EVENTS: Spring in full bloom

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Spring is in full bloom at the Grand Central Cafe, at 11 Railroad Square, in Waterville! An all flower art show featuring the art work of award-winning photographer Jen Hickey fills the cafe with vibrant colors and natural beauty. Over 30 pieces of art highlighting the grace and allurement of flowers, many native to Maine, adorn the walls. Hickey who is a fine art photographer is a 36-year Waterville resident and has an art studio in Oakland, Dandelion Art, located at 58 #3 Main Street. The uplifting show will run through May. The cafe is open Thursday through Saturday for lunch and dinner.

South China library open house

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Aurie Maxwell, of China, looks over books at the South China Public Library Open House. (photo by Ginger Lee Jones)

by Ginger Lee Jones

South China Public Library is the oldest continuous library in the state of Maine. It was first founded in a house in 1830 by fellow Quakers in the area. In the year 1900 it was then moved to a building on Village Street, in South China. In the year 1912, the South China Public Library Association was created. In the year 1980, the Children’s Room was added to the building. In 2012, the South China Public Library celebrated 100 years as a nonprofit organization.

The children’s room. (photo by Ginger Lee Jones)

My two daughters and I started going to this library when my oldest was around the age of nine years old. I began to teach my children to read at a young age and the love of reading was allowed to blossom through the joy of home schooling. At the time of our home school experience we met several families who also enjoyed going to this library, and we were one of many who checked out multiple books in order to study a certain subject. The library always felt like home and my daughters and I always treasured going each and every week.

When I saw the event on Facebook for the Open House of the Children’s Room, on February 19, I knew I had to go. It is a huge milestone for the South China Public Library, and one that I congratulated them on. It has been a long time in coming. There were several patrons that stopped by to enjoy the new addition as well as refreshments and new titles on the shelves. I was able to chat with a few people that I hadn’t seen in a while and it was good to reconnect with a fellow home school mom.

Being a photographer has given me many an opportunity to be a part of celebrations. When I got to the library I asked Cheryl Baker, Head Librarian, if I could take some photos to record this special event.

Whether you go to a library for pleasure, home schooling, research or education, it is always a place to go where you have never gone before. It is a place to learn and unwind into a fabulous story or to step back in time to experience events of long ago. Be sure to visit your local library or several near you and let them know that you are a huge fan.

Fairfield launches planning initiative

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Fairfield Town Manager Michelle Flewelling.

The Town of Fairfield’s Economic and Community Development Committee (FECDC), in collaboration with the Central Maine Growth Council (CMGC), has launched a planning initiative focused on the redevelopment and revitalization of Fairfield’s downtown area. A key phase of the planning efforts include participation from Fairfield residents and business owners to collect public input, which will inform the downtown plan. Included in the public input strategy is a digital survey, and public workshop.

Fairfield’s Downtown Plan Public Workshop was held on Tuesday, April 15, at the Fairfield Community Center, located at 61 Water St. Presented by CMGC, the workshop featured interactive and informational boards that highlight progress on the Downtown Plan, allowing residents and business owners to visualize proposed concepts and provide valuable input. CMGC presented an overview of what the town has accomplished from the previous plan, and provide updates on the proposed and planned timeline for developing a new set of goals and priorities. This hands-on opportunity for the public to interact with committee members and Town leadership ensured that community members can engage directly with the planning process and influence the next stages of downtown development.

The survey is designed to solicit feedback on various aspects of downtown development, including land use, housing, transportation, waterfront enhancements, economic growth, and community amenities. The results will provide the FECDC, CMGC, and Fairfield Town Council with critical insights to guide the allocation of resources, prioritize capital investments, and create a vibrant, thriving downtown that meets the evolving needs of residents and business owners.

“Our goal is to engage the community and ensure that the future of Fairfield reflects the needs and values of our residents,” said Fairfield Town Manager Michelle Flewelling. “This survey, combined with the interactive public workshop, is an important opportunity for community members to directly influence how we shape the growth and development of our downtown. Their input will help us create a stronger local economy, increase job opportunities, and improve the quality of life for everyone in Fairfield.”

The survey invites participants to provide input on a wide range of topics, including:

Prioritizing new business development, public green spaces, and housing opportunities.

Evaluating opportunities for enhancing the downtown waterfront with parks, trails, and gathering spaces.

Identifying transportation improvements, such as cycling infrastructure, public transit options, and enhanced walkability.

Assessing the types of housing and business developments that should be encouraged in various zones of the downtown area.

CMGC is providing technical support and expertise throughout the planning process, leveraging its regional development knowledge to help shape a sustainable and dynamic future for Fairfield. The FECDC and CMGC will use the survey results, along with the feedback gathered during the public workshop, to prioritize investments, support business growth, and ultimately, craft a plan that is reflective of the shared needs and vision for growth of Fairfield’s residents and businesses.

Gabe Gauvin

“These proactive planning activities Fairfield has initiated, establish the foundation that future municipal initiatives will be built upon” stated CMGC Assistant Director of Economic Development and Strategic Projects, Gabe Gauvin. “Gathering public input is a vital stepping stone to developing the policy, investment, and operational priorities which will reinvigorate the downtown. We look forward to discussing the community’s needs and vision for the downtown at our upcoming workshop.”

All residents and business owners are encouraged to participate in the survey, which is available online through the Town of Fairfield’s website.

The FECDC is a citizen advisory committee comprised of residents, business owners, and educators who are dedicated to fostering community growth and development in Fairfield. The committee holds monthly public meetings at the Fairfield Community Center. More information on the committee can be found at Fairfieldme.com.

