Gardiner Opens the Door on Its Next Decade

Gardiner is doing something this week that residents do not get many chances to do: walk into a room and help shape what their city should look like ten years from now.

The city’s Gardiner 2036 comprehensive-planning effort moves into four days of open-studio sessions Wednesday through Saturday at 267 Water Street, across from Johnson Hall. Instead of requiring residents to sit through one long municipal meeting, the planning team is setting up downtown and inviting people to stop in, ask questions and leave their ideas.

Wednesday includes a 2 PM Housing Workshop covering affordability and the kinds of housing that fit Gardiner’s downtown, villages and rural areas, followed by a 4 PM Natural Resources & Open Space Workshop. Thursday morning brings an Economic Development Workshop at 9 AM.

The week finishes Saturday with a Family-Friendly Future Planning Open House and Block Party from 10:30 AM–2:30 PM in the Water Street/Johnson Hall area.

Housing, business development, transportation, open space and municipal investment are decisions that will affect Gardiner long after this week is over. This is the week residents get invited into the conversation.

Gardiner became a city more than 175 years ago. In what year was it officially incorporated as a city?

A. 1820
B. 1837
C. 1849
D. 1865

We’ll hold the answer until the absolute bottom of the newsletter.

Gardiner is doing something this week that more towns ought to make easier: giving residents a simple way to walk in, ask questions, and say what they want their community to look like ten years from now.

You do not need to sit through a three-hour meeting or understand municipal planning language. Gardiner 2036 is opening the door and inviting people into the process. That makes this week’s Hero worth paying attention to.

We also have a full Kennebec Valley edition ahead — events in Waterville, business news, farmers’ markets, community updates, and Nancy Marshall on Maine Thrive Voices.

A thank-you to Marshall Communications, this week’s Kennebec Valley Voice Newsletter Sponsor, for helping us keep this publication free and focused on the people and communities of Central Maine.

Grab your coffee. Let’s see what is happening around the Valley this week.

— Sandy

Wednesday, Sept. 16 — 75° / 57°
A comfortable day with a mix of clouds and sun.

Thursday, Sept. 17 — 72° / 61°
Some sun early, then increasing clouds with a passing afternoon shower possible.

Friday, Sept. 18 — 75° / 48°
Mostly sunny and pleasant.

Saturday, Sept. 19 — 68° / 51°
Cooler with a mix of sun and clouds.

Sunday, Sept. 20 — 64° / 51°
Rain is most likely during the morning, with clouds hanging around afterward.

Monday, Sept. 21 — 67° / 52°
Cloudy with showers possible during the day.

Tuesday, Sept. 22 — 66° / 49°
A stray morning shower is possible, followed by considerable cloudiness.

The bigger change comes over the weekend, when daytime temperatures settle back into the 60s and shower chances increase. The current Augusta-area NWS forecast also shows the cooler weekend pattern.

Carter Memorial Bridge — One-Way Traffic Between Waterville and Winslow

Drivers traveling between Waterville and Winslow should allow a little extra time for the next several weeks.

Beginning Tuesday evening, September 15, the Carter Memorial Bridge is reduced to one-way traffic while construction continues. Traffic can cross the bridge from Winslow into Waterville, but drivers heading from Waterville into Winslow must use the Ticonic Bridge instead.

The work includes replacing the bridge’s wearing surface, installing new membrane and pavement, and replacing aging expansion joints. The current schedule calls for the traffic restriction to continue until near the end of October.

The good news for drivers is that the new Ticonic Bridge is now open to two-way traffic, giving Waterville-to-Winslow drivers a direct detour across the Kennebec.

Vaughan Woods — Hallowell

Vaughan Woods is one of those places that can make you forget how close you still are to downtown Hallowell.

The preserve covers roughly 197 acres along Vaughan Brook, with an easy trail system that winds through mature woods, over stone bridges, and along the water. The Corniche and Loop together are about two miles, making this a good choice for an afternoon walk without turning it into an all-day hike.

What gives Vaughan Woods its character are the historic bridges tucked into the landscape. The trail system includes Driving Bridge from 1909, Uncle Sam’s Bridge from 1900, Memorial Bridge from 1905, and High Arch Bridge from 1930.

