Sandy Smith
Oct 7, 2026
| Weds, Oct 7, 2026|Issue #25|Kennebec Valley |
Water Street Makes Room for Neighbors
October 7–13, 2026
A good community event gives people a reason to spend a little more time downtown. This Saturday, October 10, Swine & Stein Brewfest does that on Water Street in Gardiner, bringing Maine-made drinks, food and an afternoon of company into the heart of the city.
The festival runs from noon to 5 p.m. VIP tasting takes place from noon to 1 p.m., with general admission beginning at 1. Advance general tickets are $45, VIP tickets are $55, and a $10 designated-driver ticket includes unlimited water and soda. Food is purchased separately, so leave room in the plan for something to eat as well as something to sample.
There is a practical community story behind the celebration, too. Gardiner Main Street, the nonprofit organizing the event, uses proceeds to support its work downtown. That makes the afternoon part of the ongoing effort to bring people, activity and attention to the businesses and public spaces along Water Street. A festival ticket is one way to participate; taking time to notice what downtown offers is another.
For anyone planning a first visit, the festival’s GPS address is 218 Water Street. The organizer identifies parking at City Hall, on Arcade Street and along the waterfront. The event goes ahead rain or shine, so dress for an October afternoon and arrange a safe ride home before you arrive. Alcohol service is for guests 21 and older; minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Gardiner gives the Valley a lively Saturday gathering place this week. Make it a visit with enough breathing room to enjoy the afternoon, spend time with the people you came with and appreciate the downtown hosting it.
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Trivia QuestionIf you travel along the Kennebec River from Waterville to Maine’s capital, Augusta, are you heading upstream or downstream?
A. Upstream / B. Downstream
Answer at the bottom of the newsletter |
Your Kennebec Valley WeatherOctober 7–13 Cool mornings, a mostly bright weekend and a warmer Monday are in the outlook. Here’s the Augusta-area forecast; conditions may vary across the Valley.
Wednesday, October 7: Partly sunny. High 60°F / Low 48°F.
Thursday, October 8: Clouds and sun with a brief shower possible. High 67°F / Low 48°F.
Friday, October 9: Partly sunny. High 63°F / Low 42°F.
Saturday, October 10: Plenty of sunshine. High 61°F / Low 41°F.
Sunday, October 11: Mostly sunny. High 64°F / Low 52°F.
Monday, October 12: Cloudy and warmer. High 70°F / Low 47°F.
Tuesday, October 13: Cloudy and cooler. High 59°F / Low 45°F.
Early-morning heads-up: A National Weather Service frost advisory is in effect for the Augusta area until 8 a.m. Wednesday. Protect tender plants Tuesday night and allow an extra minute for a chilly morning start. |
Know Before You GoPlan around Monday’s library closure. Waterville Public Library will be closed Monday, October 12. If a library visit is on your list, build it into another day’s plans.
An Augusta meeting is cancelled. The Planning Board meeting scheduled for Tuesday, October 13 has been cancelled. The city’s meeting detail page carries the cancellation, although the general calendar still retains the entry.
Heading to Swine & Stein? Gardiner’s Saturday festival takes place rain or shine. VIP tasting begins at noon; general admission starts at 1 p.m. Food is purchased separately. Arrange your ride home ahead of time, and remember that alcohol service is limited to guests 21 and older. |
Can't Miss EventsOctober 7–13 Swine & Stein Brewfest — GardinerSaturday, October 10 | Noon–5 p.m. Spend an autumn afternoon downtown with Maine-made drinks, food and neighbors. VIP tasting runs noon–1 p.m.; general admission begins at 1 p.m. Advance tickets are $45 general admission, $55 VIP and $10 for designated drivers, whose tickets include unlimited water and soda. Food is purchased separately. The festival goes ahead rain or shine. Alcohol service is for guests 21 and older; minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Wabanaki Artisan Celebration — WatervilleSaturday, October 10 | 11 a.m.–2 p.m. Explore Wabanaki arts and traditions through an artisan market, storytelling, birchbark etching and drumming. The celebration welcomes all ages and abilities. Advance registration is required for the Voices from the Barrens film screening. Explore the program and register for the film
Golden Girls: The Laughs Continue — WatervilleWednesday, October 7 | 7 p.m. An adult stage comedy brings familiar characters back together for another round of laughs. Tickets: $60–$70, including the per-ticket handling fee. Not recommended for audiences under 18.
ABBA Tribute Concert — WatervilleThursday, October 8 | 7:30 p.m. Make Thursday a music night with an ABBA tribute performance. Tickets: $56–$141, including the per-ticket handling fee. This performance is eligible for the Youth Arts Access Fund.
Tusk — WatervilleFriday, October 9 | 8 p.m. The Fleetwood Mac tribute band takes the Opera House stage Friday evening. Tickets: $50–$60, including the per-ticket handling fee.
