Published by Maine Valley Voices Media.

Before Augusta became Maine’s capital, which city first served as the state capital?

Hello friends,

Welcome to this week’s Kennebec Valley Voice! Mother’s Day is right around the corner, and the Valley is buzzing with graduations, ribbon cuttings, leadership events, and those beautiful early farmers markets popping up everywhere.

A big heartfelt thank you to the wonderful teams at Kennebec Valley Humane Society and Humane Society Waterville for letting us share their adoptable dogs with the Valley each week. Your dedication to giving these sweet pups a second chance means the world to our community.

If you found something useful in this issue, please share it with a neighbor or friend in the Valley. That’s how we keep our community growing and connected.

I hope you find something fun to do, someone to cheer on, or a new furry friend to meet this week.

Let’s dive in!

Sandy Editor, Maine Valley Voices Media

WEATHER (Kennebec Valley | May 6–12)

Wed (May 6)
Cloudy with afternoon rain possible. High 64 / Low 47

Thu (May 7)
Cloudy and breezy. High 62 / Low 42

Fri (May 8)
Partly sunny. High 59 / Low 40

Sat (May 9)
Clouds with afternoon showers possible. High 59 / Low 46

Sun (May 10 — Mother’s Day)
Partly sunny. High 63 / Low 48

Mon (May 11)
Mix of sun and clouds. High 64 / Low 47

Tue (May 12)
Partly sunny with late showers possible. High 62 / Low 45

KVCC Commencement
Saturday, May 9 | 6:00–8:00 PM
Augusta Civic Center
Celebrating graduates entering the workforce and continuing education pathways across the region.

Children’s Discovery Museum Ribbon Cutting
Tuesday, May 12 | 4:00 PM
7 Eustis Parkway, Waterville
A strong addition to Waterville’s family and educational resources, marking continued growth in the downtown area.

Future Leaders Summit – Mid Maine
Tuesday, May 12 | 4:30–6:30 PM
KVCC Carter Hall, Fairfield
A regional leadership event bringing together students, mentors, and community leaders focused on future workforce development.

More Regional Events

Augusta

At Augusta City Center:

City Council (Informational Meeting) — Typically held the 2nd Thursday of the month

City Council (Business Meeting) — Typically held the 1st and 3rd Thursdays

Residents are encouraged to review agendas and attend or stream meetings for updates on local decisions, development, and city operations.

Waterville

At Waterville City Hall:

City Council Meeting — Typically held the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays

City Council meetings cover municipal planning, budgeting, and community initiatives affecting residents and businesses.

Kennebec Networkers BNI

Wednesday, May 6 | 8:00 AM
200 Whitten Rd, Hallowell

Thomas College Ice Vault
Weekly networking meeting connecting local business owners and professionals across the Kennebec Valley.

Study With ME Ribbon Cutting

Wednesday, May 6 | 3:30 PM
Waterville
Celebrating the opening of a new education-focused business serving the local community.

Mid-Maine Chamber Business Breakfast: PFML & HR Matters

Thursday, May 7 | 7:15 AM
Best Western Plus, Waterville
A practical session for local employers navigating paid leave and HR requirements.

Elm City Referral Service BNI
Thursday, May 7 | 8:30 AM

Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce

50 Elm St
Waterville

Sprague & Curtis / Newman Homes Ribbon Cutting

Friday, May 8 | 3:00 PM
Waterville
Showcasing continued growth in housing and development across the region.

Business activity across the Kennebec Valley continues to show steady growth as we move into May.

Ribbon Cuttings

Make Their Day Physical Therapy & Wellness LLC (Waterville) Ribbon cutting & grand opening: Monday, May 5, 2026 (Yesterday) 4:00–6:00 PM at 30 Elm Plaza inside Champions Fitness, Waterville. New wellness/physical therapy service.

Sprague & Curtis Real Estate + Newman Homes (Waterville) Ribbon cutting: Friday, May 8, 2026, 3:00 PM at new model home, 2 Meadow Drive, Waterville. Celebrating new residential construction neighborhood by Newman Homes and listed properties by Sprague & Curtis. Strong housing growth signal.

Children’s Discovery Museum (Waterville) Ribbon cutting: Tuesday, May 12, 2026, 4:00 PM at 7 Eustis Parkway, Waterville. Celebrating new displays/exhibits — family-focused expansion.

