Andrei Bon Corvera Llanto, of Waterville, was among 1,175 graduates who received degrees from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, in Lincoln, Nebraska, during commencement exercises December 19 and 20.
Llanto earned a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from the College of Business.
Huard’s Martial Arts student Kate Shores, 14, of Benton, recently captured both the divisional and state championship titles for forms, weapons and fighting. (photo by Central Maine Photography)
Huard’s Martial Arts student Isabella Citro, 17, of Waterville, captured the State Karate Championship Title for 2025. (photo by Central Maine Photography)
From left to right, Mason Sheets, Linnea Burke-Mayka, Rose Ker, Dora Blaisdell, Ellyse Doyon, and Levi Cardenas. (photo by Mark Huard, Central Maine Photography)
The Albert S. Hall School Civil Rights Team, in Waterville, is working to raise money for the Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital. They will use the money to buy toys, movies, and games from the hospital’s wish list. They chose this charity because some of the students had been there themselves and/or had family members who had been there. They worked diligently to make posters and cans for donations over the holiday break. Then, they spent this past Saturday, January 10, at Shaw’s Supermarket, in Waterville, telling others about the program and asking for money donations. Their goal is to raise $500.
In 2026, the Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce will host the first-ever Maine State Civics Bee, taking place at Colby College, in Waterville. This event is part of a nationwide initiative happening in all 50 states and is designed to celebrate and strengthen civic knowledge among middle school students as the country enters the 250th anniversary of the United States.
The Maine State Civics Bee is being brought to the state through a partnership between the Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, and the National Civics Trust, marking Maine’s first participation in this national program.
Students across Maine are currently being invited to submit essays on real-world civic issues, with a February 3 submission deadline. Winners advance to the state competition, with top students earning recognition, prizes, and the opportunity to represent Maine on a national stage.
Pictured, from left to right, are Director Steve Fotter, of Benton, Vera Grenier, of Albion, and drummer Pat Michaud, of Oakland. (photo by Mark Huard/ Central Maine Photography)
This year’s warming up for Christmas concert 2025 was once again a huge success and a great night of music with many talented musicians helping in the cause. There was a horn section from the Al Corey Band under the direction of Brian Nadeau. Approximately 450 people were in the audience and they raised nearly $14,000 for the Operation Hope program led by the Waterville Police Department. Many thanks to all who gave their time and talent to help make this special night possible. This was their second time to benefit Operation Hope and they have raised approximately $31,000 in both shows.
members of the Winslow Cub Scout Pack #445 participated in the Parade of Lights, in Downtown Waterville, on Saturday, November 29. Holding the den flag, left, is Wolf Cub Lorelei Pullen, American Flag is Arrow of Light Scout Freddie Pullen. Holding the banner from left to right are Cubs Cody McGraw, Aries Garling and Lincoln Hamilton. (photo by Corianna Doucette, Central Maine Photography)
Santa Claus waves to the crowd as he approaches his seasonal home in Kringleville, at Castonguay Square, in Waterville. (photo by Mark Huard, Central Maine Photography)
The Children’s Discovery Museum once again organized this year’s Parade of Lights, kicking off the holiday season in downtown Waterville with over 30 entries, including three dance troupes, dazzling floats, and brightly lit fire trucks. This year’s Grand Marshal, Ken Walsh, helped lead the beloved annual procession, carrying on a cherished tradition that brings the community together each December. Crowd favorites included a solar-powered Charlie Brown Christmas display and a line of festively decked-out Jeeps, all culminating in Santa’s arrival to light the tree in Castonguay Square. The event was made possible through major support from the City of Waterville, Central Maine Motors Auto Group, KSW Federal Credit Union, and Selah Tea Café, with additional support from Chase Toys, Kennebec Behavioral Health, Skowhegan Savings Bank, United Ag & Turf, and Day’s Jewelers. “Seeing our community come together in such joyful, sparkly spirit is truly magical. This parade is a highlight of the year for so many families, and we’re grateful to help bring that joy to downtown Waterville,” said Amarinda Keys, Executive Director of the Children’s Discovery Museum. Thank you to all of the volunteers for all the help and support.
Waterville Police Chief William Bonney said, “The Parade of Lights is an amazing annual event that brings thousands of people to the downtown to welcome Santa to Waterville. We, at the police department, love playing a part in this event and seeing the joy on people’s faces as the parade passes.”
Each year, the Children’s Discovery Museum is honored to recognize a member of our community as the Parade of Lights Grand Marshal, sponsored by Central Maine Motors Auto Group.
Levi “The Grinch” Burgess, 8, of Winslow, riding on the Grinch Float during the Parade of Lights! (photo by Mark Huard/ Central Maine Photography)
This season, the parade directors were proud to celebrate someone whose lifelong dedication to youth, families, and community enrichment. This year’s Grand Marshal is Ken Walsh, whose three decades of leadership have shaped the landscape of youth development across Maine. Ken began his journey in Maine in 1992 as the Executive Director of the Waterville Boys and Girls Club, later leading the newly merged Alfond Youth Camp; Community Center (AYCC) – the only combined Boys and Girls Club and YMCA in the nation. During his tenure as CEO, he helped raise over $100 million and transformed the AYCC into a nationally recognized model for community impact. Ken’s visionary work led to the development of iconic recreation spaces, including replica Fenway Park and Wrigley Field, and expanded Camp Tracy, while also establishing youth programs across Maine and around the world. From building international partnerships in China, Mexico, and Europe, to supporting new World Youth Club sites in Africa, Ken’s work has opened doors for countless young people. In January 2026, he will begin a new chapter as President & CEO of World Youth Clubs, overseeing affiliates in 50 countries and serving more than half a million youth worldwide.
