Steve Fotter, right, and his crew hosted the Warming Up For Christmas Concert, on Saturday, November 18, at the Williamson Performing Arts Center, in Fairfield. The event raised $17,500 for Operation Hope. Waterville Police Chief William Bonney, center, and the Operation HOPE crew are seen on stage praising Steve Fotter for his amazing efforts to raise funds for their lifesaving program. (photo by Mark Huard/ Central Maine Photography)
Garth Bammer, of China, took this photo on the Little Androscoggin River, in Auburn.
Left, Raya, 10, and Ivy Belisle, 7, of Waterville, built a snowman following the season’s first storm on December 4. Middle, Kara Brennan, 4, of Waterville, with her snowman, and brother, Jack, 8, right, with his masterpiece. (photos by Mark Huard)
Northern Light Inland Hospital is kicking off its 2023 Lights of Life program. It’s a wonderful opportunity for the community to honor and remember friends, family members, and caregivers by purchasing a light for the hospital’s holiday tree, which will come to life on December 7. Every dollar raised through Lights of Life will stay local to support care in the greater Waterville region.
Six levels of recognition are available, beginning with white lights at $10 and culminating with the star, which recognizes a single special individual or family. The name of each individual being honored or remembered will be displayed on the hospital website throughout the holiday season. Upon request, Lights of Life cards will be provided for those who purchase lights to send to honorees.
For more information or to purchase a light, please visit northernlighthealth.org/InlandLights or contact Todd Nicholson, director of Philanthropy at 861-3000.
Isabella, of Fairfield, visits with Santa at Kringleville. (photo by Galen Neal, Central Maine Photography)
Everly Hanson, 6, of Clinton, enjoying her ride on the float during the Parade of Lights. (photo by Galen Neal, Central Maine Photography)
Winslow and Waterville partnered together for the annual Parade of Lights, opening of Kringleville, lighting of the Winslow Gazebo, and the lighting of the Castonguay Square.
Temperatures were in the mid-20s by Saturday evening, as the lighted floats, marchers, and Santa made their way from Winslow High School, down Benton Ave, across the bridge into Waterville. Once in Waterville the parade proceeded up Main Street.
In Castonguay Square, City of Waterville Parks and Recreation department found a huge tree for the annual display, while SkyBoy Holiday & Event Lighting, a major sponsor of Kringleville, was creative in setting up lights on Santa’s Cabin and wrapping trees and light poles. With a countdown from Santa, the magic of the season was brightly lit to kick off the annual Kringleville event, which runs Saturdays and Sunday afternoons in December.
The Parade Grand Marshal this year was Victor Esposito Jr., sponsored by Central Maine Motors Group. Victor is a longtime supporter of Jobs for Maine Graduates. He is a JMG Master Specialist, and 77 years old. He’s worked for JMG for the past 24 years, and spent 21 of those years at Vassalboro Community School working in grades six to eight. For the past two years he has been working out of the AYCC (still with JMG) doing Workforce Development and Career Exploration, and helping to develop the Teen Program at the AYCC. He has been teaching for a total of 42 years.
Special thanks to Amanda McCaslin from Winslow Parks and Recreation for coordinating the parade and the lineup, and the police departments from Waterville and Winslow for coordinating the road closures and keeping everyone safe.
Owner of Stage Presence for Dancers Heather Beaster says, “participating in the The Parade of Lights has been a tradition for our studio for over a decade. It kicks off the holiday season for us and the whole community! It’s so amazing to see the smiles on kids and adults faces as you go through the route. Everyone is so joyful, even in the cold! The spirit of the season is definitely in the air, you can feel it! Our SP4D Family wouldn’t miss it!
Second place winner in the float competition, Mushero’s Lawn Care. (photo by Galen Neal, Central Maine Photography)
Winslow Parks and Recreation Director Amanda McCaslin added, “The parade of lights was a remarkable success, marking a festive beginning for the central Maine community. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated town employees and volunteers who worked tirelessly to bring this event to life. The floats showcased an extraordinary display of creativity and holiday cheer, captivating everyone with their exquisite craftsmanship. It was truly a sight to behold!”
Judges, representing the Children’s Discovery Museum, have chosen this year’s Parade of Lights contest finalists, judging holiday theme and best looking floats.
First place Maine Homeschool Athletic Association, second place, Mushero’s Lawn Care; and third place, Winslow Parks and Rec.
The thousands of people in attendance at the parade of lights definitely lit the path to the holiday season. Whether you were there as a child or as a parent or guardian or grandparent, you were welcomed as part of a wonderful event by the community for the community. Make sure you keep that spirit going by enjoying Main Street and visiting Santa Claus in his cabin on Saturdays and Sundays until Christmas.
