For some of us, it’s still hard to imagine a Lewiston City Hall that doesn’t include Dottie Perham-Whittier busily organizing events and running communications between the local government and the people it serves.

But it’s been that way for nearly a year now. In July of 2024 Perham-Whittier retired after 42 years on the job, leaving it to someone else to keep the people of Lewiston informed of goings-on within the city.

We wondered what such a busy lady might do with herself after a job she’s had since Ronald Reagan’s second term. As it turns out, Perham-Whittier has a whole lot going on thanks to her newfound personal time.

Which is exactly what we expected to hear.

What have you been up to since leaving your job with the city? Since leaving city employment, I have been enjoying life! I was invited to join the Franco Center Board last fall, and what a fulfilling experience. I jumped right in, and I’m enjoying engaging with the other board members and staff as we promote and further develop the center’s performing arts/entertainment offerings. 

I’ve done some traveling and enjoying time with friends and family. Next up is time in Boothbay, a family tradition, which will surely include whale watching. Attending summer theatrical productions is also on the calendar. 

I’ve become more active in my church: East Auburn Baptist. I’m currently assisting with the Tuesday evening ALPHA course and have met so many incredible people who are exploring who God is. I’ve participated in two Bible studies, and it’s a blast to study and discuss topics with a bunch of energized women!  

I’m exploring the idea of writing a women’s empowerment book; I started it a few years back and have written four chapters. I think this might be the time to tackle the book full speed. 

In addition, I have taken an abundance of Lewiston photos throughout my career, and I might like to do some type of visual exhibit in the future; a friend of mine suggested that. 

Do you have any particular memories that stand out from your long career? During my 42-year career, interacting with community members was very meaningful to me, and there are countless special memories to reflect upon. Here are a few: 

I will never forget the 9/11 gathering in Kennedy Park where we mourned as a community and supported local families who had ties to some who died.   

I fondly remember going to Anaheim, California, when Lewiston pursued — and won — an All-America City designation from the National Civic League. Our team enthusiastically demonstrated that Lewiston’s community engagement and collaboration was alive and well and highlighted initiatives making a difference. 

Being co-chair of the Lewiston CA$H Coalition is another standout in my mind, working with a team of volunteers to provide free tax preparation for low- and moderate-income workers, as well as financial literacy education. The IRS and the LA Metro Chamber both honored the team for its impact. 

In addition, serving as co-founder and an adviser for the Lewiston Youth Advisory Council (LYAC) for 23 years was an absolute blessing. Seeing youth learn about municipal government and then collectively work on ways to enhance their city brought me tremendous joy. Many of them are still in touch with me. In fact, two former members just invited me out to supper, and another recently reached out to me due to the death of a close friend and needed to talk.

I absolutely adored working with LYAC, and they know I’m still “there” for them 24/7. I was invited to the recent Lewiston High School graduation by LYAC seniors who I worked with prior to leaving city employment, and it was amazing to cheer them on. 

I loved the years when the cities of Lewiston and Auburn hosted the Twin Cities Holiday Celebration with a parade and entertainment. Area volunteers and businesses rose to the occasion to assist, and it was a magical time each year. Being the city of Lewiston’s point of contact for the Maine Bicentennial Parade was also a great experience. 

I greatly enjoyed supporting the Lewiston Area Public Health Committee and planning the annual Rally for Recovery in Kennedy Park. I met numerous people who were battling addiction and was inspired by their honesty and genuine efforts to change their lives. 

I was proud to be on the ground floor of the establishment of Maine’s first universally accessible playground, Jude’s Place at Marcotte Park. I submitted an entry to Shane’s Inspiration to win universally accessible playground equipment, and the entry included a community video demonstrating the need for accessible play for all abilities.

I remember getting the news that Lewiston was a recipient of startup universally accessible equipment and would be assisted with planning and design. We held a local planning charette, and input was provided from all ages, to include children who drew pictures of what they’d want in the playground. With the help of many dedicated partners, the playground eventually became a reality. I love driving by the playground and seeing families enjoy their time there. 

What was the hardest part of managing communications for the city? I wouldn’t call it the “hardest part” but more of a “crucial part”: to make sure that residents were informed in an understandable, respectful and helpful manner. I especially enjoyed reaching out via social media and working alongside the Development Department when my position and that department facilitated groundbreakings and ribbon cuttings. In particular, former Development Director Linc Jeffers was super to work with.   

What part was the most fun? I worked for 14 mayors and myriad city administrators, deputy administrators and city councilors, and I enjoyed my job immensely when leadership demonstrated teamwork and camaraderie. For instance, City Administrators like Ed Barrett created an environment of upbeat, effective communication and collaboration. Such an environment made work fun and an exciting place to be. Each person was valued, and we collaboratively made a difference! 

What are your plans going forward? I’m honestly not sure what’s next on the horizon, but I do know I will continue to champion the city of Lewiston. When attending events in our community, I like to highlight them on Facebook’s Lewiston Rocks. I’ve always believed that we need to be our own cheerleaders. If we don’t believe in our city and speak proudly of its positives, how can we expect others to? 

Anything else you want us to know about your life after City Hall? I will forever be proud of the projects, initiatives, and work I did during my career and extend a heart-felt thank-you to those who supported my goals, aspirations, and daily work. The networking and connections made continue to play a vital role in my life, and I’ve been repeatedly asked why I retired four years earlier than planned. My answer is that I chose me, as the environment had become very different. Where did that leave me . . . peaceful, joyful, energized, and excited about the future!