PHOTOS: Winslow summer track and field
Photos by Galen Neal / Central Maine Photography
Andrew Smith
Kylie Wolfe
Lillian Warren
Barrett Brochu
Lane Poulin
Taylor Peterson
Ronin Mansfield
Local students named to St. Lawrence Univ dean’s list
St. Lawrence University, in Canton, New York, congratulates more than 630 students named to the dean’s list for the Spring 2025 semester.
They include Lola Caruso, of Norridgewock. Caruso is a member of the Class of 2028. Caruso attended Skowhegan Area High School.
Nina Dabas, of Winslow. Dabas is a member of the Class of 2028 and is majoring in English and political science. Dabas attended Maine School of Science and Mathematics.
EVENTS: Winslow’s Blueberry Festival on tap for August 8 – 9, 2025
One of Maine’s all-time most popular, beloved, and downright yummy summer events – Winslow’s annual Blueberry Festival – is coming this year on Friday, August 8, from 3 to 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, August 9, from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., to Winslow Congregational Church, 12 Lithgow Street, Winslow. The Friday evening event will feature a delicious chicken BBQ fundraiser ($15 donation per supper) to benefit Winslow Community Cupboard food pantry, plus live music. Admission to the festival grounds is FREE both days.
Nearly 700 mouth-watering blueberry pies and “all things blueberry” baked goods will be available for purchase both days of the festival. Blueberry pies ($15 each; 2 for $25) may be picked up at the church anytime from 3 to 7:30 p.m. on Friday, or on Saturday from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., or until they are sold out.
Live Music, Blueberry Pies, & Fun-Filled Activities
Both days of this year’s festival will spotlight more live music than ever before, with Friday’s line-up including Richie Bartolo (Pop, Rock, Jazz – 3 p.m.), Dave Deas, Bill Dolan, Brian Richmond, Maureen Vachon, Darren Beaudet, and Dennis Rock (Pop, Rock, Blues – 4 p.m.), and The Cellar Dwellers (Beatles and Other Classic Pop/Rock – 6 p.m.).
Saturday’s musical line-up will feature Will McPherson (Acoustic Pop/Rock – 8 a.m.) Uke ‘N Be Happy (Good-Time Ukulele – 9 a.m.), Josh Bickford (Classical Organ/Keyboard – 10 a.m.), Will McPherson (Pop/Rock – 11 a.m.), and an Open Jam featuring Wayne Berman, Dave Deas, Dave Carew, Bob Steinberg and Friends (noon). (Live music schedule subject to change.)
Blueberry Pancake Breakfast
Kicking off the 54th Annual Blueberry Festival on Saturday will be a delicious Blueberry Pancake Breakfast, from 7 to 10 a.m. Cost of the breakfast will be $7 per person and $5 for children ages 12 and under, payable at the door.
Other Great “Festival Festivities”
Other fun-filled activities will include a huge yard sale … arts & crafts vendors … a police car, ambulance, & firetruck for the kids … BBQ … a café, and more!
More about the 54th Annual Blueberry Festival
A beloved community favorite since 1972, the Blueberry Festival raises funds to empower the local humanitarian/Christian-service work of Winslow Congregational Church. Celebrating its 197th birthday this year, the historic church is housed in a building dating from 1796, which has been home to a worshipping congregation since 1828.
Everyone seeking a wonderful opportunity to gather and enjoy a treasure trove of “all things blueberry” is cordially invited to attend this year’s Blueberry Festival!
For more information about the 54th annual Blueberry Festival, please call (207) 872-2544 or email news.winslowucc@gmail.com.
Caron presentation at Vassalboro Historical Society
Ray Caron
by Mary Grow
Historian Ray Caron’s illustrated talk on China Lake at the Vassalboro Historical Society Sunday afternoon, July 20, had his audience questioning, commenting and chuckling.
Caron, from Winslow, covered pieces of the history of the lake and its surroundings, including Winslow, from before the first Europeans arrived until the mid-20th century.
Caron said he has memories of China Lake from childhood, when his family visited his aunt and uncle on the northeast side of the east basin. He would sit on the dock and look across the water at “the scenic church,” China Baptist Church at the head of the east basin.
Long before Caron’s childhood, Native America tribes were familiar with China Lake. One of the assumed reminders of their visits is Indian Heart rock, on the southwest shore of the east basin, believed to be a Native carving.
Vassalboro Historical Society President Jan Clowes mentioned another rock on which the date 1850 is carved.
