It is the ruling of the judge that ice officially went out of China Lake on Thursday, April 3, 2025.
Jenna Barnes and Terry Lynn Colligan came the closest with each guessing April 4. Congratulations to this year’s winners.
Webber Pond
Watershed surveys are field surveys conducted by trained volunteers in the community to determine the extent of pollution in a particular lake watershed. Volunteers are trained to identify erosion problems because soil erosion is the largest source of phosphorus and sediment — the major pollutants — to lakes. Soil erosion is also easy to identify and solutions are generally simple and inexpensive.
Three-cornered Pond
Your primary objective would be to locate as many erosion problems in the Webber Pond, Threemile Pond and/or Threecornered Pond watersheds as possible. Eroding soil is caused by stormwater runoff and enables pollutants, in the form of phosphorus and sediment, to reach the lake. A second, but equally important objective is to help the watershed community understand how land use in the watershed influences lake water quality. Once their awareness is raised, people are more likely to change habits that are harmful to the lake.
You’ll need to commit the majority of the day, and possibly a few hours more another day or two. The total time commitment is usually 8-24 hours, however, how much time you commit is up to you!
A mandatory online watershed survey training is scheduled for Monday, May 12, from 6:30 – 8 p.m. Following this virtual “classroom training”, you will accompany an experienced technical leader during the day of the survey who will provide additional “field training” on how to conduct a watershed survey.
Three-mile Pond
The survey is scheduled to take place over three days, from Thursday, May 15, through Saturday, May 17, and may extend to the end of May to complete. If your group does not finish their part of the survey that day, you will coordinate with your technical leader to finish your sector within the next couple of weeks.
The survey training on May 12 will teach you how to recognize common types of erosion problems, the related recommended fixes, and how to document the erosion sites using prepared forms. Each group will have a technical leader to help provide field training and answer any questions that come up.
Training topics include:
• Polluted runoff with a focus on soil erosion and its effects on lake water quality
• Typical erosion problems
• Recommended fixes for common erosion problems
• Site documentation
• Communicating with landowners
You’ll look for evidence of erosion problems, small and large. You’ll look closely at roads, driveways, shoreline properties, and other developed areas for signs of erosion, such as gullies, rills, and sheet erosion.
The best way to investigate your section of the watershed is to walk it, but some areas of the watershed will require driving in a car to get around the watershed or to survey long sections of roads or driveways. You will likely also be accessing private property. The survey will have been well publicized before the actual day of the survey, so the watershed residents should be aware of what you’re doing and leaders will be aware of properties which do not want to be surveyed. At each residence where your group would like to access the property, your group will knock on the door to ask permission prior to accessing their land.
Usually each group consists of two volunteers and one technical leader. The technical leader will provide the survey materials needed to document survey findings such as a tablet, maps, and landowner lists.
• Clothing appropriate for light hiking outside and for the weather
• Water, lunch, snacks
• Umbrella in case of rain
• Bug spray, sunglasses
Webber Pond Association: Susan Traylor (410) 271-6832 (text)
Threemile Pond Association: Kevin Canty (603) 303-2646 (text)
Threecornered Pond Association: Anne D’Errico (603) 303-1987.
Erskine Academy
High Honors: Emmett Appel, Emily Bailey, Bryana Barrett, Geneva Beckim, Octavia Berto, Jayda Bickford, Lauryn Black, Brooke Blais, Madison Cochran, Lauren Cowing, Lillian Crommett, Gabrielle Daggett, Aydan Desjardins, Aidan Durgin, John Edwards, Ryan Farnsworth, Josiah Fitzgerald, Hailey Garate, Brandon Hanscom, Serena Hotham, Kailynn Houle, Ava Kelso, Sophia Knapp, Bodi Laflamme, Brooke Lee, Jack Lucier, Owen Lucier, Eleanor Maranda, Jade McCollett, Abigail McDonough, Madison McNeff, Addison Mort, Thomas Mullens, Makayla Oxley, Elsa Redmond, Justin Reed, Carter Rau, Lillian Rispoli, Nathan Robinson, Laney Robitaille, Carlee Sanborn, Joslyn Sandoval, Aislynn Savage, Achiva Seigars, Jordyn Smith, Zoey Smith, Larissa Steeves, and Clara Waldrop.
