustration when, in 2017, Debra York and her son Joshua Stoehner felt that there wasn’t help available for Josh’s older brother, who was fighting SUD. They looked for a place for him to get help, detox, and rehab, but there were no beds available, and the cost of private facilities was outright prohibitive. His downward spiral continued.

An

A labor of love

Stoehner was concerned for his brother and his mom. Having had a background in retail while living in Boston, Stoehner began with an idea and worked with his mom to create a solution.

The idea was to open a thrift shop and have the income from that business fund the cost, or at least part of the cost, of treatment. “I knew how retail works,” says Stoehner, “I knew about customer service, operational standards, and set-up.”

York, having owned her own business locally, went to work creating a business plan, working with the state, and setting up a non-profit 501C-3 organization. Their dream began. A building was rented, and Stoehner began renovations, and even cleaned out the kitchen for a bakery, eventually to be run by his fiancé, Danielle. In addition, technology was added to facilitate sales and record keeping.

Stoehner emphasizes, “Mom did 99% of the work with Federal and state tax stuff, licensing, and local government; she nailed down the board, and people who could help.” The board is comprised of business people and medical professionals, the people who knew that a lack of help and resources was a problem.

The birth of An Angel’s Wing

York recalls the way the organization got its name. “I had seen a picture of angels’ wings covering a family and I took a photo of it.” It seemed the perfect image and name for what they wanted to provide for folks needing help. The idea was to offer a full-service program from detox to leading a fulfilling life.

“We began to fund-raise. We were taking donations for the store, and no one knew who we were,” says Stoehner. So, in 2017, a gala was held at the Portland Regency in efforts to raise money. That first year they found that they had a lot to learn, but the gala evolved and last year over $30,000 was raised. “It was a beautiful event attended by over 200, where everyone was dressed up, (we had) a fancy string band, and beautiful platters of food.” This year’s Gala is October 22, at the Hilton Garden Inn in Auburn.

There are now two locations for An Angel’s Wing. One is located at 1567 Lisbon Street in Lewiston, the other is in the Auburn Mall. The stores are slightly different, while the Auburn store offers primarily a boutique vibe, selling clothing and accessories; the

Wing THRIFT STORES

An Angel’s Wing co-founders Joshua Stoehner and Debra York

Lisbon Street, Lewiston

Center Street, Auburn Mall

Lewiston store offers clothes, accessories, children’s toys, furniture, sports items, collectibles, and electronics. There are at least 5,000 items that change all the time.

Opportunity to give and help

“We don’t make a lot of money, but what we have, we give away,” states Stoehner. His mother echoed this: “From 20172021, it was 100% volunteer for me.” Now, as the executive director, York donates most of her pay back to An Angel’s Wing. The proceeds go to overhead, and everything from detox to helping to get food, clothing, and job training.

“When people are in crisis, they usually have nothing with them when they go to a detox facility,” Stoehner says. York further explains, “Most often the cycle of SUD begins with Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES). It can also be attributed to genetics or injuries. People become hopeless and vulnerable. We offer hope with An Angel’s Wing. When someone waits three to five days just to find a detox bed, it can cause that person to give up and go back to the same environment they left to go into treatment.” York continues, “They haven’t changed their brain chemistry in 30 days, so we lose them.” She explains that more comprehensive treatment plans must happen.

Currently, An Angel’s Wing is working to establish a Medically Managed Crisis and Withdrawal Center, applying for a provisional license from the state so they can apply for a grant to get a facility for the center. The long-term goal and dream of both York and Stoehner is to build a camp for families who are affected by SUD. This would be a place where children can go and experience wholesome and healthy activities outdoors and with good nutrition and their parent(s) can go to get effective treatment in detox, rehab, and recovery.

An Angel’s Wing works with over 23 community partners, such as Milestone, Wellspring, and St. Mary’s Hospital. York says An Angel’s Wing supplies clothing and household furniture as well.

Currently, there are only three locations in the state of Maine that offer medical withdrawal services: Portland, Bangor, and Lewiston. York reiterates, “We take everyone.” Stoehner says that the treatment partners they work with are “like a diamond with many facets, just like the journeys people go on.”

