First Friday, handmade finds and a November week around the Valley | KVV #29
|Subscribe·Archives·Current IssueFirst Friday, handmade finds and a November week around the Valley | KVV #29
Local fairs, free family outings, new openings, college sports and neighbors helping neighbors.
Sandy Smith
Nov 4, 2026
| Weds, Nov 4th|Issue #29|kennevec Valley |
 A November week made close to home Waterville’s First Friday brings music and free activities downtown. Handmade gifts arrive at Ticonic Gallery, and Saturday fairs give you three more reasons to shop close to home. Add college sports, an Oakland trail and a few ways to help your neighbors, and there’s plenty to choose from around the Valley. |
 Which two rivers meet at Fort Halifax Park in Winslow? A. Penobscot and Piscataquis B. Kennebec and Sebasticook C. Androscoggin and Little Androscoggin D. Saco and Ossipee The answer is waiting at the end. |
 A warm start, then a cooler weekend Augusta-area forecast: Wednesday: Some sunshine, 72°/49°. Thursday: Clouds and sun, 67°/55°. Friday: Cloudy, with afternoon rain, 67°/49°. Saturday: Cooler with rain, 54°/42°. Sunday: Partly sunny, 54°/38°. Monday: Increasing sunshine, 54°/38°. Tuesday: A morning shower possible, then partly sunny, 53°/39°. Rain and fallen leaves could make paths slippery Saturday. Forecast retrieved November 3; conditions vary across the Valley. Latest forecast. |
 Winslow residents: a place for those leaves Public Works will accept yard waste Saturday, November 7, 7 a.m.–noon, at 135 Halifax Street. The drop-off is for Winslow residents only. Two more dates follow November 14 and 21. Town notice. Heading out this week? For current construction, closures and travel conditions, use New England 511 before leaving. |
 Good morning, Kennebec Valley. November has arrived, and this week’s calendar has a little of everything: music in Gardiner, free family activities in Waterville and holiday fairs in Readfield, Fairfield and Waterville. I like having choices that don’t require a long drive or a big plan. You can spend an hour downtown, stop at a market, or find something handmade while helping a school or a local veterans’ group. We also have openings in Waterville, local jobs and two animals looking for the right home. Jackson is in foster care through Kennebec Valley Humane Society. Venus is at Somerset Humane Society in Skowhegan. Their details are below. I hope you find something useful—and perhaps somewhere new to visit. We use AI-generated photos in place of actual photographs unless we have the real photo. — Sandy |
 Messalonskee Stream Trail, Oakland There’s a wooded walk tucked beside a waterway many of us cross by car. The Messalonskee Stream Trail winds through hemlock and pine, crosses five footbridges and opens to views of the stream and its hydropower features. The trail manager lists the full out-and-back route at about six miles, with moderate terrain. You can turn around earlier for a shorter outing. This is an up-and-down woodland path, so allow time for footing and daylight rather than treating it as a flat sidewalk stroll. For southern access, look for the TRAIL sign near the Messalonskee Stream bridge on Kennedy Memorial Drive. A small fenced parking area serves the trail. Winter parking is available beside Oakland Town Office. With rain in the weekend forecast, a shorter walk on a drier day may be the better choice. Trail description and map. |
 Waterville First Friday — November 6, 5–7 p.m. Start at the Paul J. Schupf Art Center, 93 Main Street, for giant snowflake making and songs from the Opera House’s Frozen cast. Singing is scheduled for 6 p.m.; children can come dressed as a favorite character. You can also make holiday cards for service members away from home. These activities are free. At Greene Block + Studios, 18 Main Street, a free Zaccai Curtis jazz concert starts at 6 p.m. Maine Film Center also offers half-price concessions all day, excluding alcohol. First Friday details. Made: Maine Makers Market — opens November 5 Ticonic Gallery, 93 Main Street, Waterville, welcomes a seasonal marketplace of locally handmade goods. Formerly the Holiday Bazaar, Made runs through January 25. The gallery is closed Tuesdays and federal holidays. Market details. Black Violin: Be Free Tour — November 5, 7:30 p.m. Johnson Hall Opera House, 280 Water Street, Gardiner, lists the performance at $65. Use the venue’s ticket page for current seats and fees. Tickets and show details. |
