State Referendum questionsYes, 950
No, 2,636
Yes, 2,600
No, 977
Samantha Burdick, 318
Spencer Krigbaum, 476
Eric Coleen McDermott, 326.
Aimee Rae Morris, 325.
Yes, 2,284
No, 1,183
Members of the Waterville Youth Football grades 5-6 team going for the tackle at a recent game played on Sunday, October 19, at Reed Field. Waterville’s Attikus Gagnon (24) left, and Jayceon Turbide (30) right, making the tackle. (photo by Corianna Doucette, Central Maine Photography)
Sarah Sachs
New Dimensions Federal Credit Union is pleased to announce the appointment of Sarah W. Sachs as Chief Operations Officer (COO).
In her new role, Sachs will lead the credit union’s operational strategy, focusing on optimizing processes, enhancing the member experience, and building on New Dimensions’ commitment to providing innovative financial solutions.
Sachs brings over 25 years of executive leadership experience in the financial industry, with expertise in guiding institutions through transformational growth and change. In her past roles, she has been instrumental in building operations, implementing new technology, leading professional mortgage officers, and expanding lending products to better serve the community.
Throughout her career, Sachs has developed high-performing teams, created award-winning training and coaching programs, and championed process improvements that enhanced both efficiency and member service. Her leadership approach emphasizes mentorship, regulatory excellence, and sustainable growth.
“I’m pleased to join the amazing team of professionals at New Dimensions Federal Credit Union,” said Sachs. “They are so well known for being member-focused and community-oriented. Their impeccable reputation, along with their wide variety of products and services, highlights their strong dedication to the communities they serve. I’m excited to join an organization so committed to its members, employees, and community.”
CEO Ryan Poulin added, “Sarah’s leadership style aligns perfectly with our mission and values. She was drawn to New Dimensions for the very same reasons we are excited to welcome her – her integrity, expertise, and passion for people. We are confident she will make a meaningful impact on our operations, team, members, and the communities we serve.”
A lifelong resident of Maine, Sachs lives in Augusta with her husband, Alden. They have two adult children.
Left to right, Rotary members Suzanne Uhl-Melanson, Lindsey Cameron, Tom Shupe. (contributed photo)
Rotary members in Waterville are marking progress toward a polio-free world while helping to end the paralyzing disease.
The Purple Pinkie Project is among many events to be held by Rotary clubs around the world in honor of World Polio Day, October 24.
One Day. One Focus: Ending Polio. Rotary members in Waterville are taking action in honor of World Polio Day to raise awareness, funds, and support to end polio, a vaccine-preventable disease that still threatens children in parts of the world today.
On October 23 and 24, the Rotary Club of Waterville will be hosting the “Purple Pinkie Polio Project”. This project aims to inform the local community of the effects of polio and help raise funds for End Polio Now. The club will have tables set up at Kennebec Valley Community College, Thomas College, Alfond Youth and Community Center, and Colby College. Kennebec Valley Community College will host its event on Thursday, October 23 from 2 -4 p.m., Thomas College on Friday, October 24 at 2 – 4p.m., Alfond Youth and Community Center, 4 – 6 p.m., and Colby College 11a.m. – 1p.m.
This event aims to educate the public about Polio and raise funds for the ongoing efforts to eradicate the disease. Stop by to learn about these efforts and paint your pinky nail purple with a donation in support! The purple pinky is symbolic of those who receive the vaccine getting their pinky dipped in purple ink. If you are unable to attend the event but want to contribute donations, please visit the club’s website at www.watervillerotary.com.
Polio anywhere is a threat everywhere, and Rotary members from Waterville have long worked to end the paralyzing virus, which will be only the second human disease ever eradicated. The club will also be taking donations. Club President Michele Prince states, “So far in 2025 there have been 29 cases of polio reported in Pakistan. We urge community members to learn more about what we all can do to help wipe out this disease once and for all!”
The club regularly makes donations towards End Polio Now as part of their Service Above Self mission. The Waterville Rotary Club is also involved in several other local community projects throughout the year.
Rotary International has contributed more than $2.1 billion to fight polio and countless volunteer hours since launching its PolioPlus program in 1985. In 1988, Rotary joined in partnership with the World Health Organization, UNICEF, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to form the Global Polio Eradication Initiative. The Gates Foundation and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, later joined. When the initiative launched, there were 350,000 cases of polio every year. Today, the incidence of polio has plummeted by more than 99.9 percent.
To sustain this progress and continue to reach every child with the polio vaccine, Rotary International has committed to raising $50 million each year to support global polio eradication efforts. The Gates Foundation has pledged to match that 2-to-1 for a total yearly contribution of $150 million.
Front row, from left to right, Mason Jimenez, Kholton Friend, Jayce Pagliaro-Heath, Dawson Mansfield, Jamison Bean, Asher Mansfield, Griffin Gilley and Craig Preo. Second row, Nathan Withee, Jaxon Coulombe-Davenport, Cameron Ray, Landon Nalley, T.J. Wooten, Isaiah Nelson, Trey Soucy, Liam Soucie, and Jack Gilley. Back, Coach Nate Withee, Matt Gilley. (photo by Galen Neal, Central Maine Photography staff)
Front row, from left to right, Brody Ware, Wyatt Nalley-Dickey, Luna Withee, Jayden Bradley, Cole Bean, and Kayson Glidden. Second row, Owen Stevens, Jayceon Turbide, Nyeim Warren, Attikus Gagnon, Mason Sheets, and Maeson Colon. Third row, Isaac Chase, Luna Lagassie, Abby Sanford, Jaxon Troxell, Quncy Brittingham, Tristan Ware, Isaac Cooley. Back row, Coaches Langston Ware, Sulley Menz, Jamil Brittingham, Jon Turbide, Noah Patnaude and Nate Withee. (photo by Galen Neal, Central Maine Photography staff)
Alfond Youth & Community Center and Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce combine efforts to present Festival of Trees this holiday season, continuing a proud tradition.
