What year did Augusta officially become Maine’s capital city?

A) 1820
B) 1827
C) 1832
D) 1840

Well, it's finally starting to feel like the return of warmer weather. ANd, I am ready for it.

The farmers markets are open, the Opera House has back-to-back shows this week, and the community calendar is fuller than it's been in months. There's a lot to love about this time of year in central Maine — and a lot to get out and see.

Before we dive in, a warm thank you to our newsletter sponsors this week — the Kennebec Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce. Both chambers work every single day to support the businesses and people that make this Valley run. If you're a business owner looking to connect, grow, and get involved in your community, I'd encourage you to reach out to whichever chamber serves your area. They're good people doing important work.

Now let's get into the week.

— Sandy

Wednesday looks like the warmest day of the stretch before temperatures settle back closer to normal heading into the weekend. After yesterday’s rain moved through, the overall pattern this week looks fairly typical for late May in the Valley with a mix of clouds, some sunshine, and a few scattered showers at times.

Wednesday: Warm with increasing clouds. High near 78°.

Thursday: Cooler with more clouds moving in. High around 65°.

Friday: Mostly cloudy with scattered showers possible. High near 61°.

Saturday: More sunshine returning with cooler air. High around 62°.

Sunday: Clouds early with improving conditions later in the day. High near 69°.

Monday: Mostly cloudy and seasonable. High around 65°.

Tuesday: Similar late spring pattern expected across the region.

Not a bad stretch overall for farmers markets, spring sports, and getting outside when the sun breaks through.

Despite the rain moving through Augusta yesterday morning, more than 1,100 runners still came out for the annual Miles for Mills 5K supporting the Travis Mills Foundation. By the afternoon, conditions improved and downtown activity picked right back up around the city.

This week’s video spotlight looks at the Memorial Day event and the community support behind one of the Valley’s best-known holiday traditions.

Video courtesy of WABI-TV5 — Watch here

The Righteous Brothers Wednesday, May 27 · 7:00 p.m. Waterville Opera House, 1 Common Street, Waterville Cost: Tickets from $136 · Tickets: watervillecreates.org or box office · Adults · Walk-in: Tickets still available as of press time

Blue-eyed soul pioneers with a string of #1 classics — including "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'," widely known as the most-played song in radio history. This is a proper night out at one of central Maine's best venues. Doors open one hour before showtime.

Arrested Development Friday, May 29 · 8:00 p.m. Waterville Opera House, 1 Common Street, Waterville Cost: Tickets from $105 · Tickets: watervillecreates.org or box office · Adults · Walk-in: 28 tickets remaining as of press time — act soon

Hip-hop trailblazers since 1991, the group behind "Tennessee" and "Mr. Wendal" brings a very different energy to the Opera House stage two nights after the Righteous Brothers. A rare chance to catch a genuinely influential act in an intimate 400-seat room.

The Janzen Boys Friday, May 29 · 7:30 p.m. Johnson Hall Opera House, 280 Water Street, Gardiner Cost: $20· Tickets: johnsonhall.org · All ages · Walk-in: Check availability at door

A father-and-son-led folk/roots trio from Winnipeg known for tight three-part harmonies and heartfelt original songs. Johnson Hall is one of the most intimate stages in the Valley — the kind of room where this style of music lands exactly right.

Livingston Taylor Sunday, May 31 · 7:30 p.m. Johnson Hall Opera House, 280 Water Street, Gardiner Cost: $30 · Tickets: eventbrite.com or johnsonhall.org · All ages · Walk-in: Doors open 6:30 p.m. — limited seats remaining

Livingston Taylor has been doing this for more than five decades — writing Top-40 hits recorded by his brother James Taylor, sharing stages with Joni Mitchell, Fleetwood Mac, and Jimmy Buffett, and still playing over 100 shows a year. His concerts are described as less like performances and more like shared experiences. At $30 in a 400-seat historic opera house in downtown Gardiner, this one is worth the drive.