 Free movement for little ones Saturday, November 7, 9:30–10:15 a.m., Greene Block + Studios, 18 Main Street, Waterville. Family Move + Groove brings caregivers and children six and under together for guided movement and dance. Details. Try 3D printing Saturday, November 7, 11 a.m.–2 p.m., Ticonic Classroom, 93 Main Street, Waterville. Free, no registration, and all experience levels welcome. Guidance is first come, first served; participants under 18 need parent supervision. Details. A family film afternoon Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron screens Saturday and Sunday, November 7–8, 2:30 p.m., at Maine Film Center, 93 Main Street, Waterville. Rated G, 83 minutes. Youth Arts Access Fund tickets are available through the box office at 207-873-7000. Tickets. Run—or walk—with neighbors Thursday, November 5, 4–5 p.m., from Skowhegan Outdoors Basecamp, 16 Island Avenue. The free Kay Active Fitness run club welcomes beginners and walkers. Details. Community disc golf Saturday, November 7, noon–2 p.m., Quaker Hill Disc Golf, 146 Middle Road, Skowhegan. Discs supplied; $10 per person, with children 12 and under free. Registration and details. A Tuesday craft break November 10, 4–5 p.m., Skowhegan Free Public Library, 9 Elm Street. Skowhegan Outdoors supplies the materials for Outdoorsy Craft Night. Details. Music without a late night Duo Edelen and Friends performs Friday, November 6, noon–1 p.m., at Colby College Museum of Art. On Sunday, November 8, Ed Desjardins plays 5–8 p.m. at The Liberal Cup, 115 Water Street, Hallowell. Museum listing · Liberal Cup. Ladies’ Night Out Dance — Friday, November 6 7–10 p.m. · Best Western Event Center, 375 Main Street, Waterville. Dancing, a DJ, vendor tables and a cash bar. $5 at the door. Chamber event details. |
 Three Saturday holiday fairs — November 7 Waterville, 8 a.m.–2 p.m.: The 80th Annual Holiday Fair at 61 Pleasant Street offers crafts, baked goods, a silent auction, free books and children’s gift shopping. Lunch runs 10:30 a.m.–1 p.m.; takeout is available 8–2. Details. Readfield, 9 a.m.–2 p.m.: Maranacook Middle School, 2245 Millard Harrison Drive, hosts more than 25 vendors and student groups. Proceeds support future eighth-grade events. Details. Fairfield, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.: Shop the VFW craft fair and bake sale in the banquet room at 246 Main Street. Bake-sale and table-fee proceeds assist local veterans and their families. Details. Plan ahead · Community meals Community Holiday Dinner — November 13, 4:30–7 p.m. Alfond Youth & Community Center, 126 North Street, Waterville. Organizer’s event calendar. New Portland · Library Hunters’ Breakfast — November 14, 5–10 a.m. New Portland Community Center, 911 River Road. A full breakfast supports the community library, with breakfast sandwiches to go from 5–6:30 a.m. or until sold out. Everyone is welcome, including nonhunters. Call 207-628-6561 for meal prices. Town event notice. Hosting a fair, community breakfast or cookie swap? Send the town, date, hours, address, price, reservation deadline and organizer’s announcement to Sandy. For cookie swaps, include how many cookies to bring and ingredient-labeling or allergy guidelines. |
 Waterville: Madlyn’s Consignment opens The Mid-Maine Chamber will celebrate Madlyn’s Consignment with a ribbon cutting Wednesday, November 4, at 3 p.m., 46 Main Street. It’s a new downtown opening to have on your radar as holiday shopping begins. Opening celebration. Waterville: King Street Apartments Kennebec Valley Community Action Program celebrates its new King Street Apartments development Thursday, November 5, at 1 p.m., 52 King Street. The listing announces an opening celebration; it does not provide rental availability or application requirements. KVCAP celebration. Skowhegan: Outdoors Basecamp has moved Skowhegan Outdoors is settling into the former fire station at 16 Island Avenue. Programs are limited during the move, and the organization says grand-reopening details will follow. This week’s run club starts from the new address. Organization update. |
