Sandy Smith
| September 2 - 8|Issue #19|Kennebec Valley |
COMMON GROUND COMES TO MAIN STREET
Friday, September 4 | 4:00–7:00 PM | Downtown Waterville Downtown Waterville is turning Main Street into a block party Friday evening — and this one has a pretty good Maine story behind it. September First Friday will close Main Street from Temple Street to Spring Street from 4:00 to 7:00 PM for an evening of art, music, food, local makers and hands-on activities. But this month’s gathering is also helping kick off the 50th anniversary of the Common Ground Country Fair.
That means a little bit of Common Ground is coming right into downtown Waterville.
Visitors will find crafting vendors connected with the Fair, carriage rides, sidewalk chalk art, live music and activities spread throughout downtown. Most events are free unless otherwise noted, and the celebration is being held rain or shine.
The Paul J. Schupf Art Center at 93 Main Street will also open 50 Years of Common Ground, an exhibition celebrating five decades of the Fair. That reception runs from 5:00 to 7:00 PM. Later in the evening, the Waterville Opera House continues its run of Unabashedly, the world-premiere production that opened last week. What I like about this event is the mix.
You have farmers and makers. Artists and musicians. Downtown businesses. Families wandering Main Street. People stopping to talk with somebody they know and probably running into somebody they haven’t seen for a while.
The Common Ground Country Fair has spent 50 years celebrating Maine agriculture, craftsmanship and community. Friday night, some of that spirit moves right onto Main Street.
And for a few hours, downtown Waterville becomes exactly what a downtown ought to be — a place for people to come together. |
In what year did Augusta officially become the capital of Maine?
A) 1820
The answer is at the end of the newsletter. |
WEATHER — SEPTEMBER 2–8
The wettest stretch comes Wednesday night into Thursday, followed by improving conditions heading into the weekend and Labor Day.
Wednesday, Sept. 2 — Mostly cloudy. Showers developing late at night. High 72° | Low 57°
Thursday, Sept. 3 — Showers likely through much of the day. High 71° | Low 59°
Friday, Sept. 4 — Mostly sunny and warmer. High 77° | Low 57°
Saturday, Sept. 5 — Partly sunny. High 71° | Low 53°
Sunday, Sept. 6 — Mostly sunny. High 75° | Low 54°
Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 7 — Sunny and pleasant. High 77° | Low around 56°
Tuesday, Sept. 8 — Plenty of sunshine. High around 73° | Low around 55°
Source: National Weather Service |
September has always represented change for me. I grew up in the Kennebec Valley. Vassalboro, Oakland and Waterville were the communities my family lived in back then. This time of year was always filled with back to school jitters. I remember the changes going on in the fall:cool weather,the new teachers and sometimes being the new kid in the classroom and adjusting to a new grade every September. I am sure that hasn't changed for today's students.
The Windsor Fair is heading into its final days, farmers markets are starting to look a little more like fall, school is back in the weekly routine, and our downtowns are still giving us plenty of reasons to get out and spend some time together.
Waterville is a good example this week. Friday’s First Friday Block Party will fill Main Street with local makers, food, music and activities while helping kick off the 50th anniversary celebration of the Common Ground Country Fair.
It’s a good reminder that the end of summer doesn’t mean things slow down around here. They just start to look a little different.
A special thank-you to Marshall Communications for sponsoring this week’s Kennebec Valley Voice and helping us keep sharing what’s happening throughout the region.
Have a great week,
Sandy |
Episode 11: Adam Barker-Hoyt Did the Math
Fifteen years ago, Adam Barker-Hoyt of MAC Heat Pumps was teaching university mathematics and had never heard of a heat pump.
Today, he runs one of Maine’s best-known heat-pump companies. In Episode 11 of Maine Thrive Voices, Adam talks with Sandy about the unusual path that brought him into the industry, the explosive growth that followed Maine’s heat-pump boom, the harder years that came afterward, and why repairing and extending the life of existing systems matters just as much as installing new ones. He also answers a question plenty of Mainers still ask: Can a heat pump really handle a Maine winter?
It’s a conversation about numbers, business, persistence and what happens when somebody actually does the math.
Listen to Episode 11: Adam Barker-Hoyt Did the Math |
September First Friday: Block Party — Waterville
Main Street closes from Temple Street to Spring Street for an evening of art, music, food, local makers, carriage rides, chalk art and hands-on activities. The celebration also helps kick off the 50th anniversary of the Common Ground Country Fair. Events are free unless otherwise noted.
