Mayor Larry Gilbert

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 Presents August 2009 Mayoral VIBE Award To Oak Park Resident

Oak Park residents were surprised by an August 24th visit from Mayor Larry Gilbert, who arrived to recognize Albert Roberge with the August VIBE Award (Volunteers Inspire By Example).

Gilbert noted to Roberge, "Thank you for taking the initiative to pick up litter within the vicinity of the Oak Park/bus station blocks.  Individuals like you who 'step up to the plate' to go the extra mile in making sure our community is clean and attractive are clearly beautification heroes!  You certainly represent the residents at Oak Park in a positive light, and we applaud your ongoing commitment to help keep the All-America City of Lewiston litter free!"

Fellow residents who had gathered in the Community Room were very supportive of Roberge's beautification efforts and chimed in to point out other areas that he also strives to keep litter free. 

Roberge was very appreciative of the award, and Gilbert also presented him with a VIBE lapel pin and a donated lunch certificate from She Doesn't Like Guthrie's of Lewiston.

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

Mayor Larry Gilbert At Groundbreaking for Stimulus Funded New LA Water Treatment Plant

Mayor Larry Gilbert is happy to see more stimulus money come to the twin cities that he has been advocating for. Groundbreaking for the Joint Lewiston & Auburn Ultraviolet Water Treatment Facility took place Tuesday, August 11, 2009 at Lake Auburn.

This is an important project for the two communities to meet regulatory requirements of the Safe Drinking Water Act and is the largest drinking water project in the State of Maine to be funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009.

Among the other dignitaries was Senator Susan Collins and Auburn Mayor John Jenkins.

[Sun Journal]

Mayor Gilbert Presents Mayoral VIBE Award to Teri Holloman

Lewiston resident Theresa "Teri" Holloman was surprised with a Mayoral VIBE ("Volunteers Inspire By Example") Award on Tuesday, July 28th, and her whole family joined in the celebration!

Mayor Larry Gilbert, and Director of Recreation Maggie Chisholm surprised Holloman at her home, honoring the woman who has long coordinated, as a volunteer, all aspects of basketball court usage at River Valley Village, Lewiston. Gilbert also presented Holloman with a VIBE lapel pin and a donated gift certificate from Little Dan's BBQ of Lewiston.  Chisholm, whose department had nominated Holloman, then presented her with a Department of Recreation hat.

Mayor Gilbert stated, "Thank you for volunteering to oversee the operations of the River Valley Village basketball courts.  The cooperative, respectful, and attentive manner in which you interact with youth    and maintain guidelines for court usage is exemplary.  Indeed, your dedicated years of service          have even resulted in basketball players bestowing on you the title of "Mayor," and your long-standing commitment is to be applauded.  People like you, Teri, make a tremendous difference within our community, and the All-America City of Lewiston greatly appreciates the example you have set for others."

A shocked and emotional Holloman was very appreciative, and proud family members added a congratulatory cake to the event! 

Ideas for upcoming months' VIBE winners may be submitted online at www.ci.lewiston.me.us under "Special Notices" or nomination forms can be picked up at municipal service windows.

Mayor Gilbert Presents Elizabeth Jonitis with VIBE Award

Lewiston Adult Ed had a bit of unexpected excitement this morning, as long-time volunteer Elizabeth Jonitis was surprised with the May Mayoral VIBE Award (Volunteers Inspire by Example). 

After having been employed as a teacher by Lewiston Adult Ed since 1982, Jonitis retired in 2000.  However, the very next day, she returned as a volunteer! 

Amidst many of the ESOL students that Jonitis teaches, Mayor Larry Gilbert, presented her with the award, a VIBE pin, and a donated "lunch for two" certificate from Marco's Restaurant.  Gilbert stated, "Thank you for utilizing your exceptional professional skills as a Lewiston Adult Ed teacher to transition into a dedicated Adult Ed volunteer who is still caring about the aspirations of others.  For the past 9 years, you have been responsible for 30 ESOL students each day, as well as guiding the many volunteer tutors who come to the Learning Center each week.  Clearly, without your wisdom, support, and commitment, the program could not accommodate the number of students it daily serves.  In addition, we applaud you for previously establishing-as a volunteer- an adult education program at the Androscoggin County Jail.  As you know, that program evolved into what is now a full-time learning program.  Individuals like you make a tremendous difference, and thank you for encouraging others to strive towards their academic potential.

Mayor Gilbert Awards Community Volunteer Jessica Golder as April's Mayoral VIBE Award Recipient

Community volunteer Jessica Golder was surprised this afternoon with the April 2009 Mayoral VIBE Award for being a "Champion of Beautification."  Arriving at City Hall for what she thought was a meeting, Golder found Mayor Laurent F. Gilbert, Sr., Councilor Robert Reed, Councilor Tina Bailey, and Councilor Denis Theriault waiting to surprise & congratulate her. Each month, Gilbert & Reed present a VIBE Award to a Lewiston volunteer, and Councilors Bailey and Theriault have worked closely with Golder regarding community beautification outreach.

Mayor Gilbert proceeded to present her with the April Mayoral VIBE Award, i.e., "Volunteers Inspire By Example," and noted, "Thank you for serving as a "champion of beautification" within downtown Lewiston.  Your enthusiasm, pride, and positive action are to be commended.  From utilizing a clean-up push-cart to attending Downtown Beautification Committee meetings, to talking one-on-one with neighbors, your energy and commitment to creatively educating others about the importance of "giving back" to their neighborhoods go hand-in-hand with Lewiston being an All-America City.  Indeed, individuals like yourself DO make a difference, and we are very proud of the example you set for all of us.  In addition, we also applaud your volunteer service with the Downtown Community Action Group and as a Complete Count Census 2010 representative."