The woods are open daily from dawn to dusk, with access near Middle Street/Litchfield Road and another approach behind Hall-Dale High School. This feature is about the woods and trails; the Vaughan Homestead itself should not be treated as open for unscheduled visits

A quiet walk, moving water, old stonework, and no long drive required. That earns Vaughan Woods a spot as this week’s Hidden Gem.

Modern Biology — Waterville
Wednesday, September 16 | 7:30 PM
Waterville Opera House, 1 Common Street

Musician and biologist Tarun Nayar turns plant bioelectricity, environmental signals and modular synthesizers into a live ambient performance. It is part science experiment, part concert, and unlike most things you will hear on a Maine stage this week. Tickets are listed at $25–$35.

Community Raku Firing — Waterville
Saturday, September 19 | 10 AM–4 PM
Art of Clay Studio, Paul J. Schupf Art Center, 93 Main Street

This one is hands-on. Adults 18 and older can glaze and fire their own ceramic pieces using the fast, dramatic Raku firing process. The session is limited to 10 participants, with a listed cost of $46.

Graham Nash — Live on Tour 2026 — Waterville
Sunday, September 20 | 7:30 PM
Waterville Opera House, 1 Common Street

Graham Nash brings six decades of music to Waterville, with a career-spanning show covering his years with The Hollies, Crosby, Stills & Nash, CSNY, and his solo work. Published ticket pricing runs from $70 to $335, with VIP packages also available.

Josh Blue — Waterville
Friday, September 18 | 8 PM
Waterville Opera House, 1 Common Street

Comedian Josh Blue brings his stand-up show to the Opera House Friday night. The event remains on Waterville Creates’ current calendar for Sept. 18.

Fix It with 3D Printing — Waterville
Saturday, September 19 | 10 AM–2 PM
Ticonic Classroom, 93 Main Street

Bring a small household problem that could use a creative solution. Instructor Stephen LaRochelle shows participants how to design simple replacement parts and functional objects with beginner-friendly 3D modeling tools. Free, but registration is required. Ages 13+, limited to 10 participants.

National Treasure — Waterville
Saturday & Sunday, September 19–20 | 2:30 PM
Maine Film Center, Paul J. Schupf Art Center, 93 Main Street

If chasing historical clues with Nicolas Cage sounds like a good weekend afternoon, the Maine Film Center has two screenings of National Treasure, one Saturday and one Sunday at 2:30 PM.

Ticonic Maker Studio — Waterville
Sunday, September 20 | 11 AM–3 PM
Ticonic Classroom, 93 Main Street

This is a free drop-in open studio for all ages and experience levels. September’s materials are oil pastels and board, and no registration is required

Here are the public meetings worth noting across the Kennebec Valley this week.

Wednesday, September 16

Waterville Impact Task Force — 2:00–3:00 PM
City Council Chambers, 1 Common Street, Waterville.

Augusta Rebrand Committee — 5:30 PM
Augusta City Hall, 16 Cony Street, Augusta. The committee normally meets in a second-floor conference room.

Hallowell Planning Board — 6:00 PM
Council Chamber, Hallowell City Hall, 1 Winthrop Street, Hallowell.

Thursday, September 17

Oakland KRDA General Assembly — 5:00–7:00 PM
Oakland Police Department, 7 Fairfield Street, Oakland.

Augusta City Council Business Meeting — 7:00 PM
Augusta City Hall, 16 Cony Street, Augusta.

Waterville Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee — 11:30 AM–1:00 PM
City Council Chambers, 1 Common Street, Waterville. The current city calendar now confirms Sept. 17.

Monday, September 21

China Select Board — 6:00 PM
Town Office Meeting Room, 571 Lakeview Drive, China.

Oakland Memorial Hall Preservation Committee — 6:00–7:00 PM
Oakland Police Department, 7 Fairfield Street, Oakland.

Tuesday, September 22

Augusta Lithgow Library Trustees — 4:00 PM
Lithgow Public Library, 45 Winthrop Street, Augusta.

Hallowell Recreation Commission — 5:00 PM
Hallowell Fire Station, 2 Coos Lane, Hallowell.

