Art, Music & Summer Energy Take Over Winthrop

One of the things I enjoy most about putting together the Kennebec Valley Voice each week is finding events that remind us just how much is happening in the communities around us.

This weekend, that takes us to Winthrop, where the Art Park Festival returns to Homegrown Acres August 21–23 for three days of music, creativity and community.

What makes Art Park a little different is the mix. It isn’t simply a concert or an art show. Live music shares the grounds with live painting, murals, installations and large-scale artwork, giving people a chance to watch some of the creative process unfold instead of only seeing the finished product.

You might stop to listen to a band, wander over to watch an artist working, spend some time looking at an installation, grab something to eat and then circle back to see what has changed.

It’s the kind of event where you can slow down, look around, listen for a while and enjoy being there without feeling like you have to hurry on to the next thing.

By this point in August, we all know the calendar is beginning to move toward fall. School is getting closer, mornings are a little cooler, and the evenings don’t seem quite as long as they did a month ago. But there is still plenty of summer left, and a weekend like this is a pretty good excuse to get outside and enjoy some of it.

And Art Park is only one stop this week.

Across the Kennebec Valley, we’ll also take you to the final days of the Skowhegan State Fair, farmers markets, concerts, community projects, municipal meetings, business news and plenty of other things worth knowing about.

Let’s see what’s happening around the Kennebec Valley this week.

The Kennebec River begins its journey south through Maine at which famous lake?

A) Sebago Lake
B) Moosehead Lake
C) Rangeley Lake
D) Moose Pond

We’ll have the answer for you at the end of this week’s edition.

WEATHER | AUGUST 19–25

Wed 8/19 — Partly cloudy, spotty PM storms. 82° / 63°

Thu 8/20 — Partly sunny and comfortable. 81° / 59°

Fri 8/21 — Mostly sunny. 81° / 55°

Sat 8/22 — Pleasant with sun and clouds. 76° / 58°

Sun 8/23 — Cloudy with a few showers. 72° / 61°

Mon 8/24 — Cloudy, periods of rain and possible thunder. 75° / 58°

Tue 8/25 — Partly sunny. 75° / 56°

A warm start to the week gives way to cooler late-summer weather, with Friday and Saturday looking especially good for outdoor plans.

Late August always feels a little different here in Maine. The days are still warm, the fairs and festivals are going strong, and there is still plenty of summer left to enjoy — but you can also feel the season beginning to turn. It’s cooler in the morning and evening. School starts in just a little while. And with that comes shopping for school supplies, clothes, shoes and athletic wear for moms and dads throughout the region. It can be hectic.

That is one reason I enjoy putting this newsletter together each week. It gives me a chance to slow down for a few minutes and see just how much is happening across the Kennebec Valley — from a weekend arts festival in Winthrop to concerts in Gardiner, the final days of the Skowhegan State Fair, farmers’ markets, community projects and plenty of reasons to get outside.

We spend a lot of time looking ahead. Sometimes it is worth taking a Saturday afternoon, picking something close to home, and simply enjoying where we live.

A special thank you to this week’s Newsletter Sponsor, Marshall Communications. Nancy Marshall and her team have spent decades helping businesses and leaders build relationships, tell their stories and strengthen their visibility. Their philosophy says it well: Where Relationships Create Results.

I hope you find something in this week’s edition that gives you a reason to get out and enjoy the Kennebec Valley this week.

— Sandy

Skowhegan State Fair Kicks Off Summer Fun in Central Maine

WABI TV5 takes us inside one of the Kennebec Valley’s biggest summer traditions as the Skowhegan State Fair gets underway. With the fair continuing through Saturday, August 22, it’s a timely look at what visitors can expect during its final days.

Art Park Festival — Winthrop | August 21–23

Music and art come together at Homegrown Acres for three days of live performances and creativity. Artists will be painting murals and creating large-scale works and installations throughout the weekend, turning the festival grounds into an evolving outdoor gallery.