Erskine Academy All-Class Alumni Reunion — Brunch & Boards Saturday, May 30 · 10:00 a.m. 309 Windsor Road, South China Cost: Complimentary brunch · Cornhole tournament $15/player · Family friendly (kids activities for ages 10 and under) · Walk-in welcome, pre-registration encouraged at erskineacademy.org

Open to alumni from every graduating class. Brunch at 10:30, cornhole tournament at 11:30 with prizes and proceeds going to the Alumni Scholarship Fund. Special recognition for the Class of 1976. Campus tours, food truck on site. If you went to Erskine, this is your week.

Kennebec Behavioral Health Signs of Hope 5K Walk Saturday, May 30 · 9:00 a.m. Sports field next to the Augusta YMCA, Augusta Cost: Free · Registration: kbhmaine.org · Family friendly · Walk-in welcome — same-day registration available 9:00–10:00 a.m.

A community walk — not a timed race — with Hope Markers and Stories of Hope posted along the route. Water stations on course. This one is about showing up for neighbors who may be carrying more than most people realize. Check-in runs 9:00–10:00 a.m. with the walk starting at 10:00.

All Events Link

A busy week on the civic calendar across the Valley, with budget season wrapping up and a major statewide election just around the corner.

Augusta City Council Meeting Tuesday, June 2 · 5:30 p.m. Augusta City Hall, 16 Cony Street, Augusta Public welcome. The Council meets on the first and third Tuesday of most months. Agendas posted in advance at augustamaine.gov.

Waterville City Council Meeting — FY27 Budget First Reading Tuesday, June 2 · City Council Chambers, 46 Front Street, Waterville The Council takes up the first reading of the FY27 Municipal and School Operating Budget — the outcome of months of workshops and a public hearing held earlier this spring. Public welcome. The second reading follows June 16. Full agenda posted Thursday prior at waterville-me.gov.

Mid-Maine Chamber Business-to-Business Showcase Thursday, May 28 · Noon – 6:00 p.m. Thomas College Field House, 180 West River Road, Waterville Free admission and parking. One of the Valley's largest annual business networking events, open to the public. A $1,000 cash prize drawing is open to all attendees. Good opportunity for local business owners, job seekers, and anyone looking to connect with the regional business community.

Maine State Primary Election — Absentee Voting Open Now Through Thursday, June 4 Augusta City Hall, 16 Cony Street — Monday–Thursday, 7:15 a.m.–5:30 p.m. Primary Election Day is Tuesday, June 9. Registered voters can cast absentee ballots in person through June 4, or request a mail ballot through the same deadline. No excuse required. Races include governor, U.S. Senate, and Congressional seats. Track your ballot at maine.gov.

Lithgow Library Board of Trustees Meeting Tuesday, May 26 · 4:00 p.m. Augusta Public Library, 45 Winthrop Street, Augusta Monthly meeting of the Library's governing board. Open to the public. augusta maine.gov/events.

All Events Link

Business & Networking Events

Kennebec Networkers BNI Every Wednesday · 8:00 a.m. Thomas College Ice Vault, Hallowell Weekly business referral meeting — visitors welcome.

Elm City Referral Source BNI — Waterville Chapter Every Thursday · 8:30–10:00 a.m. Waterville area — contact chapter for current location Weekly business referral meeting — visitors welcome.

Mid-Maine Chamber Leadership Luncheon Thursday, June 11 Speaker: David Greene, President of Colby College Register: [email protected] · 207-873-3315

Augusta's most-watched redevelopment project just hit a significant milestone. The Capitol Heights project — the 8-acre former Kmart plaza on Western Avenue — is now actively recruiting its first commercial tenants, marking a turning point for a property that has sat largely vacant for years. The city is working with The Boulos Company, a Maine commercial real estate firm, to curate what Augusta's economic development director Keith Luke describes as a dynamic mix of local, regional, and national businesses. The site plan calls for a hotel, a mixed-use building, and standalone storefronts along one of the Valley's most-traveled corridors — more than 21,000 vehicles pass through daily. If you're a business owner who's been watching this project, now is the time to pay attention.