Honors: Noah Bechard, Rylan Bennett, Kaleb Bishop, Carter Brockway, Dylan Cooley, Andra Cowing, Kaden Crawford, Trinity DeGreenia, Brady Desmond, Chloe French, Wesley Fulton, Ellie Giampetruzzi, Kaylene Glidden, Abbi Guptill, Jonathan Gutierrez, Echo Hawk, Landen Hayden, Emma Henderson, Alivia Jackson, Montana Johnson, Rion Kesel, Kaiden Kronillis, Chase Larrabee, Shelby Lincoln, D’andre Marable, Shannon McDonough, Colin Oliphant, Noah Pelletier, Ava Picard, Sadie Pierce, Victoria Rancourt, Kyle Scott, Emily Sprague, Katherine Swift, Grant Taker, David Thompson III, Grace Vashon, and Kaleigh Voyles.
High Honors: Connor Alcott, Emily Almeida, Brock Bowden, Addyson Briggs, London Castle, MacKenzie Chase, Nathan Choate, William Choate, Madeline Clement-Cargill, Claire Davis, Sylvia Davis, Joshua Denis, Audryanna DeRaps, Lauren Dufour, William Ellsey Jr., Ethan Frost, Madison Gagnon, Stephen Gould, Madison Griffiths, Willow Haschalk, Mia Hersom, Halle Jones, Kasen Kelley, Timothy Kiralis, Kayle Lappin, Jacob Lavallee, Ava Lemelin, Jaden Mizera, Jack Murray, Elijah Nelson, Bayley Nickles, Ruby Pearson, Elijah Pelkey, Emily Piecewicz, Taisen Pilotte, Hannah Polley, Desirae Proctor, Jackie Sasse, Edward Schmidt, Kathryn Shaw, Madelynn Spencer, Kayla Stred, Abigail Studholme, Donovan Thompson, Kammie Thompson, Addison Turner, Oryanna Winchenbach, and Addison Witham.
Honors: Savannah Baker, Gavin Bartlett, Anders Bassett, Lucas Berto, Landon Boynton, Logan Breton, Benjamin Carle, Drew Clark, Lillian Clark, Timothy Clavette, Lucas Crosby, Mason Decker, Riley Dixon, Jacob Faucher, Kolby Griatzky, Aiden Hamlin, Easton Houghton, Aidan Huff, Jacob Hunter, Natthaya Khositanont, Savannah Knight, Kloie Magoon, Paige McNeff, Parker Minzy, Tucker Nessmith, Phoebe Padgett, Jordyn Parise, Jacoby Peaslee, Abigail Peil, Isabelle Pelotte, Jackson Pelotte, Allianna Porter, Logan Poulin, Owen Robichaud, Leahna Rocque, Kameron Rossignol, Autumn Sawyer, Jaelyn Seamon, Benjamin Severy, Eva Simmons, Trenton Smith, Benjamin Sullivan, Leah Targett, Phoebe Taylor, Isaac Vallieres, Finnegan Vinci, Brody Worth, and Maddilyn York.
High Honors: William Adamson IV, Isaac Audette, Olivia Austin, Jeremiah Bailey, Jackson Blake, Silas Bolitho, Madeline Boynton, Cassidy Brann, Delaney Brown, Liam Burgess, Olivia Childs, Hunter Christiansen, Landon Clements, Connor Crommett, Botond Csaszi, Ryley Desmond, Robin Dmitrieff, Isabella Farrington, Gianna Figucia, Audrey Fortin, Aina Garcia Cardona, Cody Grondin, Madison Harris, Lilly Hutchinson, Reid Jackson, Johanna Jacobs, Ivy Johns, Callianne Jordan, Jasai Marable, Annie Miragliuolo, Alexis Mitton, Jacoby Mort, MacKenzie Oxley, Madeline Oxley, Molly Oxley, Caylee Putek, Sovie Rau, Lailah Sher, Bryson Stratton, Gabriel Studholme, Sabrina Studholme, Kaleb Tolentino, Tyler Waldrop, and Eryn Young.
Honors: Ariana Armstrong, Ashton Bailey, Delia Bailey, Benjamin Beale, Luke Blair, Hailey Boone, Khloe Clark, Collin Clifford, Bradley Cushman, Jilian Desjardins, Logan Dow, Nolan Dow, Kelsie Dunn, Delaney Dupuis, Tesla Every-Blanchard, Gavin Fanjoy, Danica Ferris, Madison Field, Annabelle Fortier, Adalyn Glidden, Camden Hinds, Evan James, Peyton Kibbin, Maverick Knapp, Mason Lagasse, Bryson Lanphier, Matthew Lincoln, Jack Malcolm, Gaven Miller, Thomas Minzy, Kienna-May Morse, Emi Munn, Layla Peaslee, Bryson Pettengill, Teagan Pilsbury, Noah Pooler, Dylan Proctor, Tayden Richards, Samuel Richardson, Colton Ryan, Dylan Saucier, Lucas Short, Ian Smith, Hellena Swift, Braeden Temple, Cayden Turner, Carter Ulmer, and Isabella Winchenbach.