Final Days of the Skowhegan State Fair | Through August 22

There are just a few days left to enjoy one of Maine’s great summer traditions. The 208th Skowhegan State Fair wraps up Saturday, with midway rides, agricultural exhibits, livestock events, entertainment, fair food and plenty happening throughout the grounds.

Shelby Cobb at the Gardiner Waterfront | Friday, August 21

Bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy a free Friday evening concert along the Kennebec River. Shelby Cobb takes the stage at Gardiner Waterfront Park from 6–8 p.m., with food vendors and family activities also part of the evening.

Wednesday, August 19 — Group Hike at Philbrick Woods | Skowhegan
5–6:30 p.m. A relaxed, all-levels group hike on local trails. Free.

Thursday, August 20 — Martha Ballard: An 18th Century Midwife’s Journey | Hallowell
7–9 p.m. A historic bus tour through Hallowell and Augusta exploring places connected to Martha Ballard and life along the Kennebec more than two centuries ago. Reservations are required.

Thursday, August 20 — Guided Mountain Bike Ride | Skowhegan
6–7:30 p.m. at Coburn Woods. Riders of varying experience levels are welcome, and participation is free.

Saturday, August 22 — Potluck Supper & Square Dance | Waterville
5–8 p.m. The Cool Neighborhood Association hosts a community potluck followed by a beginner-friendly square dance.

Sunday, August 23 — Concerts at Norcross Point | Winthrop
Noon–5 p.m. Spend a summer Sunday along Maranacook Lake with live music at Norcross Point.

Through August 30 — Celebrating 50 Years of the Common Ground Country Fair | Augusta
The Maine State House Hall of Flags hosts a special exhibit celebrating 50 years of one of Maine’s best-known agricultural traditions.

Monday, August 24 — Outdoor Fitness

 Class | Skowhegan
5:30–6:30 p.m. A free, all-levels outdoor workout led by Kay Active Fitness at the New Balance Foundation Basecamp Gear Library.

Kennebec Networkers BNI | Hallowell — Wednesday, August 19
8:00 a.m. at the Thomas College Ice Vault, 203 Whitten Road. This week’s featured speaker is Kevin Donovan of Remediation Brothers, speaking about radon, leaking basements and related remediation services. Visitors interested in business referral networking are welcome.

Deuce’s Wild Golf Tournament | Waterville — Wednesday, August 19
Registration and breakfast begin at 9:00 a.m., followed by a 10:00 a.m. shotgun start at Waterville Country Club. The two-person scramble benefits the Alfond Youth & Community Center. 

Elm City Referral Source BNI | Waterville — Thursday, August 20
8:30 a.m. at the Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce, 50 Elm Street. This week’s featured speaker is Joshua Zukerman of Snow Pond Technology Group.

Maine Hire-A-Vet Campaign Kickoff | Augusta — Thursday, August 20
10:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m. at the Augusta National Guard Armory. Employers will be on hand to meet jobseekers, and despite the campaign’s veteran focus, the hiring event is open to all jobseekers.

Augusta Symphony Soirée | Augusta — Friday, August 21
The Kennebec Valley Chamber is highlighting this member event at the University of Maine at Augusta. The 7:00 p.m. fundraiser includes chamber music, refreshments and an opportunity to connect with Augusta Symphony supporters and musicians. Tickets are $40

Woodfords Opens New Central Maine Service Hub | Manchester

Woodfords Family Services has opened its new Central Maine Community Service Hub in Manchester. The facility brings together more than 100 employees from eight programs serving children, youth and adults with disabilities across the region.

Why it matters: This is a significant expansion of both services and employment in the Augusta-area community.

Main Street Skowhegan Is Moving to the Former Fire Station | Skowhegan

Main Street Skowhegan is getting a much larger home. The town has approved a 10-year lease allowing the organization to move its offices, outdoor gear library and programming into the 7,200-square-foot former fire station at 16 Island Avenue. The lease began August 15.

Why it matters: The move gives Main Street Skowhegan room to expand its community and economic-development work while putting a historic town-owned building back to use.

