Welcome to Androscoggin Valley Voice | Halloween, Local Finds & Your Week Ahead
|Subscribe·Archives·Current IssueWelcome to Androscoggin Valley Voice | Halloween, Local Finds & Your Week Ahead
Our first edition: family fun, community connections and useful local updates for October 27–November 2.
Sandy Smith
| Tues, Oct 27|Issue #1|Androscoggin Valley |
 A Halloween Week Across the Valley AI-generated Halloween illustration; not a photograph of a specific event or location. Section graphics include AI-generated illustrations rather than documentary photographs. AVV logo supplied by the publisher. Welcome to the first Androscoggin Valley Voice. This week brings free Halloween fun in Auburn, a day of games and history in Livermore, a creative evening in Lewiston and a Sunday concert to round things out. Inside, you’ll also find local jobs, community resources, municipal meetings and a few places worth exploring close to home. Our coverage follows Maine’s Androscoggin Valley. Have a hometown event or a useful local story? Send it along—we’d like to hear from you. |
 Lewiston and Auburn grew into major manufacturing centers along the Androscoggin River. Which industry became especially important to Auburn’s development? A. Ocean-going shipbuilding B. Shoe manufacturing C. Commercial salt harvesting D. Whaling The answer is at the end of this issue. |
 Help us fill the hometown calendar. Are you organizing a holiday craft fair, hunters’ breakfast, cookie swap, community supper or nonprofit fundraiser? We’d like to include events from throughout the Valley, including the smaller towns. Send the event name, town, date, start and end times, location, admission price and a public organizer link to sandy@mainethrive.org. Please include a contact person for questions. Photos are welcome when you have permission to share them. You can also tell us about a local business, volunteer or overlooked place you think your neighbors should know. |
 Good morning, neighbors. Welcome to Androscoggin Valley Voice. I’m Sandy Smith, and I’m glad you’re here for our first edition. My aim is simple: bring together useful local information that helps you enjoy where you live and stay connected to the people around you. That means things to do, small businesses to discover, school sports, local meetings and organizations helping neighbors through a difficult stretch. We’ll look beyond Lewiston and Auburn, too. From Durham and Lisbon through Lewiston–Auburn to Jay, Livermore Falls, Canton, Dixfield, Mexico, Rumford and Bethel, the communities along Maine’s Androscoggin Valley belong in this conversation. As we get started, your suggestions will help shape the newsletter. Tell me what you’d like to see, and please pass this first issue along to a friend. — Sandy |
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 Set clocks back this weekend. Daylight saving time ends Sunday, November 1, at 2 a.m. Turn manual clocks back one hour before bed Saturday. Time-change details Auburn’s Main Street will be busy Thursday evening. Fright Festival takes place around Main Street and Festival Plaza from 5–7:30 p.m. Allow extra time near the event and watch for families walking between activities. Mechanic Falls transfer station: The town lists winter hours of Wednesday noon–4 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m.–4 p.m. and Sunday 8 a.m.–1 p.m. Town notices For changing road conditions across the Valley, use New England 511. |
 Illustrative image; not a photograph of Thorncrag Sanctuary. Thorncrag Sanctuary: A Woodland Walk in Lewiston Spend an hour in the woods at Thorncrag Sanctuary in Lewiston. Our guide covers access, trails and the visitor rules for this 450-acre preserve. Read the full feature |
 A window onto Bates College Bates is part of everyday life in Lewiston, but there’s plenty happening on campus that neighbors may never see. The college’s official YouTube channel offers recorded campus programming, including its 2026 commencement. Browse the college’s own videos for a look at the people and occasions behind the campus buildings. These are recordings to explore at home. Explore Bates College’s official video channel |
