Mid-Maine Chamber leads the way during downtown reconstruction

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Waterville Works is a construction update and comprehensive marketing plan for downtown Waterville, developed by Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce with input and involvement from downtown business owners and geared to provide continued growth and vitality during the coming months. Downtown partners will include the City of Waterville, Waterville Public Library, Small Business Waterville and Waterville Creates! – each sharing coordinated messaging to reinforce a thriving downtown.

This program is being introduced as construction work began on April 20 on water main installation, beginning at the intersection of Main, Front and Spring Streets then heading north on Main Street past the new Lockwood Hotel. Once it reaches Common Street, it will relocate to the northern part of Main Street downtown where Main and College Avenue intersect and then head south. Throughout the project there will always be one lane of traffic open on Main Street. Kennebec Water District is responsible for the new water project and has contracted with Ranger Contracting, of Fairfield, to replace the water mains.

One of the goals of Waterville Works is to keep downtown businesses informed so they may communicate to employees and customers regarding changing traffic patterns, minimizing disruptions to productivity and business. Secondly, the Chamber wants to engage the entire business community and consumers in efforts to bolster sales, assure continuation of foot traffic, build excitement over cross-promotion capabilities, and offer valid solutions to parking and other concerns for the duration of the project.

When Waterville Works, everyone wins. Mid-Maine Chamber has some exciting and positive ways to assure residents and visitors that the city will remain very much open for business, and open to success. Plans include communications of construction timelines, coordination of marketing programs and constructive dialogue among the various organizations involved in the promotion of Waterville.

Specific traffic-building promotions may include creation of frequent-buyer cards, cross-promotion among businesses, scavenger hunts, a display window contest and more. Mid-Maine Chamber will develop the framework for this plan working with Mix 107.9 and Townsquare Media, along with the Morning Sentinel and The Town Line newspaper, – in addition to utilizing various social media platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram. With anticipated involvement from downtown businesses this plan can assure that Waterville Works, for everyone.

To provide input or ideas, please reach out to Chamber CEO Kimberly Lindlof – kimberly@midmainechamber.com, or call 873-3315.

Fairfield launches new funding round for facade improvement

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Looking south down Main St., in Fairfield. (Internet photo)

Plan also includes Marketing Assistance Program

After the successful Spring 2019 launch of Fairfield’s Facade Improvement & Marketing Assistance Program (FIMAP) to enhance the economic vitality and character of the town’s commercial districts, the grant program enters the 2020 grant cycle with new funding available for Fairfield-based businesses and entrepreneurs. Operated by the Fairfield Economic and Community Development Committee (FECDC), FIMAP allocates financial incentives for the renovation, restoration, and preservation of privately-owned business exteriors within the Town of Fairfield, as well as for marketing assistance to stimulate commerce.

Grants will reimburse up to 50 percent of the cost of facade improvement and marketing projects. In its inaugural year, FIMAP awarded grants to Belanger’s Drive-In, IBEW 1253, Meridians Kitchen & Bar, and Sunset Flowerland & Greenhouse. These awarded projects have significantly contributed to Fairfield’s aesthetics and commerce, and the Town intends to continue to leverage its historical and commercial assets with FIMAP’s second grant cycle.

“The sustained growth in facade improvement programs and place-based economic strategies are driving forces behind vibrant municipalities, incentivizing diversification, and creating sustainable local markets in the 21st century,” states Garvan D. Donegan, director of planning and economic development at Central Maine Growth Council (CMGC). “Particularly important within a COVID-19 context, the continued investment in the Town of Fairfield and its downtown is having a tangible impact on quality of place, which attracts investment, residents, and visitors, making FIMAP an important opportunity to realize the full potential of Fairfield’s commercial properties. These new layers of investment will assist in sustaining and propelling the town’s growth forward more quickly, with visible impact.”