When Europeans settled this area in the second half of the 1600s, Caron said, streams, including China Lake’s Outlet Stream (then called Mile or Miles Brook), were vital sources of power for mills to grind grain and saw lumber. He showed a map of early Winslow mills on the brook.
Between 1675 and 1763, a series of wars between English settlers coming inland from the coast and would-be French influence from Canada decimated the Native Americans, Caron said. He cited one estimate that their numbers dropped from around 15,000 to around 4,000, mostly due to smallpox and other diseases the Europeans introduced.
Skipping to the years around 1900, Caron shared a variety of newspaper articles and other documents he had collected about China Lake and people who lived around it, including photographs of ice-cutting; information on the electric trolleys that brought visitors from Waterville and Augusta; and a reference to a boat trip to Abenaki Park, which neither he nor audience members could locate.
He also had information on proposed state water quality legislation, about 1909. John Woodsum, head of the China Lake Improvement Association, testified vehemently against it, on the ground that local people could protect their own water.
Vassalboro’s Albert Morris Bradley and his son, William Stickney Bradley, were credited with developing recreational facilities – dining room, bowling alley and dance hall – on Bradley’s Island, in the lake’s west basin, which they bought in 1876. Caron said they owned boats, including a 100-passenger sloop, to transport patrons to the island. He and audience members wondered which part(s) of the shore the boats lived on, and what passengers did during the ride to the island.
Bradley’s Island now belongs to the Town of China. Caron believes it was acquired for unpaid taxes.
The Bradleys also owned the Revere House, in East Vassalboro. Caron had photographs of A. M. Bradly, in his 90s, in the building. Clowes said a new owner is currently refurbishing the Revere House to eliminate lead.
The final stage in China Lake’s history that Caron covered was its use as Kennebec Water District’s water source for its customers in Waterville and surrounding towns.
Waterville’s drinking water used to come from Messalonskee Stream. That water was blamed for a 1906 typhoid epidemic that killed 40 people, leading to a search for a new source.
Messalonskee Lake might have been suitable, Caron said. He surmised China Lake was chosen because it is about 100 feet higher than Waterville, allowing gravity flow instead of pumping.
He showed numerous pictures of the job of laying miles of pipes in the early 1900s to bring the lake’s water north. Hundreds of Italian laborers from Massachusetts worked on the project. They were housed in 500-man camps; one photo caption referred to a “middle camp” in North Vassalboro and another to be built in East Vassalboro.
Caron currently heads the Friends of Fort Halifax, in Winslow. He showed pictures of the near-replica of one of Benedict Arnold’s bateaux the group has built in preparation for the 250th anniversary of Arnold’s expedition up the Kennebec to Québec, in September 1775.
Recently, he said, an excavation for a new stage in Fort Halifax Park unearthed what were determined to be Native American teeth. After identification and consultation with current Maine Native Americans, reburying them was found to be appropriate and was done.
LIFE ON THE PLAINS: The end of an era
The Winslow Drive-In opened in 1949 and was operated by Lockwood & Gordon Enterprises. It was a basic drive-in, which had a capacity for 700 cars. It was located on the Winslow side of the river, next to Waterville. By 1955 it was operated by Daytz Theatre Enterprises Corp. It was still open in 1970. (contributed photo by Ken Roe)
by Roland D. Hallee
Hello, folks. I’m baaaaack! By popular demand.
Unfortunately, during our fast-paced lifetimes, we have seen the end of many eras. But the one that sticks out in my mind, which happened recently, was the disappearance of the drive-in theater. In recent years, the Winslow Drive-in, the Midway Drive-in, in Pittsfield, and more recently, the Skowhegan Drive-in, have all shuttered.
Growing up in the 1950s and ‘60s, I remember our parents giving us a ”treat” every now and then with an evening at the Winslow Drive-In, especially when there was going to be a “good movie”.
My mom, being the thrifty person she was, would pack some snacks and get us ready by making us wear our PJs. That would facilitate going to bed when we returned home.
Once in the car, we drove the short distance to the Winslow Drive-In, on the Augusta Road, just about where Goodreau’s Retirement Home is presently located. Once there, my dad would look over the parking area and select “just the right spot”. He would position the car so everyone had a good vantage point, remove the speaker from its stand, and secure it to the driver’s side window.
At the base of the large screen was a playground. Our parents would tell us to go ahead and go to the playground. But, hey, we were in our PJs. No way we were going to be seen in public like that.
My dad would then walk to the popcorn stand and bring back a few bags. We munched while waiting for the movie to begin. It would include the usual “commercial” about popcorn and soda at the center building where the cameras were located. Next came a couple of previews for upcoming shows, and that was followed by cartoons until the feature film was presented.