 Auburn · Fright Festival · Thursday, October 29 5–7:30 p.m. · Main Street and Festival Plaza · Free admission The city’s Halloween gathering includes pumpkin carving and trunk-or-treating with city departments. Costumes and a candy bag belong on the packing list for this early-evening family outing. City event announcement Livermore · Haunted Harvest at the Norlands · Saturday, October 31 10:30 a.m.–4 p.m. · 290 Norlands Road · General admission free Explore games, a schoolhouse spelling challenge, crafts and spooky history at the Washburn estate. A $5 candy bag includes seven activity tickets; some activities and mansion admission cost extra. The event runs rain or shine, with activities moving indoors when needed. Crafts are available while supplies last. Plan your Haunted Harvest visit Auburn · YMCA Halloween Family Event · Saturday, October 31 8–11 a.m. · 62 Turner Street The YMCA’s free open-house week, October 26–31, ends with sample exercise classes starting at 8 a.m. Gym activities begin at 9:30 a.m., including a bounce house, cornhole and a children’s costume contest. Children 13 and younger must attend with a parent; exercise classes are for ages 12 and up. An RSVP link is on the organizer’s page. YMCA activities and RSVP Bethel · Trick-or-Treat Broad Street · Saturday, October 31 5–7 p.m. · Bethel Library and Museums of the Bethel Historical Society, Broad Street Collect treats at the library, Robinson House and Mason House, and explore a mini haunted house of historical oddities in the Twitchell Education Center. Organizer’s October announcement |
 Lewiston · Halloween Paint & Sip · Tuesday, October 27 6:30–8:30 p.m. · Franco Center, 46 Cedar Street · $30 · Ages 18+ Melanie of Wicked Illustrations leads the painting. Doors and the cash bar open at 6 p.m.; a witch-hat contest adds to the evening. Reserve a painting seat Lewiston · Halloween Teen Button Making · Thursday, October 29 3:30–4:30 p.m. · Lewiston Public Library, 200 Lisbon Street · Free Teens can make Halloween buttons in the second-floor IDEA Lab and take them home to wear. Library program details Lewiston · Fiddle-icious with Denny Breau · Sunday, November 1 2–4 p.m.; doors at 1 p.m. · Franco Center, 46 Cedar Street The Maine community orchestra brings fiddles and other acoustic instruments to traditional tunes and step-dancing. Tickets are $25 in advance or $30 at the door. Concert details and tickets Auburn · Self-study yoga workshop · Saturday, October 31 10–11:30 a.m. · Honey Bee Healing Hive, 170 Main Street · $40 This session in the Niyamas series combines yoga, meditation, journaling and discussion. Workshop details Lewiston · Art without an admission charge Bates College Museum of Art is open Tuesday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., at Olin Arts Center, 75 Russell Street. Carl Sprinchorn: Points of View runs through December 19. Sunday and Monday are closed under the museum’s new hours. Exhibitions and current hours |
 Poland · Planning Board · Tuesday, October 27, 7 p.m. The town’s published 2026 schedule lists this meeting. Planning Board meeting information Leeds · Select Board · Wednesday evening schedule, 7–9 p.m. The board’s regular weekly public meeting is held at the Town Office, 8 Community Drive. October 28 falls on that regular schedule; holiday and event cancellations can change it. Meeting rules and town contact Turner · Board of Selectmen · Monday, November 2, 6–8 p.m. The dated event lists Turner Fire and Rescue, 19 General Turner Hill Road, as the venue. Dated meeting notice Mechanic Falls · Town Council · Monday, November 2, 6 p.m. The town’s October 16 notice identifies November 2 as the next meeting for selecting Comprehensive Plan Committee members. The council normally meets at the Town Office. Council information Wales · Board of Selectmen · Monday, November 2, 6 p.m. This is the date listed on the town calendar. Meeting notice RSU 4 · Wednesday, October 28, 6:30 p.m. Wales’ calendar lists the Board of Directors meeting. School-board notice Agendas can change after publication. These listings distinguish dated notices from regular schedules. |