The competitive application process offers two project tracks: facade improvement and marketing assistance. Within the façade improvement track, high-priority projects include, but are not limited to: preservation and restoration of original and/or historical facades; removal of “modern”, non-historic alterations or additions to original facades; repair or replacement of windows, doors, and trim; and the addition of signage or awnings. Within the marketing assistance track, eligible projects include, but are not limited to, branding, digital and/or print advertisement, and signage. Applicants must also provide a long-term marketing strategy.

Successful proposals will generate significant economic and community development impact. “Understanding the increased need to deploy capital into businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic, the FECDC Advisory Committee will prioritize projects which strongly contribute to the revitalization of our business community, to the restoration of our historic resources, and to job creation and retention,” explains Michelle Flewelling, Town Manager of Fairfield. “The continued focus of this grant program will be to develop new partnerships, retain and expand existing operations, make Fairfield’s neighborhoods more inviting so that we encourage new businesses, residents, and visitors, and create direct economic benefits for the community as a whole.”

Eligible projects may apply for $3,000 to $25,000 in funding; FIMAP is funded by Fairfield Tax Increment Financing (TIF) revenues. Interested applicants may access a FIMAP application at http://www.fairfieldme.com/town/pages/business-resources or by contacting CMGC at 207-680-7300 or gdonegan@centralmaine.org.

About Fairfield’s Economic and Community Development Advisory Committee:

The Economic and Community Development Advisory Committee is a “citizens” committee with open membership to all Fairfield residents, business owners, and educators who have a vested interest in community development. Meetings are open to the public, and the committee typically meets monthly at the Fairfield Community Center; go to Fairfield’s online calendar of events for a meeting schedule.

2020 Memorial Day parade canceled; other activities still planned

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The Memorial Day parade, in Madison, sponsored by Tardiff-Belanger American Legion Post #39, scheduled for Monday, May 25, has been canceled due to the coronavirus Covid-19 pandemic.

However, the following Memorial Day services will be held for participants only:

9 a.m., at Starks Town Office.

9:30 a.m., approximately, at Anson Town Office, followed by scattering of flowers off the bridge,

10 a.m., approximately, at Madison Library.

10:30 a.m., approximately, at the US/Canadian Monument, at Forest Hills Cemetery.

11 a.m., approximately, at East Madison, Joseph Quirion Monument (last service).

If you want to attend, please park and stay in your vehicle. For more information, call Bob at 399-6422.

Donations sought for Windsor’s Bob Brann following surgery

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Bob Brann at work in his workshop. (contributed photo)

Receives heart pump implant following years of battling heart disease

Submitted by Kristen Ballantyne, Organizer

When you think of people who have made a difference in our community, Bob Brann is someone who always comes to mind. He has been an active member of the Windsor Historical Society for many years and the driving force behind the structural and historical preservation of many beautiful buildings and landmarks that we all marvel at the Windsor Fair Grounds year after year, these include but are not limited to: The old Somerville School building, the Cole house, the blacksmith shop, the ice house, the museum building and most recently, the rebuild of a 100-foot post and beam building to house a 100-year-old saw mill from Albion. Not to mention, this saw mill was then intricately reassembled into working condition for all to experience firsthand!

Bob’s personal investment in our community has left a lasting impression on us all. He has helped both young and old recognize the value in understanding and commemorating our community’s history by bringing it back to life piece by piece. It is through his dedication and fine craftsmanship, that we can fully experience the story of where we have been, where we are going and how we can all get there together.

As many of you know, Bob has been experiencing congestive heart failure over the last few years which has had a tremendous impact on him and everyone who loves him. Regardless, he has continued to press forward with projects with the help of his faithful crew. His relentless commitment to the community has often got the better of him and resulted in many emergency trips to Portland. Finally, after a long battle, Bob recently underwent surgery for a heart pump implant so his heart can properly pump blood throughout this body. While he is back home and starting to feel better, Bob has a long road ahead especially in consideration of this pandemic. There is a high risk of infection and clotting, so he must be very careful to take care of himself and this new life-saving device. Getting back to his old lifestyle is not something he will be able to do, as even a simple cut from shaving could be deadly. Even just carrying the device has been a task, as it weighs 15 pounds, altogether. There are medical shirts that have compartments built in to them for the ease of transportation, but are very expensive ($80). Meanwhile, the trips to Portland for follow up appointments continue, taking a financial toll on him and his family.