High Honors: Joshua Bailey, Hunter Baird, Madeline Berry, Ella Beyea, Brooke Borja, Dominic Brann, Ryan Carle, Lily Chamberlain, Ryleigh French, Trevor French, Shelby Gidney, Kolby Glidden, Myla Gower, Christina Haskell, Bristol Jewett, Colbie Littlefield, Dylan Maguire, Stella Martinelli, Mason Mattingly, Orin McCaw, Lainey McFarland, Ava Miragliuolo, Grant Munsey, Thomas Roe, Jakobe Sandoval, Parker Smith, Maxine Spencer, Ethan Studholme, Reid Sutter, Audrey Tibbetts, Hannah Tobey, Kayleigh Trask, Kallie Turner, Kinsey Ulmer, Sorrel Vinci, Mackenzie Waldron, and Leah Watson.
Honors: Clifton Adams IV, Megan Bailey, Mackenzie Bowden, Aiden Brann, Jackson Bryant, Nicholas Carle, Jack Coutts, Daegan Creamer, Zoey Demerchant, Dylan Dodge, Taylor Gagnon, Tyler Gagnon, Riley Gould, Chase Grant, Rachel Grant, Bruce Grosjean, Griffin Hayden, Jackson Hussey, Baylee Jackson, Josephine Kelly, Landon Larochelle, Gabriella Lathrop, Marlin Lawrence, Dorothy Leeman, Bella Lefferts, Madison Levesque, Mason Marable, Alexander Mayo, Skyler McCollett, Ayla McCurdy, Annaleysha McNeil, Annabella Morris, Grace Oxley, Carter Peterson, Lexi Pettengill, Nolan Pierce, Reed Pilsbury, Angelina Puiia, Aiden Reny, George Roderick, Jacob Rogers, Jacob Shanholtzer, Jaylynn St. Amand, Leigha Sullivan, Benjamin Theberge, Eli Vallieres, Annezamay Veilleux, Marshall Wellman, and Reid Willett.
Cassidy Charette. Contributed photo
The ShineOnCass Foundation will award a $1,000 ShineOnCass Community Service Scholarship to one area high school senior who makes service and kindness part of their everyday life. The scholarship is created in honor and memory of Cassidy Charette, a longtime volunteer in the central Maine community and former Messalonskee student, who died in a hayride accident in 2014.
Qualified applicants for the scholarship must live in the school district of Lawrence, Messalonskee (RSU #18), Waterville, or Winslow high schools; be accepted into a two-year associate degree program, or four-year college/university; and demonstrate their commitment to service in their community. Deadline to apply for the ShineOnCass Community Service Scholarship is April 28, 2025.
The ShineOnCass scholarship is in addition to the foundation’s annual $4,000 ShineOnCass Memorial Scholarship in Memory of Cassidy Jean Charette, originally established by Cassidy’s Messalonskee High School Class of 2016. The ShineOnCass Foundation awards $10,000 in local scholarships every year supporting higher education, aspiring young violinists, youth soccer, children attending summer farm camps, and service awards recognizing youth service and kindness.
To apply for the ShineOnCass Community Service Award, or to learn more about other scholarship opportunities offered by the ShineOnCass Foundation, visit shineoncass.org.
by Galen LichterfeldA huge thanks to David over at Wild Folk Farm, in Vassalboro, whose digital expertise has brought our communications platform online.
We are still adding to and updating it. Please email: office@symmetreearborist.me with any suggestions. The Contact Page is a great way to get in touch for a free estimate. Please share with neighbors or friends who may be needing tree work done this season or just want their property assessed.
Spring is such an exciting time! It feels like the Earth is born anew: the light bringing warm breezes, scents of moisture and greenery. The birds return, frogs start to sing, and humans step out into their yards to inspect the wreckages of winter. There are a few primary things us arborists look for when evaluating a property for safety and trees for health or signs of damage. Here are three common things we’ll note:
1. Inspect for broken or damaged Branches
Hazard: Broken branches can pose a danger if they are hanging or partially detached.