 Androscoggin Network Builders BNI · Wednesday, October 28, 7 a.m. The chapter’s published weekly schedule is in person at Auburn Senior Center, 48 Pettengill Park Road, Auburn. Arrange a visitor place in advance through the chapter or BNI Maine’s visitor form. LA Metro BNI BNI Maine announced this new local chapter’s kickoff on October 16. Interested business owners can use the same visitor form to request the chapter’s current meeting arrangements. Uplift LA · Fun After 5 · Wednesday, October 28 5:30–7:30 p.m. · Craft Brew Underground and Great Falls Comedy Club, 34 Court Street, Auburn · Ages 18+ JackBox games and Mario Kart make this an informal way to meet other local people. No ticket or registration is needed. Open-mic comedy follows at 8 p.m.; food, drinks and nonalcoholic options are available. Uplift event details Next week · LA Metro Chamber Member Open House · Tuesday, November 3 8:30–9:30 a.m. · 415 Lisbon Street, Suite 100, Lewiston · Free and open to all Current and prospective members can meet Chamber staff and ambassadors over coffee and a light breakfast. Open-house registration The LA Metro Chamber calendar also carries this issue’s Franco Center events and Saturday yoga workshop. The Jay–Livermore–Livermore Falls Chamber calendar includes Haunted Harvest and nearby Farmington Halloween activities. Brunswick · BNI Growth Partners · Thursday, October 29, 7:30 a.m. The Brunswick, 4 Noble Street. The chapter’s published schedule is Thursday mornings; its October 29 feature presentation is Todd Langhill on web design and hosting. Arrange a visitor place before attending. Dated presentation and visitor link · Chapter meeting details |
 Mechanic Falls seeks voices for its next Comprehensive Plan. The town is accepting applications for a new committee that will review and update the plan. Applications and background-check forms are due at the clerk’s window Tuesday, October 27. The council hopes to choose members November 2. Residents interested in the town’s future land use and development can find the announcement and application links here. Turner · The orchard bakery remains a local stop. Ricker Hill Orchards lists daily store hours of 8 a.m.–6 p.m. at 295 Buckfield Road. Its bakery menu includes apple cider, maple and pumpkin doughnuts, among other flavors. A farm-store visit is a way to buy directly from a local agricultural business; seasonal picking and special-event dates have their own schedules. Store information · Doughnut flavors Lewiston · A local artist’s work becomes easier to explore. Bates’ newly launched Marsden Hartley Legacy Project brings an annotated catalogue of more than 1,600 works online. The Lewiston-born artist’s paintings, drawings, writings and life chronology are now gathered in one public resource. Read the Bates story Have a business opening, expansion, new service or milestone to share? Send the details and a public announcement to Sandy. |
 Fresh food along the Valley · October 27–November 2 Brunswick Farmers’ Market · Tuesday, October 27, and Friday, October 30 8 a.m.–1 p.m. · Downtown Mall, along Maine Street and Park Row. The published season continues through the Tuesday before Thanksgiving. Market information Brunswick–Topsham Land Trust · Saturday, October 31 8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. · Crystal Spring Farm, 277 Pleasant Hill Road, Brunswick. The organizer lists October 31 as the final Saturday of this season. The move across the road to Dionne Farm is planned for 2027. Vendors, access and food-assistance details Greenwood Farmers’ Market · Friday, October 30 The Maine Federation of Farmers’ Markets lists Fridays, 4–6 p.m., at 270 Main Street in Locke Mills through the end of October, followed by an every-other-Friday winter schedule. Published market schedule Lewiston Farmers’ Market · Sunday, November 1 9:30 a.m.–1 p.m. · 2 Oxford Street, Lewiston. The market’s current website gives these hours and links to this address for directions. Market information Market organizers: send Sandy your winter opening date, location and hours so readers can plan ahead. |
 Heating assistance · Lewiston–Auburn and surrounding towns Community Concepts helps eligible homeowners and renters apply for the Home Energy Assistance Program. Call 207-795-4065 or 207-743-7716 for an appointment. Benefits are paid to the fuel vendor; eligibility and required documents are reviewed during the application process. Heating assistance and online application Rural towns · RCAM Rural Community Action Ministry, based in Leeds, works on hunger, housing stability and family and senior needs. Its service area includes Greene, Leeds, Livermore, Livermore Falls, Sabattus, Turner and Wales. Call 207-524-5095 to discuss the help you need or ask about volunteering. The office is at 81 Church Hill Road, Leeds. RCAM services and contact Lewiston · Trinity Jubilee Center The center’s current contact page lists its food pantry on Wednesdays, 7:45–10:45 a.m., and resource and employment services Monday–Friday, 7:30 a.m.–3 p.m. Its address is 123 Bates Street; call 207-782-5700. Older resource lists show a different address, so use the center’s current information when planning a visit. Current hours and directions Give a little time. If you have room in your week to help, ask one of these organizations about current volunteer needs. A reliable ride, a pantry shift or help with a practical task can make a useful contribution. |