Waterville Planning Board — 6:00 PM
City Council Chambers, 1 Common Street, Waterville.

China Planning Board — 6:00 PM
Town Office, 571 Lakeview Drive, China.

Central Maine professionals have several opportunities this week to make connections, build referral relationships and meet other local business owners.

Wednesday, September 16

Kennebec Networkers BNI — 8:00 AM
Thomas College Ice Vault, 203 Whitten Road, Hallowell
Weekly referral-networking meeting for local business owners and professionals. Visitors are welcome.

Mid-Maine Chamber Business After Hours — 5:30–7:00 PM
Paul J. Schupf Art Center / Waterville Opera House, 93 Main Street, Waterville
Hosted by Golden Pond Wealth Management and the Waterville Opera House, with informal networking and connections among area businesses.

Thursday, September 17

Elm City Referral Source BNI — 8:30–10:00 AM
Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce, 50 Elm Street, Waterville
Weekly structured referral networking for Central Maine business professionals. Visitors are welcome.

Waterville Arts Investment Is Paying Off Downtown

Waterville’s long-term bet on arts and downtown redevelopment is producing measurable results. The Loon Room, a new coffee, drinks and local-food gathering place at 252 Main Street, opened this summer and is adding open mics, comedy and community discussions to downtown. Colby College has invested about $85 million in downtown revitalization, Waterville Creates attracts roughly 100,000 visitors annually, and downtown visits have increased 11% over the past three years.

Maine Children’s Home Opens Expanded Center for Families — Waterville

Maine Children’s Home has opened its new Center for Families at 93 Silver Street, bringing parenting education, adoption support, family mental-health counseling and children’s case-management services together under one roof. The approximately 7,600-square-foot facility was renovated in part with $525,000 in federal funding, and the expansion is expected to allow the organization to serve more families and add clinicians as demand grows.

Wing’s Custom Apparel Celebrates New China Location

A new locally owned business is putting down roots in China. Wing’s Custom Apparel recently celebrated a ribbon cutting at 12 Old Windsor Road, adding another small business to the town’s local commercial mix. The opening was recognized through the regional business-community calendar on September 2.

New Augusta Bus Route Could Improve Access to Jobs and Shopping

Kennebec Valley Community Action Program is preparing a four-month fixed-route bus trial in Augusta, including service along the Water Street and Western Avenue corridors and connections to major employment and shopping destinations. If ridership supports it, the pilot could lead to additional routes — making this both a transportation story and an economic-access story for Augusta businesses and workers.

Central Maine Growth Council Adds New Economic-Development Role

The Central Maine Growth Council has created a new Innovation and Development Specialist position, filled by Amanda Wrigley. The role focuses on entrepreneurship, workforce development, business support and expanding the region’s innovation network, including work with Dirigo Labs. For Waterville, Fairfield, Oakland, Winslow and surrounding communities, it adds another person specifically tasked with helping Central Maine companies and entrepreneurs grow.

Fresh produce, local meats, baked goods and more are still easy to find around the Kennebec Valley as the fall market season continues.

Fairfield Farmers’ Market — Wednesday, September 16 | 2:00–6:00 PM
Church of the Nazarene parking lot, 81 Main Street, Fairfield
A midweek stop for fresh produce, baked goods, honey, flowers and other locally produced goods. The market continues through October 31.

Downtown Waterville Farmers’ Market — Thursday, September 17 | 2:00–6:00 PM
Head of Falls Park, 60 Front Street, Waterville
The outdoor market continues into November with produce, meats, cheeses, baked goods and other items from area farms and producers.

Hallowell Farmers’ Market — Saturday, September 19 | 9:00 AM–Noon
Stevens School property, Hallowell
A Saturday morning market with local farms and food producers serving the Hallowell area.

Skowhegan Farmers’ Market — Saturday, September 19 | 9:00 AM–1:00 PM
Maine Grains / Court and High Street area, Skowhegan
A strong Saturday market with seasonal produce, meats, dairy, baked goods and other Maine-made products.

