September 2009
Tina Currie, Commercial Accounts Manager, Five County Credit Union
What’s your favorite band?
I love a lot of different genres. Music is always on at home, in my car, on my MP3 Player. If I had to pick a favorite, it would be Phish. Back in the day when they toured a lot, I saw them 25 times!
Favorite Place in Maine?
Anywhere I can enjoy nature; my back yard, Moosehead Lake, Popham Beach, and Baxter State Park are at the top of my list.
Are you originally from the area/state?
Yes, I was born and raised in the Waterville area.
Why do you choose to live/work in the L-A area?
L/A has so much to offer, and lots of potential! I envision Lisbon Street thriving and full of shops. As a business lender, I hope to help make that happen. The business community here is such a tight-knit group. I moved to the area from Portland, where it is a very competitive environment. There is a lot more camaraderie here.
How does/has the area benefited your professional career?
Five County CU is becoming more aggressive about growing our business portfolio. Because of this, they decided to dedicate a staff member to making this happen. I was offered the job and promoted to the position of Commercial Accounts Manager. Since I work in our downtown Lewiston branch, management wanted to see what we could develop in the L/A area. I see this as a wonderful opportunity for the credit union, businesses, and my career!
What would you want everyone to know about you?
My life revolves around the people I love and respect. My husband Chris and I have been married for 12 years. We have two kids, Casey and Elizabeth, and two pets, Moosey Kitty and our little doggie Tater Tot. They all bring so much joy and happiness into my life. After family comes work, which I also love. I am blessed to be employed by a great company with many talented professionals that I respect. I am excited about this new job and look forward to becoming more involved in the local business community. I am very social and enjoy meeting new people. Helping people by providing exceptional service and one on one attention is a priority for me.
August 2009
Rebecca Branagan, Branch Operations Supervisor, Community Credit Union 
What’s your favorite band?
That’s tough-I listen to mostly Christian music although I like some pop/rock alt..like Daughtry
Favorite Place in Maine?
Bar Harbor
Are you originally from the area/state?
Yes from Lewiston
Why do you choose to live/work in the L-A area?
I think there’s a lot of opportunity here. L/A really has a lot of growth going on and fosters an environment where people enjoy giving back to their community and getting to know the people within their community.
How does/has the area benefited your professional career?
I am very lucky to work for a credit union (Community Credit Union) that is willing to help their employees grow and develop as active community members. I have participated in the Androscoggin Leadership and Development program which really helped me in my career and I also attend Lewiston/Auburn College and am in the Leadership and Organizational Studies program. There’s a lot of opportunities here for young people who are ready to learn more and give back!
What would you want everyone to know about you?
I have a passion for community service and helping others. I am event chair for the Androscoggin County Relay For Life and that’s extremely important to me. I am always looking for others who share the same passion for helping others and bringing our community together for positive reasons!
July 2009
Jennifer Gendron, Advertising Designer, Sun Journal 
What’s your favorite band?
My favorite Maine band is Motor Booty Affair. I’m a Billboard Top-40 fan, I like to keep up on National and International artists. I love to dance, so any music and/or band that gets me in the mood to boogie works for me.
Favorite Place in Maine?
Anywhere along our beautiful Maine coast or large ponds and lakes. I live up to my Cancer Zodiac sign with my love of all things water related. Bar Harbor, Boothbay Harbor, Mt. Blue State Park, Sebago Lakes Region all get visits every year. Second to that is my own home and my parent’s home. My Mom and I are avid gardeners, I helped establish most of the gardens at my parent’s home rural home in Greene over ten years ago and I am working on making my own Lewiston urban home a gardener’s delight.
Are you originally from the area/state?
Born and raised in Lewiston, Maine! I only spent two years away in college – I came home to stay after graduation.
Why do you choose to live/work in the L-A area?
This is my home and my culture. I am a very proud Franco-American – I speak both English and French fluently. My parents had the biggest part in making sure my two younger siblings and I kept our language and cultural roots. All three of us remain in this community and plan to stay here for the duration of our working adult lives.
How does/has the area benefited your professional career?
I am an avid volunteer for many organizations (currently the American Cancer Society, Maine Music Society, Androscoggin Chamber, YPLAA, MOAC – Maine Outdoor Adventure Club) – in the past I’ve also worked in fundraising efforts for March of Dimes and Richelieu French Club. Working at the Sun Journal has afforded me the opportunity to work with these non-profits on a continuous bases. My extra-curricular volunteer work is supported by my workplace, and that has been very important to me.
What would you want everyone to know about you?
