LEWISTON—There were many reasons to be happy at La Rencontre held Thursday, Dec. 9, 2021 at the Gendron Franco Center: the musical entertainment, Franco meal, and reconnecting in person with friends and GFC staff. It had been quite a while since GFC held a La Rencontre event. Our patrons let us know that they have missed this event a great deal. 

To start the event, the doors opened early, at 9:30 a.m. so that patrons could socialize. Still, GFC kept the number of patrons at the event to less than 1/3 the capacity, as a pandemic safety measure.  

Emceeing the event with his witty sense of humor was GFC Board Vice President Michael Lajoie. At one point he referred to a pad of sticky notes he was holding. The pad fell to the stage floor making his list of notes seem very long. Without losing a beat, he promised the audience he wasn’t going to talk that long. Board President Elaine Roop also took to the stage to welcome patrons in her own entertaining style. It’s always fun when Elaine engages with our audience.  

A typical Franco lunch prepared by Chef John followed the social hour. Volunteers helped serve. Leftover meals and pies were purchased by patrons to take home. You needed to be quick to get in line! 

The musical entertainment included Nel Meservier, Melissa St. Pierre, Lorraine Giasson, Sue Caron, Debbie St. Pierre Robitaille, Bob Mathieu, and a special appearance by Mike Willette. The audience sang along to the popular holiday tunes. We are so appreciative of these musicians and their time and talent. Joe Strout, GFC production manager, oversaw stage lighting and sound. He did an excellent job with both. 

The fun at La Rencontre was also made possible with help from volunteers, sponsors, and donations from favorite local restaurants. Given away at this event were a 50/50 prize of $109; two sets of two tickets for the Franco Winter Extravaganza; and gift cards to Roopers, George’s Pizza, and free appetizer/dessert coupons from Longhorn Steakhouse. Sponsors includes Season Underwriter: Maple Way Dental and Media Sponsors: Turner Publishing; Sun Journal; Uncle Andy’s Digest; Bennett Radio Group; WIGY 105.5/95.7; WOXO 92.7/100.7. 

We hope to see even more patrons at the next La Rencontre. Stay tuned for more information! Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. 

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And now we will leave you with links to two videos taken during our holiday La Rencontre that were uploaded to YouTube. 

La Rencontre holiday December 2021 “It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas”

La Rencontre holiday December 2021 “Rocking Around the Christmas Tree” 

Don’t miss out on our next holiday event, “The Franco Winter Extravaganza,” at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 17 and Saturday, Dec. 18. Tickets at 207-689-2000 or www.francocenter.org.