Opportunity full cycle

Lynn Davis was one of those helped by An Angel’s Wing as it first began. A friend left York’s business card with Davis, and she

By Linda Leiva | Photography by Jose Leiva | An Angel’s Wing

simply put the card on her dashboard. One day, when life was particularly rough, she called, and York helped her get to rehab.

“She drove me to the first rehab, paid for me to be admitted, and she’s been a part of my journey.” The journey involved a set-back and Davis found herself homeless and living under the Veteran’s Bridge in Lewiston. York again assisted by contacting a place in Rhode Island at Salvation Army Recovery Center (ARC). It was here that Davis says she understood about her own ACES and what the ARC folks called Core Shame. “They talked about, as a child, someone’s writing in your wet cement, ‘You’re not worthy to be loved.’”

“It made me realize stuff I went through that was not my fault. I was growing up with a single mom who did not know how to be a mother.” Davis goes on to talk about things that led her to substance abuse.

Davis is now at Grace House and is getting her life back. She is now involved in her daughter’s life and has a newborn granddaughter.

Davis says she finally woke up and took the first step, “I have no anxiety, and God’s got my back.” An Angel’s Wing did not give up on her. York and Stoehner believe in their mission and are there to help those like Davis.

Davis has advice for others who struggle with SUD, “When you are ready, and you (must) be ready, take one day at a time. You are worth it.”

An Angel’s Wing 1567 Lisbon Street, Lewiston • anangelswing.com

Debra York and Alicia Stowe work on applying for a grant together.

Lynn Davis

High Flying Fun

Written by Donna Keene Rousseau | Photography by Brewster Burns

It’s been thirty years since Lewiston-Auburn hosted its first Great Falls Balloon Festival. After a two-year hiatus, while the world adjusted to a new normal due to COVID-19, it seems apropos that the 2022 theme was “Returning from the Wild” with specialty shape balloons that included Simba the Lion and Tico the Sloth.

Floating the dream

With the skyline dotted once again with the magic of hot-air balloons, it certainly was a celebration marked by local Maine pilots and those from across the country. The event also celebrated the return of pilots who flew in the first festival: Joel Jones of Alabama, Bruce Bryberg, Remax balloon from New Jersey, and Randy Lee from North Carolina.

Tracy Collins, Great Falls Balloon Festival President, says it was two years of start and stop due to the pandemic. “It saddened the Board [not to be able to bring the festival to the community], but we believed we would hit the ground running in 2022. We decided to start fresh with a fun theme,” she says.

It was in 1992 when a group of civic and business leaders, along with interested community members, conceived the idea of a hot-air balloon festival. The goal was to help raise money to support area non-profit organizations while positioning Lewiston-Au burn as a destination spot for fun and recreation. As the event took shape, the Board of Directors worked gathering sponsorships, vendors, volunteers, and entertainment, as well as pilots, to create a weekend full of colorful and majestic balloons, music, food, and fun. As a result, the first Great Falls Balloon Festival lifted off in 1993.

Balloon Meister, Ben Weisner, says over the festival’s history, the number of balloons has ranged from ten to twenty, with this year’s event featuring thirteen in attendance.

“The festival is by invitation only,” explains Weisner. “We send out invites to those that have come before and new balloons we find during the year.”

At the planning of each new festival, the Board of Directors pool their ideas for event themes. Once chosen, they begin searching for interested pilots and balloons that illustrate the theme. A pilot information page found on the festival’s website also helps the efforts in fielding pilots interested in flying in the event.

Balloon Festival president Tracy Collins

Specialty balloon, Tico the Sloth

Piloting with purpose

Lewiston-Auburn’s location along the Androscoggin River, combined with its cityscape of bridges, spires, and outlying countryside, make for bountiful, sightseeing flights for pilots and their riders. Wherever the wind takes you determines what anyone might discover from a bird’s eye view while floating above and beyond liftoff.

Weisner says many pilots welcome the opportunity to rally around the mission of raising funds for community non-profits. He adds that most balloon rallies do not have the variety of offerings their festival does, contributing to interest in participation. After morning and evening flights depart, there is much to do.

Food booths, from lime rickeys to tacos, and everything in between, are available to tempt every palate. In addition, craft vendors, live music, and various other activities make for a lively weekend for festival goers and pilots.