Bluebird Improv — WatervilleSaturday, October 10 | 8 p.m. Conversations with the audience help shape an evening of improvised comedy. Tickets: $47–$57, including the per-ticket handling fee.
Run Club with Kay Active Fitness — SkowheganThursday, October 8 | 5–6 p.m. Walkers, new runners and experienced runners are welcome at this all-levels outing. Bring suitable shoes, layers and water for an October evening outdoors.
Free Writing Support — WatervilleThursday, October 8 | 3–5 p.m. Working on a writing project? Tutors from Colby’s Farnham Writing Center offer free help at any stage of the process. Meet at the first-floor Information Services desk. Appointment slots are 3–4 p.m. and 4–5 p.m. Reserve a slot by calling 207-872-5433 or emailing [email protected].
Flying Bat Crafternoon — WatervilleTuesday, October 13 | 2:30–4 p.m. Children and their families can drop into the Colby Program Room to make a flying bat craft. Materials are provided. |
Quick PicksCrow Party — SkowheganThursday, October 8 | 3–5 p.m. Wear something shiny or crow themed, bring a small trinket or two, and join in decorating trinket boxes. Snacks are part of the gathering. Registration is encouraged; call 207-474-9072.
Homeschool Hub: Scary Bingo — WatervilleThursday, October 8 | 1–2 p.m. A seasonal bingo gathering for homeschool students from preschool through elementary school.
Harvest Stories — WatervilleSaturday, October 10 | 10:30–11:15 a.m. Family Storytime brings together reading, music and movement with a harvest theme. Designed for children ages 5–8, with everyone welcome.
Bring your project: Threads & Tales — Waterville
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Hidden Gem
More Than Books at LithgowNeed binoculars for an afternoon outdoors—or an apple picker for the backyard? Augusta’s Lithgow Public Library offers a Library of Things, with practical items you can borrow rather than buy. The collection includes board games, a sewing machine and other useful finds. Borrowers need a library card in good standing that they have held for at least three months. Some items require borrowers to be 18 or older. Eligible patrons may borrow up to five items for two weeks, with no renewals. Items are available first come, first served and must be returned in person. It’s a useful local resource for trying something new or tackling an occasional task. Lithgow Public Library |
Business PulseFootprints Collaborative Joins the Maine Children’s Home CampusAn October 1 announcement introduces Footprints Collaborative as a new tenant on Maine Children’s Home’s Waterville campus. The provider works with neurodivergent children and their families, focusing on communication, independence and skills used at home, at school and in the community. The move brings another family-serving organization onto the campus and gives readers a local name to know.
A Fairfield Milestone for Home Baked 207The Mid-Maine Chamber has scheduled a ribbon cutting for Home Baked 207 on Friday, October 9 at 4 p.m., at 114 Norridgewock Road in Fairfield. The invitation names Tony and Elly Rusconi as the people behind the business. The gathering offers an opportunity to meet them and celebrate a local business milestone.
A New Sidney Address for Chase ToysChase Toys’ new location is at 2309 Belgrade Road in Sidney. The Mid-Maine Chamber’s October 2 ribbon-cutting invitation names Angela and Brian Leary and highlights the business’s new address. For customers planning a visit, that location is the practical takeaway. Chase Toys location announcement
Thomas College Awarded Five-Year Student-Support GrantIn a September 24 announcement, Thomas College reported receiving a $1.3 million federal TRIO Student Support Services grant over five years. The program can serve up to 140 students annually, supporting first-generation students, students with low incomes and students with disabilities. |
Local Jobs Around the Valley
Economic & Community Development Director — SkowheganThe Town of Skowhegan is accepting applications for its Economic & Community Development Director. Applications close Friday, October 9 at 4 p.m. The town also lists an Executive Secretary to the Town Manager, open until filled. View Skowhegan openings and apply
Public Works Craftsman / Truck Driver–Laborer — FairfieldFairfield’s Public Works Department lists an opening starting at $25.22 per hour. Duties include equipment operation, winter plowing, infrastructure maintenance and general labor. A valid Maine Class B CDL and successful drug screening are required. Fairfield job and application information
Truck Driver II — AugustaAugusta Public Works is hiring a Truck Driver II, with an anticipated hiring range of $26.07–$32.48 per hour. A high school diploma or equivalent and a Maine Class A or B CDL are required. Duties include hauling materials, plowing, sanding and road maintenance. Open until filled. Submit an application or résumé to [email protected] or Human Resources, 16 Cony Street, Augusta.
Part-Time Event Security — Augusta Civic CenterThe Civic Center lists intermittent, part-time event security work paying $16.63–$20.76 per hour, depending on experience and qualifications. Availability includes evenings, nights, weekends and holidays. The posting requires five years of customer-service experience and prior supervisory experience. Open until filled. Apply through [email protected] or Human Resources, 16 Cony Street, Augusta.