• Thomas College, Waterville — Jeannine Diddle Uzzi has been officially inaugurated as the sixth president of Thomas College. The ceremony marked a new chapter for one of the Valley's anchor educational institutions.
• Kennebec Savings Bank — Natusha Fate has been promoted to assistant vice president and retail operations director, a well-earned recognition for a homegrown banking professional.
• Sturgeon Landing, Augusta — A 32-unit apartment building is now open on a long-vacant parcel near the Kennebec River. The project fills a gap that has been on the city's redevelopment radar for years and adds needed housing stock to the capital city.

Meet Goose!
Goose is a very sweet one year old Akita with a gentle heart and a love for the outdoors. While he may be a little shy at first, Goose warms up quickly. He is looking for a home where he can continue to work on building his confidence.
Goose has lived with dogs in the past and we think he would do well with a dog friend again. We also think he could do well with dog-savvy cats and children of all ages.
If you're looking for a loyal companion with lots of potential and love to give, Goose may be the perfect addition to your family. Stop by during adoption hours with all human and canine family members to meet him!

Meet Onyx, a lively and loving dog eager to join your family adventures.

With his high energy and playful spirit, Onyx is the perfect partner for hikes, games, and any new experiences.

This friendly pup is comfortable with both people and cats, fitting well into diverse households.

He enjoys being around other dogs, though a careful introduction is advised for a smooth start.

Onyx’s exuberance is best suited for homes with children aged 10 and older.

After a day of activity, he loves to relax and share quiet moments with his loved ones.

Currently, Onyx awaits adoption at the Humane Society Waterville Area, 100 Webb Road, Waterville, ME.

Visit during business hours to meet him and discover the joy he could bring to your family.

The Kennebec Valley has a strong farmers market network running now through fall. Here's where to find fresh local food this week and every week through the season.

Augusta Farmers Market at Mill Park Every Tuesday · 2:00–6:00 p.m. · May through October Mill Park, 1 Water Street, Augusta A community staple since 2006 along the Kennebec River waterfront. Local produce, dairy, meat, baked goods, and more — including Greek and Mexican food vendors. Rain or shine under the pavilion.

Downtown Waterville Farmers Market Every Thursday · 2:00–6:00 p.m. · May through Thanksgiving Head of Falls Park, 60 Front Street, Waterville Back at its outdoor home along the Kennebec for the 2026 season. More than 20 vendors including Snakeroot Organic Farm, fresh flowers from Oak & Blossom Blooms, baked goods, and produce. One of the most vibrant markets in central Maine.

Hallowell Farmers Market Every Saturday · 9:00 a.m.–Noon · May through October 2 Beech Street, Hallowell A beloved Saturday morning tradition in one of the Valley's most charming small cities. Local produce, meats, eggs, baked goods, and artisan products just a few minutes south of Augusta.

Gardiner Farmers Market Every Wednesday · 3:00–6:00 p.m. · May through October The Common, adjacent to School Street, Gardiner Fresh, local produce, artisan goods, and food producers at the heart of downtown Gardiner. A weekly community gathering in a beautiful riverfront setting.

Fairfield Farmers Market Wednesdays · 2:00–6:00 p.m. · AND · Saturdays · 9:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. · Mid-May through October 81 Main Street, Fairfield (Church of the Nazarene Parking Lot) Vegetables, herbs, seedlings, duck and chicken eggs, canned goods, baked goods, and crafts every third Saturday. Accepts SNAP, WIC, EBT, credit, and debit. SNAP dollars matched 50% via Maine Harvest Bucks.

There's a lot of quiet, important work happening across the Valley right now. Whether you have an hour a week or a full Saturday morning, here are real ways to show up for your neighbors.