Fairfield Farmers’ Market — Saturday, September 19 | 9:30 AM–1:30 PM
Church of the Nazarene parking lot, 81 Main Street, Fairfield
Fairfield’s second market day of the week gives shoppers another chance to buy directly from local vendors.

Augusta Farmers Market at Mill Park — Tuesday, September 22 | 2:00–6:00 PM
Mill Park, 1 Water Street, Augusta
The Tuesday market continues the late-season run with local produce, meats, breads, baked goods and other Maine-grown and Maine-made products.

Property Maintenance: Catch the Small Problems Before Winter

September is a good time to walk the outside of your home and look for the little things that turn expensive once cold weather arrives. Check for peeling paint, cracked caulking around windows and doors, loose trim, damaged siding, and places where water may be getting behind exterior surfaces.

Inside, look for small drywall cracks, water stains, or areas around windows that feel drafty. Taking care of those repairs now is usually easier — and less expensive — than waiting until snow, ice and freezing temperatures make the problem worse.

Movement: Ten Minutes Still Counts

You do not need a full workout to get moving. A brisk 10-minute walk after lunch or dinner can break up a long stretch of sitting, loosen stiff joints, and add meaningful activity to your day.

If ten minutes is what you have, use the ten minutes.

Here are several ways to lend a hand around the Kennebec Valley this week — from donating blood to helping stock a food pantry or clothing bank.

United Way of Kennebec Valley Campaign Kickoff — Augusta
Wednesday, September 16 | 7:30–9:00 AM

Augusta Civic Center, 15 Enterprise Drive, Augusta
United Way launches its 2026 “United is the Way” campaign, bringing local businesses, nonprofits and community leaders together around needs throughout the Valley.

Community Blood Drive — Augusta
Thursday, September 17 | 10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Buker Community Center, 22 Armory Street, Augusta
The City of Augusta recreation calendar confirms a blood drive Thursday at Buker Community Center.

Augusta Food Bank — Food Donations & Volunteers
161 Mount Vernon Avenue, Augusta

The Food Bank accepts donations Monday through Thursday, 9 AM–3 PM and is also looking for substitute volunteers. Current high-need foods include peanut butter, mac and cheese, juice boxes, cereal bars, canned pasta, corn, baked beans and soup.

Addie’s Attic & Everyday Basic Essentials — Augusta
Bridging the Gap, 209 Eastern Avenue, Augusta

Addie’s Attic provides free clothing and accepts gently used, laundered clothing and linens. The organization asks donors to call 207-458-7088 before bringing clothing so donations match current needs. Its hygiene pantry is currently looking for items including toilet paper, shampoo, toothpaste, soap, feminine products, diapers and wipes. Donations can be dropped off Monday through Thursday, 9 AM–3 PM.

Bread of Life Soup Kitchen — Volunteers Needed
157 Water Street, Augusta

Bread of Life is currently seeking volunteers for its soup kitchen, with flexible shifts based on availability. The opportunity is listed as ongoing through VolunteerME Kennebec Valley.

Every week, our Furry Friends come to us from two wonderful organizations helping animals across the Kennebec Valley — the Kennebec Valley Humane Society in Augusta and the Humane Society Waterville Area.

Their teams care for animals who need a little help finding their way to the right home, and we’re always happy to introduce a couple of those furry neighbors to you.

Maybe one of this week’s featured friends is the one you’ve been waiting to meet.

MY ADOPTION FEE IS WAIVED!
Meet Jada!
Jada is a 7 year old sweetheart who never goes anywhere without her baby. She loves car rides, belly rubs, and spending time with her favorite people. Jada would prefer to be your one and only dog, may be willing to try living with a cat, and does best with older kids and adults. She's loyal, protective of her home, and ready to be someone's best friend for life!

Meet Loki,

Loki is an absolute lovebug that will be devoted to his new family. He is looking for someone to help build his confidence in new situations. Loki's ideal home will have an adult who works from home or is able to take Loki to work, or who is retired and home all the time. We think he will do well with children ages 5 years old and up and shine as the only animal in your home.

If you are interested in meeting Loki, please stop by KVHS with all human family members.