Windsor Fair — Windsor
There are six days left to enjoy one of Maine’s longest-running agricultural fairs. Fair hours are 9 AM–10 PM, with the fair closing at 6 PM on Labor Day. Admission is $15 for ages 12 and older; children 11 and under are free. On Thursday, Sept. 3, seniors 60+ are $5 and veterans are admitted free with military ID.
Ticonic Maker Studio — Waterville
Stop in for a free afternoon of hands-on creativity at the Ticonic Maker Studio. September’s featured materials are oil pastels and board, and the program is open to all ages and experience levels. No registration is required. |
Homeschool Hub: Welcome Back — Waterville
Pawsome Tales with Love on a Leash — Waterville
Run Club with Kay Active Fitness — Skowhegan
Battling Deer Browse — Skowhegan
Sunset Canoe and SUP — Canaan
Unabashedly — Waterville Opera House
Skowhegan Craft Brew Festival — Downtown Skowhegan
Maine Grains Public Mill Tour — Skowhegan
Crafternoons: Apple & Worm — Waterville |
Waterville Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee
Waterville Historic Preservation Commission
Augusta City Council Business Meeting
Fairfield Special Annual Town Budget Meeting & Election
Augusta Planning Board
Hallowell City Council |
Kennebec Networkers BNI — Hallowell A weekly referral-networking meeting for local business professionals.
Elm City Referral Source BNI — Waterville A weekly business referral group. Visitors are welcome. |
Central Maine Growth Council Adds New Innovation Role — Waterville
Amanda Wrigley has joined the Central Maine Growth Council as its new Innovation & Development Specialist. Her work will focus on economic development, entrepreneurship, workforce initiatives, innovation, marketing and strengthening the business ecosystem across Mid-Maine.
Julie Tardiff Joins Belgrade Regional Health Center — Belgrade
HealthReach has welcomed Julie Tardiff, FNP, to the Belgrade Regional Health Center clinical team. Tardiff brings nearly a decade of experience as a Maine registered nurse, with a background that includes women’s health, pediatrics, surgery and cancer care. Her work will emphasize prevention and patient education.
Tiger Health Center Opening in September — Gardiner
HealthReach is opening its second school-based health center at Gardiner Area High School, 40 West Hill Road. The Tiger Health Center will provide students with access to primary care and mental health services during the school year.
New Dimensions Business Services Adds Frank Isganitis
New Dimensions Business Services has added Frank Isganitis to its team. Isganitis brings experience in SBA lending, credit management, entrepreneurship and small-business ownership, adding another resource for Maine business owners seeking financial and operational guidance. |
Early September gives us the best of both seasons — late-summer tomatoes, corn and other favorites are still plentiful, while apples and cooler-weather produce are beginning to arrive.
Fairfield Farmers’ Market — Fairfield
Downtown Waterville Farmers’ Market — Waterville
Winthrop Farmers Market — Winthrop
Hallowell Farmers’ Market — Hallowell
Skowhegan Farmers’ Market — Skowhegan
Augusta Farmers Market at Mill Park — Augusta |
Give Your Property a Quick Pre-Fall Check
Early September is a good time to walk around your home and look for the small things that can become bigger problems once colder, wetter weather arrives. Check gutters and downspouts for buildup, look for peeling exterior paint or failing caulk, make sure water is draining away from the foundation, and check doors and windows for obvious gaps or damaged weatherstripping. You don’t need to turn it into a major project. A few small repairs now can help keep water and cold air where they belong when Maine weather starts changing. |
September often means more time back at desks, in cars and on tighter schedules. Break up long periods of sitting with a 5–10 minute walk or a few minutes of easy stretching whenever you can — small movement breaks throughout the day can help keep you loose, energized and active. |
A Weekday Lunch Program Powered by Local Volunteers At The Lighthouse — Waterville Area Soup Kitchen, volunteers help prepare and serve weekday lunches for neighbors who need a meal and a welcoming place to gather.
The Lighthouse is open Monday through Friday, 8 AM–12:30 PM, at 38 College Avenue in Waterville. Lunch service generally runs from about 11:20 AM–12:30 PM, while guests may arrive earlier for coffee, a light breakfast and community.