 Waterville City Council: Wednesday, November 4, 6 p.m., Council Chambers, 46 Front Street. Historic Preservation Commission: Thursday, November 5, 4–5 p.m., M.J. Roy Conference Room, 1 Common Street. Planning Board: Tuesday, November 10, 6 p.m., Council Chambers, 46 Front Street. City calendar and agendas. Hallowell City Council: Monday, November 9, 6 p.m., Council Chamber, 1 Winthrop Street, with a Zoom option. Municipal calendar. Winthrop School Board: Wednesday, November 4, 6 p.m., Town Office All Purpose Room. Agenda and remote access. Recreation Committee: Thursday, November 5, 5:30 p.m., Town Office, 17 Highland Avenue. The newly reconstituted committee will review its role, planning recommendations and recreation finances. Meeting details. Cemetery Committee: Tuesday, November 10, 4:30 p.m., Town Office small conference room, with Zoom participation. Agenda. Wayne Select Board: Tuesday, November 10, 6:30 p.m., Wayne Elementary School, 48 Pond Road, with a remote option. Agenda and access. Sidney Select Board: Monday, November 9, 6:30 p.m. The town’s regular venue is the Town Office. Town meeting entry. Gardiner City Council: Wednesday, November 4, 6 p.m., City Hall, 6 Church Street. Meeting details. Ambulance Advisory Board: Monday, November 9, 6–7 p.m., City Council Room, same address. Board meeting details. Augusta The city calendar lists a Council business meeting November 5, Conservation Commission November 9 and Planning Board November 10. Current city calendar. Agendas and access arrangements can change before a meeting. |
 Women’s Network Luncheon — Wednesday, November 4, 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. Sarah McNaughton of Wicked Board Charcuterie shares holiday-hosting ideas at the KV Chamber Event Space, 105 Second Street, Hallowell. Lunch by Nellie’s Kitchen. $25 members / $35 nonmembers. Registration. Winthrop Lunch & Learn — Wednesday, November 4, noon–1 p.m. The Winthrop Lakes Region Chamber welcomes the Finance Authority of Maine at Bailey Public Library, 39 Bowdoin Street. Event information. Better Maine: Working With AI — Thursday, November 5, 12:30–5:15 p.m. CMGC and Dirigo Labs bring employers, educators and workforce leaders to Greene Block + Studios, 18 Main Street, Waterville. The program covers AI’s workforce impact and practical workplace questions, with a closing reception at Lockwood Hotel. Registration is required. Program and registration. Two ribbon cuttings Madlyn’s Consignment: Wednesday, November 4, 3 p.m., 46 Main Street, Waterville. KVCAP King Street Apartments: Thursday, November 5, 1 p.m., 52 King Street, Waterville. See the Business Pulse links above for the opening celebrations. Compost Party — Sunday, November 8, 3:30–6 p.m. Meet ScrapDogs at Viles Arboretum, 153 Hospital Street, Augusta. This free public gathering includes a presentation around 4:30 p.m., questions and conversation about composting in Maine. Details. BNI Kennebec Networkers — Hallowell Wednesday, November 4 (regular schedule): 8 a.m., Thomas College Ice Vault, 203 Whitten Road. BNI Elm City Referral Source — Waterville Thursday, November 5 (regular schedule): 8:30–10 a.m., Mid-Maine Chamber, 50 Elm Street. BNI Referral Masters — online Tuesday, November 10 (regular schedule): 10:30 a.m. BNI times are regular chapter schedules. Kennebec Networkers · Elm City Referral Source · Referral Masters. Visitors should arrange a visit through BNI Maine so the chapter can confirm the date and meeting arrangements. |
 Waterville — Thursday, November 5, 2–6 p.m. Head of Falls, 60 Front Street. The market’s November location is still outdoors; the indoor season begins in December. Market details. Skowhegan — Saturday, November 7, 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Maine Grains area, 42 Court Street, near Court and High streets. November hours start at 10 a.m., an hour later than the summer schedule. The market remains outdoors this month. Market details. A market stop is a useful way to pick up ingredients for the week and talk directly with the people who grow and make your food. |