As the sun was setting, and dusk began to fall, impatient people would start flashing their head lights at the screen, and honk their horns. Like that was going to prompt the camera operator to begin the show before it was dark.
Once the feature film was started, us four boys would quickly lose interest and began rough housing, which prompted our dad to put an end to the uprising. As time passed, we all eventually fell to sleep.
But, during intermission, we were commanded to go to the bathroom. It was dark, so it was OK to go in our PJs. Once the movie was done, it was quite a process to get out of the parking lot. Each row of cars would have to wait for the previous row to exit, then it became your turn. Quite a process to see grid lock in Winslow around 11 p.m. on a Saturday night.
One thing though, you had to remember to disconnect the speaker from the car window. I know of a lot of cars that went home those nights minus that side window.
Another thing, I don’t know whose job it was, but cleaning up the lot after all the cars were gone was quite a chore, as soda cups, popcorn bags, and other various candy wrappers littered the area. It was really quite a mess.
Now, those days are gone, forever, thanks to Netflix, Prime, Peacock and other various networks available for your mobile devices. It’s not quite the same as in the good ol’ days. The drive-in experience is something the next generations will not know.
EVENTS: Make an immediate difference by giving blood or platelets now
The American Red Cross urges all donors to give blood or platelets now to keep the blood supply strong this summer. Type O blood products are most needed on hospital shelves – especially in the face of summer challenges that can quickly cause blood and platelet reserves to drop.
All blood types are needed, and donors who don’t know their blood type can learn it after donation. Book a time to give blood or platelets by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App.
As a thank-you, all who come to give by July 14, 2025, will receive an exclusive pair of Red Cross x goodr sunglasses, while supplies last. Donors can personalize their one-of-a-kind shades with a blood type sticker that’s included! For details, visit RedCrossBlood.org/goodr.
For those who come to give July 15-31, 2025, the Red Cross will say thanks with a Fandango Movie Reward by email. Use it to catch a summer blockbuster on the Red Cross! See RedCrossBlood.org/July.
Upcoming blood donation opportunities:
Kennebec County:
Augusta
July 28: 11:30 a.m. – 5 p.m., Augusta Elks, 397 Civic Center Drive, P.O. Box 2206
Waterville
July 18: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., O’Brien’s Event Center, 375 Main St.
Winslow
July 30: noon. – 5 p.m., MacCrillis-Rousseau VFW #8835, 175 Veterans Drive.
EVENTS: Spectacular laser show and concert to benefit Winslow Community Cupboard
Winslow Community Cupboard food pantry – which serves food-insecure children, seniors, and other adults from Winslow, Waterville, Skowhegan, Fairfield, and 20 other surrounding towns – will benefit from a spectacular Drive-in Laser Show and Concert coming to the Clinton Fairgrounds (1450 Bangor Road) from Thursday, July 31, through Saturday, August 2, with gates opening at 5 p.m. each night. Cost is $29 per carload per show. To assure admission, ordering tickets in advance at the link below is strongly suggested.
This year there will be two Laser Shows on Thursday night, July 31, with the Pop Hits Laser Show starting at 7 p.m., followed by the Classic Rock Laser Show at 9 p.m.
Friday night and Saturday night will each feature three Laser Shows, with the Pop Hits Laser Show starting at 7 p.m.; the Classic Rock Laser Show starting at 9 p.m.; and the Monsters of Rock (Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Metallica, etc.) Laser Show starting at 10 p.m. (Please Note: Each show is ticketed separately, and all starting times are approximate.)
Arts & Crafts vendors will be on the fairgrounds on Friday, August 1, from 4 to 10 p.m., and on Saturday, August 2, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., along with food trucks and other food vendors. There will also be an exclusive infield seating area. (Please bring your own chairs and blankets.)
ADMISSION FEE:
Just $29 per entire carload when you purchase tickets in advance or at the gate. PLEASE NOTE: We strongly advise purchasing tickets in advance to guarantee admission.
Order Tickets at: https://www.freshtix.com/events/clintonlasers3 or call (608) 701-6114.
CAN’T ATTEND?
Those who may not be able to attend a Drive-In Laser Show & Concert, but who would still like to assist food-insecure children, seniors, and adults in our local area, may donate to Winslow Community Cupboard food pantry by sending a check payable to “Winslow Community Cupboard”, to 26 Lithgow St., Winslow, ME 04901, or by visiting WCCPantry.com and clicking on the white “Donate” button.