What to Do: Carefully inspect the tree for any broken, cracked, or hanging branches (commonly known as widowmakers). Blowdowns during storms don’t always make it all the way down. Be mindful when walking your property to LOOK UP.
2. Assess leaning trees (aka ‘Leaners’)
Hazard: Trees may become unstable after high winds, snow accumulation, or being subject to the constant ‘freeze-thaw’ cycles of winter, resulting in leaning. They then have a much greater risk of falling.
What to Do: Look for any trees that seem to be leaning more than usual or are at risk of falling. This could be due to wind damage or root damage, so make sure to look at the base of the tree and check for uprooting or soil movement around the base. Trees we commonly note are within falling distance of a structure, power line, or fence.
3. Check for discolored, rotten, or damaged Bark
Hazard: Damage to the bark can expose the tree to pests, disease, or rot.
What to Do: Inspect for any gouges, splits, or exposed areas on the trunk or branches. Dead or crumbling bark may be a sign of deeper rot. Splits may occur in multi-stemmed trees or at branch unions. In both cases, moisture is more likely to get in during winter and can begin to rot, making a tree less structurally stable. Sometimes cabling can support double trunks of branches to heal back together. Other times you will want to prune the tree for weight reduction, remove dead wood or damaged branches.
Now take a walk outside and evaluate your trees. Contact us if you see any of the above signs!
Pruning News:
SymmeTree continues to prune fruit trees before they bud and leaf out for the season. Galen and Ashton were out on Vinalhaven in early March pruning fruit trees and Gillian has been doing some research on grafting, with plans to graft a small apple tree on Vinalhaven this month.
photo: Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce
Joseph B. Ezhaya was a community leader who distinguished himself with his warmth, enthusiasm, generosity, and particularly, his friendship.
Successful candidates for this scholarship should share Joe’s interest in citizenship, community service and exemplify his spirit and vitality.
This is now a 4-year scholarship and $750 will be given upon completion of the first semester of each college year with a grade point achievement of 2.0 or better.
To be considered, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Must be currently attending a Mid-Maine Chamber area high school: Lawrence, Winslow, Mt. View, Waterville, Messalonskee, MCI, Erskine Academy, Temple Academy, Community Regional Charter School, or MeANS School.
Must maintain an academic average of a “C” or better.
Must complete a required short essay on citizenship.
Must show evidence of community service and involvement.
Must be enrolled in an accredited New England College or University.
Applications are due by Friday, April 18, 2025
Submissions may be sent via email to jamie@midmainechamber.com or by mail to Ezhaya Memorial Scholarship Applications, Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce, 50 Elm Street, Waterville ME 04901.
For more information and application materials, go to www.midmainechamber.com.
The China Food Pantry at 1320 Lakeview Drive in China. (photo by Eric Austin)
Due to budget cuts by the Trump Administration, Good Shepherd Food Bank, which distributes food to more than 600 partner-organizations including Winslow Community Cupboard food pantry, and China Food Pantry, is receiving, effective April 1, 2025, a 50 percent reduction in the amount of food it usually receives from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Heather Paquette, President of Good Shepherd, called the 50 percent cut an “almost insurmountable” amount, and said it will make it significantly more difficult to address the needs of the growing number of food-insecure Mainers.
The Emergency Food Assistance Program, (TEFAP) was created to help supplement the diets of lower-income Americans through emergency food assistance.
Local community food banks and pantries serve as lifelines for thousands of Mainers facing food insecurity. These crucial organizations now enter perhaps their most challenging period in recent memory as federal funding cuts threaten their operations. Despite these obstacles, central Maine’s food assistance network remains determined to fulfill its mission – though they need community support now more than ever.
Maine faces one of the highest rates of food insecurity in New England, with approximately 180,000 residents, including 45,000 children, struggling to access adequate nutrition. Good Shepherd Food Bank, Maine’s sole Feeding America-affiliated food bank, distributes roughly 40 million meals annually across the state, serving as the backbone of the food security network that smaller local pantries rely upon.
“We were told by Good Shepherd [on Friday, March 28] there would be a 20 percent cut in produce, starting in April.”
– Winslow Community Cupboard food pantry Operations Manager Bruce Bottiglierie –
Asked how the USDA cuts will specifically impact Winslow Community Cupboard food pantry, Operations Manager Bruce Bottiglierie said, “We were told by Good Shepherd [on Friday, March 28] there would be a 20 percent cut in produce, starting in April. And because Winslow Community Cupboard is a hub for other area food pantries, this will negatively impact about 25 other food pantries in Kennebec, Waldo, and Somerset counties.”