In addition, Councilor Reed presented Golder with a VIBE lapel pin and a donated "lunch for two" gift card from Fran's Place of Lewiston.
Nominations for the May award are due by no later than May 8th, and the nomination form may be found online at http://www.ci.lewiston.me.us/vibe.htm. Forms are also located at service windows at Lewiston City Hall.

Mayoral VIBE Presented For February

Mayoral VIBE (Volunteers Inspire By Example) Award Presented to Mr. Richard Moore for his volunteer service in preparing income tax returns for folks who qualified for this free service.

Pictured left to right are Ward 7 City Councilor Robert Reed who initiated the idea for this award, Mr. Richard Moor, Mayor Larry Gilbert and Mr. K.C. Geiger who oversees this most wonderful Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Program made up of several volunteers including Councilor Reed.

Also pictured are a number of people volunteering their services in preparing the income tax returns for local folks.

More photos after the jump.

Nancy Gallant Presented With January Mayoral VIBE Award

The Visible Community's Nancy Gallant thought she was headed to a meeting this morning; however, she was greeted by Lewiston Mayor Larry Gilbert, and Councilor Robert Reed who presented her with the January 09 Mayoral VIBE Award, "Volunteers Inspire By Example."

Mayor Gilbert presented Gallant with a Certificate of Appreciation which stated, "Thank you for your continued efforts encouraging others to become involved within their community.  Your own service-which includes passing out flyers; selling raffle tickets; making & donating handmade raffle items; and publicly advocating issues and concerns you have for your neighbors-demonstrates what a committed individual can accomplish.  Your dependability as a volunteer is also to be greatly commended.  Thank    you for sharing your time and talents here in the All-America City of Lewiston!"               

An appreciative but "shocked" Gallant was also presented with a VIBE lapel pin from Councilor Reed, with Mayor Gilbert following up with a donated "lunch for two"  from Fran's Place, Lewiston. During the morning surprise, Gallant's efforts were also applauded by attending Kate Brennan & Craig Saddlemire, both of The Visible Community, and her grandson, Carlton Gallant.

The local volunteer recognition initiative was collaboratively developed by Gilbert and Reed in July of 2008 to recognize individuals who are stellar examples of selfless civic engagement. Nominations for the February award are due by no later than February 6th, and the nomination form may be found online at http://www.ci.lewiston.me.us/vibe.htm. Forms are also located at service windows at Lewiston City Hall.

Photo above (left to right):  Craig Saddlemire; Councilor Robert Reed; award recipient Nancy Gallant; Mayor Larry Gilbert; Kate Brennan; and Gallant's grandson Carlton

Mayor Gilbert Presents The December 2008 "Volunteers Inspire by Example (VIBE) Award

Lewiston High School students looked on, teacher Rachel Rodrigue was surprised by Mayor Larry Gilbert and Officer Ryan Guay of the Lewiston Police Department.  Rodrigue was presented with the December 2008 "Volunteers Inspire by Example (VIBE) Award." LHS Assistant Principal Beth Bradley and Guidance Counselor Steve Clark were also on hand for the presentation in recognition of Rodrigue's community beautification efforts.

Rodrigue graciously accepted the recognition as Mayor Gilbert read her Certificate of Appreciation, "Thank you for your willingness to step forward to beautify your neighborhood. Your consistent leadership for a cleaner environment and the planning you put forth to arrange an October 25th Sunnyside Neighborhood Association 'Neighborhood Clean-up Day' are exemplary, and Officer Ryan Guay, known as your group's 'officer,' can testify to your dedication, drive, and follow-through as to enhancing the area of Sunnyside Park, to include Avon Street, Winter Street, Summer Street, Spring Street, Holland Street, and Bridge Street.  Individuals like you bring about positive community change, and you are a fine example for not only your neighborhood but for the City as a whole and for the students you teach at Lewiston High School.  Thank you for volunteering here in Lewiston!"

Mayor Gilbert also presented her with a VIBE lapel pin and a donated lunch for two gift certificate from Willy Bean's Coffee.

Mayor Gilbert Presents Lewiston Mayoral VIBE Award To Keith Pray

On the evening of October 23rd, Keith Pray became the third recipient of the Lewiston Mayoral VIBE Award (Volunteers Inspire By Example).  With members of the Healthy Androscoggin (HA) smoking cessation support group that he leads looking on, Mr. Pray was presented with a certificate and pin by Mayor Larry Gilbert and Councilor Robert Reed. He also received a donated certificate to Fuel Restaurant.  Also on hand to commend Pray was Healthy Androscoggin Tobacco Coordinator Sarah Mayberry and Wendy Tardif, former HA colleague.

Mayor Gilbert stated, "Thank you for your outstanding leadership in encouraging individuals to quit smoking.  When you personally stopped smoking through 'Quit and Win,' you wanted to 'give back,' and what a difference you've made! Your support group is a tremendous asset to this community, and your contributions were certainly held in high esteem in 2007 when you were selected as the Healthy Androscoggin Coalition Member of the Year!  We also applaud your commitment to providing anti-smoking education to local fifth graders through the Tar Wars Program.  Indeed, the healthy example that you provide for others is one of excellence, and you remind all of us that one person can make a huge impact on the lives of others."

Pray responded that he was "honored to receive the award and finds it to be very humbling."

The local volunteer recognition initiative was collaboratively developed by Lewiston Mayor Larry Gilbert and City Councilor Robert Reed in July to recognize individuals who are stellar examples of selfless civic engagement.

Nominations for the November award are due by no later than November 7th, and the nomination form may be found online at http://www.ci.lewiston.me.us/vibe.htm. Forms are also located at service windows at Lewiston City Hall.