Former Fairfield School Moves Closer to New Life | Fairfield

KVCAP’s plan to transform the former Fairfield Primary School at 63 High Street into 30 affordable apartments for adults 55 and older has taken another step forward. The Town Council unanimously approved a tax increment financing agreement supporting the project.

Why it matters: Fairfield could gain new senior housing while returning a former public-school property to productive use and eventually placing it on the tax rolls.

Miss Sugarman’s Expands Child Care | Gardiner

Miss Sugarman’s School for Extraordinary Children is adding an infant and toddler program beginning September 1. The Gardiner school says it is intentionally starting small, with space for four infants as the new program gets underway.

Why it matters: Infant care can be difficult for working families to find, and this adds another child-care option in the Gardiner area.

Rejig Mobile Clinic Establishes Winslow Location | Winslow

Rejig Mobile Clinic is now operating from 71 Halifax Street in Winslow, following a recent Mid-Maine Chamber ribbon cutting. The practice offers appointment-based wellness and medication-management services from its new location.

Why it matters: It’s another small-business addition for Winslow and expands the range of locally available health and wellness services.

Sweet corn, tomatoes, peppers, berries, summer squash and plenty of other late-summer produce are filling market tables right now. If you like buying directly from the people who grow and make your food, there are plenty of opportunities around the Kennebec Valley this week.

Fairfield | Wednesday, August 19 | 2–6 p.m.
Church of the Nazarene parking lot, 81 Main Street. The Fairfield Farmers Market returns again Saturday morning, giving shoppers two opportunities this week.

Skowhegan | Wednesday, August 19 | 3–6 p.m.
Somerset Grist Mill, 42 Court Street. A midweek opportunity to shop from local farmers and producers before the larger Saturday market.

Waterville | Thursday, August 20 | 2–6 p.m.
Head of Falls, 60 Front Street. The Downtown Waterville Farmers Market brings together more than 20 vendors offering produce, meats, baked goods and other Maine-grown and made products.

Winthrop | Thursday, August 20 | 2–6 p.m.
Downtown Municipal Parking Lot on Main Street. The market runs Thursday afternoons through September 10.

Fairfield | Saturday, August 22 | 9:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
Back at the Church of the Nazarene parking lot, 81 Main Street, for Fairfield’s second market of the week.

Skowhegan | Saturday, August 22 | 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
Somerset Grist Mill, 42 Court Street. Expect locally and seasonally produced fruits and vegetables, meats, dairy, eggs, baked goods, honey, flowers and more.

Hallowell | Saturday, August 22 | 9 a.m.–Noon
Stevens Commons, 2 Beech Street. A Saturday morning stop for fresh local food and products from area growers and producers.

Belgrade Lakes | Sunday, August 23 | 8 a.m.–1 p.m.
7 Lakes Alliance, 137 Main Street. Vendors offer locally grown produce, baked goods, sweet treats and local art, with the market running Sundays through the summer season.

Augusta | Tuesday, August 25 | 2–6 p.m.
Mill Park, 1 Water Street. The Augusta Farmers Market offers vegetables, meats, breads, fruit, spices, flowers, honey, maple syrup and other locally produced goods.

Late Summer Is a Good Time to Give a Thin Lawn Some Help

If your lawn has bare or thin spots after a hot Maine summer, late August is one of the better times to reseed or overseed. University of Maine Cooperative Extension says grass seed generally germinates better in late summer and early fall, when conditions are more favorable than during midsummer heat.

Before adding seed, loosen compacted soil and make sure the new seed has good contact with the ground. Keep the newly seeded area consistently moist while it becomes established.

This week’s expert resource is the University of Maine Cooperative Extension Kennebec County office in Augusta, which provides local residents with research-based gardening and horticulture information.

A Little Movement Still Counts

You don’t need an hour at the gym to do something good for yourself. Take a short walk, get up and move between tasks, or add a few extra minutes on your feet during the day — the CDC’s advice is simple: move more and sit less.