Historically, hundreds of thousands of dollars have been raised by non-profit organizations during the festival, with the eco nomic impact in excess of 2.3 million dollars for the community, sixty-five percent of which stemmed from outside the commu nity. The economic benefits of hotels and other area businesses stretch far beyond the flight fields. Collins says a new economic impact study is currently underway.

On average, the festival has attracted over 100,000 visitors throughout its weekend, traditionally held during the third weekend in August. According to Collins, this year’s event, in the preliminaries, showed an increase in revenue compared to the 2019 festival.

Beyond a crew

As pilots need a chase crew, the Great Falls Balloon Festival also requires many hands for the event to take flight. Like so many events and businesses, COVID-19 continued to affect the planning for the 2022 festival; sponsorships, vendors, and supplies, including food and propane, were difficult to secure due to a lack of employees and funding. “Many organizations couldn’t find enough employees or financially couldn’t make it work,” explains

Collins. She says sponsorship income helps the Board in securing medical and security staff necessary for an event of this magnitude; in-kind donations from Lewiston and Auburn help manage the use of public works, police, and fire departments.

Logistics for the event include per mits for parking garages as well as the use of Simard-Payne Memorial Park and Festival Plaza. With light towers, wiring, porta-potties, staging, and tents, it is a substantial undertaking for the Board, all of whom are volunteers. “It is a struggle every year to find volunteers. From balloon crews to general volunteers, we need, on average, between 40 to 70 volunteers,” says Collins.

Learning to fly

Flying in the air with the greatest of ease takes a village, and for a balloon festival, that village includes trained pilots. According to Balloon Meister, Ben Weisner, and Jim Rodrigue, a local Maine pilot who has flown with the festival since 2000, the criteria for becoming a private pilot is no small endeavor.

“A balloonist goes through all the same training as a fixed-wing pilot,” explains Rodrigue.

Weisner says pilot criteria includes age appropriateness (candidates must be 16 or older), the ability to read, write, and speak English, health that permits the ability to operate an aircraft safely, and completion of the Integrated Airman Certification and Rating application to obtain a student pilot certificate. From there, student pilots must complete 10 hours of flight instruction with a seasoned pilot, pass the Federal Aviation Administration’s written knowledge test, and pass an FAA inspector’s oral and flight practical knowledge test.

Rodrigue, who began crewing for his cousin in 1994 with the Bearship and had his first ride in 1995, now holds a private and

Ben Weisner checks the skies for the evening launch.

Jim Rodrigue updates pilots on flight weather conditions.

By Donna Keene Rousseau | Photography by Brewster Burns | Great Falls Balloon Festival

commercial license for piloting a balloon. During the 1996 festival, after crewing for Bill Whidden and his Skyballoon, Rodrigue finally caught the piloting fever.

“Bill gave me my first lesson after the festival, and I was hooked. I took my lessons with my cousin and ear ned my private license in 1999, followed by my commercial license in 2000.” He has owned two commercial balloons, built two amateur balloons, and has been with the festival since 2000.

Sky-high hobby

The cost of a balloon can vary considerably depending on the size, shape, and manufacturer. Rodrigue purchased his first bal loon used for $4,500. He later upgraded to a larger, used balloon in 2007, investing $11,000.

Used balloons can range between $10,000 and $100,000 for a complete set-up, including balloon envelope, basket, propane tanks, burners, and other accessories. New balloons can start at $30,000 and cost over $100,000.

Then, add the cost of annual FAA inspections, license reviews, insurance, truck, van, and trailer for transport, and you have a hobby, or a labor of love, with considerable commitment.

Rodrigue admits, “It’s an expensive hobby, but having a commercial license and charging for balloon rides, it pays for itself.”

Riding the wind

Rodrigue enjoys flying and sharing “the most magical experience known to man” with others. He says the Great Falls area, settled between the Presidential Mountains and the ocean, with a meandering Androscoggin River, provides an ideal backdrop for riders and pilots alike. He describes morning flights as drifting down river while shore breezes usually take afternoon flights upriver. “Morning flights are also more predictable and provide greater options for landing,” explains Rodrigue. “Afternoon flights are sometimes subject to shore breezes and can prove a challenge.”