Recreation and Public Safety — WatervilleWaterville lists an Outdoor Recreation Program Coordinator for the Quarry Road winter season, a Public Safety Dispatcher and a Patrol Officer, all open until filled. An anticipated grant-funded Community Paramedicine position, salaried at 40 hours per week, has an application deadline of October 15 at 4 p.m.
View Waterville openings and apply Listings reviewed October 6. Positions may close as hiring progresses. |
Municipal MeetingsOctober 7–13 Hallowell City Council WorkshopWednesday, October 7 | 6 p.m.
Augusta City Council Informational MeetingThursday, October 8 | 6:30 p.m.
Waterville Historic Preservation CommissionThursday, October 8 | 4–5 p.m.
Hallowell City CouncilTuesday, October 13 | 6 p.m. |
Business & Networking
Chamber Connection — HallowellThursday, October 8 | 8–9:30 a.m. This month’s topic is “Tips & Tricks: Things I Wish I Knew Before Starting My Own Business.” Join fellow business owners for a morning program with coffee, pastries and breakfast. Cost: $25 for members / $35 for nonmembers. Register for Chamber Connection
Kennebec Networkers BNI — HallowellWednesdays | 8 a.m. Local business professionals meet weekly to build relationships and exchange referrals. Chapter information and visitor registration
Elm City Referral Source BNI — WatervilleThursdays | 8:30 a.m. A weekly gathering focused on business relationships, referrals and connections throughout the greater Waterville area. |
Farmers’ MarketsWatervilleThursday, October 8 | 2–6 p.m. Bring a shopping bag and spend part of the afternoon browsing local vendors for seasonal ingredients and locally made goods.
SkowheganSaturday, October 10 | 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Make the market a Saturday morning stop for local food and a chance to connect with the people who grow and make it.
AugustaTuesday, October 13 | 2–6 p.m. An afternoon market visit offers a convenient way to bring something local home for the week’s meals. |
In Waterville and Augusta, a grocery trip can help neighbors facing food insecurity and winter’s chill.
Augusta Food Bank needs mac-and-cheese cups, KidsPak juice boxes, protein bars, canned pasta, corn and soup at 161 Mount Vernon Avenue, Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Waterville Food Bank welcomes nonperishables, produce, eggs and grocery bags at 61 Pleasant Street, Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Both accept financial gifts; call ahead about current needs, holiday closures and volunteer shifts.
Addie’s Attic in Augusta accepts clean, undamaged clothing and linens by arrangement; call 207-458-7088 and do not leave items outside.
Mid-Maine Homeless Shelter & Services welcomes pantry staples and grocery gift cards at 19 Colby Street in Waterville.
Maine Children’s Home accepts new, packaged Winter Essentials at 93 Silver Street, Building 2, on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Groups can host Giving Trees from October through December. Read More... |
Furry FriendsEach week, we share adoptable animals from Humane Society Waterville Area and Kennebec Valley Humane Society, helping connect pets with caring homes across the Valley. Our shelter partners provide the photos and descriptions. If someone catches your eye, contact the shelter directly to learn about their needs, current availability and adoption process. Not ready to adopt? Fostering, volunteering and donations are other ways to help these organizations care for animals while they wait for a home. |
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Ruby, a young brindle terrier and pit bull mix, is listed for adoption at the Humane Society Waterville Area.
Her record describes her as a medium-sized female, one year and 28 days old, who arrived at the shelter on September 2, 2026.
She is listed on the dog adoption floor, but her basic record leaves important questions unanswered.
Her housetraining status is unknown, and the available information does not confirm whether she has been spayed.
Prospective adopters should ask staff about Ruby’s personality, energy level and daily routines rather than rely on her breed label.
Families with children or other pets can also ask what kind of introduction staff recommend.
If you’re traveling from Augusta or elsewhere in central Maine, confirm Ruby’s availability before visiting Waterville.
Ask for Ruby by animal ID 61688986, and take time to learn whether she is the right fit for your household. Read More... |
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For cat adopters in the Waterville-Augusta area, E-I-O is a reminder that a quiet first meeting may not reveal a cat’s full personality.
Playful and energetic, he enjoys attention but prefers to choose when he receives it.
E-I-O arrived at KVHS as a stray who was uneasy around people, and his earlier experiences remain unknown.
Over roughly four months, patient care, wet food and lickable treats have helped him begin to trust.
He needs an adopter who will respect his boundaries and give him time to settle in, even if he hides at first.
A home without young children would suit him best.
His response to other cats or dogs is unknown, so households with pets should discuss that with KVHS before adopting.