 Waterville — Executive Assistant, part time The city seeks an organized professional to support the City Manager and Assistant City Manager. Posted October 29; listed open until filled. Waterville — Public Works Laborer A full-time, entry-level position in the city’s Public Works Department; listed open until filled. Waterville — Quarry Road Trails Program Coordinator Outdoor recreation coordination for the winter season; listed open until filled. Augusta — Civic Center Event Security Staff Part-time work listed on the city’s current employment page. Augusta — Mechanic I / Truck Driver II A named opening on the city’s employment page, alongside Heavy Equipment Operator II. Skowhegan — Executive Secretary to Town Manager The town’s careers page continues to list this administrative vacancy as open until filled. Listings checked November 3. For requirements and applications: Waterville · Augusta · Skowhegan. |
 Make room for a little movement. A short brisk walk or an indoor activity break can help you build toward the CDC’s weekly goal of 150 minutes of moderate activity for adults. You can spread that time across the week in smaller chunks. Choose an activity that fits your abilities; at moderate intensity, you can talk but not sing. Adults also need muscle-strengthening activity at least two days a week. CDC activity guidance |
 Give your smoke alarms a November check. Press each alarm’s test button and check its manufacture date. NFPA recommends monthly testing and replacing smoke alarms 10 years after manufacture. Follow your model’s instructions for battery replacement. NFPA smoke-alarm guidance |
 Camp Out Hunger continues through Friday 92 Moose and B98.5 are collecting nonperishable food and donations at the Sam’s Club parking lot in the Marketplace at Augusta through November 6. Food supports the Capital Region Salvation Army. Pet food and kitty litter support Kennebec Valley Humane Society and Spectrum Generations’ AniMeals program. Requested staples include peanut butter, cereal, pasta, canned vegetables and shelf-stable milk. A few items from a grocery trip can help stock a neighbor’s cupboard. Organizer’s announcement. Augusta — clothing and hygiene essentials Addie’s Attic and the Everyday Basic Essentials Hygiene Pantry at Bridging the Gap, 209 Eastern Avenue, open Tuesdays and Thursdays 10 a.m.–1:45 p.m. Call 207-620-2584 for program information or 207-458-7088 about clothing donations. Program details. Fairfield — food pantry Thursday The state directory lists Fairfield Interfaith Food Pantry, 23 Lawrence Avenue, for the first and third Thursdays, 9 a.m.–noon and 5–7 p.m. This week’s date is November 5. Contact 207-509-9972 about intake. Madison-area food access People Who Care Food Cupboard, 376 Lakewood Road, Madison, is listed Wednesdays 9–11:45 a.m. and Saturdays 9–11 a.m. Its service area includes several surrounding towns. Call 207-399-0452 about eligibility and intake. State pantry directory. Skowhegan — food cupboard contact Skowhegan Community Food Cupboard is at 16 Cariani Street. Call 207-474-9249 for current distribution arrangements. Blood donors Find a local appointment through the American Red Cross or call 1-800-733-2767. |
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Jackson is a two-year-old Border Collie / American Pit Bull Terrier mix in foster care through Kennebec Valley Humane Society.
He needs a home with no other animals and no children under eight.
Call 207-626-3491 to arrange a meeting; his listed adoption fee is $250. Read More... |
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Venus is an independent black-and-white adult cat at Somerset Humane Society in Skowhegan.
She enjoys company and needs room for her own space, including when sharing a home with other cats.
Her listed fee is $80; call 207-474-6493 to ask about meeting her. Read More... |
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One packet, two cans, three pounds of beef.
This classic oven supper turns a short shopping list into tender beef and rich gravy.