According to Rodrigue, the weather is one of the most significant challenges pilots face. He says a pilot must become an amateur meteorologist to fly safely; weather-reading and weather condi tions are part of training – no flying in fog, rain, or thunderstorms. Flying from designated locations, like festival grounds, can be tricky if the weather doesn’t cooperate. A pilot never wants to disappoint a rider, but the responsibility for safety comes first.

In his nor mal operations, Rodrigue has several locations to fly from depending on wind direction. FAA rules and regulations, air

Miles and Lane Menard of Shapleigh pose for a photo for their father, Dale.

The evening moon glow is a popular part of the balloon festival.

Riding Into the Sunset

Memories of a First-time Balloon Ride

— Donna Keene Rousseau

As a festival board member back in its earliest years, I had my first balloon ride with then Balloon Meister, Dr. John Reeder. At the time, I was convinced I did not want a ride, but the team insisted as I was the only member who had not gone up.

My experience began by being lifted over the substantial basket’s side amid many crew members and onlookers. I was so nervous that I immediately sat at the bottom of the basket. It took some convincing, but I finally stood up, and Dr. Reeder gave a tug on the propane, the hot air roaring into the balloon.

You don’t realize how enormous a hot-air balloon is until you are up close and personal! In the blink of an eye, we quick ly rose above the crowd. Because my eyes were set on the Great Falls apartment building as we rose, I had a moment of feeling off-centered as my eyes and brain communicated what was happening to my feet. Once above the rooftops, we were steady as she goes. There was no sense of movement or rocking; it seemed we were simply suspended in air.

It was so still; the noise of the city was left far below, nothing but the happy chatter of the few people in the basket and the occasional roar of hot air keeping us lofty.

I did not feel dizzy as expected, and Dr. Reeder explained that looking out over the horizon with feet firmly planted, there would not be that sensation, if I were to look over the side at the basket, I would experience that dizzy feeling. I didn’t test it.

I watched as we drifted lazily above the trees and fields, the slight breeze taking us out Route 4, heading over West Auburn towards Turner. Being the third weekend in August, the sun was beginning to set earlier, and suddenly, Dr. Reeder said we would have to land the balloon rather quickly to be out of the sky by dusk – piloting rules and regulations.

He handed me a heavy pair of gloves, and I asked what I was to do with them. We were just beyond Roy’s All Steak Hamburger and Golf Center, heading toward a field dotted with hay bales, when he answered, “You’re going to put

the gloves on. We will bump into those hay bales to slow us down.” Then he looked at me and said, “The minute the basket touches the ground, I am going to tip the basket; you will stay in the basket and hold onto this rope, and don’t let go.” He handed me a length of thick, heavy rope (like the one we used to climb in gym class) that was attached to the balloon. “The rest of us will jump out to help the crew with the balloon.”

I took the instructions. We bumped the bale, and the basket touched down and tipped over. With unsettling visions of flying off into the wild by my lonesome, I held onto that rope for all I was worth. Meanwhile, the rest of the crew ran to the balloon, shaking the air from the billowing fabric until it slowly deflated like an exhausted child falling asleep.

It was more than a ride; it was an experience that ended with a champagne toast, a ballooning tradition celebrating a newbie flyer following their first ride.

When asked if I enjoyed it, I laughed. “By the time I realized how much I was enjoying it, it was over!” My best advice: Don’t miss the chance to see the world from “the air up there.” Trust your pilot, and enjoy!

space regulations, and especially weather are all part of a pilot’s ground training to ensure flying safety. Pilots fly from the designated location at the Great Falls Balloon Festival. Weisner says the Board is looking into satellite locations for future events.

With 28 festivals under its belt, the Great Falls Balloon Festival and Lewiston-Auburn have made their mark state and country-wide. What began in 1993 has become magic in the sky, benefiting numerous non-profits while bringing awe-inspiring fun for the multitudes, traveling from far and wide.

Happy landings

Following every festival’s end, volunteer board members take some well-deserved time to decompress and celebrate another job well done. Planning begins for next year in early fall. By January, the team will be in full swing, hammering out the details for the following festival.

There is something to be said about those who remain dedicated to bringing the Great Falls Balloon Festival back to Lewiston-Auburn year after year, like Steve Ness and Don Grant, who have been with the festival since its inception. It’s a lifting up of a community and its people; it’s pride in living and working, raising families, and celebrating life, right here, in Lewiston-Auburn on the banks of the mighty Androscoggin. And it’s an invitation to anyone from anywhere, welcoming them to join this family community for some high-flying fun and happy landings.

