Published By: Maine Valley Voices Media 

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Before modern refrigeration, the Kennebec River was world-famous for exporting a "crop" known as "White Gold." What was it?

Spring is beginning to show itself across the Kennebec Valley—longer days, changing weather, and more opportunities to get out and enjoy everything our communities have to offer.

In this week’s edition, we’re highlighting local events, a great community video, and a few things to keep on your radar as we move into April. Whether you're in Waterville, Augusta, or anywhere in between, there’s always something happening worth checking out.

If you find something useful or interesting, feel free to share this with a friend—that’s how we continue to grow this community.

Check out this fascinating look at the 'Frozen Gold' industry we mentioned in today's trivia—it's hard to believe the river right outside our doors used to supply ice to India!

Video courtesy of Maine Home Connections

Dave’s World

Dave’s World is a home services company specializing in heat pumps, generators, plumbing, and more — serving homeowners across Maine. With a strong reputation for reliable service and year-round support, their team helps keep homes comfortable, efficient, and prepared for every season.

👉 Visit Dave’s World to learn more

Sponsored by: G&E Roofing provides reliable roofing services across the Kennebec Valley—helping homeowners stay protected through every season.

👉 Local. Trusted. Built to last.

Wednesday: 49° / 31° – Mostly cloudy

Thursday: 51° / 34° – Light rain possible

Friday: 54° / 36° – Cloudy

Saturday: 56° / 38° – Partly sunny

Sunday: 58° / 40° – Mostly cloudy

Monday: 55° / 37° – Chance of rain

Tuesday: 52° / 35° – Cloudy

👉 Typical early April conditions across the Kennebec Valley with a mix of sun and rain.

Sponsored by Smith Digital Solutions

At Smith Digital Solutions, we believe that local visibility makes communities thrive. Whether it’s local events, businesses, or opportunities, we help ensure that what’s happening in the Kennebec Valley gets seen. Explore, engage, and make the most of your community! Learn more at Smith Digital Solutions.com

Waterville Opera House Spring Performances

April 1–7

Waterville Opera House

Enjoy live performances, theater, and community programming at one of the region’s most iconic venues.

Colby College Museum of Art Exhibitions

 Ongoing this week
Colby College Museum of Art
Explore rotating exhibitions and cultural experiences in one of Maine’s premier art spaces.

Kennebec River Rail Trail Walks

 Anytime this week
Kennebec River Rail Trail
Take in scenic river views with walking, biking, and fresh air along this popular trail.

Downtown Hallowell Shops & Galleries

Weekend (April 4–5)
Hallowell
Browse local boutiques, art galleries, and cafés in one of Maine’s most charming downtowns.

Augusta Downtown & Riverfront Time

 Weekend (April 4–5)
Augusta
Enjoy local restaurants, coffee shops, and scenic riverfront views in Maine’s capital city.

More events of interest

Norton’s Tree Service

Norton’s Tree Service proudly supports local pets and the organizations that care for them. Serving the Kennebec Valley, they provide reliable tree removal, trimming, and property care with a focus on safety and professionalism.

Learn more about Nortons Tree Services

Meet Orie, a lively 3-year-old Border Collie and Rat Terrier mix waiting for a loving home in Augusta, Maine.

Weighing 41 pounds, she offers the perfect mix of intelligence, loyalty, and playful energy.

Orie’s striking white and sable coat pairs beautifully with her sharp mind and eager spirit.

She loves to learn, responds well to positive training, and impresses with her heel and other commands.

Always up for adventure, Orie thrives outdoors—making her the perfect companion for active individuals or families.

Her natural scent skills could make her a star in barn hunts or scent work.

Best suited for homes with no other pets, Orie is great with humans and children over eight.

Visit the Kennebec Valley Humane Society at 10 Pet Haven Lane to meet her and see if she’s the match for your family.

Adopting Orie means joy for your home and a new start for a deserving dog.

A lively border collie mix is looking for a forever home at the Humane Society Waterville Area.