 Meet one adoptable animal from each of three organizations serving the Valley. Each agency’s contact banner appears immediately above its featured pet. Availability can change quickly. Follow the adoption link and speak with the organization about the animal’s needs and its application process. |
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 Meet Kobe Photo: Greater Androscoggin Humane Society. Kobe is a five-year-old Lab mix who enjoys people, activity and showing off the tricks he knows. His family surrendered him after a major lifestyle change. The shelter reports that he has lived with children and cats and has done well around dogs belonging to family and friends, although he has not lived with another dog. A household with a dog should arrange a meet-and-greet. Walks, play, training and time with his people would give this friendly boy an outlet for his energy. Meet Kobe and ask about adoption |
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 Meet Miss Girl Photo: Fairy Tails Rescue, via Adopt a Pet. Miss Girl is a young female domestic shorthair listed for adoption through Fairy Tails Rescue in Turner. Her foster describes an affectionate, playful cat who seeks out cuddles and enjoys chin rubs, while also letting people know when she wants her own space. The rescue recommends a home without other pets. Start with its adoption application and read her full profile for household requirements. Meet Miss Girl and ask about adoption |
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 Meet Peaches Photo: Midcoast Humane. Peaches is a four-year-old female domestic shorthair waiting at Midcoast Humane’s Brunswick campus. The shelter describes a reserved cat who needs a quiet home and patient people who understand that settling into new surroundings can take time. She is spayed, weighs nine pounds and is listed at four years and five months old. Her adoption fee is $110. Potential adopters can visit the Brunswick campus from 11 a.m.–3 p.m. every day except Wednesday. Confirm her availability before visiting. Meet Peaches and ask about adoption |
 Sweet apples, tart cranberries and a buttery oat topping make this week’s apple-cranberry crisp a fall dessert to share. The recipe serves six and includes the full ingredient list and baking directions. |
 Holiday craft fairs · Save November 14 Lewiston Recreation’s Fall Artisan & Craft Fair is scheduled for Saturday, November 14, 10 a.m.–3 p.m., in the Lewiston Memorial Armory gymnasium, 65 Central Avenue. The organizer’s page includes vendor information; registration availability is shown there. Craft-fair details November calendars are taking shape. We’re gathering holiday craft fairs, hunters’ breakfasts, cookie swaps and community meals throughout the Androscoggin Valley. Organizers: send the date, hours, location, admission price and public announcement to sandy@mainethrive.org. Please include any reservation deadline and whether tickets must be purchased ahead. A concert to plan for: Battle of the Blends is listed for Saturday, November 7, at 7 p.m. at the Franco Center. Upcoming Franco Center performances |
 Episode 16: Living the Life I Choose — Jennifer Goddard Jennifer Goddard of Bangor’s Thriving Proof joins Sandy on Maine Thrive Voices. Their conversation follows her move to Maine to be closer to her grandchildren, her experience becoming USOA Mrs. Maine 2025, and the story behind her business and book. The 38-minute episode is now available on Spotify and other podcast platforms. Listen to Jennifer’s episode on Amazon Music · Choose Spotify, Apple Podcasts or another platform |