Great Falls Balloon Festival greatfallsballoonfestival.org

Spencer Bade and his mother Sarah work as crew members to help inflate the balloon.

A Great Ride The

HARLEY BAND

Written by Michael Krapovicky | Photography by Brewster Burns

The L-A Harley Band has become an institution unto itself over its fifteen-year tenure, evolv ing, but still maintaining a foundation of quality musicianship. Its current lineup follows the goal that has been there since its inception – imparting a good time for the audience while respecting and promoting a well-known brand, Harley-Davidson.

Bike Night

The L-A Harley Band formed as part of a branding initiative at L-A Harley Davidson. John Story, the owner and Operating Manager of L-A Harley, was impressed with the success of “Bike Nights” in other motorcycle sales markets. A Bike Night was an invitation to Harley customers and their friends to visit various locations –enjoying each others’ company and many times, live music. So, in 2005, Story enlisted Sales Manager and guitarist Bert Asselin to start an LA Bike Night, the last Wednesday of the month, with Asselin’s band as the entertainment. Through his lifelong ties to the area, Asselin was able to entice the LA biker community to attend. Word quickly grew, and Asselin’s band assumed the designation ‘The L-A Harley Band.’

“The Bike Nights at Fast Breaks were always fun, with giveaways, trivia contests, and lots of crowd interaction,” Asselin recalls. “We outgrew our Fast Breaks origins fairly quickly because we didn’t want to exclude anyone – so we moved to Schemengees for the added capacity.”

With the success of the Bike Nights, the band sought to expand, performing at local clubs and various events in the community. Over time, musicians came and went, but Asselin remained the core member throughout the transitional period.

“The lineup of the band has changed over the years, but I’ve always been a part of the L-A Harley Band.” confirms Asselin. “As the longest-tenured employee at L-A Harley-Davidson, I am committed to this brand.”

Current lineup

From 2018 to present day, Dan “DJ” Johnson, his son Derek Johnson, and Dave Perlman have joined Asselin as the L-A Harley Band. Derek plays drums for the band, and Dan is the bass player and co-lead vocalist.

“I played with Dan Johnson in a band called Graffiti, that played classic rock in the late 70’s,” explains Asselin. “Derek and Dave infused the band with some new blood – new material, as well as having a fresh take on the time-tested songs we played in Graffiti.”

Having Dan Johnson and Perlman as lead vocalists allows the band to touch on a wide range of styles and genres.

“Two lead singers is a huge luxury, gives us versatility on stage,” says Asselin. “We always need to adapt as a band to play what our audience wants us to deliver.”

Dance fever

The band’s forte is dance music – covering canonical tunes with familiar beats that inspire a crowd to move. The L-A Harley Band

The L-A Harley Band performs at the Great Falls Balloon Festival

Bert Asselin

comprises their set list based on their own tastes as veteran entertainers and audience appreciation.

“We choose songs we enjoy playing, but we always have our audience in mind,” says Perlman. “When you hear us, you’ll hear a diverse selection of music that everybody knows and will want to dance to.”

Interaction with their fans is a large part of the L-A Harley Band experience. The band has been known to employ a T-Shirt gun, shooting Harley-Davidson clothing into the hands of waiting patrons.

“It’s just good fun for the audience,” comments Asselin. “Everybody wants a Harley-Davidson shirt, even if you don’t ride one.”

“Nobody goes to see a band with Harley-Davidson in the name expecting to see a calm and relaxed show,” Perlman asserts. “The energy is anticipated by the audience which makes it a lot easier to deliver.”

Memories & milestones

The L-A Harley Band averages two gigs a month, more so when Maine weather allows outside performances. The affiliation with L-A Harley afforded the band many opportunities not available to many local acts.

“We don’t play as frequently as some other bands – we like to build some anticipation between events and make each show we play a special occasion of sorts,” explains Perlman. “We also typically play events where our band is a compliment as opposed to being the entire focus.”

“The promoters in New England want to get the Harley owners,” affirms Asselin. “Due to the name recognition of L-A Harley, we’ve been able to open shows for our childhood heroes, like Greg Allman.”

