Sandy Smith
| July 22, 2026|Issue #13|Kennebec Valley, ME |
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Five Hundred Quilts and Fifty Years of Stories Come to Augusta This week, the Augusta Civic Center becomes the largest quilt gallery in Maine. Maine Quilts 2026, presented by the Pine Tree Quilters Guild, runs Thursday through Saturday, July 23–25, filling the Civic Center at 76 Community Drive with more than 500 judged and display quilts — everything from traditional patterns your grandmother would recognize to contemporary art pieces that belong in a museum. If you want a first look, there's an opening preview night Wednesday, July 22 from 7 to 9 PM. The show runs 9 to 5 Thursday and Friday and 9 to 4 Saturday, and there's far more here than quilts on display. Special exhibits include seasonal quilts on loan from the New England Quilt Museum and a collection of crazy quilts from 1880 to 1920 — stitched by Maine hands more than a century ago. There's a merchants mall with vendors from across the country, workshops and lectures with nationally known teachers, raffles and a silent auction, and a children's class Saturday for the youngest stitchers in the family. The Pine Tree Quilters Guild has been at this a long time — it's Maine's statewide quilting guild, with chapters from Kennebunk to Fort Kent — and the show reflects it. This is craftsmanship, patience, and community sewn together, one stitch at a time, and it's right in our backyard. Admission is $15, the building is air conditioned, and parking is free. Full details at mainequilts.org. And here's a thought: every quilt in that hall started as a pile of fabric and an idea. Not a bad reminder for the rest of us about what patience can build. |
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The Pine Tree Quilters Guild presents Maine Quilts each July in Augusta. In what year was the statewide guild first organized?
Answer at the end of the newsletter |
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Wednesday starts unsettled, but the Valley should move into a fine stretch of summer weather from Thursday through the weekend. Keep an eye on the sky Wednesday and again Monday if you have outdoor plans.
Wednesday, July 22: Cloudy and humid with showers and a possible thunderstorm. Some storms may bring strong wind gusts. High near 81, low around 59.
Thursday, July 23: Clouds giving way to sunshine, noticeably less humid and comfortable. High near 76, low around 56.
Friday, July 24: Mostly sunny and warm. High near 83, low around 58.
Saturday, July 25: Mostly sunny — a good day for Maine Quilts, the Bread Fair, or anything else that gets you out of the house. High near 82, low around 58.
Sunday, July 26: More sunshine than clouds with another warm afternoon. High near 83, low around 60.
Monday, July 27: Partly sunny with a chance of afternoon thunderstorms. High near 82, low around 62.
Tuesday, July 28: Mostly sunny and a little cooler. High near 78, low around 60.
Wednesday is the day to keep the umbrella handy. After that, we get several good summer days in a row — or at least that’s what the forecast says today. This is Maine, so looking out the window remains the final authority.
Forecast centered on Augusta and sourced from the National Weather Service Gray/Portland forecast office and current regional forecast data. Conditions may vary across the Kennebec Valley |
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Courtesy of WABI TV 5 |
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Maine Quilts 2026
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Waterfront Wednesdays Concert Series
Art in the Park: Seed Mosaics
Thursday, July 23, from 3 to 5 PM Families can use seeds to create a mosaic to bring home, followed by a reading of Because of an Acorn. The activity is open to all ages and abilities. Rain or extreme heat moves the program inside the Paul J. Schupf Art Center.
Waterville Rocks: The Brothers Comatose
Friday, July 24 — food and beer garden at 6 PM, music at 7 PM The Brothers Comatose bring their mix of fiddle, banjo, guitar, mandolin and upright bass to Head of Falls. Art Rocks activities run from 6 to 8 PM. The rain location is the Waterville Opera House.
Johnson Hall Waterfront Concert
Friday, July 24, from 6 to 7:30 PM Bring a lawn chair or blanket for Johnson Hall’s weekly outdoor concert. Food vendors and children’s activities are part of the evening, and the concert is scheduled rain or shine. Classic Stones LiveSaturday, July 25, at 8 PM An eight-piece band recreates the look and sound of the Rolling Stones, with Keith Call as Mick Jagger and Bernie Bollendorf as Keith Richards. Expect the familiar songs and plenty of rock-and-roll swagger.
MADJB Summer Blast
Sunday, July 26, at 7:30 PM The Middle Aged Dad Jam Band combines live music and comedy, with songs from the 1960s, ’70s and ’80s and a special salute to the 25th anniversary of Wet Hot American Summer
Blues Traveler with Gin Blossoms and Spin Doctors
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Morning Clay at Waterville CreatesTuesdays and Fridays, 10 AM–noon Adults with some clay experience can work independently in the studio during these weekly open sessions. It’s a steady opportunity to keep a project moving, practice your skills, and spend time with other local makers.
Art in the LobbyDaily through September 30 The current lobby exhibition features work by Claire Loon Baldwin. Admission is free, making it an easy stop while you’re downtown for a movie, performance, meal, or farmers’ market visit. |
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Augusta — City Council Informational Meeting, Thursday, July 23, 6:30 PM, Augusta City Center
Wednesday, July 22
A quieter week at the local government level: Waterville's council met Tuesday,July 21
Gardiner's next regular meeting is Wednesday, August 5.
Hallowell and Winslow both met earlier this month. If you've been meaning to see how your local government works, a light week is a fine time to start. |
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Kennebec Networkers BNI
Wednesday, July 22 at 8:00 AM Kennebec Networkers meets Wednesday mornings to exchange referrals, learn about members’ businesses, and build working relationships across the region. This week’s featured speaker is Chad Martin of New York Life. Visitors are welcome, but advance registration is recommended through BNI Maine.