Apple Cinnamon Bread

Apple season is arriving in Maine, and this week’s recipe puts those fresh apples to very good use. This moist apple bread is filled with cinnamon and topped with a little brown sugar — just right with morning coffee or as an afternoon snack.

You can bake it as one loaf or turn the same batter into muffins.

Ingredients

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• 1¼ cups unsweetened applesauce

• ⅓ cup canola or vegetable oil

• 2 large eggs

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1 cup whole-wheat flour

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

• 1 medium apple, diced

For the topping

• 3 tablespoons brown sugar

• ½ teaspoon cinnamon

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.

2. In a small bowl, combine the sugar, applesauce, oil and eggs.

3. In a large bowl, combine both flours, baking powder and cinnamon.

4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir just until combined.

5. Fold in the diced apple.

6. Pour into a greased 9-by-5-inch loaf pan.

7. Mix the brown sugar and cinnamon and sprinkle over the top.

8. Bake about 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

9. Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before removing.

Muffin option: Fill muffin cups about three-quarters full and bake regular-size muffins for about 20 minutes.

A warm slice of apple-cinnamon bread is a pretty good sign that fall in Maine is getting close.

Waterville Elks BINGO
Wednesday, Sept. 16 at 6:00 PM.

Homeschool Hub: LEGOS with Friends — Waterville Public Library
Thursday, Sept. 17, 1:00–2:00 PM. Preschool through elementary-age homeschoolers are invited for an afternoon of LEGO building and fun.

Rhymetime — Waterville Public Library
Friday, Sept. 18, 10:30–11:00 AM. Songs and stories for babies, toddlers and their grownups. This week’s alphabet theme is the letter B.

Career Help @ the Library — Waterville Public Library
Monday, Sept. 21, 1:00–4:00 PM. Free drop-in help from a CareerCenter consultant for job searching, résumés and career questions.

Crafternoons: Scrappy Lion — Waterville Public Library
Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2:30–4:00 PM. A free weekly craft activity for young children and their families; materials are provided.

Have Something Happening in the Kennebec Valley?

We want to hear about it.

If your town, school, nonprofit, community group, or local organization has an upcoming event, announcement, milestone, or story worth sharing, send it our way. The Kennebec Valley Voice is built around what is happening in the communities we all call home.

Submit your news https://mainevalleyvoicesmedia.com/submit-news

A1 Diner — Gardiner

Some places are worth a stop for the food. Others are worth a stop because they are part of the character of the town. A1 Diner manages to be both.

Set inside a classic Worcester lunch car in downtown Gardiner, A1 has the kind of personality you cannot manufacture — a little history, a little quirk, and the feeling that you have found a place that belongs exactly where it is.

It is the sort of local spot we like to celebrate in the Kennebec Valley Voice: distinctive, memorable, and very much its own thing. If you have never been, put it on your list.

If you enjoy the Kennebec Valley Voice, one of the best ways you can help us grow is simply to share it with someone else who cares about what is happening around the Valley.

Forward this edition to a friend, neighbor, coworker or family member in Augusta, Waterville, Gardiner, Hallowell, Fairfield, Skowhegan or anywhere in between.

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And if you know about an event, community project, local milestone or story we should be covering, send it our way.

Submit news here:https://mainevalleyvoicesmedia.com/submit-news

The Things a Town Chooses to Plan For

Gardiner’s planning sessions this week got me thinking about how communities change.

Most of the time, change does not arrive all at once. It happens through a lot of smaller decisions — where people can afford to live, what happens downtown, which open spaces are protected, how roads and neighborhoods connect, and whether a town still feels like home as it grows.

Those decisions can sound pretty ordinary when they show up on a meeting agenda. Ten years later, they may be the reason a community feels stronger — or the reason people wish someone had paid more attention.

That is why I like what Gardiner is doing this week. They are not asking residents to sit through hours of government process. They are opening the door and inviting people to walk in, ask questions, and offer ideas about what their city should look like in the years ahead.

A good community does not happen by accident. A lot of it comes down to people caring enough to help shape what comes next.

Scout & I look forward to seeing youn next week!

Sandy

Answer: C. 1849

Gardiner was incorporated as a city by an act of the Maine Legislature in 1849.