Downtown Waterville aglow in lights, and bustling with activity during the Parade of Lights. (photo by Galen Neal, Central Maine Photography)
Santa waving from his home away from home at Kringleville, in Waterville, last season. (photo by Central Maine Photography staff)
The Children’s Discovery Museum is excited to announce its line-up of holiday programs for the 2023 season, which will include the Parade of Lights, Kringleville, Light Up The Town, Letters to Santa, and new holiday lighting in Castonguay Square.
Kicking off the celebration will be the annual Parade of Lights, coordinated by the Winslow Parks and Recreation department in conjunction with Winslow and Waterville Police Departments and Children’s Discovery Museum volunteers. The parade will take place on Saturday, November 25, at 6 p.m., and will flow down Benton Avenue, in Winslow, across the Ticonic Bridge, then proceed up Main Street, in Waterville.
Along the parade route is Castonguay Square, which will be ablaze with new lights and decorations this year courtesy of SkyBox Holiday and Event Lighting. Several thousand feet of string lights, in addition to multiple kinds of novelty lights, will adorn the trees in the square as well as the iconic Kringleville Cabin.
Santa will meet children at the Cabin at the Square this year, every Saturday and Sunday from 1 – 4 p.m., between Thanksgiving and Christmas. In addition to free meetings with Santa, local organizations will be on location to host activities and giveaways for children as they wait in line. Families can expect DJs, hot cocoa, winter princess visits, and more as part of the holiday celebration.
Kringleville is made possible with support from the city of Waterville, Central Maine Motors Auto Group, Selah Tea, and GoNetSpeed. Additional support comes from United Ag & Turf, State Farm and Chase Toys.
Along with Kringleville, the museum is working with Chris Bernier, of CTB Electronics, to host a city-wide light celebration. This year’s holiday season fills the entire town, as businesses and individuals decorate their properties with as many lights as possible. The registered parties will be part of a city-wide map for members of the community to drive or walk by each location to admire the decorations. Registration is currently open, available at Kringleville.org and the Kringleville Facebook Page.
Like last year, children are encouraged to write letters to Santa to leave in his mailbox outside his cabin or send through the Waterville Post Office. Santa will be responding to all letters, as long as the child’s
address is included in the letter. Information will be kept confidential by the Children’s Discovery Museum.
For more information and registration, visit www.kringleville.org or facebook.com/kringleville.
The 60th annual Waterville Rotary Auction with hundreds of gifts, services and unique items will once again be held online through BiddingOwl.com.
If you would like more information about the online auction Saturday, November 25, through Friday, December 1, 2023, please see our webpage for details: https://watervillerotary.com/. You may also actively bid and participate in the auction simply by visiting: www.biddingowl.com/auctions.cfmon. Bidding opens on November 25.
The Waterville Rotary Club hosts an auction each year in late November to benefit what Rotarians determine to be among the worthiest causes of the region. Every year, for more than half a century, this important community event has supported Rotary’s efforts to make a difference in our community.
Proceeds from the 2023 Online Auction will again go to benefit many important community programs.
This year, Waterville Rotary’s initiative focuses on the community’s greatest asset-children and youth. Among the many service projects that the club assists with, Waterville Rotary will support Kennebec Valley Community Action Program’s South End Teen Center.
One of the area’s critically important needs is providing safe and secure community spaces for youth and providing programming to develop skills, create healthy aspirations, and combat the current mental health and substance abuse crisis. The South End Teen Center offers these types of activities and helps young people develop leadership, self-esteem, and decision-making skills.
Rotary Club of Waterville thanks the business community for its support and contribution to the local community.
For more information about cash and/or item donations please call 649-2745.
For more information about the Rotary, visit the website at watervillerotary.com.
Vassalboro Scouts at the Waterville Veterans Day Parade. Front row, from left to right, Tiger Scout Kasen Maroon, Wolf Scout Beckett Metcalf, Tiger Scout Greyson Malloy, Wolf Scout John Gray, and Wolf Scout Lux Reynolds. Second row, Tiger Den Leader Shane Maroon, Dragon Scout Lila Reynolds, Asst. Cubmaster/Wolf Den Leader Chris Reynolds, Webelos Scout Anthony Malloy, Arrow of Light Scout Christopher Santiago, Arrow of Light Scout William Vincent, Webelos Scout Henry Gray, Asst. Scoutmaster/Cubmaster Christopher Santiago. (photo courtesy of Chuck Mahaleris)
Anthony Fortin of Augusta
In Waterville, Scouts from Vassalboro, Winslow, Windsor and Augusta marched in the Veterans Day Parade with some of the Cub Scouts from Windsor leading the pledge of allegiance at City Hall. Windsor Pack #609 Cubmaster Shawn McFarland said, “This was our first parade and first community event. I am so proud of these Littles! Thank you everyone.” The pack, which became official this month after several years of non-operation, is also going to be marching in the Gardiner Parade of Lights. Christopher Santiago is a leader for both Scout Troop and Cub Pack #410, in Vassalboro, and said, “Vassalboro Scouting came out to thank our veterans and marched in the Waterville Veterans Day Parade alongside its Charter Organization, American Legion Post #126. A great job by our scouts and their families who braved the cold on this important day. Thank you Veterans!”