Bottiglierie said he is trying to “take this with a grain of salt” and not panic, because so many “threats” from the Trump administration have been later retracted.
Recent USDA funding cuts have delivered a significant blow to this system. Starting April 1, Good Shepherd expects a 50 percent reduction in food received through the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), dropping from 500,000 pounds to just 250,000 pounds monthly. This represents about 20 percent of all food they distribute. Compounding the problem, the USDA has ended the Local Food Purchase Assistance Program (LFPA), which helped Good Shepherd purchase produce from approximately 100 Maine farmers. This cancellation results in a projected loss of 500,000 to 600,000 pounds of fresh, local produce.
These cuts couldn’t come at a worse time, as grocery prices remain stubbornly high and food insecurity continues to rise. Central Maine food pantries, which depend heavily on Good Shepherd for supplies, now face increased strain on their operations and resources.
Alarmed by the sudden announcement of the food-delivery reduction, a group of 25 U.S. Senators, including Sen. Angus King, called for USDA distributions to be reinstated, and that “concrete reasoning” be provided as to why deliveries are being reduced. Sen. King told the Portland Press Herald that the delivery-reduction “takes food away from hungry Maine people already facing high grocery prices, and hurts Maine farmers who are already squeezed by tariffs and other cuts to domestic markets.”
According to the national nonprofit Feeding America, one in eight Mainers – or about 180,000 people – faces hunger, which is the highest food-insecurity rate in New England. That number includes approximately 45,000 Maine children.
Local pantry directors, however, remain resolute. “Our pantry survives on small donations and grants,” explains Allison Brooks of the Jefferson Community Food Pantry. “The best way to help a food pantry is by donating directly to them. That gives them the ability to purchase goods needed. In all, I have faith that our pantry will survive this bump if it comes with the help of our amazing community.”
Tom Parent, Chairman of the Board of Directors for the China Community Food Pantry, shares this determined outlook. “The pantry will continue to do its best to support those in need in our area with the continued support of the Good Shepherd Food Bank, the generous donations from the area Hannaford stores, and the invaluable food and financial contributions from our local community members,” he affirms.
At the state level, Maine legislators are considering measures to support local food initiatives, such as expanding investment in the Mainers Feeding Mainers program, to help mitigate the impact of these federal cuts. These efforts recognize the critical importance of maintaining food access across the state, particularly in rural central Maine communities.
Despite the significant challenges ahead, local food pantries express cautious optimism about their future, drawing strength from the communities they serve. Many report seeing increased local donations as news of the federal cuts spreads, demonstrating Maine’s strong tradition of neighbors helping neighbors.
Food pantry directors across central Maine emphasize that monetary donations provide the most flexibility, allowing them to purchase exactly what their clients need most. They also welcome food donations, volunteer time, and advocacy efforts to support long-term food security solutions.
As this situation continues to evolve, one thing remains clear: central Maine’s food pantries may face unprecedented challenges, but with community support, they remain committed to ensuring no neighbor goes hungry. The resilience of these organizations – and the communities that sustain them – will be tested in the months ahead, but the spirit of mutual aid continues to offer hope amid uncertainty.
The reduction in food will mean the food bank has to rely more heavily on other sources of food and funding, including donations from businesses and individual monetary donations.
Last Thursday, Winslow Community Cupboard food pantry served 270 food-insecure families, Bruce Bottiglierie said. Those who would like to donate to Winslow Community Cupboard food pantry may do so by sending a check payable to “Winslow Community Cupboard”, to 12 Lithgow St., Winslow, ME 04901, or by visiting WCCPantry.com.
For more information, please call (207) 616-0076 or email WinslowCupboard@Gmail.com.
Waterville native, the late Alleen Thompson
In celebration of Women’s History Month, we will have a special feature about Miss Alleen Thompson. Even if you are not familiar with who she was, this presentation will bring her interesting and little-known life to your eyes.
After she passed away at the age of 101, a wood traveling trunk and a banker’s box filled with her life’s mementos came to Waterville Historical Society. Even those who knew her for decades or more may not know the adventures her life held: her amazing accomplishments as a Navy woman, her very strong ties to Waterville which never lessened, and her love for all things Colby College from the days of her education there through the rest of her life. Miss Thompson was a very modest woman who was not boastful about her life and work, but her treasured mementos left behind tell many tales of her illustrious life. Her quick wit and candid opinions were entertaining, even if you did not always agree with her. She was spunky!