Participation in this year’s event continues a fabulous holiday tradition. At the same time, money raised supports families in the community experiencing food insecurity through the services of Alfond Youth & Community Center and funds workforce development services and assistance through the Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce, meeting a need existing throughout our region.
Who doesn’t love a beautiful holiday tree? Imagine over 50 trees, each uniquely decked out in holiday cheer. This wonderful family event will be held at Waterville Elks Banquet & Conference Center, 76 Industrial Rd., Waterville, on November 21-23, and November 28-30. Hours on both Fridays and Saturdays are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. On Sunday, November 23, hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on the final day, November 30, hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Festival of Trees will provide a magical experience the whole family can enjoy. Admission for ages 12 and over is just $2 per person; children 12 and under are admitted for free. Children are also given a free book upon arrival.
Purchase and drop your individual tree tickets (just 50-cents each) into the bucket of your favorite tree, and you could go home with a beautifully decorated tree complete with all trimmings, gift cards, and merchandise displayed. Tree winners will be drawn after 5 p.m. Sunday, November 30, and notified that evening. Trees will be available for pickup on the following Monday and Tuesday.
This year’s 50/50 experience has also been enhanced by increased prize amounts, with a maximum payout of $10,000 daily. Winners will be drawn each day, and you do not need to be present to win. A note: in each of the cases of winning a tree or a 50/50 amount, winners are responsible for any tax implications, and a 1099 Form will be furnished for values exceeding $600.
Please join us for this wonderful holiday experience. Whether you visit to view the trees on display or are willing to volunteer some time to help staff the event, it will be time well spent – and you will be helping support your community through your participation. It takes a substantial number of volunteers for an event of this magnitude. Many volunteer slots are open.
For more information about volunteering for a shift or shifts, please visit www.festivaloftreesmaine.net.
Members of the Waterville Junior High football team having fun with the spectators during the homecoming parade, on Friday, September 19. (photo by Corianna Doucette, Central Maine Photography)
Members of the Waterville Grades 5 – 6 youth football team participated in the Waterville homecoming parade, on Friday, September 19. (photo by Corianna Doucette, Central Maine Photograph)
Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), in Manchester, New Hampshire, congratulates the following students on being named to the Summer 2025 President’s List. The summer terms run from May to August.
Wesberg Jeremie, of Vassalboro; Nina Labbe, of Oakland; Blake Laweryson, of North Anson; Tamara Butler, of Madison; Alex Akers, of Madison; River Garling, of Madison; Grace Marshall, of Fairfield; Allison Nickerson, of Fairfield; Jasmine Cayford, of Canaan; Jessica Keay, of Albion; Gregory Jones, of Waterville; Trevor Lovely, of Winslow; Brandie Bryson-Cyrus, of Waterville; Andrew Cronk, of China; and Jamison Bragdon, of Augusta.
Beginning Monday, September 29, at midnight, through November 1, at 6 a.m., the project will be closing the Ticonic Bridge to all traffic for construction activities requiring access to the entire bridge. During this time, pedestrians will not be allowed to transit the bridge. Both pedestrians and vehicles will be required to follow the posted detour routes. They can be found on the MaineDOT website (Plans F-H).
On November 1, westbound (Winslow to Waterville) will still be prohibited from the bridge. Westbound traffic should continue to follow the detour routes that are posted. Eastbound (Waterville to Winslow) will be reopened at 6 a.m., on November 1, and access to the bridge will be allowed during the westbound detour.
Maine’s rural communities are defined by local heritage and spirit, and impacted, for better or worse, by the intersections of Federal, state, local policies and investments. This Summit will delve into how Maine’s rural communities can navigate the complex interplay of federal, state, and local policies and investments to build resilient and prosperous futures, while preserving their distinct sense of place.
Rural Opportunity Roadmap will be held in Waterville, at the Opera House, on Thursday, October 16. The Summit will be held at the beautiful Waterville Opera House and in the adjacent Paul J. Schupf Art Center.
The day will feature a National keynote speaker, Tony Pipa, who launched and leads the Reimagining Rural Policy initiative at the Brookings Institution, and State keynote speakers, Sarah Craighead-Dedmon, Town Manager in Machias and Bonita Thompkins, CEO of the Center for Entrepreneurial Studies. Community Spotlights will follow, highlighting local stories that demonstrate the wide range of creative and effective approaches employed by rural Mainers to build strong and resilient communities .
Maine Smart Growth Awards video, GrowSmart Annual Meeting, and City Experience Tours, including the screening of Josh Gerritsen’s The Comeback Mill, round out the program before a networking reception.
Currently, CES is scaling its efforts to develop an Entrepreneurial Center for Franklin County, amplifying its reach and impact. Bonita is recognized for her persistence and tenacity in overcoming barriers. She is a champion of integrity and an advocate for systemic change, tackling obstacles with a solutions-focused mindset.
Registration information: non-member registration rate, $100 in-person attendance, $25, senior/student rate. Member registration $50 – In-Person Attendance, $25 – Senior/ Student Rate.