Other than everything I’ve already described? If not apparent, I love to socialize with my friends and family – my calendar is often booked to the maximum. I guess I don’t like to get bored!
March 2009
Sarah Mayberry, Tobacco Coordinator, Healthy Androscoggin
What’s your favorite band?
I can’t pinpoint one specific band as my favorite. I listen to music based on the mood I’m in or depending upon what I’m doing, like relaxing or exercising. I think the music on my ipod covers most genres.
Favorite Place in Maine?
Lake Pennesseewasee in the small town of Norway will always be one of my favorite spots in Maine. I grew up on Norway Lake (as it is known to the locals) and will always think of it as a great place to be during any season. You can always get outside for some fun, exercise, and relaxation.
Are you originally from the area/state?
I was born in Norway, a town in the western foothills of Maine and have lived in the state my entire life. I also attended college in Maine so I guess I qualify as a real Mainah!
Why do you choose to live/work in the L-A area?
I was fortunate to be able to come to the Lewiston-Auburn area to take the Tobacco Coordinator position at Healthy Androscoggin in September 2008. The opportunity to work for a successful Healthy Maine Partnership like Healthy Androscoggin really drew me to the area.
How does/has the area benefited your professional career?
The work we do at Healthy Androscoggin requires community buy-in and collaboration with other organizations to be successful. The Lewiston-Auburn area is a wonderful place to be for that. We partner with many different organizations in the area and these collaborations help to achieve not only work goals but they also help to foster a sense of pride and responsibility in being a member of the Lewiston-Auburn community.
What would you want everyone to know about you?
I love sports and am a fan of all the New England teams – especially the Red Sox and Patriots! Soccer is probably my number one love, having played and coached all the way through college. I like to read and I’ve been in a few book discussion clubs and I participate in several local and statewide committees including the Chronic Disease subcommittee of the new Lewiston-Auburn Public Health Committee and I’m on the Executive Committee of the Smoke-Free Housing Coalition of Maine.
December 2008
Hillary Verrill, Programs Coordinator, Empower Lewiston
What’s your favorite band?
I enjoy a wide array of music, always depending upon the mood that I’m. I listen to almost everything, and can’t really pick just one favorite.
Favorite Place in Maine?
Of course, there’s the usual favorite place many of us Mainah’s share, being the ocean. My other favorite place is the Old Port. I love the downtown city life that the Old Port offers.
Are you originally from the area/state?
I’m originally from Lewiston and after being a traveling Military Brat for the first ten years of my life, I returned to the area with my family.
Why do you choose to live/work in the L-A area?
Lewiston is a great place to live and there are many great people in the area. We won All-America City status because our city has an extremely high level of people who volunteer and participate in our community, all to create a better community for everyone. I want to be a part of that and I want my son to grow up with those morals and values.
How does/has the area benefited your professional career?
Not to sound too cliche, but Lewiston-Auburn is like Cheers, “where everybody knows your name”. We are a large city, yet small enough that we all know each other. There are many people and events that make networking possible in this area. People actually take a stake in other people’s successes. I think anyone willing to work hard in Lewiston-Auburn can find a way to advance their career, and I am on that train ride and do not plan on getting off!
What would you want everyone to know about you?
I love living in Maine and making every day of my life one that I want to remember. I have been a single Mom for the past seven years and my son has been my inspiration to be the person that I am today which makes everything worth it in life.
September 2008
Danielle Renna, Director of Tours & Office Administration.
What’s your favorite band?
John Mayer. His music helps me feel relaxed.
Favorite Place in Maine?
Going to the beach. I enjoy going to Old Orchard Beach or Higgins Beach. Just sitting in the sand feeling the warmth of the sun on my face while hearing the waves, there is nothing else like it.
Are you originally from the area/state?
I was born in Portland, ME where I lived there till the age of 8 when I moved to Windham. I graduated from Windham High School in the year of 2000 where I entered the working world. I moved to Providence, RI to be a Nanny for a year. When living in Rhode Island for that year I truly missed everything Maine had to offer so I moved back to feel at home again.
Why do you choose to live/work in the L-A area?
My boyfriend has lived in this area his whole life so I moved here in 2006 to be with him. I live in the city of Lewiston learning the ways of the roads and the different life style L/A has to offer than what I am used to down in Southern, Maine. Lewiston is becoming my home and I just hope it keeps on growing to keep other individuals like myself here. One thing I have learned about Lewiston is you need to take a second look. Never judge a book by its cover until you open a couple pages than you find the true beauty.
How does/has the area benefited your professional career?