For Asselin, the best experience to date for the L-A Harley Band was opening for The Doobie Brothers in Rangeley in 2011. In addition to playing for their largest crowd to date, the L-A Harley Band got to fraternize with a band they’d admired their entire lives.

“All we wanted to talk about was music; all they wanted to talk about was motorcycles,” recalls Asselin. “They were all interested in the new Harleys coming out.”

A milestone for the L-A Harley Band was supporting national country act Josh Turner at The Colisée on May 7, 2017. Turner remarked how honored and humbled he was to be playing the same venue where Cassius Clay knocked out Sonny Liston.”

L-A Harley-Davidson hosted many events featuring up-and-coming national acts that played for exposure while on tour, such as Thompson Square and Jordan Davis.

Derek Johnson

Dan “DJ” Johnson

By Michael Krapovicky | Photography by Brewster Burns | The L-A Harley Band

“The artists got their music played on Maine radio stations, and we got to open the shows,” says Asselin. “We have a good local following that, mixed in with the draw of the national acts, made for very successful events.”

Another notable performance was the band’s appearance at Heroes of Woodstock concert in Livermore. They shared a bill with original Woodstock alums Country Joe and the Fish and Jefferson Starship.

What’s next?

For the foreseeable future, the L-A Harley Band strives to perform quality music and host events that reach as many audience mem bers as possible.

“Our aim is to keep bringing a fun and energetic performance to our fans while waving the L-A Harley banner,” states Perlman. “The L-A Harley Band wishes to pay homage to the organization and people in it that have supported and continue to support us in our musical journey.”

The L-A Harley Band wishes to note Frank Coffin, their former bassist, who recently passed after battling cancer. “Frank really left his mark on this band,” says Asselin. “Singing, playing bass, and just as a person, he was a rock.”

“We’d like to keep going with our current lineup; enjoy every gig,” concludes Asselin. “You never know what life can throw at you – while we’re doing it, we want to take time and enjoy it.”

The L-A Harley Band 839 Main Street, Lewiston • l-aharley.com

Dave Perlman

Pat Donohue of Auburn dances with Bruce Macomber of New Gloucester.

Patricia Milton

PILGRIMS MUSA AND SHERI IN THE

Yussef

JEEVES AND WOOSTER IN ‘PERFECT NONSENSE’

THE HEALING IMPACT OF A WISH

wish is much more than just a nice thing. And its reach extends far beyond a single event, or moment in time. Wish kids, parents, medical professionals, volunteers, and others say that wish experiences can change the lives of everyone involved, forever.

Wish Kid Sawyer (aka Sonic Spider Boy)

Uplifting LA

One rising professional at a time

Written by Jillian Netherland | Photography by Jose Leiva

Over the last decade, Lewiston Auburn has experienced a renaissance in food, music, the arts – with rising talent throughout all trades and industries.

A rebrand that rises to the challenge

Nothing evokes feelings of being refreshed and reenergized quite like a good rebranding; this is the exact goal that led to what is known today as Uplift LA, a committee of the Lewiston Auburn Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce members with a mission to strengthen a vibrant rising professional community by promoting career, social, and community development. Originally known as the Young Professionals of the Lewiston Auburn Area (YPLAA), the group was formed as a networking organization for young professionals. However, as time went on and the relationship with the Chamber strengthened, the focus shifted to be more community-centered, including volunteer opportunities, professional development, and setting up events to spread the

word on what to do and where to go in LA. Thus, Uplift LA was born.

“People within the same season of life tend to gravitate towards one another,” explains Alyson Daniels, current Uplift LA Committee Chair. “Our goal is to help these rising professionals connect with one another beyond the workplace while gaining awareness of what their community has to offer them.”

Working together, helping together

Although Uplift LA is a committee branched from the Chamber, the relationship is mutually beneficial. With a growing gap for Maine’s aging workforce, the Chamber recognizes key economic

Uplift LA committee members: Katie Palmer, Matthew Nash, Shanna Cox, & Alyson Daniels

John Dube, Jason Raper, Paula Drouin, Melanie Gould, & Tim Flick all participate in an Uplift LA Fun after Five trivia event at Side by Each Brewing Co. (Photo courtesy of the LA Metro Chamber of Commerce)

By Jillian Netherland | Photography by Jose Leiva | Uplift LA

growth strategies for Lewiston Auburn: recruit young professionals from outside the area, keep rising talent in LA, and help these professionals build personal ties.