In Augusta, members of Scout Troop #431 served lunch to veterans at American Legion Post #2 and in Litchfield, Scout Troop #672 took part in a flag retirement ceremony with members of American Legion William R Bold Post #181, Litchfield.
Augusta Troop 631
Pack 609 Tiger Cub Brody Dyer holding a handmade sign
Recycled Shakespeare Company (RSC) will hold auditions for their upcoming play Richard III on Sunday, November 26, 5 to 7 p.m., at South Parish Congregational Church, in Augusta, and Monday, November 27, 5 to 7 p.m., at Fairfield House of Pizza, in Fairfield.
Auditions will consist of individual and group cold readings, but you may come with a memorized piece if you wish. If anyone would like to audition but cannot do so at these times, please call 314-4730 in advance to discuss alternatives. All parts will be offered by Friday, December 1. RSC also seeks people to do tech and stage work, costuming, props, and concessions. Please come to audition or call to join the crew. People of all skill levels and abilities are invited to participate with this grassroots community theater company.
The play will be performed in Fairfield, Waterville, and Augusta, February 23 through 25. Table Read will be 5:30 p.m., on Wednesday, December 21, at Fairfield House of Pizza. All actors are responsible for learning their lines before Blocking rehearsals begin on Saturday, January 6. Rehearsal schedule is basically Saturdays 1 to 5 p.m., in Augusta, and Wednesday 5:30 to 8 p.m., in Fairfield.
Richard III is the tragic story of a tyrant who rises to power through his cunning charm which does not stop at murder. “Plots are laid” as characters build alliances, break the bonds of friends and family, and strive to maintain the kingdom as England nears the end of the brutal War of the Roses. One of Shakespeare’s often performed plays, this production by RSC is reduced to 90 minutes with script editing by Becca Bradstreet and a directorial team of Lyn Rowden, Shana Page, and Murray Herard.
For more information contact 207-314-4730 or see, like and follow Recycled Shakespeare Company on Facebook.
Lane Closures:The bridge will be closed from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m., from Sunday, November 19 -Thursday, November 23, for work requiring access to the entire bridge. During this time, all vehicles will be required to follow the posted detour route. Message boards will be used to warn drivers. Pedestrians should continue to utilize the posted detour route during these times.
Thursday, November 23, not a definite for closure 7 p.m. – 6 a.m. Announcement will be made as the date gets closer.
Drivers are encouraged to proceed cautiously, observe signage in the work zone, and obey reduced work zone speed limits.
It is unlawful and unsafe to traverse the river via the rail bridge. Pedestrians have been observed doing so and are reminded of the dangers of such activity. Pedestrians must utilize the Two Cent Bridge for foot traffic.
Photo by Mark Huard, Central Maine photography
The Alfond Youth & Community Center, serving the Boys & Girls Clubs and YMCA of Greater Waterville, hosted its 99th Annual Holiday Community Dinner on Thursday, November 9, 2023. This traditional sit-down holiday dinner with turkey, stuffing, potatoes, rolls, gravy, vegetables, beverages, pies and all the trimmings was amazing. The event served over 1,000 community members.
The event is staffed by AYCC employees, volunteers from the Sunrise Rotary Club of Waterville and AYCC members. Central Maine Motors Auto Group was the event’s exclusive sponsor for the 10th year in a row, donating 700 pounds of turkey for the dinner.
“My husband, Chris, and I were pleased to be able to sponsor the Annual Holiday Community dinner again this year,” said Linanne Gaunce, Donations / Employee Relations at Central Maine Motors Auto Group. “We have much to be thankful for and feel strongly about giving back. Central Maine may be large, but it is a tight-knit community. We look out for each other during difficult times and share our joy during good times. We are happy to join with the AYCC to bring everyone together to enjoy a home cooked meal and celebrate our community and our connection to each other.”
The holidays are a busy time for Linanne, Chris and their team at Central Maine Motors Auto Group. A few weeks from now – just as they have in the past – they will make sure every family from the AYCC’s Waterville After School and Preschool programs receives a turkey and a bag of the fixings for their Thanksgiving dinner. The Central Maine Motors Auto Group is as competitive as they are generous. Chris and Linanne provide a list of what is needed for the bags (i.e., vegetables, gravy, etc.) and host a contest to see which site can fill the bags the fastest.
“We are incredibly grateful to Linanne, Chris and the Central Maine Motors Auto Group team for providing Thanksgiving dinners to the families of AYCC’s youth,” said DJ Adams, After School Programs Director, AYCC. “The holidays are a time for families to come together but can also be a difficult time for some. By donating the turkeys and all the fixings, Central Maine Motors Auto Group has taken some of the pressure off these families and helped to make it possible for them to focus on enjoying family time together.”
Photo by Mark Huard, Central Maine photography