Lewiston has a special charm that most people look over if they are not careful. I have noticed that in one way or another most people know each other here and by simply introducing yourself to one individual you are actually introducing yourself to about 10 individuals. I have been able to network myself better than any other community I have lived in. Just by going to a local store or simply going to the library and saying “hello” or mentioning Northeast Charter & Tour Co. Inc. I am able to start a conversation with someone and give them my business card to where it could lead to growth in my career.
What would you want everyone to know about you?
I would like individuals to know that my name is Danielle Renna, I work for Northeast Charter & Tour Co. Inc. which I am the Director of Tours & Office Administrator. I am in a happy relationship for 3 yrs now. My boyfriend has two amazing girls that are my world. I’m an individual who is outgoing and loves to help other. If you ever see me just say hi and I would enjoy talking with you about what tour I may be able to offer you. One last note I would like to leave with individuals that may be just entering the work force is that you should always walk into your job with a smile and know that it is a new day. Never carry unpleasant emotions with you from the previous day. Also make sure that you believe in yourself and always go after your dreams.
August 2008
Clark Phinney, President and CEO at The ALZASA Group and Employee Health and Workers’ Compensation Coordinator at Central Maine Healthcare.
What’s your favorite band?
I’m a big country music fan so often it’s something country, I’m awaiting Marcel’s new album. However I am a child of the 80′s so Bon Jovi are frequent CDs both in the car and around the office – especially if I’m on a deadline.
Favorite place in Maine?
Fort Point Lighthouse in Stockton Springs. I grew up in Bucksport just up the road so made frequent trips to the state park and picnic area next to the lighthouse and the fort as a child. I still visit it when I go back home to visit my parents. I even have a framed picture of it in my office.
Are you originally from the area/state?
Yes – born and raised as we like to say. Grew up in Bucksport a paper mill town on the Penobscot River. Other than a couple years when I lived in the south while working for Habitat for Humanity I have always made Maine home.
Why do you choose to live/work in the L-A area?
I came to L/A a few years after my wife and I were married (15 years ago). She is originally from Greene and her family all live around the L/A area. Working and living in the area has been great, we are able to enjoy the best of living in Maine while still being connected to family, friends and clients all over the world.
How does/has the area benefited your professional career?
I’ve benefited in many ways, I wouldn’t be where I am today without the opportunities I’ve had from this area, from contacts in the Chamber to working for a major healthcare provider in town to networking with other YPLAA members.
What would you want everyone to know about you?
Together with my business partner, Jen Messinger (winner of one of last years YPLAA of the Year awards) we have started The ALZASA Group, a safety, occupational health and workers’ compensation consulting firm. Our website is http://thealzasagroup.site.io or folks can email us at alzasagroup@thealzasagroup.site.io for more information.
July 2008
Alysha Fowler of the Employment Times
What’s your favorite band?
My favorite band is Journey; when I was 12 I went with my dad to see the lead singer, Steve Perry, perform at the Lewiston Civic Center, now called the Androscoggin Bank Colisee, and I’ve been a huge fan ever since. Last year I went to Maryland with my husband and watched the band perform at an outdoor event (sans Steve Perry) and it has renewed my excitement about the band!
Favorite Place in Maine?
Popham Beach/Fort Popham is by far my favorite place in Maine. When I first met my husband we spent a lot of time there. That is also the place where we got married!
Are you originally from the area/state?
I was born in Brunswick, but I grew up in Woolwich and Bath. That area of the state will always have a special place in my heart.
Why do you choose to live/work in the L-A area?
My husband and I chose to move to Auburn in 2002 because of the affordable housing market and easily accessible amenities.
How does/has the area benefited your professional career?
In 2004 I began working at Employment Times in Auburn as an Assistant and since then I have been promoted to Development Coordinator. Employment Times has taught me a lot about networking and developing connections in the community and for that I’m very grateful.
What would you want everyone to know about you?
I love to sing and dance, I have my own karaoke machine and I’ve recently taken some dance classes at a studio in Brunswick, notice I didn’t say that I was any good, only that I love to perform! I’m also a BIG fan of baseball, specifically the Boston Red Sox.
June 2008
James Sanborn of GHM Insurance Agency
What’s your favorite band?
Tool
Favorite Place in Maine?
My home in Hebron. It is such a quiet relaxing place after a long day or week of work. A close second would be any golf course.
Are you originally from the area/state?
I grew up in the Southern Maine town of Limington, moved to Gray for a couple of years after college and then to Hebron in 2000.
Why do you choose to live/work in the L-A area?
