Mayor Larry Gilbert

Twin Cities' Mayors proclaiming October as Arts & Humanities Month here in Lewiston-Auburn

Arts and culture enthusiasts joined on Wednesday, September 30th at the community's newest theatrical venue, "Downstage," as an October Arts & Humanities Month proclamation by the Twin Cities Mayors Larry Gilbert, and John Jenkins was shared with attendees.  Nationally, individuals, organizations, and other municipalities are also touting their arts and cultural venues for the month of October, as well as the countless individuals who advocate in that regard.

 Local musician Lindsey Montana kicked off the celebration, and Lewiston Youth Advisory Council member Mackenzi Masselli performed "Somewhere Over the Rainbow."  LA Arts Director Andrew Harris  highlighted the many happenings throughout the month of October, and those present also viewed a photography exhibit from the local Boys & Girls Club.

Gilbert noted, "Here in Lewiston-Auburn, we indeed have much to be proud of ranging from the Bates Dance Festival to teen mic at the Auburn Public Library.  We are truly fortunate to witness the creativity, imagination, and passion of others.  They inspire us with their calling, their gifts, and their talents to tell a story, make us think, make us laugh, and make us love even deeper."

Auburn City Manager Glenn Aho read the joint proclamation on behalf of the Twin Cities Mayors noting, "The non-profit arts industry also strengthens our economy by generating $166.2 billion in total economic activity annually and by supporting the full-time equivalent of 5.7 million jobs."

For information as to the numerous arts and cultural activities that are happening in LA during the month of October and thereafter, individuals may visit http://www.laarts.org/arts-calendar/year.htm

Photo: (left to right):  Mayor Laurent F. Gilbert, Sr., local musician Lindsey Montana, Lewiston Youth Advisory Council member Mackenzi Masselli, LA Arts Director Andrew Harris, and Auburn's City Manager Glenn Aho.

Mayor Gilbert to Present Lewiston, Maine for Development at the 2009 Northeast Session of the Mayors' Institute on City Design in Boston

"Riverfront redevelopment" will be the topic of Mayor Larry Gilbert's upcoming presentation at the 2009 Northeast Session of the Mayors' Institute on City Design in Boston. 
 
Gilbert was invited to attend the Institute by George Thrush, Director of Northeastern University's School of Architecture, and will be in Boston October 7-9 for a privately funded all-expenses-paid visit with mayoral colleagues and design experts. He will join other mayors from Norwalk, Connecticut; Niagara Falls, New York; Cranston, Rhode Island; Rutland, Vermont; Nashua, New Hampshire; and Brockton, Massachusetts.
 
The Institute brings mayors together with planners, architects, landscape designers, and other national professionals who will explore opportunities in each of the mayor's cities.  The roundtable discussions that follow each mayoral presentation will offer a rare opportunity for some of the finest designers and development experts in the country to determine how quality design can improve the way a particular city looks and functions. 
 
Thrush notes, "Mayors who have participated in past Institutes have indicated they return to their communities with a better understanding of design and design process and a repertoire of new tools and ideas to tackle complex design issues and solutions."
 
Upon receiving the invitation to participate, Mayor Gilbert responded, "I am very honored to be invited to interact with and learn from both attending mayors and design experts.  It is my hope that I will come away with exciting design possibilities for consideration in the City's plan for the redevelopment of our riverfront."
 
On Friday September 25th, 2009, Mayor Gilbert, Acting City Administrator Phil Nadeau, and City staff met with Daniel Hewett and Christina Crawford from Northeastern University for a Lewiston site visit pertaining to possible redevelopment of the downtown riverfront.  The group toured the area that starts at Island Point and extends along the river, down to the Bernard Lown Peace Bridge, and extends up from the river to Canal Street from Main to Cedar.
 
The Institute is sponsored through the National Endowment for the Arts, the American Architectural Foundation, and the United States Conference of Mayors. 

Related New Link:

[Sun Journal]

Mayor Gilbert Celebrates National Arts & Humanities Month at L/A Arts Event

The mood will be upbeat and lively at LA Arts' "Downstage" on September 30th, as local arts and culture enthusiasts will celebrate October as National Arts & Humanities Month at 9:00AM  "Downstage," the newest local venue, is located in the Canal Street Alley, Lewiston.
 
However, during October, local enthusiasts won't be alone.  Hundreds of arts organizations and cities across the nation are also celebrating the monthly designation and recognizing activities that honor the efforts of artists, historians, cultural groups, and cultural patrons working to keep the arts and humanities a vital part of communities.
 
Members of the public are encouraged to attend the September 30th FREE local event, with parking available at the Centreville Parking Garage.
 
Mayor Larry Gilbert, who will speak & read a Twin Cities proclamation at the gathering, states, "National Arts & Humanities Month brings cultural arts to the forefront in cities across the nation, and celebrations like the one scheduled for September 30th recognize the benefits of the arts in people's lives, in our communities, and in the economy."
 
