When the Lewiston School Committee met recently at Martel Elementary School, the meeting got a little hands- (or feet-)on.

During a presentation on the school’s health program, teachers and students got officials on their feet – and onto the dance floor.

“We’re a dancing crowd,” quipped committee member John Butler.

Parent Dawn Hartill explained that students had learned dances at recess from teacher Lisa Chasse: “Cotton Eye Joe,” the chicken dance and the cha-cha slide.

How were the School Committee’s moves?

They probably won’t be appearing on “Dancing with the Stars” anytime soon, but Hartill gave them an “A” for effort. “They were really good sports about it.”

– Bonnie Washuk
Clear reception

Hard to tell which was bubblier: the free-flowing champagne at the Mainebiz reception honoring business leaders of the year Thursday, or the contingent from Lewiston-Auburn there to fete its two hometown honorees.

Safe Handling’s Ford Reiche and Chamber President Chip Morrison were the men of the hour as they shared accolades from the business journal’s editors for their leadership of a large company and a nonprofit, respectively.

“Spread the word. Business is good,” said Reiche, who noted his bulk transportation company reported $18 million in revenue this year.

In his introductory remarks, editor Taylor Smith said to truly appreciate the Androscoggin County Chamber, you have to attend a function.

“It’s like a cult,” he said, as the crowd laughed. “There are 250 to 300 people at every monthly meeting.”

And even though the reception at the Woodlands Club in Falmouth was intended to be purely celebratory, L-A’s economic instigators weren’t going to let opportunities pass. At evening’s end, Auburn’s economic development chief, Roland Miller, was engrossed in a conversation with two Midcoast businesspeople who were interested in relocating to L-A. Chip was all smiles.

“We signed up two more members!” he exclaimed.

– Carol Coultas