My wife is from the area so we purchased a home in Hebron to be close to her family. For 6 years I commuted to our Waterville office and in 2007 GHM opened a 3rd location in Auburn. Having been with the agency for 14 years I was chosen to manage the office in Auburn and I now enjoy a much shorter commute and more time at home with my family.
How does/has the area benefited your professional career?
There is so much happening in the L/A area and opening a new office gave me the opportunity to build a book of business from the ground up. When I was asked to manage the office in Auburn I knew it would be a challenge but the community has been great and with help from The Chamber and our customer base we are off to a great start.
What would you want everyone to know about you?
I am married and have 3 children – 2 daughters and a son. They keep me busy and any time that I am not at work is spent with them. I enjoy playing golf and really enjoy working in the insurance industry. I am one of the few insurance agents in the State to attain both the Certified Insurance Counselor and Certified Risk Manager designations.
May 2008
Michael Bilodeau of Bilodeau Insurance Agency
What’s your favorite band?
I like a wide variety of music but if I want to get pumped, AC/DC would be my first choice.
Favorite Place in Maine?
Baxter State Park
Are you originally from the area/state?
Yes, born at St. Mary’s Lewiston, ME
Why do you choose to live/work in the L-A area?
My family. I also enjoy dealing with and helping the people I’ve known and grown up with in the community
How does/has the area benefited your professional career?
I’ve been selling insurance for 10 years now and have helped many people in the community with their personal and commercial insurance needs by providing them with the coverage necessary with the best prices available.
What would you want everyone to know about you?
I am the youngest of 3 children who have all settled down in Lewiston with their families. I have been married for 6 years to my wife Jayne and within this time we have managed to create, by today’s standards, a rather large family. It started in 2001 with our Dog-Taylor, age 6, and snowballed form there. Kate, age 5, is the oldest of 4 girls. Audrey & Emily are twins that turned 3 in March and Addison, our baby of the family (just like my wife and I) is 11 months old. I enjoy spending time with my family and the outdoor activities the 4 seasons of Maine has to offer. I take great pride in being the 3rd generation of a family owned and operated business since 1950. I am also a Rotary member and involved in a local BNI group.
April 2008
Rebecca Belleau, Assistant Principal, Trinity Catholic School
What’s your favorite band?
I do not have a favorite band but I am a country music fan! Some of my favorite country music artists are Alison Krauss, Garth Brooks, Faith Hill, Carrie Underwood, and Martina McBride.
Favorite Place in Maine?
My absolute favorite place in Maine is Sebago Lake. I love to be on my boat with my husband, Jamie and our three beautiful children; James is 6, Michael is 4 and Anna is 2. My family and I are counting the days until we can float on our boat again!
Are you originally from the area/state?
Yes! I was born in Lewiston at Central Maine Medical Center and grew up in Auburn. Now I live and work in Lewiston.
Why do you choose to live/work in the L-A area?
As they say, there’s no place like home! I was born and raised in Maine but attended college in New Hampshire. While away at college, I greatly missed home and my family. I realized then I wanted to live, work, and raise a family in Maine.
How does/has the area benefited your professional career?
I had the wonderful opportunity to work as a First and Second Grade Looping Teacher at Montello School in Lewiston right out of college. I taught there for eight years. While teaching at Montello School I received a Master’s Degree in Literacy with a Focus in Elementary Reading. This past summer I decided to further my education once again and become certified as an Assistant Building Principal. I was blessed with the amazing opportunity to serve as Trinity Catholic’s Assistant Principal. Trinity Catholic’s staff, families and community members welcomed me with open arms. Thank you Trinity!
What would you want everyone to know about you?
I love to spend as much time as I can with my family. I love to photograph my children and scrapbook to document their precious lives, Maine memories! For pleasure I am an ARBONNE Independent Consultant (Skin and Health Care) and Silpada Representative (Fine Sterling Silver Jewelry). ARBONNE and Silpada allow me make extra income while socializing and enjoying time with others.
March 2008
Jason C. Libby, Executive Director, Poland Spring Preservation Society and Park
What’s your favorite band?
Hmmmm thats a tough one. Right now Grandaddy and Midlake, are on my playlist. I am also a big fan of classic rock, Floyd, Zep, Jimi, etc…
Favorite Place in Maine?
Kokadjo or anywhere else I can watch wildlife and listen to a stream.
Are you originally from the area/state?
Grew up in Augusta and moved to Auburn after a six year detour to northern NY.
Why do you choose to live/work in the L-A area?