During the celebration, music will be provided by a local youth, and a photography exhibit by the Boys & Girls Club will be on display.  In addition to Gilbert, LA Arts Director Andrew Harris will also share comments to include highlights from October's local offerings. 
 
Harris adds, "The September celebration really sets the tone for a vast array of arts and culture that will be right here in our community during the month of October.  The Lewiston-Auburn area is indeed rich in such activities, and this is another great opportunity to further move the community forward."
 
The local October arts & cultural scene includes:  River Ways Community art exhibit, pianist Duncan Cumming, violinist Hilary Cumming, Bates College Modern Dance Company, "The Full Monty" at L/A Community Little Theater, Cancer Surviv-Art exhibit, The Dempsey Challenge, Celtic Tuesday with David Munnelly, Frank Glazer piano concert, "The Photograph" film series, Musicians of Vuyani Dance Theater, Dafnis Prieto Si o Si Quartet jazz workshop, etc.
 
"The list goes on," continues Harris, "We are so fortunate to have so many diverse offerings here in L/A, and I hope more and more folks will come out to enjoy what's happening."
 
The month-long national celebration grew out of National Arts Week, which was initiated 24 years ago in 1985, by The National Endowment of the Arts and Americans for the Arts. 
 
To view a full local "Arts & Cultural Calendar," individuals may visit http://www.laarts.org/arts-calendar/year.htm

Mayor's Corner: Greg Nadeau; Kids Day America; Lewiston MAINEiacs

Twin City Times- Thursday, September 24th, 2009
Mayor's Corner #105

I wish to share with you a bit of some of the events I attend this past weekend.  It started with attending a reception in honor of Gregory G. Nadeau which was sponsored by the Lewiston-Auburn Economic Growth Council (LAEGC).  Nadeau, a Lewiston native and resident, was appointed a few months ago to the post of Deputy Administrator for the United States Highway Administration in Washington, D.C.

Greg, the younger son of Mr. & Mrs. Guy Nadeau and the brother of  Phil Nadeau the Acting City Administrator for the City of Lewiston, comes from a family of Nadeau’s who have long been recognized for their contributions to their community. As a member of this family, Greg certainly is another member of this family that demonstrates their pride in this community.

Nadeau most recently served as Deputy Commissioner of the Maine Department of Transportation in Governor John Baldacci’s Administration. Prior to that, he served as an Advisor to Governor Angus King for eight years. This was preceded by serving twelve years in the Maine Legislature representing Lewiston. During his time in the Legislature he also served as Special Assistant to Lewiston Mayor Paul Dionne.  He has always been an advocate for Lewiston-Auburn and has served as a member of the boards of directors for the LAEGC and Maine Turnpike Authority.

Over the years, if Lewiston needed an individual at the State level to champion a concern or initiative, we always knew we could call on Greg and he’d give us 100%.  Indeed, Greg has never been afraid to put his nose to the grindstone, roll up his sleeves and tackle the seemingly impossible, and collaboratively work with others.

In addition, his drive, passion, and integrity are highly respected and he is truly a “stand out” within our community. We are especially proud that his “home” is here in Lewiston.

Mayor Gilbert Presents September 2009 Mayoral VIBE Award to John Berry

Central Maine Medical Center's Wellness Center was a flurry of applause and flashing cameras on Tuesday, September 22nd as volunteer John Berry was surprised with the September Mayoral VIBE Award (Volunteers Inspire By Example). 

Mayor Larry Gilbert stated:  "Thank you for volunteering your time to make sure counseling was available to Little Canada residents following a recent devastating fire.  In the midst of much emotion and grief, you took the initiative to 'reach out' on behalf of others, and due to your active compassion, area residents received supportive, professional assistance from local counselors.  In addition, you are also applauded for volunteering at the CMMC Wellness Center." 

A very humble Berry accepted the award along with a VIBE lapel pin and a donated lunch for two from City Side Grill on Park Street, Lewiston.

Nominations for future award recipients may be made online at www.ci.lewiston.me.us or via nomination forms that are located at municipal service windows.

Mayor Gilbert Takes Part In 'Kid's Day America/International'

On Saturday, September 19, Mayor Gilbert took part in festivities surrounding the 6th Annual Kid’s Day America/International.

The event was held at Montello Elementary School in Lewiston. Kid’s Day America/International is dedicated to children’s health, safety, and environmental awareness.

The even locally has been sponsored by Sasseville Chiropractic Wellness Center.

Mayor Gilbert presented a proclamation to Dr. Chandra Sasseville and her staff on behalf of the City of Lewiston to recognize the hard work and dedication Dr. Sasseville and her staff have given to Kid’s Day America/International over the years.