Let’s all come together and give back to someone who has invested so much of his own time, labor and money into our community over the years. While Bob would never ask for help, we feel that it is long overdue! Please consider donating to help Bob with the financial burden of years of hospital bills, travel to Portland for check-ups and other special needs such as medical shirts. Thank you in advance for your kindness and support!

The GoFundMe page for Bob can be found here.

Managing lands for high quality water: Kennebec Water District’s watershed management

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by Robbie Bickford
Director of Water Quality, Kennebec Water District

China Lake

In an effort to ensure that KWD’s watershed land is managed to prompt the highest possible water quality in China Lake (or “the Lake”), KWD has contracted with Comprehensive Land Technologies, Inc. (CLT), of China, to assess the health of the forested land and develop a Forest Management Plan to help guide future decisions. The water quality of the lake directly impacts the health of the ecosystem, property values, recreational opportunities as well as public health.

The plan provides recommendations for improving the health of the forest through selective harvesting to prompt an uneven-aged, mixed species forest. An uneven-aged, mixed species forest has been found to be the most effective buffer to limit erosion and to trap nutrients and contaminants in runoff. The full Forest Management Plan can be reviewed on KWD’s website.

In 2020 and 2021, KWD anticipates conducting some selective harvesting of the forest on the North and South Peninsulas by removing over-mature trees and promoting new growth. This harvesting will focus on maintaining a healthy forest and any harvesting activities will strictly adhere to industry “Best Management Practices” to minimize the impact on the land.

China Lake became the source of supply for the Kennebec Water District (KWD) in 1905. At this time, the Lake’s West Basin was more developed than the East Basin with much of the land being used for raising livestock and other agricultural purposes. In 1909, seeing that development around China Lake was increasing, KWD began purchasing the shoreline land around the West Basin. Subsequently, thousands of trees were planted to reforest areas that had been previously cleared.

Today, KWD owns approximately 344 acres in the China Lake watershed consisting of a nearly continuous, approximately 200-foot-wide, strip of land surrounding the West Basin including the areas that are known as the North and South Peninsulas.

KWD works closely with other organizations concerned about the quality of the water in China Lake including the China Lake Association and the China Regional Lake Alliance. In recent years, KWD has provided funding for the LakeSmart program, the Courtesy Boat Inspection program, and gravel road improvement projects. KWD is a partner in the current Kennebec Country Water and Soil Conservation District’s project to develop a watershed-based management plan for the Lake.

KWD will be hosting a public meeting in the Fall of 2020 to describe KWD’s plans to abutting landowners, the communities surrounding the lake, and other interested parties. Actual scheduling of the meeting will be contingent on group gathering restrictions imposed by the State of Maine due to COVID-19.

For more information on KWD and the China Lake Watershed visit KWD’s website (www.KennebecWater.org) and Facebook page.

Camp Tracy to open June 8

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Photo source: Camp Tracy website (camptracy.org)

Camp Tracy, sponsored by the Alfond Youth and Community Center, in Waterville, will open on June 8, and run through August 14.

All campers will be dropped off and picked up at the Camp Tracy Lodge/NO BUSES.

Registration & Payment for each upcoming week closes the Friday morning before.

They will offer all traditional camp programs of swimming, archery, arts and crafts, and more.

Starting June 8, Day Camp Tracy sessions will run weekly, Monday through Friday.

They are working hard to make the environment as clean and safe as possible and are following all CDC and health care recommendations.

All campers will have their temperatures taken and be health screened before being admitted to camp for the day.

For more details please contact the Alfond Youth & Community Center, 126 North Street, Waterville, ME 04901, telephone 207-873-0684.