For people looking for a practical way to help locally, volunteering time in the kitchen or during meal service is one way to make a direct difference. The Lighthouse — Waterville Area Soup Kitchen |
Every week, we highlight two organizations caring for animals across the Kennebec Valley.
Humane Society Waterville Area at 100 Webb Road in Waterville provides shelter, adoption services and support for pets and families throughout the greater Waterville area. Call 207-873-2430 to learn more about available animals or ways to help.
Kennebec Valley Humane Society at 168 Leighton Road in Augusta serves the Augusta area with adoption, animal care and community support programs. Call 207-626-3491 for current adoption information or volunteer opportunities. Both organizations depend on local adopters, volunteers and community support to continue helping animals find safe, permanent homes. |
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Meet Jackson!
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Finn is a big goofball who just wants to roam free and have lots of attention! Sometimes he can swat and get nippy when he's bothered, but he means no real harm! He loves other cats and is good with both dogs and kids. as long as they're respectful of his boundaries of course. His favorite toy is a lazer light, he will go crazy for it! This boy just needs a big, loving family, and he would enjoy having other friendly cats to play with. |
Baked Apple Crisp Early September is a perfect time to start leaning into Maine apple season, and this one comes from UMaine Cooperative Extension. Ingredients
Directions Preheat oven to 350°F. Rinse the apples and cut them into ½-inch slices, leaving the skins on. Toss the apples with white sugar, cinnamon and lemon juice. Spray a 2-quart casserole dish with cooking spray, add the apples and spread the applesauce over the top. Combine the oats, brown sugar, flour, evaporated milk and remaining cinnamon, then spread the mixture over the apples. Bake for 35–40 minutes, until lightly browned and bubbly. Let cool slightly and serve warm, with vanilla yogurt if desired.
Source: University of Maine Cooperative Extension |
Text Section |
Marshall Communications
This week’s Kennebec Valley Voice is sponsored by Marshall Communications, a Maine-based public relations and personal branding firm helping business leaders become more visible, credible and memorable through strategic communications, media relations, thought leadership and relationship-building. Maine Based. Globally Connected.
Section Sponsors
Thank you to these local businesses and organizations for supporting Kennebec Valley Voice and helping us continue sharing useful local news, events and community information throughout the region. |
If Kennebec Valley Voice helps you stay connected, please share this edition with a friend, neighbor or coworker who might enjoy it too. Our goal is simple: help more people discover the events, businesses, organizations and people that make the Kennebec Valley a good place to live. If someone forwarded this edition to you, subscribe and we’ll deliver the next one directly to your inbox. And if you know about a local story, event or business we should be following, send it our way. |
Downtown Waterville has plenty of places worth discovering, and Pink Crow Collective at 22 Silver Street is one that stands out. The shop brings together vintage clothing, gifts, locally made goods and an ever-changing collection of unusual finds from multiple vendors. Customers clearly appreciate it, too: Pink Crow currently carries a 4.8-star rating with 152 reviews. And in the 2026 Morning Sentinel Readers’ Choice Awards, it was named Best Antique Shop and Best Gift/Specialty Store. With downtown Waterville in the spotlight this week, it feels like exactly the right time to recognize a distinctive locally owned shop. That makes Pink Crow Collective our Best of Kennebec Valley this week. |
September has always been a time of change. The weather starts to shift, kids head back to school, and moms and dads settle into another season of fall sports, new teachers, more homework and watching their kids grow up a little more.
But summer doesn’t disappear all at once. We still have farmers markets, fairs, downtown events and plenty of good weather left. The pace just begins to change. School is back. The mornings feel different. And before long, we’ll be watching the leaves instead of the calendar to tell us what season we’re in.
What I like about this time of year is that our communities are still very much out and about. Waterville is closing part of Main Street for First Friday. Skowhegan has a full Saturday downtown. The Windsor Fair is wrapping up another season. And across the Kennebec Valley, people are still gathering, shopping locally and supporting the organizations that make these towns work.
Those moments matter.
You don’t have to attend everything. Pick one thing. Visit one local business. Stop at a farmers market. Say hello to somebody you haven’t seen in a while.
That’s usually where the best parts of living in Maine happen anyway.
Scout and I will be back next Wednesday. Until then, have a GREAT week!
— Sandy |
C) 1832 — Augusta officially became the capital of Maine in 1832 |