Last years event involved over 400 kids (with their families), served 675 meals, and raised $2,150 for their charity; New Beginnings, in hopes to spotlight their involvement with children in crisis.

Due to the rising rates of obesity and health issues, Dr. Sasseville and her staff have provided spinal, foot, dental, and eye screenings, as well as five minute massages.

(Photo above, Mayor Gilbert with Dr. Chandra Sasseville)

Mayor Gilbert Gives Keynote Address At Dedication of the New Raymond A. Geiger Elementary School

Mayor Larry Gilbert gave the keynote address at the dedication ceremony of the new Raymond A. Geiger Elementary School on College Street in Lewiston on Wednesday, September 16.

In his address Mayor Gilbert told the crowd,

"Geiger Elementary is a welcome addition to the Lewiston School System. From pre-kindergarten to the innovative outdoor learning center, it is clear that attendance here is an adventure in learning where young minds can imagine, dream, and thrive. As Mayor, I am very thankful to all who enabled this facility to become a reality. The completion of this project has resulted in a new shining star to be extremely proud of, and I am confident that the words of Dr. Seuss will be a sentiment experienced everyday here at Geiger, "Today was good. Today was fun. Tomorrow is another one.""

The new school was named in honor of Raymond A. Geiger a sixth-decade editor of the Farmers' Almanac (a family owned company in Lewiston.) Several family members where in attendance at the dedication including his wife Ann. Two of his sons spoke about the company and life of Mr. Geiger.

In the photo Assistant Principal Deanna Nadeau, chats with Mayor Larry Gilbert at the dedication of the Raymond A. Geiger Elementary School.

Mayor Gilbert Joins Barriault Family at 75th Anniversary event for Central Distributors

Mayor Larry Gilbert joined the Barriault family at Central Distributors 75th Anniversary event held at the Ramada Inn in Lewiston on Wednesday night, September 16th. The Barriault Family has run their successful distributorship as a full-service beverage wholesaler specializing in alcohol-based products since 1934.

Mayor Gilbert Reads Proclamation Recognizing National Assisted Living Week

Mayor Larry Gilbert read a proclamation of the City of Lewiston in recognition of National Assisted Living Week on Friday, September 18th. The theme of the week was, “Traditions of the Heart.”

The Proclamation read,

WHEREAS:  Assisted living is long-term care that provides a positive environment fostering choice, dignity, and independence; and

WHEREAS:   The National Center for Assisted Living proudly created National Assisted Living Week as a time to celebrate residents and the places they call “home;” and 

WHEREAS:  “Traditions of the Heart” is a very fitting theme for the 2009 National Assisted Living Week, as residents are very dear to the hearts of those who know them and are valuable members of our community; and

WHEREAS:  The composite of history, stories of long ago, experiences, and the knowledge of those who reside in our local facilities is vast, and we are fortunate to be able to spend time with them and to learn from them; and

WHEREAS:  The theme also highlights the fact that staff, volunteers, family, and friends strive to provide residents with a multitude of events and activities that demonstrate how much they are cared about; and

WHEREAS:  We are also fortunate to have dedicated staff members and volunteers at our local facilities who are committed to enriching the lives of others.

WHEREAS:  Now, therefore, I, Mayor Laurent F. Gilbert, Sr., Mayor of the All-America City of Lewiston, by virtue of the authority vested in me, do hereby urge fellow community members to regularly visit friends and loved ones who reside in assisted living facilities and also to learn more about facility services and how they benefit our community.

Mayor's Corner: False claims about Mayors Against Illegal Guns

Twin City Times- Thursday, September 17th, 2009
Mayor's Corner #104

There currently is an inaccurate postcard campaign regarding Mayors Against Illegal Guns (MAIG) claiming that those of us who are members are opposed to the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution. All of us 450 plus mayors from across the country have sworn to uphold the entire U.S. Constitution to include the Second Amendment. The postcard campaign is to contact us members and tell us to withdraw our membership in MAIG.

I have received e-mails and phone calls, some of which have been vitriolic, from NRA members and others urging me to withdraw my membership in MAIG. Why would I want to do that when the organization is committed to keeping the public safe from those who would obtain and use guns for illegal means?

Mayors Against Illegal Guns has worked with organizations such as the U.S. Conference of Mayors, which has endorsed each and every one of our coalition’s legislative positions. We have and continue to partner with such organizations as the International Association of Chiefs of Police, National Sheriffs Association, International Brotherhood of Police Officers and groups such as the American Hunters and Shooters Association.

Please allow me to share with you information listed on a fact sheet from our organization regarding MAIG. The bipartisan coalition is comprised of mayors who are dedicated to making America’s cities safer by keeping guns out of the hands of criminals. The coalition was founded on the idea that protecting the Second Amendment and keeping guns out of the hands of criminals are completely compatible goals.