Although this person is not Santa Claus, she is probably as well known, locally, as old Saint Nick, and way easier to reach by phone. She and her elves have led the way, hands down, in year-round gift production and far and away the most prolific gift producer in the region today. No one even comes close.

But Leisha is well known for more than her seasonal production during Christmas and the holidays. She has helped us all with copier work, scans of old photos, faxes, computer tutorials, camera sales, technology questions and just plain congeniality. And she is easily motivated by offerings of chocolate, preferably of the Hersey’s variety. Although it is hard to imagine anyone doing more things at one time.

She can take a phone call, scan a negative and monitor a print order all at the same time and still manage a smiling face for customers waiting at the pick-up counter.

Leisha has been the “Lab Lady” for quite a long time. If I had to guess, I’d say at least 20 years.

She has been the anchor go-to person at the “Small Mall” since the Chick laundromat packed it in.

Leisha grew up in Sangerville, which, for those of us who don’t get out much, is not near much. Leisha likes to tell people that Sangerville is near Lincoln, which is maybe the closest larger place. But in fact, towns closer would be Dover-Foxcroft, Dexter or Guilford. So there you have it. As Big Al would say, “The Place to Be,” from!

Leisha went to college at University of Maine where she enrolled in what was then an affiliated associate program with Maine Photographic Workshops in Rockport. She got to rub elbows with some of the best photographers working at that time. Lest I forget to mention, Leisha is a heck of a photographer too. And she rides a big motorcycle and horses, just in case you thought for one minute that multitasking stopped after her day job, with or without chocolate!