Ken’s legacy is rooted not just in buildings and programs, but in people.
Ken Walsh
A 7th-degree black belt, founder of the AYCC Martial Arts Program, longtime baseball coach, and member of both the Maine Baseball Hall of Fame and Maine Sports Legends, Ken has inspired generations of young athletes. He and his wife Suzanne are proud parents of two children, Sean and Kate. The Children’s Discovery Museum is deeply grateful to honor Ken Walsh as this year’s Grand Marshal. His compassion, generosity, and unwavering belief in the power of community embody the very spirit of the season. Thanks to Central Maine Motors Auto Group for helping to celebrate a leader whose dedication has touched thousands of lives here in Central Maine and across the globe.
Members of the Winslow Cub Scout Pack #445 participated in the Parade of Lights, in Downtown Waterville, on Saturday, November 29. Holding the den flag, left, is Wolf Cub Lorelei Pullen, American Flag is Arrow of Light Scout Freddie Pullen. Holding the banner from left to right are Cubs Cody McGraw, Aries Garling and Lincoln Hamilton. (photo by Corianna Doucette, Central Maine Photography)
I’m delighted to share that I’ll be arriving in Kringleville, Maine, on the evening of Saturday, November 29, 2025!
This year, my reindeer and I will make our grand landing in Waterville, where we’ll shine up the sleigh and join the sparkling Parade of Lights on our way to Kringleville. What a festive way to begin the season!
The elves have been hard at work getting my cozy cabin ready just for you. They’ve promised there will be steaming cups of cocoa to keep you warm, cheerful holiday activities to brighten your day, and a beautiful book for every child who visits.
They’ve also teamed up with the friendly folks at the Waterville Post Office to make sure your letters reach me quickly. You can drop them off at the Post Office or in the Kringleville mailbox, and I’ll do my very best to send a reply before the season’s over.
I can hardly wait to see your smiling faces and rosy cheeks as we celebrate the magic of Christmas together.
Remember, Christmas miracles are all around us – just keep the holiday spirit in your heart.
With love and joy,
Santa
The 2025 Parade of Lights will be held on Saturday, November 29, at 6 p.m. It will start on College Ave., and travel down Waterville Main Street.
The Children’s Discovery Museum is excited to be collaborating with the city of Waterville to host this wonderful event.
While we have loved partnering with Winslow each year for the parade, due to ongoing bridge construction, we believe it is safer to keep the parade on one side of the river. We look forward to bringing the parade back across the bridge in the future!
The 2025 Parade of Lights will be held on Saturday, November 29, at 6 p.m. Floats will assemble along College Ave, travel down to Main Street, stopping at Castonguay Square for the lighting of the giant spruce and Santa’s arrival at Kringleville. A map will be provided closer to the event. We would like to invite all area schools, businesses, churches, organizations and municipalities to participate in the parade by entering a float, marching band, or other appropriate entry.
The Parade of Lights and Kringleville is generously made possible with the support of the City of Waterville, Central Maine Motors Auto Group, KSW Federal Credit Union, Selah Tea Cafe, Chase Toys, Kennebec Behavioral Health, Skowhegan Savings Bank, Day’s Jewelers and United Ag & Turf.
Alfond Youth & Community Center and Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce, through the Central Maine Community Betterment Collaborative are bringing 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 Fridays through Sundays, 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. New this year, Santa will be there from noon – 3:30 p.m., on Saturday, Nov. 22 and 1 – 4 p.m., on Sunday, Nov. 23.
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 them 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. Some volunteer slots are open. For more information about volunteering for a shift or shifts, please visit www.festivaloftreesmaine.net.
All the local youth groups that participated in the Veterans Day Parade, in Waterville. (photo by Galen Neal, Central Maine Photography)
“It is so important for the community to honor, pay respect, and show gratitude to all veterans but especially for those in our community and in some cases our own family who have shown the courage to serve our country with the ultimate belief that service above all else is what they are committed to,” said Christopher Santiago, Kennebec Valley District Commissioner of Pine Tree Council, Scouting America. “Scouting has had a long relationship with the military and veterans. Our Scout Oath reads directly to do our Duty to God and Duty to Our Country. With that being said, honoring our country and those who protect it is a very real opportunity to teach young people about citizenship and the responsibility we have to our country and community. Not everyone will serve in the military, but individuals serve as police officers, firefighters, teachers, nurses, and so many other professions for the purpose of serving others. Participating in the Veterans Day Parade allows us the opportunity to make these lessons real and encourage our youth to think about the positive impact they can have in the lives of others.”
Vassalboro Troop #410, march down Main St., in Waterville. Other groups participating included Vassalboro Cub Scout Pack #410, Winslow Cub Scout Pack #445, Winslow Troop #433, Oakland Cub Scout Pack #454, Augusta Troop #603, and Girl Scouts Arnold Trail Service Unit Troop #1521. (photo by Galen Neal, Central Maine Photography)
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