Study With ME KV (Manchester/Augusta area) Ribbon cutting: Wednesday, May 6, 2026, 3:30 PM at 964 Western Avenue, Manchester. Tutoring and homeschool educational services. KV Chamber event.

Boot Barn (Augusta) New location now open at 20 Whitten Road, Ste 1, Augusta (Turnpike Mall area). Recent grand opening/ribbon cutting in late April with ongoing promotions into early May. Western wear and retail expansion.

Closings / Relocations / Name Changes

Limited major closings specifically in the May 6–12 window. Earlier 2026 examples in the broader area include some retail adjustments (e.g., certain chains or smaller spots), but the dominant narrative is growth via new openings and expansions.

No widespread renamings confirmed in the immediate window; focus remains on positive developments like new model homes, educational services, wellness, and retail additions.

Key Volunteer & Support Opportunities

United Way of Kennebec Valley Day of Caring Multiple school-based events this week:

• • Cony Middle School — Wednesday, May 6
  • Marcia Buker Elementary School — Friday, May 8
  • Richmond Middle School — Friday, May 8
  • Richmond High School — Friday, May 8 Student and community volunteers work on projects at local sites. Businesses and individuals can support or volunteer via uwkv.org. This is a major community effort matching volunteers with hands-on help.
  •  
  • Augusta Food Bank Volunteer Shifts (Ongoing critical needs) Morning and afternoon shifts available for produce sorting, marketplace greeting, packing meals, and more. Specific slots open May 6–12 (e.g., afternoon shifts Wed May 6, Thu May 7, etc.). Donations accepted Mon–Thu 9 AM–3 PM. Sign up at augustafoodbank.org/get-involved or the VolunteerME portal. Gleaning volunteers also needed to rescue fresh produce from farms for redistribution
  • KVCAP (Kennebec Valley Community Action Program) Ongoing food resource support and volunteer calls for programs helping families with food security. Check kvcap.org for current donation drop-offs and volunteer needs in the Augusta/Waterville area.
  • Signs of Hope Walk Awareness (Kennebec Behavioral Health) Upcoming 5K walk on May 30 in Augusta — start preparing now by volunteering, donating, or spreading the word for mental health and recovery support. Great ongoing community effort.

Blood Drives

Limited specific drives in the exact May 6–12 window (Red Cross mobile schedule adjustments noted regionally). Check redcrossblood.org or the Blood Donor app for any pop-up or fixed-site opportunities in Augusta/Waterville. Recent statewide drives (e.g., NEWS CENTER Maine) collected 158 units — local need remains high.

Food Donations & Pantries

• Augusta Food Bank and partner pantries actively seeking non-perishable donations and volunteers.
• KVCAP food resources list available for families in need and donation sites across Kennebec Valley.
• Local soup kitchens and church pantries (e.g., Waterville area) welcome steady donations.
•  

How to Help: Visit uwkv.galaxydigital.com for the full VolunteerME Kennebec Valley calendar, or contact United Way / Augusta Food Bank directly. Every hour and every item counts in keeping our neighbors supported.

Meet Ginger, a lovable medium mixed breed dog at Kennebec Valley Humane Society in Augusta, Maine, searching for a forever family.

This nearly five-year-old pup sports a soft tan-and-black coat and weighs close to 67 pounds.

Ginger is house-trained, spayed, and ready for a smooth transition into a new home.

Though she may seem shy at first, she opens up on walks and reveals her affectionate, loyal heart.

She enjoys outdoor time, responds to "sit," and walks well on a leash.

Ginger would do best as the only dog, but could share her home with dog-savvy cats and children over ten.

She’s on a prescription C/D diet for urinary health, easily managed with your vet’s help.

Visit Kennebec Valley Humane Society with your family and pets to meet her and see if it's a perfect match.

Give Ginger the loving home she deserves.

Say hello to Onyx, a delightful 1-year-old black labrador retriever mix hoping for a loving home at the Humane Society Waterville Area.

With his sleek black coat and sweet nature, Onyx stands out as a heart-stealer in the greater Waterville-Augusta region.

This large, friendly pup is eager to share joy and loyalty with a new family.