Kennebec Behavioral Health — Signs of Hope 5K Walk Saturday, May 30 · Walk starts 10:00 a.m. · Check-in 9:00–10:00 a.m. Sports field next to the Augusta YMCA, Augusta Free · Registration: kbhmaine.org · Same-day registration welcome

A community walk, not a race. The route includes Hope Markers and Stories of Hope placed by people in the Valley who have lived through mental health challenges and found their way forward. Water stations on course. If you've ever wanted to show up for a neighbor who might be carrying more than most people realize, this Saturday morning is a good place to start.

Meals on Wheels — Substitute Drivers Needed Wednesdays and Fridays · Routes across Augusta area Spectrum Generations' Cohen Community Center needs substitute Meals on Wheels drivers to fill in when regular drivers are unavailable. You'd pick up meals and deliver them to homebound older adults in the community — a route that takes a couple of hours and means the world to the people at the end of it. Contact Spectrum Generations at spectrumgenerations.org or call the Cohen Community Center at 207-621-6334 to sign up.

Mid Maine Homeless Shelter — Ongoing Volunteer Needs Waterville The Mid Maine Homeless Shelter runs on volunteer energy. Current needs include meal preparation and planning, emergency food pantry support, evening and overnight staffing, and childcare so guests can attend enrichment programs. Every shift matters. Learn more at midmainehomeless.org.

Literacy Volunteers of Kennebec Valley — Tutors Needed Augusta area Literacy Volunteers of Kennebec Valley provides free, confidential one-on-one tutoring to adults working to improve their reading, writing, and English skills. Tutors are trained and matched with a single student — it's a genuine, ongoing relationship that changes lives. They also work with adults who want to read with their young children. Learn more at literacyvolunteerskennebec.org.

Capital Area New Mainers Project — Family Mentor Teams Augusta Refugee families newly arrived in the capital area can choose to work with a local Family Mentor Team — a group of 3 to 4 local volunteers who provide logistical, social, and educational support during the transition to life in Maine. If you have some time and a welcoming spirit, this is one of the most meaningful ways to get involved in the community. Learn more at newmainersproject.org.

MaineGeneral Medical Center — Summer Volunteers Augusta and Waterville campuses MaineGeneral is currently recruiting summer volunteers, including students 14 and older. Opportunities include direct patient support and behind-the-scenes service roles at both the Augusta and Waterville campuses. Learn more at mainegeneral.org/volunteering.

Find More Opportunities The United Way of Kennebec Valley runs VolunteerME Kennebec Valley — a free searchable portal connecting volunteers with nonprofits across the region. Browse current openings at uwkv.galaxydigital.com.

Rhubarb is bursting back in the Kennebec Valley, inspiring home bakers to whip up a classic strawberry rhubarb crisp just as the season peaks.

This beloved dessert marries the tang of rhubarb with sweet strawberries for a warm, comforting treat, best savored with vanilla ice cream.

Now is the perfect moment to gather fresh stalks and try your hand at this simple yet delicious recipe, celebrating the region’s seasonal bounty.

As a local note, always discard the leaves, as only the stalks are edible.

Support local growers, enjoy the festivities, and savor every tart and sweet bite.

Thanks for spending a few minutes with us this week. If you know someone who'd enjoy staying in the loop on what's happening across the Kennebec Valley, we'd love it if you'd pass this along. The more neighbors we reach, the stronger this community becomes.

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Got news to share? We want to hear about it. New business openings, community events, fundraisers, local milestones, and anything worth celebrating in your corner of the Valley — send it our way here and we'll do our best to get it in an upcoming edition.

Planning something special? Festivals, ribbon cuttings, reunions, charity walks, concerts, and community gatherings all belong here. The earlier you send it, the better we can cover it.

This newsletter exists because of this community. Keep the news coming.

ANSWER

B) 1827