Left of Center

Lewiston Porter Sentinel, May 3, 2008

Lewiston taken to the cleaners

  
Hibbard’s Cleaners, left, is merging with Capitol Cleaners.
Signs in the widow of the former Capitol location detail the move.

Fortunately, Russ Petrozzi had some screwy insulation.

The fluffy pink stuff in the ceiling, which usually works to keep heat from leaving a building, did the exact opposite at his Capitol Cleaners location on Porter Road. It stopped flames from entering the building when a fire erupted two weeks ago in the adjoining Laundromat.

With a big assist from Lewiston firefighters, no one was hurt and no merchandise was tarnished.

“We were very lucky,” Petrozzi said this week. “The (Lewiston) firemen vented the store immediately. … There was no damage to the clothing.

“It could’ve been a lot worse for everyone.”

Petrozzi said the quick work of firefighters kept his losses to a minimum. He thanked the Lewiston firefighters and policemen “for their fine work and kindness. They did a hell of a job.”

Though the fire failed to enter his building, it caused enough external harm to force Capitol Cleaners to close while the structure is mended. Unwilling to cease his business, Petrozzi finalized a merger with Hibbard’s Lewiston Cleaners, located just up the street in “Harold Square,” the plaza which features Hibbard’s Liquor Store and Hibbard’s Custard.

While the fire forced Petrozzi’s hand, the move was already in the works.

“Harold and I have been talking over the past year,” Petrozzi said. “Obviously, the fire helped make the decision – it helped make it happen.”

All of Capitol Cleaners’ stock has moved into the new location. The merged dry cleaners will likely be renamed Capitol at Hibbard’s Cleaners, or a variation thereof.

“It’s a good opportunity for both of us,” Petrozzi said.

He noted all employees from both stores remain on board under the new venture.

“(Customers) will see the same, familiar faces,” Petrozzi said.

The full-service cleaner is open from 7:45 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 7:45 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Saturday.

Blended chocolate

J.B. Boas and Cathy Yolevsky wed Monday at Piper’s Village Inn on South Fifth Street.
(photos by John Stuart)

Not since the bonding of caramel and nougat has a marriage been sweeter.

On Monday, Little Yellow Chocolate House owners Jonathan Boas and Cathy Yolevsky became Mr. and Mrs. Cacao. The sweet treat purveyors said, “I’ll stop the world and melt with you,” tying the knot at Piper’s Village Inn.

Mayor Richard Soluri officiated the ceremony, which featured family, friends and local dignitaries John and Beth Ceretto, Margaret Talarico and Mamie Simonson.

School’s in for summer

The nursery school at First Presbyterian Church will soon feature a new player in its sandbox. Pam Kilmer, a teacher with 22 years of teaching experience, is set to take over for retiring faculty Linda Lee and Kathy Fabian. Heading into its 42nd year at the South Fifth Street church, the program will become more faith-based, in a non-denominational manner.

Students, ages 3 and 4, will learn in a loving, caring Christian environment, Kilmer said. They’ll receive individual attention, as well, with enrollment kept to a minimum.

Interested parents can learn more about the program by contacting Kilmer at 754-4945 or coach7092@aol.com.

Cinco de Mayo at Village Pub

In celebration of Cinco de Mayo, Center Street’s Lewiston Village Pub and Wing Company invites readers to meet a real Lewiston jackass.

No, it’s not who you think.

The eatery has hired Smudgey, a real life donkey, to sit outside its newly painted storefront from 7 to 9 p.m. on Monday and pose with passersby. The price per picture is $1. Money raised will be donated to the SPCA.