Serve it over noodles, rice or mashed potatoes. Read More... |
 Thomas men’s soccer: a postseason night at Smith Field Wednesday, November 4, 7 p.m. — Thomas hosts UMaine–Farmington in a NAC semifinal in Waterville. Current schedule. Thomas men’s basketball home opener Friday, November 6, 7 p.m. — Southern Maine visits Larry Mahaney Gymnasium, 180 West River Road, Waterville. Schedule. Saturday football at Colby November 7, 1 p.m. — The Mules host Tufts in Waterville. Schedule and coverage. Colby volleyball: NESCAC quarterfinal Saturday, November 7, 3 p.m. — Hamilton visits the Margaret M. Crook Center in Waterville. Colby enters the tournament as the top seed. Postseason preview. Thomas volleyball Senior Day Saturday, November 7, 1 and 3 p.m. — Husson visits for a doubleheader at Larry Mahaney Gymnasium. Schedule. Thomas women’s basketball on the road The Terriers play at Elms in Chicopee, Massachusetts, Saturday, November 7, 3 p.m., then at Mount Holyoke in South Hadley Sunday, November 8, noon. Women’s schedule. Thomas watch and live-stat links · Colby coverage. Postseason schedules can change. |
 Championship week for field hockey The MPA calendar places the North regional finals at Messalonskee High School on Wednesday, November 4. State championship games follow Saturday, November 7, at Edward Little High School in Auburn. MPA tournament information. Friday football playoff watch The November 6 tournament listings include Skowhegan–Cony, Fryeburg–Lawrence, Madison–Winslow and Morse–Winthrop. Kickoff times and venues can change during tournament week; use the host school’s game announcement before leaving. Tournament board. |
 Episode 16: Living the Life I Choose — Jennifer Goddard  Jennifer Goddard of Bangor’s Thriving Proof joins Sandy on Maine Thrive Voices. Their conversation follows her move to Maine to be closer to her grandchildren, her experience becoming USOA Mrs. Maine 2025, and the story behind her business and book. The 38-minute episode is now available on Spotify and other podcast platforms. Listen to Jennifer’s episode on Amazon Music · Choose Spotify, Apple Podcasts or another platform |
 The Liberal Cup · 115 Water Street, Hallowell A November outing can end with something warm at the table. The Liberal Cup’s menu gives you several ways to do that: beer-cheese soup, chowder, baked French onion soup or a plate of poutine with hand-cut fries, Maine cheese curds and gravy. For a smaller meal, start with a cup of soup and consider the lunch-only soup-and-half-wrap combination. The beer-cheese soup changes with the brews and cheeses being used, so ask what’s in the pot that day. Daily specials change too; the regular menu is a better starting point when planning ahead. Kitchen hours: Monday–Thursday, 11:30 a.m.–8 p.m.; Friday–Saturday, 11:30 a.m.–9 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.–8 p.m. That leaves room for lunch after a downtown errand or supper following a Valley outing. Call 207-623-2739 with questions about the day’s offerings. Food menu · Daily specials and current hours. |
 Veterans Day — Wednesday, November 11 Waterville and Fairfield list municipal office closures. Plan routine town-office errands before the holiday. Storytelling for your business — November 12, 7:15–9 a.m. MaineGeneral’s Nicole McSweeney and Joy McKenna speak at Mid-Maine Chamber’s business breakfast, Best Western Plus, 375 Main Street, Waterville. $28 members / $34 nonmembers. Register. Frozen takes the stage — November 13–29 Disney’s Frozen comes to Waterville Opera House. Performance dates and tickets. KV Chamber at Maine State Museum — November 18, 5–7 p.m. Business After Hours at 230 State Street, Augusta. Museum event information. Festival of Trees season The Fairfield festival at KVCC Carter Hall runs November 20–22 and 27–29. Skowhegan Chamber’s separate festival follows December 3–6 at T&B’s Celebration Center, 414 Madison Avenue. Fairfield festival · Skowhegan events. |
 A small stop can make a good afternoon. You don’t have to fit everything into one weekend. A fair in your own town, a short trail walk or an hour of music can be enough. And if you’re already making a grocery trip, Camp Out Hunger is still collecting through Friday. It’s a simple chance to add something for another household—or a neighbor’s pet. Have a local opening, event or story we should know about? Send me a note. I’m always glad to hear what’s happening in your corner of the Valley. Scout and I will see you next Wednesday. — Sandy |
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 B. Kennebec and Sebasticook. The two rivers meet at Fort Halifax Park in Winslow. The confluence helped make this an important travel and settlement location. More from the Town of Winslow. |