Central Maine Growth Council (CMGC), located in Waterville, Maine, is a public-private collaborative regional economic development partnership funded by municipalities and businesses who share a common vision of economic prosperity for our region. CMGC is committed to fostering a robust regional economy. Our belief is that the standard of living and quality of life of our citizens is best served by a vibrant, healthy economy. This is accomplished with a strong successful business community. To find out more about how CMGC can help your business succeed, give us a call at (207) 680-7300 or visit centralmaine.org.

Water main replacement on Summer, Grove streets

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Beginning April 7, Kennebec Water District will be replacing the water mains on Summer Street and Grove Street (between St. Francis Catholic Cemetery’s main entrance and Clark Street), in Waterville.

These water mains are well over 100 years old and in need of replacement to provide reliable service for the next 100+ years.

Construction is expected to be completed by the end of October 2025 and traffic detours will be required to complete the work.

It is asked that you seek alternate routes such as Water Street and Silver Street whenever possible.

Please plan your travel accordingly.

Questions regarding these projects can be directed to the Waterville Public Works Department (pw@waterville-me.gov).

EVENTS: Community Meal of Unity public supper planned

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Dale Potter-Clark (left) and Pastor Karen Morrill are among those planning events for Easter week at the Vassalboro Methodist Church. (contributed photo)

A “Community Meal of Unity” will be held at the Vassalboro United Methodist Church (VUMC), at 614 Main Street/route 32, on Saturday, April 19, 4:30 – 6 p.m. The supper is open to the public and the menu will include baked beans, casseroles, cole slaw, pickled beets, bread and pies. A $10.00 donation per person is appreciated.

VUMC holds public suppers the third Saturday of every month March-October. “It so happened the third Saturday in April is the evening before Easter and we considered cancelling that one,” said VUMC Pastor Karen Merrill. “But we decided it is more important to bring people together to share in a time of unity.” Pastor Merrill will offer a prayer and a brief time of reflection just before the meal begins. “The important thing is that folks come together to rejoice in their blessings and in the commonalities we share,” said Merrill. “This ‘Community Meal of Unity’ will also be a time of fellowship as we prepare for the joy of Easter Sunday.”

The public is also welcome to participate in these activities planned for the same weekend. Sunrise service April 20, a 6 a.m., China Lake boat landing, 311 Main Street, East Vassalboro. At 8:30 a.m. bring a favorite dish to share at a potluck breakfast at VUMC; followed by the 10 a.m. Easter Sunday service.

FMI contact Pastor Karen Merrill at (207) 873-5544 or info.vumc@gmail.com Follow these and future special events and public meals on the Vassalboro United Methodist Church Facebook page.

Vidalia onions coming to Palermo (2025)

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Spring has sprung, and it’s time to order Vidalia onions! There hasn’t been a shipment since Covid struck, but now they are back, and as sweet and juicy as ever. A 25 lb. bag costs $30.00 and can be ordered by calling Connie Bellet at the Palermo Community Foundation, where they will arrive around Mother’s Day. Connie’s number is 993-2294, or text to (207) 242-0431.

The deadline for orders is April 27. Since there is time, you may want to save money by getting together with friends and neighbors and order four bags for $115.00. To order by email, go to pwhitehawk@fairpoint.net. Please be sure and leave your phone or text number for confirmation. If you can pay for the onions when you order them, it would be helpful.

Please make your check payable to LCF (Living Communities Foundation). As a Charitable Foundation, one-third of your cost is tax-deductible – if you get your order in before April 15. You can also pay with cash or check when you pick up your onions. The Community Center is across from the ball field at the intersection of Turner Ridge Road and Veterans Way. There is an orange tractor by the corner.

Proceeds from the fundraiser will go toward much-needed maintenance of the Palermo Community Center, which also houses the Food Pantry. We are also looking for able-bodied volunteers to help with tree-planting, sign-raising, gardening, Food Pantry, and painting the deck. If you would like to do some community service, please contact Connie Bellet at one of the numbers above. Your volunteerism is what keeps towns like ours alive! Volunteers are always appreciated and welcomed.

Chamber names new director of marketing

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Sabrina Gormley

The Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce located, in Waterville, welcomes Sabrina Gormley as its new Marketing and Membership Director. Sabrina replaces Jennifer Poudrier-Pepe in this role.

Sabrina held a previous position for five years with North­east Labo­ratory Serv­ices as the North American Business Development Manager.

A Mid-Maine Chamber board member for the past year, Sabrina brings her experience in that position and her knowledge and community commitment to this new role.

Included in her new duties at the Chamber is new member procurement and retention, combined with outreach to current members. She will be responsible for marketing and communications of the numerous chamber events and programs through print and social media platforms, website development and maintenance, tourism promotions, and the production of the Better Living in Mid-Maine Map and Guidebook, among other duties.

Gormley resides in Winslow with her partner, Brian. Together they enjoy camping, motorcycle trips and time with their grandchildren.

Ice Out winners announced 2025

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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.

Volunteers needed for watershed survey

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Webber Pond

Submitted by Mary Schwanke
Webber Pond Board of Directors
Water Quality Committee

What is a watershed survey?

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

What would be the objective of my work?

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.

How much time would be required of me?

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!

Will I receive training?

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

When and where does the survey take place?

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.

How will I know what to do?

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.

What information is covered in the training?

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

What will I be looking for?

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.

What’s it like in the field? Would we be going on private property?

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.

Who will be out there with me?

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.

What do I need to bring?

• Clothing appropriate for light hiking outside and for the weather
• Water, lunch, snacks
• Umbrella in case of rain
• Bug spray, sunglasses

Who do I go to with questions?

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 2nd Trimester honors (2024-25)

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Erskine Academy

Grade 12

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.

Grade 11

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.

Grade 10

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.

Grade 9

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.