Those interested can ask about E-I-O during available adoption hours and learn what he needs to keep growing in confidence. Read More... |
Chilly October evenings in Waterville and Augusta call for butternut squash and apple soup, a comforting dinner that serves six.
Use one large peeled, seeded and chopped squash, or a 20-ounce bag of frozen squash.
Add half a cup of chopped scallions, two sliced carrots, one chopped apple, one peeled and chopped potato, one chopped onion and two garlic cloves.
Pour in three cups of low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth, one teaspoon of dried oregano and half a teaspoon of dried rosemary.
Cover and cook over medium heat for about 30 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
Blend carefully until smooth, then stir in five ounces of fat-free evaporated milk, adding more milk if you prefer a thinner soup.
Serve with crusty bread after an afternoon along the Kennebec; the apple adds brightness, while the potato lends creamy body. Read More... |
Image disclosure: This AI-generated illustration evokes an autumn riverside walk in Maine; it is not a photograph of the Kennebec River Rail Trail.
An October afternoon in the Kennebec Valley can be as simple as a walk beside the river.
The Kennebec River Rail Trail runs 6.5 miles from Augusta to Gardiner through Hallowell and Farmingdale, making it an easy outing for families, runners and cyclists from the wider Waterville-Augusta area.
Check a trail map before leaving to pick a starting point and choose a distance that suits your group.
Parking options include Augusta’s Waterfront Park and Memorial Bridge trailhead, Hallowell’s Granite City lot, and the trail entrance near Hannaford at 100 Maine Avenue in Gardiner.
The trail is open from dawn to dusk, so plan around October’s earlier sunset and bring a layer for the river breeze.
Keep right, signal before passing, yield to pedestrians and keep dogs on leashes no longer than five feet.
There’s no need to cover every mile: turn around whenever you’re ready and enjoy the riverside escape. Read More... |
Looking Ahead
Women’s Network Luncheon — HallowellWednesday, October 14 | 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. Next week’s Women’s Network Luncheon features Laurie Lachance with “Life After Retirement: If I Knew Then What I Know Now.” Lunch is provided by Nellie’s Kitchen. Cost: $25 for members; $35 for nonmembers. |
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This Week on Maine Thrive Voices
From Rivals to “We’re Doing It”
Episode 14 | Molly Hooper & Paige Teel — Tides to Pines What happens when two business competitors become partners? This week, Sandy talks with Molly Hooper and Paige Teel of Rockland-based Tides to Pines about building a business together, combining their strengths and keeping homeowners and guests at the center of their work.
Their story is rooted in the Midcoast, but the questions reach across Maine: How do partners work through decisions? What does personal service look like as a business grows? And how much depends on the local people who help deliver it?
The conversation opens the podcast’s Community Voices chapter, sharing the experiences of the people building businesses in Maine. |
Sandy’s Maine Minute
A Small Thing Still Counts
There’s a lot competing for our attention, and most of us don’t need another long list of things we ought to be doing. But this week’s Helping Hands section is a reminder that contributing to a community doesn’t always require a major commitment. A few pantry items added to the grocery cart. Clean clothing passed along where it’s needed. An hour offered to an organization that could use another pair of hands.
The same goes for supporting local businesses. Choose a nearby shop for something you already need. Tell a friend about a business that treated you well. Write a thoughtful review that explains what made the experience good.
None of those things makes much noise. Together, they help keep a community going.
That’s part of what I want this newsletter to do: make it easier to find the people, places and opportunities worth your attention. Pick one small thing this week. It still counts.
— Sandy |
Until Next Wednesday
Thanks for spending part of your morning with Kennebec Valley Voice.
Whether your week includes a downtown celebration, a farmers’ market stop, a walk along the river or a small act of kindness, I hope you find something here that makes you glad to be part of this community.
We’ll be back Wednesday, October 14, with more local news, useful updates and things worth making time for.
Have a good week, neighbors.
— Sandy & Scout |
| ★★★★★ |
Marshall Communications is a Maine-based marketing and public relations agency with a global outlook. Founded in 1991, the boutique team works with clients to identify audiences, shape messages, and create content that builds brands and generates results. Their services span public relations, content and digital marketing, social media, media training, and more. Marshall Communications emphasizes listening to clients and taking a personal interest in their success. For a sense of their approach, explore the agency’s blog or sign up for the monthly Marshall Report, which shares tips on PR, marketing, social media, and personal branding. If you’re ready to talk, their team welcomes meeting and proposal requests. |
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SECTION SPONSORS
The Costello Agency — John Costello
North Star Property Solutions — Tony LaPrino
Woof, LLC — Peter Richmond
Pete Gray Painting — Pete Gray
Maine Endurance Sports Alliance — Laura McIntyre |
B. Downstream
Traveling along the Kennebec River from Waterville to Augusta takes you downstream. The river continues south toward the coast, eventually reaching the Atlantic Ocean. |