 Lewiston · Two applications due Tuesday, October 27 The city lists a Social Services Case Worker and a Maintenance Tech for the Fire Department, both with a 4 p.m. October 27 closing time. If either fits your experience, move promptly and follow the city’s application requirements. Lewiston · Senior Utilities Accountant The Finance Department position is listed with an October 31, 4 p.m. deadline. Other city listings include equipment mechanic, highway worker and recreation building monitor positions. City positions, requirements and applications Minot · Truck Driver/Laborer and Seasonal Flagger/Laborer The town lists both positions as open until filled. Review the individual postings for duties, qualifications and application instructions. Minot job openings Help with the search Lewiston CareerCenter offers job-search and training resources, and employers can post opportunities through Maine JobLink. CareerCenter services Openings can close after publication. Employers elsewhere in the Valley can send a direct application link, work location and deadline for a future issue. |
 Illustrative streetscape; not a photograph of Rolly’s Diner. Rolly’s Diner: A New Auburn Breakfast Stop Rolly’s Diner at 87 Mill Street in New Auburn is this week’s dining spotlight. Read about its breakfast-and-lunch menu, including the New Auburn Omelet. Read the full feature |
 Bates soccer · Tuesday, October 27 Both Bobcat soccer teams travel to Colby in Waterville. The men’s match is listed for 3 p.m. and the women’s for 7 p.m., at Mark R. Serdjenian Field. Each official schedule includes live coverage links. Men’s soccer · Women’s soccer Bates football · Saturday, October 31 The Bobcats visit Colby at 7 p.m. at Seaverns Field at Harold Alfond Stadium in Waterville. A video link is available from Bates’ official football schedule. Central Maine Community College Keep the Auburn Mustangs on your fall sports list as well. Their official athletics site carries team schedules and updates. CMCC athletics |
 Lewiston at Edward Little · Saturday, October 31, noon Lewiston’s athletics office lists the football rivalry game at Edward Little for Saturday at noon. The same school page lists the teams meeting again Monday, November 2, at 4 p.m. in Lewiston; the football schedule distinguishes that Monday contest as JV. Postseason watch Lewiston’s school page lists soccer and field-hockey quarterfinals during October 27–28, with details still marked TBD. Use the school’s dated schedule before making travel plans. Lewiston athletics updates and schedule links Coaches and athletic directors at Edward Little, Leavitt, Lisbon, Oak Hill, Poland Regional, St. Dominic and Spruce Mountain: send a school-published schedule or results link so we can expand the weekly roundup across the Valley. |
 A state-championship Saturday The Maine Principals’ Association lists its state cross-country meet for Saturday, October 31, at Cony High School in Augusta. Published starts are Class B boys at 11 a.m. and girls at 11:40 a.m.; Class C boys at 12:20 p.m. and girls at 1 p.m.; and Class A boys at 1:40 p.m. and girls at 2:20 p.m. Qualifying teams and individuals advance from the regional meets. If you’re going to cheer on a local runner, allow time for parking and walking to the course. Use the association’s meet bulletin for event arrangements. MPA cross-country meet bulletin |
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Nancy Marshall, The PR Maven® — Public Relations, Strategic Communications & Visibility. Maine Based, Globally Connected. |
Marshall Communications |
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 A first issue is a beginning, and I’d like you to have a hand in what comes next. There are people doing good work in every town: the volunteer who opens the pantry, the business owner who remembers your name, the coach who gives a young person confidence. Those are stories worth making room for. If someone comes to mind, send me a note. And if this issue helps you make a plan or find something useful, share it with a neighbor. Thank you for joining us. — Sandy |
 Know someone who would enjoy Androscoggin Valley Voice? Forward this issue and invite them to subscribe free here. We welcome events, story suggestions and local business news from across the Androscoggin Valley. Send them to sandy@mainethrive.org. Interested in sponsoring the newsletter? Reply to Sandy to ask about upcoming opportunities to introduce your business to local readers. Thank you to Marshall Communications for supporting our first edition. |
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 B. Shoe manufacturing. As textile manufacturing grew in Lewiston, Auburn became an important center of shoe manufacturing. Maine MILL preserves stories and artifacts from the region’s textile, shoe and brick industries. Explore the region’s shoemaking history Thanks for reading the first Androscoggin Valley Voice. |