RUMFORD – Selectmen were in a generous mood Thursday night when they voted unanimously to give a substantial amount of money to two community organizations.

They voted to donate $10,000 to the Moontide Water Festival Committee to go toward the four-day July 4 downtown celebration, and another $10,000 to the Western Valley Access Channel.

Both donations will come from the cable franchise fees the town receives from Adelphia. Town Manager Robert Welch said the town generally receives about $34,000 annually from the company.

Joe Volkernick, a volunteer with the local channel who volunteers 20 to 40 hours a week, told the board that the channel may no longer be able to run on volunteer time alone.

He said he plans to cut back his hours substantially by May. He also said the local access channel may look into hiring a full- or part-time person to run the operation. He said most other access channels employ someone to run their operations.

Selectmen said they would help him and other volunteers learn the necessary steps to take to employ someone.

Matt Plante, chairman of the Moontide Water Festival Committee, said plans are to hold the festival from July 1-4, ending with a fireworks display over the reflection pool of the Androscoggin River equal to what has been presented in the past.

So far, the committee is planning to hold a street carnival, car show, golf tournament at Oakdale Golf Club in Mexico, and rubber duck race. Other plans will be announced as they are finalized. A variety of fund-raisers are being held for the festival.

The board also approved a plan by the Parks Department to rent a construction-type trailer for use by ice skaters at the new rink at the old ball field near the Red Bridge. The $10,000 requested and approved, which will be included the municipal budget now being developed, will also include money for installing electricity, a sound system and a portable toilet at the site.

In other matters, the board:

• Announced it is looking for nominations for Citizen of the Year. Letters of nomination should be submitted to the town office within the next few weeks. A deadline will be announced.

• Agreed to participate in the River Valley Business Expo on Sept. 24 and 25.

• Lifted the all night winter parking ban.

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