GHM Insurance’s Bill Mitchell wins Rough Notes Community Service Award

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Bill Mitchell

Bill Mitchell, President and CEO of GHM Insurance, was recently selected to receive the Rough Notes Community Service Award. Chosen from over 35,000 independent insurance agencies from across the country, Mitchell’s commitment to community service is reflected in the Rough Notes award.

Mitchell was nominated for the Rough Notes Community Service Award by Ken Walsh, the CEO of the Boys and Girls Club YMCA of the Waterville Area at the Alfond Youth and Community Center (AYCC). Walsh highlights many of the ways that Mitchell has given back including being a volunteer project manager for the construction of the AYCC’s current building to hosting the annual GHM Golf Classic to benefit the AYCC’s after school programs. According to Walsh, “unlike some donors who simply lend their name to an event and appear once the work is done to accept congratulations, Bill runs this (golf tournament) event from start to finish, we just show up to accept the check on the 18th hole. The grand total of the event’s contributions tops $500,000 to date.” Read more in the Rough Notes’ digital Publication here.

“I am very grateful and humbled in receiving the Rough Notes Community Service Award. GHM is very fortunate to have a great group of employees who work hard every day to deliver exceptional service, and who volunteer time supporting many local organizations. And equally important we have an amazing customer base that supports GHM with their business, which allows us to give back to the communities in which we live and work. My late father, Paul Mitchell, was my mentor, who always urged me to give back to the community whenever possible”, said Bill Mitchell.

GHM has been serving the insurance needs of Maine families and business owners since 1901 through representing several of the finest insurance carriers in the marketplace, who also support a wide range of non-profit organizations across the State of Maine.

 Since 1878, The Rough Notes Company has proudly served the independent insurance agent market, responding to the evolving needs of agents as they work to meet the ever-changing needs of today’s insurance buyers.

Stocks seminar to be presented at Winslow Library

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Sasha Fitzpatrick (Photo courtesy of Edward Jones® Investments)

“Stocks: The Nuts and Bolts,” a 45-minute WebEx online seminar that can help you better understand stocks and how they can help you achieve your long-term financial goals, will be offered by financial advisor Sasha Fitzpatrick on Wednesday, May 20, starting at 5:30 p.m. Ms. Fitzpatrick’s virtual seminar is sponsored by Winslow Public Library.

“With the stock market going up and down recently, I’ve had lots of people ask me about stock purchases,” Sasha Fitzpatrick said. “This online seminar should offer them timely information and insight.”

The seminar is specifically designed to help anyone serious about achieving important financial goals—both people just starting out and well-seasoned investors. In just 45 minutes, Sasha Fitzpatrick will cover the differences between common and preferred stock … dividends … investment strategy … and different ways to own stock.

Ms. Fitzpatrick’s online presentation will be followed by a Q & A session, in which participants can call-in and receive specific answers to their questions. The event is free and nothing will be sold.

To register, please visit: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/L36X5GG.

For more information, please contact Lisa Auriemma at Winslow Public Library, 207-872-1978.

Now a financial advisor with Edward Jones® Investments, in Waterville, Sasha Fitzpatrick previously was a language arts and math teacher at Winslow Junior High School.

Volunteers sought for Palermo community garden

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With 32 raised beds, the Palermo Community Garden can offer volunteer opportunities in the fresh air with plenty of social distancing! There are two roll-around garden seats and a kneeler to make planting and weeding much more comfortable for all ages. The Community Garden provides at least 450 pounds of organic veggies and berries a year to the Palermo Food Pantry. It operates on a “sweat equity” basis: You put in an hour of help and you get to pick whatever you need that is ready. Please call Connie at 993-2294 to make an appointment and get info.

Memorial Day parade canceled

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The Memorial Day parade, sponsored by Boynton-Webber American Legion Post #179, scheduled for Monday, May 25, has been canceled due to the coronavirus Covid-19 pandamec.