My wife got a job here first but I was very happy to come to L/A. I knew the area was on the rise both economically and culturally, so it was an easy decision. Also, I may not have grown up here but members of my family lived here three generations ago and I was excited to carry on that tradition.
How does/has the area benefited your professional career?
I originally worked in higher education so it was a worthwhile and anticipated career change to work in the historic preservation and environmental education fields. I have had an opportunity to blend several of my interests into this one position. I also have been fortunate to work with a diverse population of professionals and community leaders.
What would you want everyone to know about you?
Married with two sons, (our little presidents, Carter and Jackson). Living in L/A has given me an opportunity to be involved with some great organizations including Good Shepherd Food Bank, Androscoggin Land Trust, Museum L/A and L/A Rotary. Over the past several years I have been transcribing my great-grandfather’s journals and going through hundreds of his photos. As an historian it has been extremely interesting to read about how people spent their time and lived their lives a hundred years ago. Some of his journal entries discuss his time in Lewiston and the surrounding area.
February 2008
Representative Mike Carey
What’s your favorite band?
Old Crow Medicine Show
Favorite Place in Maine?
The Knife Edge on Mt Katahdin
Are you originally from the area/state?
I grew up in Leeds.
Why do you choose to live/work in the L-A area?
L-A was home, and it was big enough that I felt there was plenty of opportunity.
How does/has the area benefited your professional career?
It is a great community in which to live and work. People care, and they respect hard work and purpose.
What would you want everyone to know about you?
I love this area.
January 2008
Erin Guay, Physical Activity, Nutrition and Tobacco Manager Healthy Androscoggin
What’s your favorite band?
Do I have to pick just one? I really love singer song-writers like Ray Lamontagne, Patty Griffin, Ellis Paul. I also never get sick of the good ol’ Dave Matthews Band.
Favorite Place in Maine?
Acadia National Park?no question
Are you originally from the area/state?
I grew up in Topsham and have lived in Lewiston for 3 years off and on.
Why do you choose to live/work in the L-A area?
There is so much great history here, the people are down to earth real Mainers and there is great potential for the future.
How does/has the area benefited your professional career?
I was recently hired by Healthy Androscoggin to be the Physical Activity, Nutrition and Tobacco Manager and I feel very fortunate to work for a well-respected Healthy Maine Partnership (right here in Lewiston) working toward meaningful goals with such a great group of dedicated community members.
What would you want everyone to know about you?
This past summer my husband and I took a 5 week cross country camping trip (Lewiston to San Juan Island, Washington). We visited 7 national parks and many friends along the way. If you ever find yourself with lots of vacation time or in between stages in your life, I highly recommend hitting the road and seeing the country. You will never regret it!
December 2007
Kristen Cady, Maine Development Foundation, Program Director – Maine Downtown Center, Program Director – REALIZE!Maine
What’s your favorite band?
Guster
Favorite Place in Maine?
Islesboro
Are you originally from the area/state?
I grew up in Gardiner, and after living in Boston for several years, returned to Gardiner.
Why do you choose to live/work in the L-A area?
The Sun Journal brought me to LA, but the vibrant welcoming community is why I became so involved.
How does/has the area benefited your professional career?
By chairing YPLAA, I had the honor of being on the REALIZE!Maine steering committee, the statewide young persons initiative. Now I am the program director for REALIZE!Maine, as well as for the Maine Downtown Center, both of which are housed at the Maine Development Foundation in Augusta. So I’m an honorary YPLAAer now!
What would you want everyone to know about you?
I truly believe in the YP initiative and think it’s of the utmost importance to get our young people connected and involved!
November 2007
Len Bartel, Director of Fundraising & Philanthropy at
Encompass Marketing, Photographer, www.bartelphoto.com
Favorite band?
Currently, on my anti-imperialist MP3 player, I’m listening to a mix of Jack Johnson, G. Love, and Mike Doughty (front man from Soul Coughing for those that don’t know).
Favorite place in Maine?
Five Islands Lobster Co. in Georgetown
Are you originally from Maine?
No, I grew up in upstate NY (Ithaca), although my wife grew up going to summer camp out in the Denmark/Bridgton area.
Why did you choose to live in Maine?
My wife and I wanted to get back to the northeast, and she got a job at Bates College which afforded us that opportunity.
How has your career benefited?
Outside of my employment I’m also pursuing photography, and the burgeoning arts scene in the L-A area has been wonderful for that. It’s given me opportunities to get my photography out into the public sphere, which I might not have otherwise received in other areas – very supportive of the “creative economy.”
What would you want everyone to know about you?
I’m an artist, and very much a supporter of local, sustainable economies. Everyone should buy more art.