Though his housetraining status isn’t certain yet, Onyx’s youthful spirit makes him an ideal candidate for positive training and a lifelong bond.

He has patiently waited at the shelter since April 30, 2026, longing for someone to see his loyal heart.

Visit 100 Webb Road in Waterville to meet Onyx, or call (207) 873-2430 for details about adoption hours.

Give Onyx the fresh start he deserves—and discover a devoted friend in return.

KVV Farmers Markets — May 6–12, 2026

All details verified from official sources (Maine Federation of Farmers’ Markets, Augusta Farmers Market site, DACF FarmShare list, chamber calendars). Season is ramping up strongly in early May 2026.

Augusta Mill Park Farmers’ Market

City: Augusta

Address: Mill Park, 1 Water Street, Augusta, ME 04330

Day/Time: Tuesdays, 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM (some sources list 3:00–5:30 PM; confirm day-of for exact)

Dates in window: Tuesday, May 12 (open — season started May 5)

Details: Fresh local produce, goods, music, and vendors.

Hallowell Farmers’ Market

Town: Hallowell

Address: Stevens Commons, 2 Beech Street, Hallowell, ME 04347

Day/Time: Saturdays, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Dates in window: Saturday, May 9

Details: Vibrant weekly market with strong vendor lineup for 2026 season. Fresh produce, baked goods, crafts, and more. Great community atmosphere. 

Downtown Waterville Farmers’ Market

City: Waterville

Address: Head of Falls Park, 60 Front Street, Waterville, ME 04901 (summer location)

Day/Time: Thursdays, 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Dates in window: Thursday, May 7

Details: Local produce, crafts, and vendors. Year-round market with strong summer season. .

Fairfield Farmers’ Market (Additional option)

Town: Fairfield

Address: 81 Main Street, Fairfield, ME 04937 (Nazarene Church area)

Day/Time: Wednesdays 2:00 PM–6:00 PM and Saturdays 9:30 AM–1:30 PM

Dates in window: Wednesday, May 6 & Saturday, May 9 (mid-May start typical; confirm opening)

Details: Solid local option for the western Kennebec Valley.

Other Notes for the Region:

No confirmed weekly markets in Winslow, Oakland, or Gardiner specifically in this early May window (Gardiner typically starts mid-to-late May).

Many markets accept SNAP/EBT and participate in Maine Senior FarmShare.

Expect early-season items: Asparagus, rhubarb, greenhouse greens, baked goods, maple products, and plants/seedlings.

Rhubarb crisp stands out as a beloved spring dessert in the Waterville-Augusta region, celebrated for its vibrant flavor and deep local roots.

Featuring tart rhubarb beneath a sweet, crumbly oat topping, this dish is a seasonal favorite at family gatherings, especially on Mother’s Day.

To craft this treat, chopped rhubarb is tossed with sugar and flour, then finished with a golden layer of oats, brown sugar, and butter before baking.

Locally grown rhubarb, thriving as an early Maine crop, fills farmers’ markets and home gardens, heralding warmer weather each spring.

Add strawberries or raspberries for a twist, elevating both flavor and color.

Sharing rhubarb crisp not only honors seasonal traditions but also creates sweet memories for families throughout central Maine.

A big heartfelt thank you to the wonderful teams at Kennebec Valley Humane Society and Humane Society Waterville for letting us share their adoptable dogs with the Valley each week.

Your dedication to giving these sweet pups a second chance and helping families find their perfect four-legged companions means the world to our community. Every time a dog finds a forever home through these pages, it makes the Kennebec Valley a little brighter.

Thank you for the important work you do every single day — we’re truly grateful to help spread the word!

The Maine Valley Voices Team

Sandy's Closing

As we move into May, the Kennebec Valley really starts to come alive.

You can feel it in the events, the businesses opening their doors, and the people getting back out into the community.

This week is a good reminder of what makes this region work—local businesses, community support, and the people who show up for both.

If you found something useful in this issue, share it with someone else in the Valley. That’s how we keep this growing.

Thanks for being part of it.

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— Sandy  
Editor, Maine Valley Voices Media  
Published by Maine Valley Voices Media  

Portland.

Maine’s first capital from 1820 until it was moved to Augusta in 1832 to better serve the interior of the state.