EVENTS: Art of Resistance, Joy and Hope July 26, 2025
The Art of Resistance, Joy and Hope is meant to bring us together and remind us of what enlivens us and keeps us moving forward day after day. The event will be held on Saturday, July 26, 4 – 8 p.m., at the Winslow Congregational Church, 12 Lithgow St., Winslow.
FMI: Lyn Rowden, (207) 314-4730, or singhawk26@gmail.com.
Organizers: Joshua Bickford, Patti Flynn, and Lyn Rowden.
Double your fun, and volunteer
Help with setup or cleanup
Bring baked goods or fruit,
Donate art for the auction
Sign up to share a short song performance, music, dance, short story, poem, aligned with theme.
4 p.m.: Art exhibit opens; 4 to 6 p.m.: Art-making for kids and grownups! Make origami butterflies, paint mini-canvases, and create signs; 5 p.m.: Community Sandwich Share: Bring a sandwich cut in two. Half for you, half for the sharing table. Extras will be on hand for those who cannot provide sandwiches. Bring non-alcoholic beverage. Water provided.
6 – 8 p.m., Show Time: variety of short performances related to the day’s theme.
Donated Art to be auctioned during event to benefit community members in need.
Future: Continuation of work on community art project, Squadrons of Butterflies, in collaboration with Waterville Creates, will be installed at the Schupf Center, Main St., Waterville, in October.
Winslow’s Adirondack chairs are gone
photo: Maine Airondeck Chairs Facebook page
by Mary Grow
“It’s a sad, sad situation. People love the chairs,” Winslow Parks and Recreation Director Amanda McCaslin said regretfully.
The chairs she meant were the wooden Adirondack chairs that used to be in Fort Halifax Park, near the Kennebec River. Early in June, unknown people apparently threw them into the river.
Since they disappeared, McCaslin estimated she’s received more than a dozen calls asking where they’d gone.
McCaslin said the vandalism was reported to police. Winslow fire department members took their boat out to look unsuccessfully for any chairs that might have grounded downriver.
McCaslin explained that the chairs cannot be secured in place, because they are in a flood zone. When town staff have warning of high water, they are moved to safety. Besides, people using them like to rearrange their conversational groups.
There is no money for new chairs in Winslow’s 2025-26 budget, which is effective July 1. Town officials are uncertain about replacements anyway, because, McCaslin said, “We can’t justify putting them out to have them thrown away.”
The alternative of having people bring their own chairs would be difficult for some older residents, she said.
Four of the 10 chairs were a gift from Maine Adirondack Chairs, in Vassalboro.
Rob Lemire, owner of Maine Adirondack Chairs, said he initially donated four chairs some years ago. After the unexpected December 2023 flood carried them away, he contacted McCaslin’s department and last spring donated another set of four “to be enjoyed by the public.”
Make the world brighter for patients by giving blood
Type O blood donors especially urged to give
As the busy Fourth of July holiday week gets closer, the American Red Cross asks donors to celebrate by making a blood or platelet donation appointment to help power the blood supply through mid-summer. While all blood types are needed, donors with type O blood are most urgently needed.
Making and keeping donation appointments now is critical to ensuring blood products are available for all patients – including those in trauma situations that may require several lifesaving transfusions – in the weeks to come. Type O negative blood is often reached for in emergencies when there isn’t time to match a patient’s blood type. Type O positive is the most common blood type, so it’s important to keep type O blood and all blood types on hand at hospitals for people facing both chronic illness and sudden, life-threatening conditions.
Don’t wait – add a blood or platelet donation appointment to your summer calendar today by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App.
The Red Cross and goodr are joining forces in July to remind donors they’re just the type patients can count on. All who come to give July 1-14, 2025, will get an exclusive pair of Red Cross x goodr sunglasses, while supplies last. Donors can personalize their one-of-a-kind shades with a blood type sticker! For details, visit RedCrossBlood.org/ goodr.
Upcoming blood donation opportunities June 24-July 14
Kennebec County:
Augusta
Friday, July 11: 9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., MaineGeneral Health, 35 Medical Center Parkway.
Friday, July 11: 1:30 p.m. – 6 p.m., MaineGeneral Health, 35 Medical Center Parkwa.y
Monday, July 14: 11:30 a.m. – 5 p.m., Augusta Elks, 397 Civic Center Drive, P.O. Box 2206.
Waterville
Friday, July 11: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., O’Brien’s Event Center, 375 Main St.,
Winslow
Wednesday, July 9: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., Winslow VFW, 175 Veterans Drive.