“Uplift LA provides a lively place for individuals to connect and learn from one another by directing the types of programs, events, and activities this demographic wants to be a part of,” says Chamber President and CEO, Shanna Cox. “At the end of the day, it’s this group of rising professionals under 40, and their empowered self-leadership that leads Uplift LA to be successful.”

Give what you can

Perhaps another key to the success of Uplift LA is its flexibility – a must for people with young families, multiple jobs, and various other life commitments.

“I moved back to the LA area after spending some years working away and knew I wanted to get involved with something that would be fun, but I didn’t have a lot of free time,” recalls Matthew Nash, Uplift LA Committee Chair-Elect. “Uplift offered a great balance for how involved I wanted to be; whether I could attend meetings, after-hours events, or leadership programs was up to me, and it was always in an inclusive and inviting atmosphere.”

Paving the way for the next generation

When many people think of Lewiston Auburn, they speak of its history, the mills, and the many well-known associations to the previous generations. As it currently stands, this population of

business owners are, or will soon be planning for retirement, and a new generation will take the reins.

“When business owners think about retirement or the next chapter in their lives, they want to know that they will be leaving their business in good hands,” says Katie Palmer, Chamber Director of Events and Operations. “We have a new generation moving into the area, helping ensure businesses can keep up with competing businesses by being consistent with the times. We want to encourage those who come here to stay and support their growth.”

This new way of viewing business can prove invaluable to the business community and is yet another avenue where Uplift LA can help its members and community.

“Young professionals aren’t always the catalyst for change, but are often the demographic willing to try something new,” adds Daniels. “We want to attract and retain these young professionals and continue that momentum we already see taking place within LA.”

Finest Under 40 – for every profession

One evolving approach Uplift LA has taken in pursuit of supporting and celebrating rising local professionals is the Finest Under 40. A recognition program designed to showcase the amazing contributions of individuals under the age of 40 through their industry, trade, or volunteerism in a public way. Individuals are nominated and voted on by the community in 10 main categories and a new “create your own category” to ensure all facets of the professional community are represented. The annual Finest

Local professionals gather at an Uplift LA Newcomers’ Night at the Willows Awake winery in Leeds.

Mark Your Calendars!

This year’s Finest Under 40 Awards Ceremony takes place on November 22, 2022.

Under 40 concludes in late September with a family-friendly awards ceremony with children’s activities, music, food, and entertainment.

“We’ve changed it up this year to be more inclusive of people who may not receive the same amount of support or recognition as frontline, C-suite, or community-facing professionals,” Nash explains. “Whether it’s your favorite server at a restaurant, the mechanic you trust with your vehicle, your real estate agent, loan officer, or hairdresser, we want to showcase all rising professionals making our community an enjoyable place to live and work.”

All ages welcome

Between the Finest Under 40 event and Uplift LA’s roots as a young professional organization, a misconception is that Uplift

LA is only for individuals under the age of 40; however, that is not the case.

“We are consciously trying to use the term ‘rising professionals’ instead of young professionals,” states Palmer. “At any point in your career, you could be rising! We encourage everyone, and anyone who is interested in networking in a no-pressure environment or just relaxing after work with other local professionals at one of our monthly events, in joining us – age truly does not matter.”

Something for everyone

Through its monthly Fun After 5 networking and trivia nights held at different local establishments, to volunteering together in support of events such as the Great Falls Balloon Festival and Lisbon’s Moxie Festival, peer-to-peer mentorship between rising and established professionals, to professional development seminars focused on topics such budgeting, house buying, and navigating insurance benefits, Uplift LA seeks to support and connect LA’s professional community in all possible aspects. A mission that also continues to evolve as needed.

“With 2023 just around the corner, we find ourselves asking, ‘what is the community seeing, and what do the professionals need?’” shares Palmer. “Providing what our community and its rising professionals need and want is extremely important to us. If someone approached us with a need, whatever it is, we would find a way to make it happen. We are always open to change and ideas.”

Uplift LA upliftlamaine.com

David Palazzolo and Katie Palmer chat Uplift’s Newcomers’ Night