Source: CDC Physical Activity Basics

Operation HOPE Needs More Volunteer Angels | Waterville

Waterville’s Operation HOPE is looking for more Volunteer Angels to help people seeking treatment for substance use disorder. Angels receive training and help participants navigate treatment placement and referrals. The need is real: the program once had 32 Angels and is now operating with just one regular volunteer. The City of Waterville has a Volunteer Angel application available through its Operation HOPE program.

Waterville Rotary Blood Drive | Friday, August 21

The Waterville Rotary Club is holding a blood drive from 9 a.m.–2 p.m. at the Best Western Plus, 375 Main Street in Waterville. If donating blood has been sitting on your “I should do that” list, this is a good opportunity to turn that thought into something that can directly help another person.

Give a Few Hours to Skowhegan’s Trails | Tuesday, August 25

Skowhegan Outdoors is inviting volunteers to help with trail maintenance from 4–8 p.m., followed by a community supper. No experience is necessary, and tools, guidance and the meal are provided. Bring closed-toe work shoes, long pants, work gloves and a water bottle. The event is free.

Hallowell Planning Board | Wednesday, August 19 | 6:00 p.m.
Council Chamber, Hallowell City Hall, 1 Winthrop Street.

Augusta City Council Business Meeting | Thursday, August 20 | 7:00 p.m.
Augusta’s regularly scheduled City Council business meeting.

Waterville Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee | Thursday, August 20 | 11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
City Council Chambers, 46 Front Street.

Gardiner Solid Waste & Recycling Advisory Committee | Monday, August 24 | 4:00–5:30 p.m.
Gardiner City Hall Council Chambers, 6 Church Street.

Waterville Planning Board | Tuesday, August 25 | 6:00 p.m.
City Council Chambers, 46 Front Street. The agenda includes land-use and rezoning matters.

Winthrop Utilities District Board of Trustees | Tuesday, August 25 | 6:00 p.m.
Winthrop Utilities District Office, 29 Bowdoin Street. The meeting is open to the public.

We have selected 2 dogs this week deserving of your attention. The first is from the Humane Society in Waterville and the second is from the Kennebec Valley Humane Society in Augusta. Let's get these dogs adopted!

Fresh Tomato & Corn Salsa

This is a good one for late August, when tomatoes and corn are easy to find at markets around the Valley. It’s simple, fresh, and you can leave out the jalapeño if you don’t want the heat. The recipe comes from the University of Maine Cooperative Extension.

Makes: 6 half-cup servings

Prep Time: About 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 medium fresh tomatoes, finely chopped
• 1 cup corn, fresh, frozen or canned
• ½ cup onion, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon jalapeño pepper, finely chopped — optional
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Directions

If you’re using fresh or frozen corn, cook it first and let it cool. Combine the tomatoes, corn, onion, jalapeño if using, lime juice and minced garlic in a bowl. Mix everything well and serve with tortilla chips or fresh vegetables.

Keep leftovers refrigerated and use them within four days. And one important note from UMaine: this is a fresh salsa recipe, not a recipe for canning or preserving.

Recipe source: University of Maine Cooperative Extension

Wednesday, August 19 — Story & Craft Time | Hallowell
10:30 a.m. at Hubbard Free Library, 115 Second Street. Ms. Becky leads this weekly story and craft time for children.

Wednesday, August 19 — Storytime | Skowhegan
10:30 a.m. at Skowhegan Free Public Library, 9 Elm Street. A weekly Wednesday program for young readers and their families.

Wednesday, August 19 — Bailey Trivia Night | Winthrop
6 p.m. at Bailey Public Library, 39 Bowdoin Street. Trivia Night now meets on the third Wednesday of each month. Bring your own beverage; snacks are provided.

Thursday, August 20 — Bailey Ukulele | Winthrop
5:30–7:30 p.m. at Bailey Public Library. All skill levels are welcome at this weekly Thursday gathering. Bring your own music stand; loaner ukuleles are available.

Thursday, August 20 — Book Bites! | Waterville
7–7:30 p.m. Waterville Public Library’s weekly online read-aloud with Mrs. Liz.