This medium-sized two-year-old male, with a handsome tan and black coat, was brought in as a stray on March 21, 2026.

Known for boundless energy and keen intelligence, he thrives on activity and would be a perfect match for an active family or individual.

Daily mental and physical engagement is key for this breed, so prospective adopters should be ready to keep him stimulated and happy.

Choosing adoption from the Waterville shelter not only changes an animal’s life but also strengthens the community’s support for local pet welfare.

If you’re seeking a fun, athletic companion, consider visiting the dog adoption floor and meeting this spirited border collie mix—he just might be the joyful addition your family needs.

Recipe of the Week

Sponsored by RJ Energy

RJ Energy helps keep homes and businesses across Central Maine comfortable year-round with reliable fuel delivery and energy services. With a focus on dependable service and local support, they’re a trusted partner for heating and energy needs.

👉 Learn more about RJ Energy

Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Bars

A perfect balance of sweet strawberries and tart rhubarb with a buttery, golden crumble.

Prep time: 15 minutes | Cook time: 45 minutes | Yield: 18-24 squares

Ingredients

The Crust & Crumble:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar + 1/2 cup packed brown sugar

• 1 tsp baking powder, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp cinnamon

• 1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cubed

• 1 large egg, 1/4 cup milk, and 2 tsp vanilla extract

• 1/3 cup old-fashioned rolled oats (for the topping)

The Filling:

• 2.5 cups chopped strawberries

• 2.5 cups sliced rhubarb (1/2 inch pieces)

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

• 1 Tbsp cornstarch + 1 tsp orange zest

Quick Instructions

1. Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F and line a 9x13-inch pan with parchment paper.

2. The Base: Whisk dry ingredients, cut in cold butter until pea-sized, then stir in egg, milk, and vanilla. Press 4 cups of this mixture into the pan to form the crust.

3. The Middle: Toss filling ingredients together and spread over the crust.

4. The Top: Add oats to the remaining crumble mixture and sprinkle over the fruit.

5. Bake: Bake for 45–50 minutes until the top is lightly browned. Let cool completely before slicing.

Source Credit: This recipe is courtesy of Sally’s Baking Recipes. Check out her site for more "Baking 101" tips and seasonal treats!

Sponsored by BRF

BRF offers a wide range of licensed and insured services across Central Maine, supported by an experienced professional team. Their work includes electrical, HVAC, heat pumps, plumbing, heating, excavation, roofing, environmental services, energy audits, and complete septic system solutions.

👉 Learn more about BRF

These organizations provide essential support across our communities.

If you’re able, consider donating, volunteering, or sharing their information with someone in need.

Blood Drives

Friday, April 3, 2026

• O’Brien’s Event Center, Waterville — 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
• MaineGeneral Health, Augusta — 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM
• Skowhegan Area High School Gym — 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
•  

Wednesday, April 8, 2026

• Winslow VFW — 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Food Assistance Resources

• Augusta Food Bank — 161 Mount Vernon Ave
• Bread of Life — 159 Water St, Augusta
• China Community Food Pantry — 1320 Lakeview Dr
• Evening Sandwich Program — 69 Silver St, Waterville
• Fairfield Interfaith Food Pantry — 23 Lawrence Ave
• Mid Maine Homeless Shelter & Sidney Food Bank — 3022 West River Rd
• St. John’s Food Pantry — 21 College Ave, Waterville
• Vassalboro Food Station Pantry — 679 Main St
• Waterville Area Soup Kitchen — 38 College Ave

As we move into April, you can feel things starting to shift across the Kennebec Valley — a little more daylight, a little more activity, and more opportunities to get out and enjoy what’s happening around us.

Whether it’s attending a local event, supporting a small business, or simply taking time to connect with your community, these moments are what make the Valley such a great place to live.

Thanks for being part of it.

— Sandy

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Ice. In the late 19th century, the Kennebec’s exceptionally clean water produced thick, clear ice that was harvested and shipped as far away as India and the West Indies. At its peak, the "Kennebec Ice" industry employed over 20,000 people each winter.