KV Connect & Cynergy: Cocktails and Connect
Thursday, July 23 at 5:00 PM Young professionals from the Kennebec Valley and Mid-Maine regions come together for an evening of conversation and new connections. It is a relaxed way to meet people working across the area without the feel of a formal business meeting.
Dockside Lobster Ribbon Cutting
Friday, July 24 at 3:00 PM The Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce marks a local business milestone with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Dockside Lobster. Ribbon cuttings are open community moments and a good opportunity to welcome a business, meet its owners, and connect with other local professionals.
Ticonic Bridge Ribbon Cutting
Friday, July 24 at 11:30 AM Local leaders and community members gather to recognize the Ticonic Bridge project with a formal ribbon-cutting ceremony. It is a useful chance to hear about the project and connect with people involved in Waterville’s business and civic community. |
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Bridge work begins between Waterville and Winslow
What's next at 300 Water Street
New leadership at Thomas College |
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Property Tip: Prepare Before the Work BeginsA property project usually goes better when the site is ready before the first tool comes out. Clear away outdoor furniture, decorations, hoses, toys, and anything else that could slow the work down or be damaged. Trim back plants where access is needed, make sure gates open properly, and point out any areas of concern before the job starts. A little preparation saves time, protects your belongings, and helps the crew focus on the work you hired them to do. |
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Take a Short Walk After DinnerA 10- to 15-minute walk after dinner is an easy way to add movement without turning it into a workout. It can help you loosen up after sitting, clear your head, and make better use of these long summer evenings. |
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Maine needs blood donors — urgently
The American Red Cross declared an emergency blood shortage this week after the national supply dropped nearly 25 percent in June. Here in Maine, the picture is stark: over the next two weeks, 61 percent of donation appointments are unfilled. The supply is no longer enough to meet patient need, and both blood and platelet donations are needed now. If you've been meaning to give, this is the week. Book an appointment at redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS — and as a thank-you, everyone who donates by the end of July receives a movie ticket worth up to $15. Closer to home, mark your calendar: Waterville Rotary is helping with a blood drive Friday, August 1, from 9 AM to 2 PM at O'Brien's Event Center at the Best Western Plus, 375 Main Street, Waterville. Reserve a spot at redcrossblood.org using ZIP code 04901.
KVCAP is looking for volunteer drivers
Kennebec Valley Community Action Program's volunteer drivers help neighbors get to medical appointments and essential errands — a few hours of your time makes a real difference for someone without transportation. Learn more at kvcap.org. |
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Meet Jada: A Gentle, Loyal Companion Ready for Her Forever Home |
Jada is capturing hearts at the Waterville area Humane Society with her gentle spirit and unwavering devotion to those she loves. Always accompanied by her cherished stuffed toy, this seven-year-old is happiest on car rides or when soaking up your affection with a good belly rub. Best suited for a quieter household, Jada thrives as the only dog, though she might warm up to sharing space with a feline companion. She bonds especially well with adults and older kids, offering her loyal companionship and watchful presence. For anyone searching for a lifelong friend, Jada is more than ready to fill that role. |
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Meet Morado: Energetic Husky Mix Seeking Active, Playful Home |
Morado is making quite an impression at the Kennebec Valley Humane Society with his boundless energy and love of playtime. True to his husky mix roots, he’s spirited, vocal, and sometimes a bit mischievous—especially during games of fetch, where he’s just as likely to keep the ball as bring it back. Food is a huge motivator for Morado, and he’s taken to treat-based training with enthusiasm, quickly learning new tricks and better leash manners. This big, clever pup would thrive in a home ready to keep him active and engaged. While Morado isn’t a fan of cats and can be a little rough with his toys and treats, he’s been making steady progress at KVHS. Families with kids over 12 and playful, tolerant dogs may be a great fit for him. If you think Morado could be your adventure buddy, gather everyone and stop by KVHS to say hello! |
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Maine Blueberry Buckle
Late July means one thing in a Maine kitchen: wild blueberries. This old-fashioned buckle is the kind of thing you'd find at a church supper in Vassalboro — a soft cake loaded with berries, topped with a cinnamon crumb that "buckles" as it bakes. Serves 9 | Prep 15 minutes | Bake 45 minutes For the cake: For the topping: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees and grease a 9-inch square baking pan. Whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt together in a bowl. In a second, larger bowl, cream the sugar and softened butter until light, then beat in the egg. Add the flour mixture and the milk in alternating additions, stirring just until combined — the batter will be thick. Gently fold in the blueberries and spread the batter into your pan. For the topping, stir the sugar, flour, and cinnamon together, then cut in the cold butter with a fork or your fingers until it looks like coarse crumbs. Scatter it evenly over the batter. Bake 40 to 45 minutes, until a toothpick in the center comes out clean and the top is golden. Let it cool a bit before cutting — if you can wait. A scoop of vanilla ice cream on a warm square is strictly optional and highly recommended. |
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Bolley’s Famous Franks
Bolley’s Famous Franks was a childhood favorite of mine, and a recent visit reminded me why. I like them with mustard, relish & onions. The hot dogs are still every bit as good as I remembered, and judging by the steady stream of customers, I’m not the only one who feels that way. Some places become part of your memory. The special ones are still just as good when you go back. Bolley’s remains a Kennebec Valley favorite, and it has earned this week’s spotlight. |
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1978. The Pine Tree Quilters Guild was organized in May 1978 and formally incorporated the following year. |