News doesn’t happen only once a week, and neither does Lowell’s First Look.
As the community’s online news source, Lowell’s First Look was created to provide an alternate to the traditional way of reporting and delivering the news. Check back regularly for insight into local issues, profiles of existing and emerging business and recaps of community events.
Beyond delivering the local news in an easy-to-access format, Lowell’s First Look offers a forum for residents to share their own milestones and events. Whether you want to celebrate the birth of a new family member or commemorate the life of a loved one you’ve lost, you’re welcome to do that here at no cost by filling out the announcement submission form.
After all, Lowell’s First Look is not just THE news, it’s OUR news.
The Faces Behind the News
Lowell’s First Look was founded in September 2016 by Tina Dickerman, Maryalene LaPonsie and Amanda Schrauben. Separately, these women wanted to be involved with the community. Together, they created a business showing a team effort can make ideas a reality.
Tina has moved on to other pursuits, but Lowell’s First Look continues today under the ownership of Maryalene and Amanda. While the two have different political, religious and social backgrounds, they share a vested interest in doing something positive for the community.
Maryalene LaPonsie
Maryalene had never even heard of Lowell when she moved to the community in 1998. However, she and her late husband quickly discovered it was the perfect place to raise a family. The couple’s five children range in age from elementary students enrolled at St. Patrick School to young adults in college. Maryalene has worked full-time as a freelance writer for more than a decade. She specializes in personal finance topics, is a regular contributor to U.S. News & World Report and has had work featured on Money Talks News, MSN, Yahoo Finance and elsewhere on the web. She previously served as a member of Lowell City Council, chair of the Lowell Planning Commission, member of the Lowell Light & Power Board and member of the Lowell Area Fire and Emergency Services Authority Board. In her spare time, Maryalene enjoys reading, trying new recipes and exploring area parks and trails.
Amanda Schrauben
Amanda has been a resident of Lowell since 2003. She is married to Andrew and they have two sons who both attend Cherry Creek Elementary School. Amanda has served on the City of Lowell’s Planning Commission since October 2017. In January 2022 she became a member of the Lowell Education Board. She is also involved with the Bushnell/CCE PTO. Starting in 2018 she has worked remotely as a project manager and executive assistant as an independent contractor. In her spare time, Amanda enjoys photography and reading.