By the end of the presentation, I am hopeful you will say things like, “Wow, I never knew!” and “What an interesting life she led.” It is likely you all have connections with her in one way or another. Were you a Girl Scout? Did you know someone in the Navy? There will be time to share your memories of her during the presentation. Photos from her albums will be shown on the screen with audience narrative encouraged. Plus a display of historic photos of Waterville and items from her life will be available in Marriner Hall to look at before and after the presentation.
On Saturday, March 29, the door opens at 2 p.m., and the presentation begins at 2:30 p.m. Admission is free, although donations are gladly accepted! Light refreshments are available during the social time and viewing of displays. Please join us. Bring a friend or two!
Look for the Redington Museum sign at 62 Silver Street. The presentation sign outside the door will lead you into Marriner Hall. See you on Saturday, March 29. If you have any questions, please call 872-9439.
Francine Garland Stark, Executive Director of the Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence, accepts the $10,000 award from Waterville Area Women’s Club member Stacy Whitcomb-Smith at last year’s 100 Women Who Give. This year’s event will be held April 10, at 6 p.m., at Snow Pond Center for the Arts, in Sidney. To purchase a ticket to attend or support, visit watervilleareawomensclub.org. (contributed photo)
Waterville Area Women’s Club will host its second annual “100 Women Who Give” event Thursday, April 10, at 6 p.m., at Snow Pond Center for the Arts, in Sidney, where attendees will cast live voting to select one local nonprofit to receive a $10,000 unrestricted gift.
The event invites women interested in supporting their community by contributing together as a group to increase impact. One hundred women will purchase a ticket for $100 each to raise $10,000. The evening includes food, presentations by selected nonprofits, music, in-person voting, followed by the awarding of the $10,000 gift to the selected organization, and an event celebration.
Waterville Area Women’s Club President Alisa Johnson said the club’s members started the event as an opportunity for women who wish to collectively have a greater impact on nonprofits that support women and children.
“As an individual, it’s often difficult to make a large financial impact alone, but as a group, we have the ability to make an immediate, direct, and positive impact in our communities, in ways we never thought possible,” Johnson said.
Last year’s “100 Women Who Give” event awarded $10,000 to Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence. Thanks to the generosity of more than 100 women in attendance, additional donations were awarded to the Waterville Community Dental Center and the Maine Children’s Home.
The three nonprofit organizations on the voting ballot this year include Camp to Belong, the Maine Women’s Lobby Education Fund, and the South End Teen Center.
To purchase a ticket to attend and/or vote on April 10, or to make a gift in support of 100 Women Who Give, visit the Waterville Area Women’s Club Facebook page or watervilleareawomensclub.org.
Waterville Area Women’s Club and its volunteer members support numerous local charities and service agencies in the greater Waterville area, with a focus on those that benefit women and children. The Club welcomes new female members. For more information, contact Alisa Johnson at 207-629-8317.
The Maine Downtown Center (MDC), a program of Maine Development Foundation (MDF), has announced that Van Buren and Waterville are joining its Maine Downtown Center Affiliate Program. Both communities completed an extensive application process that included an online application, a written commitment to the program, a site visit, and a review conducted by professional downtown revitalization experts that serve on the MDC Advisory Council.
Both Waterville and Van Buren have volunteer committees that will work hard over the next year to build relationships with businesses, residents, property owners, and the municipality. They will begin to look at downtown assets, priorities for revitalization and begin to use the Main Street Four Point Approach, a proven downtown revitalization method for over 40 years.
Michael Hall, Community Development Specialist for the city of Waterville says, “Downtown Waterville has been on an incredible rise over the past seven years, and becoming a Downtown Affiliate is the next big leap forward! This partnership equips us with the tools, resources, and momentum to supercharge our revitalization, strengthen local businesses, and cement Waterville’s place as the most vibrant downtown in Central Maine.”
With the addition of Waterville, The Maine Downtown Center now supports 30 member communities throughout Maine: 11 Nationally Accredited Main Street Communities, 13 Maine Downtown Affiliate Communities, and six Municipal Communities. Some are in the initial stages of downtown revitalization while many are working toward achieving nationally accredited “Main Street” designation. MDC offers access to training by state and national downtown development experts, best practices in the field, and a network of peers from around the state.
“It is a great feeling to have worked closely with Discover Waterville over the last year and have them reach this goal of being excited and committed to having a focused downtown revitalization program. We are looking forward to working with both Waterville and Van Buren on their downtown revitalization journeys as Maine’s two new Affiliates,” said Anne Ball, Senior Program Director of the Maine Downtown Center.