Friday, August 21 — Rhymetime | Waterville
10:30–11 a.m. at Waterville Public Library. Stories, rhymes and songs for babies, toddlers and their grownups.

Friday, August 21 — Sit & Knit | Skowhegan
1–3 p.m. at Skowhegan Free Public Library. The library hosts this fiber-arts gathering every Friday.

Monday, August 24 — Career Help at the Library | Waterville

1–4 p.m. Drop-in career assistance returns to Waterville Public Library.

Monday, August 24 — Bailey Yarn Club | Winthrop
4:30 p.m. at Bailey Public Library. Bring knitting, crochet, sewing, needlepoint or another fiber project. Beginners and experienced makers are welcome, and no registration is required.

Tuesday, August 25 — Tech Help | Winthrop
2:30–4:30 p.m. at Bailey Public Library. Drop in with questions about your phone, tablet, computer or the library’s digital resources.

Tuesday, August 25 — Threads & Tales | Waterville
5–6:30 p.m. at Waterville Public Library. A recurring social gathering for people who enjoy knitting, crocheting and other fiber arts.

Know about an event, fundraiser, community project, business announcement or something else happening around the Kennebec Valley?

Reply to this newsletter and tell me about it.

I’m always looking for the things happening in our towns that deserve a little more attention. Send along the what, where, when and who to contact, and I’ll take a look for an upcoming edition.

If it matters to your community, I want to hear about it. Thank You!

Newsletter Sponsor — Marshall Communications

Marshall Communications helps leaders and organizations build stronger visibility through public relations, personal brand strategy, media relations and strategic networking. Led by Nancy Marshall, The PR Maven®, the firm has built its reputation around a simple idea: Where Relationships Create Results.

North Star Property Solutions

North Star Property Solutions is Central Maine’s Property Preparation Specialist, helping homeowners and real estate professionals get properties ready for what’s next with professional painting, drywall repair and cosmetic improvements. Their Listing Ready™ Priority Program gives real estate agents a reliable path to market-ready listings.

Costello Agency

John Costello helps Maine families protect what matters through mortgage protection life insurance and related life-insurance solutions, with a personal approach focused on helping clients understand their options.

A BIG THANK YOU  to our sponsors who support the newsletter and make it available to you every week.

If you enjoy the Kennebec Valley Voice, the best way to help us grow is simple: share it with someone who loves this part of Maine as much as you do.

Forward this week’s edition to a friend, neighbor or coworker and invite them to join us.

And if you know about an upcoming event, fundraiser, community project or local story we should know about, just reply to this newsletter and tell me about it.

Thanks for reading — and for helping us spread the word about what’s happening around the Kennebec Valley.

The Bankery & Skowhegan Fleuriste | Skowhegan

There are businesses that sell something, and then there are businesses that become part of a downtown.

The Bankery has been doing that in Skowhegan since 2008. What began as a from-scratch bakery in a restored former bank building grew to include Skowhegan Fleuriste next door, creating one of the more unusual combinations you’ll find anywhere in the Valley — pastries, breads, cakes, meals to go, flowers and wedding services all within a few steps of each other.

Eighteen years later, it remains a distinctly Skowhegan business, and that makes The Bankery & Skowhegan Fleuriste this week’s Best of the Kennebec Valley.

One of the things I’m reminded of every week while putting this newsletter together is just how much is happening in the Kennebec Valley.

Not everything makes the evening news. Sometimes it’s a farmers’ market, a library program, a local business quietly marking another year, volunteers giving a few hours to help their neighbors, or a community event that brings people together for an afternoon.

Individually, those things may seem small. Put them all together, though, and they tell a pretty good story about the place we call home.

That’s what I hope the Kennebec Valley Voice does each Wednesday — gives you a few things you didn’t know about, reminds you of a few places you may not have visited lately, and maybe gives you a reason to get out and enjoy the Valley.

Thank you for spending a few minutes with me this week, and thank you to Marshall Communications, our Newsletter Sponsor, for helping make this edition possible.

Scout & I wil see you again next Wednesday.

— Sandy